School Policies

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ADMISSION POLICY FOR STUDENTS COMMENCING RECEPTION
Children may commence schooling at Renmark West Primary School on the first day of the term following their fifth birthday day.  All children
commencing must be five before or on the first day of the term.
A transition program will be negotiated between Renmark West Primary School and Renmark West Pre-school in the term preceding the
time children will be commencing school.  Individual transition visits will be organised for children transitioning from other Pre-Schools or home.
The length of time children will usually spend in the Reception class is as follows:
Term 1 intake                      Four terms Reception
Term 2 intake                      Three terms Reception
Term 3 intake                      Six or two terms Reception
Term 4 intake                Five terms Reception
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ANTI BULLYING POLICY
Anti Bullying Pamphlet
PDF File
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ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
CONTEXT / BELIEF STATEMENT
At Renmark West Primary School we believe schools should provide a safe, success orientated and caring environment.  We believe that students need to attend school regularly in order to participate fully and gain maximum benefit from schooling.  Regular attendance enables children to access a full education, enabling them to reach their full potential.  School staff should set an example for students, encouraging and emphasising attendance and punctuality.

Our aim is to ensure all children can access equitable educational outcomes.  Monitoring of school attendance enables identification of students at risk and the early implementation of intervention strategies.  We believe the early detection and assessment of the causes of school non-attendance and the provision of organisational structures, which are responsive to the needs of students are vital.

All members of the school community are expected to meet the requirements of attendance and work to the best of their ability and skill as consistently as possible.
Student attendance is everyone's business.

General
A child who is at least six years old but not yet sixteen is of compulsory school age, irrespective of distance from the school or whether the student has a disability or not.  These students are required to be enrolled at a registered or non-government school and must attend the school on every day instruction is provided at the school for the child, unless the minister has granted an exemption from school attendance.
The primary responsibility for meeting this legal requirement rests with the Parent / Caregiver.  The responsibility for enforcing school attendance is with the Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS).  The Department therefore has a legal responsibility to record and monitor attendance and take appropriate action to rectify problems of non-attendance.

Responsibilities
Parent's / Caregiver's Responsibilities

*    Parents / Caregivers are responsible for getting their children to and from school
*      Children must arrive at school between 8.30 - 8.45am
*      Children must attend school every day when instruction is offered unless the school receives a valid reason for being absent eg illness
*      Parents / Caregivers must provide the school with an appropriate explanation for the student's non-attendance.  Usually this comprises a letter or telephone
       call from a Parent / Caregiver or a medical certificate - after three days a written explanation is required
*     When a student is late for school, it is appropriate that the Parent / Caregiver explains the reason for lateness
*     Parents / Caregivers must let the school know if an extended absence is likely.  If the school needs to arrange work at home for students, teachers require
       three  days notice to prepare this

Teacher's Responsibility
*   Monitor each child's attendance
*    Record absence and reason for absence in the class absence folder and send to front office by 2.00pm each day
*    Contact home on third day of absence or if a regular pattern of non-attendance is observed.   Document any strategies / interventions and include
      in student's file
*    After contacting Parent / Caregiver alert the Principal
*    Other action - Discuss with Principal
*     Set appropriate work for children unable to attend school when requested

Principal's Responsibilities
*   Ensure that the EDSAS roll is accurately completed
*     Principal will complete the letter regarding the absence of a student and send home to the Parent / Caregiver
*     Principal should document interventions, strategies, home visits, phone calls and include in student's file   
*     Principal will refer to an Attendance Counsellor on an ED171 form if attendance issues are not resolved
*    Principal has delegated authority from the Minister to approve applications for temporary exemption from school attendance for periods of up to one
     calendar month.  Parents/Caregivers should apply in writing and the Principal should also advise approvals and non-approvals on school letterhead
     Copies of such advices are to be retained in school files, together with applications, and are to be made available to appropriate department officers
     as required
*    All applications for temporary exemptions exceeding one calendar month, and for permanent exemptions, are to be set out on form ED175 and
     forwarded to the Student Attendance Counsellor
 

Attendance Information Pamphlet for Parents
PDF File
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BEHAVIOUR CODE

Behaviour Code Pamphlet

PDF File
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DECISION MAKING POLICY
Philosophy
*  Renmark West Primary School operates under a democratic decision making model wherever practicable
*  Decisions should always be made in the best interest of students
*  Better decisions are often made when a wide variety of opinions are canvassed
*  Decisions are more likely to succeed if people own them eg. they have been involved in the process
Practice
There are four levels of influence on decision making in this school:
*  DECS regulations, Administrative Instructions and Guidelines.  These are non-negotiable.
*  Staff is responsible for making the day to day decisions for the effective running of the school.  Generally these will be made at staff meetings.
*  Parents may participate through the Governing Council or any of it's Sub-committees (see role statements, parental participation statement, policy
   writing and review, reporting to parents, parental request for review of learning materials in school policy folder).  They may also participate
   by attending meetings called to gauge parental opinion or by responding to surveys, questionnaires, etc.  in cases where a parent has a specific
   concern, this can be expressed to the Principal, The Governing Council or appropriate Sub-committee.
*  Student contribution through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and class meetings.
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DRUGS POLICY
Rationale
We believe Australian culture reflects, like many other Western cultures an increasingly drug orientated lifestyle.  We cannot ignore the
fact that our students will be exposed to drugs of various kinds during their schooling and beyond.  It is our responsibility to educate
our students in this regard and to provide a safe environment for them whilst they are under our care.
Medication Management
 We will support parents and students in the safe management of prescribed medication
 To do so the school needs to be informed when a student is taking medication during school hours.
 Where long term medical or allergic conditions, requiring medication exist, the family doctor should provide directions in writing
 through the parents, per the appropriate form as to the nature of the drug and its appropriate use.  Photos and medical information
 of students with long term medical or allergic conditions will be displayed in a prominent position and all staff will be made aware
 of these.
 Analgesics will only be given with written permission of the parent.  Instances of this will be recorded for future reference.
 Children who are identified as asthmatics should provide the school with an Asthma Management Plan provided by their family doctor. 
 Children in R-2 must leave labelled medication in the front office.  Students in years 3-7 may manage their own medication with
 supervision of their teacher.
 Inappropriate Use of Drugs
 The school policy does not allow students to do any of the following while on the school grounds or participating in any school activity:

�      the possession or use of prohibited drugs

�      the inappropriate use of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines

�      the inappropriate use of solvents or other chemical agents

�      the consumption of alcoholic beverages

�      the smoking of tobacco or other drugs

�      the possession of drug related objects, such as syringes, pipes or 'bongs'
   The school also prohibits the possession, sale, supply, exchange or negotiation in relation to any of the above when on the
    school premises or on any other occasion when the staff of the school have responsibility for an individual or group of students.
    If any of the rules above are breached, the following actions will be taken:
      (1)     Parent Notification:
          Parents are notified as soon as possible to allow them to help with interviews, again confidentiality is important to help families.

(2)    Incident Investigation:

   This is carried out at school by the Principal.  Parents are involved at this stage.

(3)    District Superintendent of Education Notification (illegal substance)

   The District Superintendent of Education must be notified should an incident at school occur.

(4)    Police Notification: (illegal substance)

      By law and Education Department guidelines we are required to inform the local police.

(5)    Police Interviews:
 Should the police need to interview children parents will be notified and can be present, arrangements can be made to
 conduct these at home or at school.

(6)    Suspension:
  Depending on the seriousness of the situation and the type of substance abuse, and the particular circumstances,
  the school maybe required to suspend the child.  This can also allow time for families to discuss the situation, set up
  interviews and seek professional help and counselling.

(7)    Counselling:
 This should not be necessarily last on the list as it is probably the most important part of the whole process.  Time should
 be set aside for families and the child to receive professional counselling through Substance Abuse Counsellor at the
 Community Health Centre in Berri.  The school will also support in this area.

(8)    Searches:
 Education Regulations provide that the Principal or authorised delegate may search the bags, lockers and other possessions
 of students only when there is reasonable cause for suspicion.
 Searches of the person or of property when possession of drugs is suspected are conducted by police officers.
School Camps and Excursion - After Hours Activities
The School Drug Policy applies when students and staff are involved in official school camps and excursions or after hours activities (eg sleepover)
Prevention
The school has a preventive health program which aims to promote positive health and lifestyle behaviours.  This is part of the
Health and PE courses.
The Drug Strategy program will be exposed to all students in all year levels each year.
The program consists of factual information, attitude/values clarification and skills development, appropriate to the age of the students,
 concerning the use of drugs including:
        -  the socially approved recreational drugs, namely alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and energy supplement drinks
        -  legal medications, both prescribed and over the counter
        -  prohibited substances
 Resources which can be utilised include:
        -  Drug Education Teacher Support Package
        -  Life Education Van (Bi-annually)
        -  Mind Matters
The preventive health program will be modified from time to time in accordance with social changes, school community wishes and parent
 input.

            Resource Personnel

       FAYS

       CAMHS

       Drug and Alcohol Service

       Life Education Centre

       Parent Help Line

       Kids Help Line

       Local Doctors and Hospitals
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ENROLMENT POLICY
A school district is established for Renmark West Primary School. The district is  bounded by the southern side of Chino Street, the
northern side of Renmark Avenue, the eastern side of Government Road and the western side of Bookmark Creek. It has an enrolment
ceiling of 192 students.
In order to adequately service our district population and maintain our enrolment ceiling, enrolment practices are implemented.
Renmark West currently has provision for seven classes maximum. 
Our enrolment policy will be consistently applied and it will be enacted along the lines of fairness to all applicants.
It is the responsibility of the Primary school Principal to ensure that:
An enrolment form ED045 that includes the name of the student's district school is provided to all parents upon request.
All students within the district will be guaranteed placement.
Any student outside of the district may make application for enrolment by completing the ED045 and an Application for Out of District
Enrolment form.
For further details please refer to the Enrolment Information and Procedures for students at Renmark West Primary and also the
Out of District Application form.
Siblings of current students enrolled from outside of the district will be guaranteed placement.
Out of district students will be enrolled on an application basis.
DECS guidelines are consistent eg. Reception students may start school on the first day of the term after their fifth birthday.
Enrolment Information and Procedures for Students
There is a current and endorsed student enrolment ceiling of 192 students.
Students from within the district have automatic enrolment rights at Renmark West Primary School.
Students from outside of the district, with older siblings currently enrolled at Renmark West have automatic enrolment rights at the
same school.
A buffer of six enrolments has been negotiated and endorsed by the District Superintendent.
Enrolment forms will be available to all students throughout the year and should be completed and returned to the front office.
Students living outside of the district will also be required to submit an Application for Out of District Enrolment.
Enrolment forms for all students for the coming year, are required by the first Friday of September.
Offers of enrolment for the coming year for students living outside of the district, with no automatic right of enrolment, will be made
on the basis of information supplied on the Application for Out of District Enrolment.
This will occur until projected Term 4 enrolments for the next year, reach 186 students, thus allowing a buffer for within the zone
enrolments.
Students from outside of the district will be notified by the second Friday of September of the status of their application for the
following year.
Any applications for Out of District Enrolment, received after the first Friday of September, will only be approved if the predicted
ceiling of 186 has not been reached.
Enrolment of out of the district students does not imply Departmental bus transport is available or would be approved.
Any appeal against decisions should be made, following the approved grievance procedures, to the Principal in the first instance.
If not satisfactorily resolved appeal may be made to the District Superintendent.
Application for Out of District Enrolment
PDF File
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FIRST AID POLICY
When an emergency occurs:
*  Do not attempt to lift or shift the injured person unless they are in immediate danger
*  If unconscious, put into lateral position and check for breathing and pulse
*  Do not leave the injured person.  Send someone else for help
*  Ring Ambulance - speed dial 041 or 000
*  If the person becomes clammy and cold (shock) cover with a rug
*  For children - print emergency details from EDSAS and hand copy to Ambulance driver/Doctor.

    Do not remove the original card from the school
       *  Call parents, relatives, etc
       *  Record details of accident on sheet in the Sick Room.
       *  Accident report form ED155 to be completed.

    Minor accidents
     *  Treat child or if too complicated get help for other staff
      *  Record details of accident and treatment on the sheet in the Sick Room

      *  In the case of a child hitting their head, report this to parents by phone.  If this is not possible send home a note.
      *  Children should be assessed and a decision made regarding take home or return to class.

    Illness
      *   First two dot points as for minor accident
      *  Child should be assessed and a decision made regarding take home or return to class.
      *  If parents cannot be contacted, make sure the child is checked at regular intervals
Note:
    *  Common sense in dealing with all these matters is essential
    *  Reasonable care conditions varied with the nature of the accident / illness and the age of the person concerned
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FUNDRAISING POLICY
We acknowledge that there needs to be a limit on the number of fund raising activities that parents are asked to support in any one year.
The following guidelines are designed to ensure that this occurs.
Whole School Fundraising
*  There will be no more than one whole school fund raising activity planned per term.
*  Special lunches will be held from time to time and lunch time canteen sales will operate throughout the year. Any profits generated
    by these activities will be added to fund raising, but they will not be regarded as the fund raising activity for the term.
*  The Fundraising Committee will be responsible for deciding on the whole school fund raising activities planned for the year.
Class Fundraising
*  Individual classes may fund raise to help raise funds for class activities ( eg class camps or major excursions)
*  Planned activities will only be targeted at the particular class involved.
*  One promotional advertisement per activity for class fund raising events may be included in the school newsletter.
Charities
*  Each year the school is approached by many very worthy charities to help fund raise on their behalf.
*  There will be no more than one charity fund raising activity per term.
*  In Term 1 the SRC will decide upon the charities to be supported for the year.
*  An attempt will be made to vary the charities supported each year, and consideration will be given to local charities.
Catalogues,  Book Club, Shopper Dockets etc.
*  The school does not receive funds from catalogue or book club purchases. We do however receive points that enable us to select items from the
    company. These are to be regarded similar to junk mail that you receive in the post box. Only order if interested.
All fundraising activities must be approved by the Principal.
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GOVERNING SCHOOL COUNCIL
Role Statement
The role of a Governing School Council -
*  to exercise a general oversight over the well-being of the school
*  to advise the Principal as necessary on the correlation between the work of the school and the educational needs of the district.
*  to note the accommodation, grounds and equipment provided at the school and to advise the Director General through the Principal of any
   alterations, additions and replacements considered necessary.
*  by agreement with the Principal, to decide on the distribution of any grant made to the school council by the Minister.  Where agreement cannot be
   reached the matter shall be referred to the Director General for a decision and his decision shall be final.
*  to consider in broad outline the general educational policy within the school, of  which the Principal shall keep the Governing School Council continuously
   informed and advise the Principal of the considered view of the local community regarding educational developments within the school.
*  to keep proper books of accounts and to ensure their audit at least once each year, and to make such books available on due notice to any person
   authorised by the Director General or the Auditor General.
*  to be responsible through the Management Committee, as appointed under Regulation 225 (1) for the management and employment of such
   persons as are required for the operation of the school canteen.
*   to carry out such other duties as are prescribed by these regulations or required by the Minister.
*  A Governing Council of a Government school may, with the approval of the Minister, given either generally or in any particular case:
            -  construct or carry out any building structure or improvements to the grounds or premises of that school;
               or
            -  enter into such contracts as may from time to time be necessary to enable the construction or carrying out of such building structure or  
               improvements or of any other work which the council is authorised to undertake.
 Functions
    The Governing School Council is to comprise of:
        *  Principal - ex-officio, a staff school representative, Preschool representative and the remainder to be elected at Annual General Meetings.
        *  The Governing School Council may coopt members where appropriate (eg. for special projects).
        *  Matters of general interest will be discussed at monthly meetings.
        *  Councillors are elected representatives of the school community and should reflect this in their decision making.

        The Governing School Council established Sub-committees are responsible for delving into matters in more detail and reporting back to
        Council. 
        Convenors are to be elected for each Sub-committee each year after the Annual General Meeting.
        Convenors are to be parents of children at the school.
        The Governing School Council may, from time to time, form or disband Sub-committees as the need arises.

        The Sub-committees and their duties are as follows:
        Role Statement of Facilities Committee
        1.              The role of the Facilities Committee is to oversee the well-being of all buildings and grounds.
                2.              Establish priorities for on-going projects.
                3.         Where upgrading or maintenance is required the committee shall:
                                *   Make a recommendation to the School Council
                                *   A submission for funding to the appropriate bodies including Eastern Area Minor Works Program
                                *   Seeking assistance from outside bodies
                                *   Organising working bees.
                4.         Prepare a submission for the school's annual budget based on perceived needs, but within school based resources.
Role Statement of the School Finance Advisory Committee
The School Finace Advisory Committee must be established to advise the School Council:
    *  on budgetary and financial matters
    *  the collation of budget submissions
    *  the preparation of the budget document for Council approval
    *  the monitoring of income and expenditure throughout the year and corrective action as required
The membership of the School Finance Advisory Committee must be determined by the School Council.  It shall include the Principal or his/her nominee and a representative of the School Council.
The Committee must meet at least once each term.
A monthly report will be available to Governing School Council showing the budget, actual expenditure/income and balance remaining.
Whenever a change is contemplated or expenditure is likely to exceed budget allocation in a specific area, the person responsible should apply for an additional allocation.  Such an application should be made, in writing, and contain supporting evidence.
The request should be referred to the BFiance Advisory Committee for consideration which in turn would make a recommendation to the Governing School Council.
Approval should not be automatic and in some cases restraints on expenditure may be the best solution.  In other cases, an additional budget allocation may be made in one area due to anticipated saving in another.
Role Statement of the Dress Code Committee
The role of the Dress Code Committee is :
    *   To promote, encourage, and monitor the wearing of School Dress within school community
    *   To promote the School Dress Code as a positive image which provides children
    *   With self confidence, a sense of belonging, safety, comfort - both  physically and emotionally, equality and togetherness
    *   To assist staff to inform new parents of the Dress Code and encourage their
    *   Support by ensuring that their child complies with the expectations
    *  To support the Principal and Staff in setting guidelines for non - compliance of Dress Code
    *   Not to impose financial hardship on families and offer support in some way.
    *  To give the students a sense of pride in Renmark West Primary School.
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GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STAFF
General school matters can be raised at Staff Meetings or through  the PAC or OHWS representative.
All personal matters should be raised directly with the person concerned and/or Principal in a confidential manner.
Matters involving sexual or racial harassment could be raised with the identified trained staff contacts.
All matters relating to professional conduct should be raised directly with the Principal in a confidential manner.
Procedures
1.             Endeavour to deal with the person directly involved.
2.             If you are dissatisfied with what happens speak to that person again.
3.             If you feel the matter is not resolved, raise it with the Principal at a formal meeting (taking into consideration confidentially, it may be useful to
                 speak with colleagues first about your concern).
4.             This meeting may be followed up with:
                *      monitoring the situation
                *      further discussion with the people involved
                *     inviting support from within DECS and community sources
                *    The Principal to follow up until the matter is resolved
5.             If steps 1 to 4 do not resolve your concern, contact the District Office Riverland, for assistance.
 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR PARENTS
General school matters can be raised with the staff, the Principal or members of Governing Council.
All personal matters should be raised directly with the school through a teacher or Principal in a confidential manner.
Procedures
1.               Make an appointment to talk to the teacher involved (or in the case of School Services Officers, parent helpers, etc. the Principal).
2.               If you are unhappy with what happens speak to the teacher again.
3.               If the issue is not resolved, make an appointment with the Principal.  Let him/her know beforehand what subject matter is going to be raised.
4.             Meet with the Principal:   
                *          This could be followed up with a phone call at a later time to monitor  the situation        
                *           It may also result in a further discussion with the parents, teacher  and Principal
                *           It might include inviting  support for the family or school eg. Guidance Officer, Social Worker, Student Management
5.              If you still feel dissatisfied, contact the Principal to air your concerns again.  The Principal to follow up until the matter is resolved.
6.              If after Steps 1 - 5 parents still feel dissatisfied, contact the District Office, Riverland for assistance.

It is important that these concerns / grievances are kept confidential.  At times, you may seek support from friends to gauge their reaction.  It is very important to do this wisely.  At all times, it is important for the student's sake that the school and class teacher are not criticised in the student's hearing.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS
Students can raise general school matters at their class meetings or through SRC and personal matters through their class teacher or any other member of staff.
Procedures
1.     Raise the problem with someone you trust (Class Teacher, other member of staff or someone on your network (Protective Behaviours).
2.     If you are unhappy with what happens either speak to your contact again or to someone else.
3.     If this doesn't work, speak to the Principal.
4.     If this is unsuccessful, get your parents to contact the School.
5.     Students should persist until they receive help (Protective Behaviours).
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PARENTAL PARTICIPATION
Children's learning is enhanced considerably when parents and teachers work together and support each other.  Parents are actively
encouraged to do this through formal and informal channels.
Ways in which parents can become involved include:
*   Helping teachers with set programs eg. Maths, Conferencing children's writing, listening to reading, computer supervision.
*   Elective programs eg. Come Out, cooking, sausage days, swimming.
*  The Governing Council and/or it's sub-committees which include Education, book review,  Fundraising, Social, Budget and Finance,
     Facilities and Preschool.
*   Attending parent information and parent interview nights.
*   Contributing articles for the school newsletter.
*   Helping with camps and excursions, sports day.
*   Coaching, supporting or providing transport for school sports teams and music lessons.
*   Attending working bees.
*   Attending social functions  eg. Family nights, shared luncheons and school assemblies.
*   Helping in the Resource Centre with covering and maintenance of materials
*   Attending and/or organising conferences for parents on educational matters.
*   Use of specialist parent skills (eg. doctors, builders, nature science, secretaries, engineers, etc.)
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PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH
Foreword
Through its psychological health policy, Renmark West Primary School aims to support and maintain the psychological health and well-being of employees.
This policy complements DECS Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Policy and recognises that the psychological health of employees is as
important as their physical health.
It has as its objectives those requirements which must be satisfied in order to provide a psychologically safe and healthy work environment. 
It indicates where responsibilities lie and where consultation is required with regard to implementation.
Policy Statement
Renmark West Primary School is committed to promoting and maintaining the psychological health and well-being of every member of staff. 
It is the policy of the department to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all employees are safe from psychological injury and risk to
health that may arise in the workplace.
The department promotes a holistic approach to health and recognises that the interaction of both physical and psychological well-being is
required to achieve good health.
This policy complements the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (OHS& W) policy by specifically addressing the psychological health of the workforce and outlines responsibilities and strategies for preventing occupational strain and promoting psychological health and well-being. 
This policy complements other departmental policies, such as performance management, school discipline and harassment, by providing a
framework within which these other policies operate.
Definitions
Occupational strain results when a state of imbalance occurs between the demands of the work environment and the capacities of the
individual to meet those demands.  Occupational strain is also referred to as stress.
Psychological health is defined as a state of emotional well-being.  It is a dynamic state which fluctuates within individuals from time to time.
It is influenced by many variables including the work environment.
Purpose
This policy aims to provide a workplace where:
*  psychological health and well-being of individuals are safeguarded and promoted
*  psychological health issues are managed
*  psychological injury is managed sensitively, effectively and in accordance with medical advice.
Promoting Psychological Health at Renmark West Primary School
Psychologically healthy organisations have been identified as places where:
*  Leadership is effective
*  People management skills are sound
*  Strategic directions are clearly articulated
*  Goals consistent with core values are clearly defined and seen to be practised
*  Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined
*  Performance management structures and processes are in place
*  Grievance procedures are explicit
*  Employee's skills and abilities are acknowledged and valued
*  Proper accountability and reporting processes are in place
*  People are encouraged to be innovative
*  Continuous improvement is valued
*  Support is in place for people experiencing difficult times and to prevent difficult situations from deteriorating
*  A customer service orientation is present.
Commitment
Based on the organisational principles outlined above, Renmark West Primary School will endeavour to:
*  use participative decision making processes as appropriate
*  challenge employees by encouraging innovation and by seeking and providing honest feedback
*  encourage collaborative work practices where appropriate
*  clearly articulate strategic directions and goals based on core values that are explicit, clearly defined and seen to be practiced
*  provide work environments in which employees feel safe
*  provide clear role statements and clear delineation of responsibilities
*  provide performance management structures which are clear and open
*  provide explicit grievance procedures and ensure that managers are committed to following them
*  acknowledge and value employees' skills and abilities, thereby enhancing their self confidence and self respect
*  support change by providing appropriate training and development and addressing issues collaboratively
*  develop strategies to support employees experiencing difficulties arising from systemic, workplace-based or personal factors
*  develop intervention strategies to prevent difficult situations from deteriorating.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Principal is responsible for:
*  ensuring that employees are conversant with policies and procedures which affect their psychological health and well-being
*  using personnel management practices which are supportive of psychologically healthy worksites and ensuring that psychological health
   issues are managed
*  auditing their worksites to ensure that psychological health issues are addressed
*  notifying health and safety representatives of worksite incidents which affect employee psychological health.
Employees have a responsibility to:
*  act in a manner which protects their own and others' psychological health
*  be conversant with policies and practices which impact on their own psychological health and well-being and the psychological health of
   other employees
*  promptly and responsibly report to their line manager any concerns about the psychological health of the worksite
*  contribute to the psychological health of the worksite as effective members of the work team.
Representation and Consultation are:
*  provided through Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) consultative committees.  These committees are established and
   health and safety representatives are elected to represent the interests of employees and the organisation in matters relating to health and safety.
Health and Safety Representatives may:
*  support and represent employees who consult them about psychological health matters
*  perform the functions of H & S representatives as described in Sections 32, 35 and 36 of the OHS & W Act (1986), the department's OHS&W Policy
*  refer psychological health issues that cannot be resolved at the worksite level to the district superintendents, relevant H&S committees, the
   department's Occupational Health Services Unit or other appropriate agencies
*  report to relevant line managers on psychological health hazards and assist in their investigation.
The Role of Level 1 OHS&W (Worksite) Committees is to:
*  help resolve problems relating to health and safety issues including psychological health and well-being
*  assist in formulating, reviewing and disseminating procedures and practices to be followed in the work place.
The Role of Level 2 OHS&W (District) Committees is to:
*  consider and respond to issues, including psychological health issues, referred to them by the level 3 OHS&W (State) and level 1 OHS&W
   (worksite) Committees.
The Roles of Level 3 OHS&W (State) Consultative Committee is to:
*  identify and prioritise psychological health issues and develop objectives, goals and strategies to deal with them
*  consider issues referred to it by the department's state executive or level 2 OHS&W  (district, institute or state office) committees and provide recommendations
   and relevant reports in response to these issues
*  review and monitor the effectiveness of current policies and develop new policies that will meet identified psychological health needs and ensure compliance
    with legislation
*  help to resolve psychological health issues that will have significance for future policies and procedures and issues referred to it by level 2
   committees.
Monitoring
Monitoring will occur by the OHS&W committee through the monitoring of accident / incident report statistics and any other relevant information
available.
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RESOURCE CENTRE POLICY
Function of the Resource Centre
*  To provide resources for the Renmark West School Community.
*  To equip children with the necessary skills to utilise these resources.
*  The resource centre will be open before school and at lunch time on nominated days.
Role of the Teacher-Librarian
Refer to Appendix 1 for Teacher Librarian Role Statement
Information and Research Skills
These skills will be taught to each student by the class teacher or  Teacher Librarian so that they progress along a continuum of learning as
outlined below. It is desirable that these skills are reinforced by the classroom teachers.
R-3 the Student:
*  demonstrates enjoyment in the Resource Centre
*  learns borrowing procedures using Bookmark
*  learns location of fiction books
*  learns how fiction books are arranged
*  learns the location of non-fiction books
*  learns how to take care of books
*  is able to convey information verbally
*  uses pictures to gain information
*  recognises the main ideas and sequence of a story
*  alphabetise the first letter and recognise picture in picture dictionary
*  begin to use Bookmark search function to locate resources
Year 4-7 the Student:
*  is able to select books appropriate to own reading level
*  learns to recognise favourite authors, illustrators and characters
*  continue to develop knowledge of the computerised cataloguing system including borrowing, returning and searching
*  can locate books of interest in the non-fiction section
*  recognises the difference between a dictionary and an encyclopaedia and the use of each
*  learns to use the table of contents as a guide to the contents of a book
*  uses books to locate specific information
*  learns to use an encyclopaedia of the appropriate reading level
*  is able to use appropriate ICT skills and programs to access information
*  learns to use titles, chapters headings and sub-headings as a guide to content
*  learns to use the computer to locate a specific book, either by subject, author of title
*  learns to use an atlas for information purposes
*  learns to use a junior thesaurus as a source of synonyms
*  learns to paraphrase information of make notes on a specific topic
*  learns to use a dictionary as an aide to pronunciation, syllabification, accent marks, etc.
*  is aware of and learns to make use of resources outside the school (public library,  community resource people)
Selection Responsibility:
*  The teacher-librarian in co-operation with school staff members selects and evaluates resources in accordance with the selection criteria.
*  Resources will be purchased in the following ways:
*  From invited book sellers
*  By mail order
*  By the teacher-librarian - select resources from reputable suppliers.
Criteria for Selection of Materials
*  Need and value to the collection
*  Relevance to the needs and interest of the community
*  Material which supports current curriculum
*  Of a suitable reading age for Primary School children
*  Of high literacy standard
*  Learning resources shall meet high standard of quality in factual content and presentation and have suitable reference tools
*  The selection process will aim towards a balanced collection representing various views
*  Students be consulted in the selection of materials and the popularity of books
Culling
*  Culling is an on-going process which is necessary to:
*  Ensure that all resources are up to date and appropriate
*  Gain information about the strengths and weaknesses of the collection. This information is valuable for selection and culling.
Criteria for culling
*  Damaged or tatty materials
*  Resources not borrowed for a reasonable  length of time, approximately five years
*  Resources no longer relevant or supportive of the curriculum
*  Resources with an outdated style of writing or illustration
*  Resources which are sexist, religiously or culturally offensive or biased against age
*  Resources which contain inaccurate information
*  Resources with a poor quality of production
*  Disposal of culled materials will be left to the discretion of the Librarian
Budgeting for Resources
The Resource Centre budget is prepared annually by the teacher-librarian under the following headings:
*  New books
        -  Fiction
        -  Non-Fiction
*  Administration (including ASCIS, subscriptions, stationery)
*  Teacher/parent resource
*  Student Non-fiction references
*  IT resources will be purchased through the IT budget
Procedure for Dealing with Challenged Resources
(Request for review of learning materials)
A sub-committee of the Education Committee will deal with all requests.
This Review Committee shall comprise of the Principal; teacher-librarian, one staff member and a parent from the Governing Council.
Any requests from parents will be handled as follows:
*  Following an initial contact by a parent or parents they are asked to submit their  request on the appropriate form. Refer to Appendix 2
*  This form is to be returned to the Principal. Upon receipt of the form the material is to be removed from circulation.
*  Each member of the Committee shall be notified of the request for review and then given time to read the material in question.
*  The Principal shall then convene a meeting of the Review Committee as soon as possible to discuss the matter.
*  The Review Committee shall recommend an appropriate course of action.
*  The parent requesting the review is to be notified in writing of the Committee's findings.
Note:   A parent has a right to insist that material not be made available to his or her child.
Borrowing
*  Books may be borrowed by any child from Preschool to Year 7
*  R-3 students are permitted to borrow 2 books. 4-7 are permitted to borrow 4 books.
*  Length of time for borrowing is two weeks.
Where books are overdue the following procedure will apply:
*  The Librarian sends home a reminder note
*  If the book is still not returned an account is sent home for replacement value of the book.
*  R-3 students are required to use a library bag when borrowing.
Stocktaking
Stocktaking is to be done annually by the Librarian with parent/student help.
The library will be closed for this purpose at a time suitable to the Librarian.
Lunchtime Use of the Library
*  The library is open at lunchtime on specified days when staff members are available.
*  During this time children may read, borrow books, draw, use DVDs, play board games and use the computers. The Internet is not
   available for use at lunchtime. Printing from the computers is restricted to lesson times.
Use of the Computer Pod in the Library
*  Adult supervision is required when children are using the library computers.
*  Internet use and printing of material needs to be authorised by the supervising adult.
*  A weekly flexible timetable for booking the use of the library computers, the library work area and the TV / DVD player in the library
   is located near the encyclopeadias.
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REPORTING TO PARENTS
We believe that the most effective method of reporting to parents is by oral communication.
This may take place informally at any time.
Not withstanding this, the formal reporting process shall take place on the following lines.
Term 1 
*  Interviews are held with parents towards the end of term. The interviews last for 15 minutes and focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Social Development.
Term 2
*  A detailed written report of their child's progress during the first half of the year is issued to all parents at the end of the term.
*  Children in Years 3, 5 and 7 do a Basic Skills Test in literacy, numeracy and writing.  Basic Skills test results are issued to parents later in the year.
    Parents can exempt their children from the test by contacting the Principal.
Term 3
*  Early in the term teachers/parents may request an interview to discuss issues arising from written reports.
Term 4
*  A detailed written report will be sent home at the end of the year.
   Either parents or  teachers may request a formal interview at any time if the need arises.
*  Towards the end of Terms 1 and 3 children take home Work Sample Folders. Brief explanatory notes maybe provided by teachers as starting points for parents to discuss the work of their children.
*  Teachers and parents may also keep in contact through diaries, communication books or notes.
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STUDENT VOICE POLICY
Rationale
We involve students in the decision making process within our school.
This is achieved through;
*  Individual class meetings
*  Student Representative Council
*  Students are given the opportunity to have input into special programs
Students are Provided with the Opportunities to:
*  Be involved with decision making
*  To enlist the help of the class in solving school issues
*  Emphasis positive events in the school
Class Meetings
*  Class meetings are held regularly and when the need arises
*  Teacher has an equal role and sits in the body of the class but will intervene if the need arises
*  The process of class meetings is a group problem solving situation.  A concern is expressed, the group suggests alternatives and a choice is
    made from the alternative
*  Representatives from each class will take class / yard issues to SRC meetings and will report back
Student Representative Council
*  Each class will elect two representatives and two deputies each year
*  SRC meetings are to be held regularly under teacher supervision.  Supervising teacher to be nominated annually
*  Meeting duties will be rotated between the upper primary reps
*  Reports to be given at assemblies following an SRC meeting
*  SRC reps are responsible for selecting appropriate fund raising bodies to support
*  Liaison between SRC and District Council of Renmark and Paringa
*  Students are given the opportunity to submit ideas for redevelopments within the school
Specialised Programes
*  Students volunteer for roles where they are trained as peer tutors in programs such as Drug Strategy, Safety House Ambassadors 
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SUNSMART POLICY
Rationale
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. There are three factors, often occurring simultaneously, which contribute to this fact.
*  Ultraviolet light from the sun is of sufficient intensity to induce skin cancer in the population.
*  For most of this century social values have supported the belief that a suntan is healthy and attractive.
*  Lifestyle, work, school and recreational habits expose people to the sun for long periods.
Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun.  Much of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence.  Research suggests that severe sunburn is a contributor to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as wrinkles, sunspots, blemishes and
premature aging.  Most skin damage and skin cancer is, therefore, preventable. The cumulative danger of ultraviolet radiation is increasing due to the
ozone layer depletion.
Aims
The aims of the SunSmart Policy are to promote among students from an early age, staff and parents at Renmark West Primary School:
*  Positive attitudes towards skin protection.
*  Lifestyle practices which can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths.
*  Personal responsibility for and decision-making about skin protection.
*  Awareness of the need for environmental changes in schools to reduce the level of exposure to the sun.
This policy is for implementation throughout the year. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all children attending school are protected from
skin damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Strategies
All year round children will wear hats whenever they are outside during the school day  (8.45am - 3.20pm). This includes playtime, PE lessons,
sports carnivals, outdoor excursions and activities. The only exceptions are during contact sports carnivals or during actual athletic events.
Children who do not have their hats with them will sit in a designated area in front of Room 6 at recess time and go to the Resource Centre or
Computer Room at lunch time.  Non-school hats must comply with the specifications of the Renmark West School hat.  Children will be
encouraged to use SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear an appropriate t-shirt when using the pool.
Children will be encouraged to use available areas of shade for outdoor play activities. Outdoor activities will be held in areas of shade whenever
possible. Teachers will schedule outdoor activities at safe times, preferably early in the day to avoid peak UV times, whenever possible.  Staff will
be encouraged to act as role models by practising SunSmart behaviour.  Ensure that adequate shade is provided at sporting carnivals and outdoor
events. Continue to provide SPF 30+ for themselves and their students through class budget. Incorporate programs on skin cancer prevention in
its curriculum.  Reinforce regularly the SunSmart Policy in a positive way through newsletter, parent meetings, student and teacher activities.
When enrolling a child, parents will be:
*  Informed of the SunSmart Policy
*  Requested to purchase a school hat or provide an appropriate hat for their child's use
*  Encouraged to provide SPF30+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen for their child's use.
*  Encouraged to practice skin-protective behaviour themselves.
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SWIMMING POOL POLICY
The pool operator is responsible for overseeing the general running of the pool.
There are two forms of school pool use:
DECS Lessons
DECS Instructors run lessons. Conditions of these are per DECS rules and regulations.  One series of lessons is to be conducted each season. 
Where possible the Upper Primary students in the school will have their lessons in the town pool.  Reception to year 3 students will have their lessons
in the school pool.  In addition to the instructor, an adult pool watcher will be required to be present during each lesson.
Recreational Swimming
Recreational swimming to be taken by class teachers at a time suitable to them. The forecast maximum temperature for the day must be 25 degrees C or 
higher before recreational swimming can take place. Adults (16 or over) must  be present, ratio is to be 1 adult :10 students. Teacher to be
responsible for testing pool before students enter to ensure appropriate pH and chlorine levels.
During recreational swimming lessons, only students enrolled at Renmark West Primary School are permitted to be in the pool and the pool compound.
The Renmark West Pre School Director may negotiate with School Principal for use of the pool.
Pool Operator
*  DECS pays for a Pool Operator (appointed by the Principal with the Governing Council approval) for twenty weeks per season. This will be the
  'swimming season'.
*  The Pool Operator is responsible for the day to day operation of the pool, including daily testing and adjustment of chemical levels.
*  The plant room door must be locked at all times when children are within the swimming compound.
Health Regulations
*  Anyone who has had diarrhoea within the previous fortnight is not permitted to be in the swimming pool.
*  If a person is suffering from an open wound or sore, or knows or has reasonable cause to suspect, that he or she is infected with a notifiable
   disease that could be transmitted to others using the pool they cannot enter the pool.
*  While in a swimming pool that is available for public use, spit spout water or release of bodily materials is not permitted.
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TRANSITION POLICY
The transition process will take an entire term and will be broken into to following stages:
*  Director and intake teacher will meet to discuss suitable transition times. (Week 1)
*  Intake teacher will be released at least once to visit the Preschool setting and interact with incoming students.  Release will be negotiated between
   Preschool Director and intake teacher. (Week 2)
*  Letter written by intake teacher to parents outlining visit dates and requirements. (Week 2)
*  Visits begin.  Parents invited to attend first visit.  Preschool staff will attend transition visits with children where possible in this initial stage. (Week 3 & 4)
*  Visits gradually increase in time leading up to a full day visit where parents are required to deliver and collect their child from the junior primary
   classroom.
*  Information session for new parents with the principal and intake teacher to occur towards the end of the transition term.  The intake teacher is to
   be released to attend this important meeting in its entirety.
Suggested visit structure:

Week 1	Teacher and Director meet
Week 2	Teacher visit Preschool Letter to parents
Week 3	First transition visit - 9.00 - 9.45am - Preschool staff to attend and parents invited
Week 4	Second  transition visit - 1.5  hours visit with Preschool staff where possible
Week 5	Third  transition visit - Morning session
Week 6	Fourth  transition visit - Morning session with recess