Handbook

Welcome to St Canice’s Primary and to our home here in the Upper Blue Mountains. I am proud to be Principal at this community-orientated school where there is a committed team of staff that work together with parents, the parish and the local community, to allow our children to experience ‘growth through love and learning’.

Every child is unique and has special talents and skills, and we encourage and develop those here at St Canice’s. We want our students to learn about the world, the Gospel and life, in a dynamic, meaningful and challenging way in a happy and safe environment.

Contemporary learning and teaching is at the forefront for our school and as such we have recently refurbished our classrooms and offer a wide range of technology from laptops to iPads and a wireless environment to support learning.

We actively encourage play in our outdoor areas consisting of grassed playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, sandpits and even a cubbyhouse. Budding musicians and media personalities can use the media workspace and record music and there is a well-stocked library to encourage readers.

I invite you to read through our school website, and better still, come along and meet us; we are always happy to show families around.

Miriam Meaney
Principal

Founded in 1901, St Canice’s is a small primary school in the Upper Blue Mountains Parish of Mary MacKillop. embracing quality Catholic Education. As a small school St Canice’s fosters an intimate family atmosphere which creates a sense of common purpose in meeting the spiritual and educational needs of children.

St Canice’s Catholic Primary School was established in 1901 on the site of the old Mt St Mary’s College in Katoomba and was moved to the present site in 1940. Today the school is a part of the Parish of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop and is administered by Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta. Enrolment into St Canice’s is also an “enrolment” into the Parish. As a part of our Catholic mission we strongly encourage all families to have an active participation within the wider Parish. Our School promotes Catholic values and aims to provide a learning environment that is stimulating, appropriate to the needs of the children and in line with current educational practices.

The formal Religious Education program consists of comprehensive units of study and follows the Diocese of Parramatta’s Religious Education Curriculum, ‘Sharing our Story’. The formal teaching of Religious Education is complemented by many school activities that focus on and present opportunities for students, staff and parents to participate in prayer, liturgy and sacramental celebrations. In these activities, students, staff and parents are invited to find meaning in their lives through forming an ever-deepening relationship with God.

At St Canice’s we believe that children learn best when:

• They are in an environment that nurtures the formation of Gospel values throughout the School community and where each individual is affirmed in their uniqueness
• They are immersed in learning that is meaningful, dynamic and challenges each individual
• They are immersed in a learning culture that encourages risk-taking and embraces the opportunity to explore the ever-changing world in a just, happy and safe environment
• They interact and work co-operatively and are encouraged to share ideas, clarify their understandings and reflect on their learning.

There is a strong emphasis at St Canice’s on developing an awareness of communal obligations and social justice issues, and on students’ experiences as a basis for integrating Catholic faith, culture and life.

• The school takes responsibility for the care and safety of student's between the hours of 8:20am and 3:20pm. Students are supervised at all times.
  
  
• Students are required to be at school by 8:40am. After school students are always supervised by a Teacher to buses, crossing Katoomba and Lurline Steet or until they have been collected by a parent or carer.
  
  
• Students need to arrive at school and class on time. Lateness to school or leaving early from school will be recorded as a partial-absence and must be explained in writing by a parent/caregiver. No student will be permitted to leave the school without permission of a parent/caregiver.
  
  
• Students arriving before 8:20am assemble outside the sunshine room. At 8:20am, gates are opened and students are supervised in the playground by teacher's on duty. We ask that no student or parent enter the building after this time as teachers are preparing for the day of learning. If you require a meeting with a Teacher please come to the office to schedule a time that works for everyone.
  
  
• If students are to be collected by someone other than a parent/caregiver, written authority is necessary for safety reasons.
  
  
• Unless absolutely necessary, students should not leave school before 2:50pm. Appointments, where possible, should be made outside of school hours.
  
  
• For unexpected absences from school due to illness, appointments or serious and urgent family situations, written explanation must be sent to the class teacher on the students' return to school, stating the dates and reason for the absence. This note needs to be signed by as parent/caregiver.
  
  
• If a student is away for more than 3 days, please notify the school. 
  
  
• Absence for more than 10 consecutive days requires an 'Application for Extended Leave' to be completed by the parent/caregiver before the absence.
  
  This form is available at the school administration office and needs to be returned to the Principal for approval. If the application includes long term travel of more than 20 school days, copies of travel documentation should be submitted with the application.
  
  A 'Certificate of Extended Leave' will be be issued on approval.
  
  This process is in accordance with the NSW Department of Education and Communities Guidelines.

For further information or updates to school events please regularly check the School Newsletter and the Calendar of Events pages of the school website.

Flexible Payment Plan

Payments by instalments is acceptable. A Flexible Payment Plan may be arranged at the beginning of each year. This form will be sent out by Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) prior to the 1st Term Accounts.

Diocesan School Fees

Thirty day accounts are generated at the beginning of terms 1, 2 & 3 leaving the 4th term free. If at anytime you are having difficulty with payment please make an appointment to speak with the Principal. It is expected that all fees are paid within the 30 days unless other arrangements have been made.

Diocesan Building Levy

School Building and Maintenance Levy assists all schools throughout the diocese. Parents are notified in December about the levy for the following year. Information about Fees and Building Levy can be obtained from the school office.

General Contribution Fee

The General Contribution Fee covers the cost of all Extra Curricula Activities, Excursions (with the exception of overnight Camps), Year 6 sports shirt, Technology, Sport, Life Education & Gymnastics Programs,

Venue Transport as well as General Class & School Resources.

This fee will be charged for the first three terms.

Overnight Camps for the Senior Students will be billed separately.

Payments

Payments may be made by cash, eftpos, credit card at the school, by Bpay or at any Post Office by using Post Billpay.

In line with the Catholic Education Office policy, a term’s notice (10 school weeks) in writing must be given to the Principal before the removal of a student or a full term’s fees will be payable. One exception is that notice in writing will be accepted at any time during Term 4 in relation to the following year’s enrolment, that is, the notice period of 10 school weeks will be waived. Special circumstances that would warrant 6 weeks notice include moving due to employment transfer or sale of a house.

All information held at the school is treated as private and confidential. Student’s files are accessible only to the relevant staff and information will not be divulged to anyone else without your consent.

When students attending the school are in the custody of a sole parent/caregiver, a copy of the Court order or relevant documents outlining the conditions of custody, is to be sighted by the school Principal and a copy will be left on the student’s confidential file. Any changes to court orders should also be provided to the Principal.

Effective communication is essential to the functioning of all aspects of school life. We aim to provide open, honest and effective communication.

Parents who wish to speak with the Principal, Assistant Principal, Classroom Teacher or Specialist Teachers at length are asked to ring the office or send a note to the person involved requesting an interview time.

Skoolbag is a mobile app that communicates directly to smart devices. It provides access to key school information and submission of school forms. Download the free app and enter school details to receive up to date information.

It is preferred that student’s do not bring mobile phones to school. If for any reason they need to, the phone must be handed to the Administration Office on arrival and collected at the end of the school day.

Class Parent Helpers

Support Teachers and Students in activities within the classroom. This includes reading, writing, mathematics, art, sport etc. All volunteers are required to complete the volunteers online module at http://childprotection.parra.catholic.edu.au

Parents need to notify the school immediately when address, telephone or emergency numbers change. This information is vital in an emergency and all information held at the school needs to be accurate for business purposes.

Parent/Teacher Chat times are held early in Term 1 each year and a curriculum overview will be sent home each term.

A written report is sent home at the end of Terms 2 and 4.

After Term 2’s written report, Interviews are conducted where the Teacher, and Parent / Carer discuss student progress.

Parent / Teacher meetings are also available at any time throughout the year upon request. Please call the office to organise a mutually convenient time.

To ensure effective whole staff and school development, the Catholic Education Office allocates six (6) Professional Learning days each year. The first day of Term 1 is usually allocated to this purpose with other term dates notified in the newsletter.

• Parents are asked to make alternate arrangements on these days
• Dates are advised well in advance.

Ashton Scholastic have a regular monthly order placed through the school. Brochures are sent home with the children according to the age groups.

These books are offered at very reasonable prices and promote reading.

Bonus points from these sales are awarded to the school to purchase library resources.

Payment can be made online at www.scholastic.com.au/payment.

The school takes part in Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country on a School, Zone, Diocesan & State level.

The school also participates in local competitions such as the Futsal and Basketball Gala Day’s.

All children are allocated a Sport House

• Wentworth (Red)
• Kedumba (Green)
• Blaxland (Gold)
• Lawson (Blue)

Family members are all placed in the same house.

At St Canice’s we have a rich prayer life that includes daily praying of the Angelus at midday and participation in Christian meditation.

This is our way of keeping you in touch with current events and information that is of importance.

The School Newsletter is produced every second Tuesday with access via the Website, email or Skoolbag. Please be aware and take the time to read up on what’s happening in our school community.

Families & friends are always most welcome to join student’s for Friday Prayer / Assembly at 8:50am.

Rostered classes attend the Parish Mass in the church on Fridays at 12:00pm. Whole school masses are held each term these dates and times are advertised in the newsletter and calendar of events. Opportunities for the sacrament of Reconciliation occur each Friday prior to Mass.

My School Lunchbox delivers every Monday & Friday. My School Lunchbox is offsite with orders being placed via www.myschoollunchbox.com.au

Payment is made by credit card or PayPal. Simply browse the menu and select the desired food and drinks. My School Lunch Box exists to ensure kids receive the healthiest, fresh lunches in a convenient way.

All students in the Infant classes Kinder, 1 & 2 are eligible for free bus travel. Primary children Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 must live outside a 1.6 kilometres radius from school to be eligible for free bus travel. Application are processed online at transportnsw.info/school-students.

Timetables are available from Blue Mountains Bus Company on 4784 2800.

There is 'Staff Only' parking available in the school grounds at any time during school hours. No other vehicles are to enter the school grounds or driveway for any purpose except those displaying a Disability Permit.

There are adequate parking facilities in either Lurline Street or Studleigh Place car park adjacent to the Church in Katoomba Street.

Parents/Carers are asked to always escort their children from the vehicles to the school grounds. Children should never be walking unsupervised through the car park.

These regulations are in place for the safety of all students, parents and staff using the school site.

All new families to the School are welcome to meet with the Parish Priests.

St Canice’s Primary is part of the Mary MacKillop Parish of the Blue Mountains, incorporating the following three churches.

• St Francis Xavier’s Wentworth Falls
• St Bonaventure’s Leura
• St Canice’s Katoomba

Parish Priests
Father Carlos Walker & Father Sean Bradley

Parish Office
158 Katoomba Street
PO Box 526
Katoomba 2780

Phone 4782 2804
Fax 4782 6090

Mass Times

• Friday - Katoomba 12 noon Mass
• Saturday - Katoomba 9:30am Mass 
• Saturday Vigil - Leura 5:00pm Mass
• Sunday - Wentworth Falls 8:00am |  Katoomba 10:00am  | Leura 5:00pm

Rosary

• Monday - Katoomba 8:30am
• Tuesday - Leura 4:45pm
• Wednesday - Wentworth Falls 9:30am
• Friday - Katoomba 11:30am
• Saturday - Katoomba 9:00am

School uniform is compulsory and we ask that all items be purchased through our supplier 'The School Locker' to keep colours and styles consistent.

The St Canice’s uniform may be ordered at any time throughout the year from theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-canice-s-primary-school-katoomba

Please email wetherillpark@theschoollocker.com.au if you require assistance.

Children are permitted to wear watches, plain metal stud or sleeper earrings.
Plain signet rings may be worn but no costume jewellery.
Nail polish or make up is not permitted at school.

All hair longer than shoulder length needs to be tied back.
Hair cuts should be of an even grade and not “extreme” in nature.
Hair should be undyed i.e. its own natural colour (no streaks or highlights).
Hair clips, ribbons & scrunchies are to be plain & in school colours.

As part of our awareness and care for children who have a life threatening allergy to eggs, nuts and products containing nut traces, we ask that everyone be thoughtful when bringing snacks and lunches from home.

Foods to avoid are eggs, peanut butter, nutella, nut muesli bars and biscuits or cakes that contain nuts or nut traces.

These precautions are in place for the safety of children in our care who can go into anaphylactic shock which can result in sudden death if they come into contact or ingest even the smallest amount of allergy related foods.

We ask that you discuss this with your family and emphasise the serious worry these families face daily.

We thank you in anticipation of your support.

If your student has special needs e.g. hearing, visual or learning difficulties, please notify the school so that arrangements can be made to support your child’s needs in the classroom. Any Professional Reports should be forwarded & discussed with school staff.

Medication will not be administered without written consent from the parent/caregiver. All medication is held at the office where consent forms are available. If possible, where antibiotics are to be administered, it is preferred that a dose be given at home before and immediately after school rather than during the day. For student’s who require medication to be administered on a regular basis, medication will need to be provided to administration staff is a blister pack system from a pharmacy.

Please keep students home if they are ill. If your child becomes sick or has an accident at school, they will be sent to the Sick Bay located in the front office. Parents are contacted if it is necessary that the child go home. In the case of a parent/carer being un-contactable, we will ring the emergency person nominated on your child’s file.

In the case of an emergency an Ambulance will be called first and then the parents.

It is imperative that the school be notified of any change in contact details.

It is important that we are aware of students with asthma or severe allergies.

Please notify us in writing if your child has a medical condition and their management plan.

The school has Asthma and Anaphylaxis Policies and the staff are regularly trained in the management of these conditions.

Head Lice

Head Lice is a recurring problem in all schools. Please check your child’s head regularly. There are a number of preventions and treatments available.

Children are at all times to have their hair tied back if it is longer than shoulder length as this reduces the likelihood of cross infestation. If you find that your child’s hair has been infested please do not send them to school until they have been treated appropriately.

Communicable Diseases

The information below is supplied by the Health Commission of NSW. If there is any doubt parents should contact their family doctor for guidance and/or provide a medical certificate indicating that the child is fit to return to school.

Under the Public Health Act and Department of Education Regulations, some common infectious diseases require children to be kept from school to prevent the spread of infection. The following periods of exclusion must be observed: