New Preps 

So, you are a first time parent... 

What do you need to know about enrolling your child in primary school?

Firstly, don't panic. Here's what you need to know. 

• There are only a couple of primary schools that are ‘zoned’ or have a restriction for the number of Preps they can accept. Ring and find out if this is the case for the schools you are interested in. If you live in the immediate area, you will be accepted.
• There is NO cut off date for enrolling your child in primary school, however, it is wise to get it done by the end of June if possible so that schools can plan for staffing and class structures for the following year.
• There is NO need to enrol in more than one school. If for example you are waiting to see if you are accepted into a catholic or private school, just wait until you have confirmation before you hand in enrolment forms to a state primary school. There will not be a problem getting in unless it is a ‘zoned’ school and you do not live in the immediate area. It creates many problems when people cancel enrolments so it’s better to wait.
• Most schools have information evenings for prospective families around April/May each year. It is wise to attend all the ones you are interested in. Ring and find out when it is or check the school’s websiteAttend a tour at the schools you are interested in. Most schools will have organised group tour dates, but you can also arrange a tour with the principal at a time that suits you both. Do your homework.
• Write down all your questions and take them with you on the tour or ask them at the information evening. There is no such thing as a silly question. Often others would like to know the answer and are glad you asked.
• Look at the websites for all the schools. The newsletters can give you a good idea of what is happening at any time during the year.
• Ask people who attend the school already to find out more about the school, however, keep in mind what suits one family may not be the same for another. Do not judge a school based on the experience of one or two people. Take the information on board then go and check it out for yourself. Sometimes things change in a school and unless you go and see for yourself you may be receiving false information or the perception of someone else rather than the actual reality. This is really important.
• All primary schools hold transition programs for new preps. It is really important that your child attend these sessions so that teachers can observe interactions, your child can make new friends and the anxiety of going to school is lessened. This program is only available to enrolled students. The school will let you know what the dates are after you enrol.

What are some good questions to ask? 

• What is the average class size? (not just for Preps but throughout the school as your child will be there for 7 years)
• What is the class structure? (e.g. are there straight prep classes or composites like P/1)
• What specialist subjects are there? (e.g. Music, Art etc...)
• How do you cater for the needs of individual students?
• How does the school cater for the welfare of students? (e.g. How is bullying and discipline handled?)
• What is the general academic achievement for the school? How are children assessed?

Specific Information about Banyule Primary School

Our school is NOT zoned so there is no problem enrolling your child. Ring the school and arrange a tour with the principal, Sharon Marmo, either in term one or term two if possible (9459 0732). The school will hand you an enrolment pack on request. You will need to fill this out and hand it in along with the following:  

• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of immunisation certificate
• Signed permissions sheet (list of general permissions that covers such things as going for local walks, watching ‘G’ or ‘PG’ rated films, publishing photos and information, use of the computer etc)
• Copy of any court orders if applicable
• Asthma or Anaphylaxis information (or other medical information) 

KINDY PLAY DATES:  These are set times you can bring your child to have a ‘free’ play with our existing preps. It is NOT the transition program. Simply ring and book into any of the sessions, bring your child along and watch them play with other children while you chat to teachers, other parents and ask questions of the principal. It is very informal and a great way for your child to develop a sense of what it’s like to be at school.

KINDY PLAY DATES FOR 2013

TERM 2          

• Friday 24th May                  12.30-1.15pm

TERM 3

• Friday 2nd August               12.30-1.15pm                                      

SCHOOL FEES: At the start of each year you will receive your payment requests for term one, including the Subject levies. It is extremely important that every family pays this levy as unlike the false information you hear about on the news, education is NOT free! The levies are adjusted each year but are around $230 - $240. This is a one off payment each year (not each term like kindergarten) and covers all the materials and equipment your child will use during the year. You do NOT purchase books, paper, pencils etc... The levy covers these things (we purchase in bulk and this saves you the hassle of doing it) It also covers art materials, music equipment, PE equipment, computers etc.)

TERM PLANNERS: At the start of each term you will receive a request for payment to cover the expenses for that term. This will cover planned excursions or special events. It is school council policy that children will not be able to attend events unless payment is made (or arrangements have been made at the office to cater for your specific needs) Payment envelopes will be sent home with the planner and you can pay by cash, cheque or credit card.

SPECIALISTS:  Every child will participate in one hour of each the following specialist programs per week:

• Art: Our free standing, spacious art room is ideal for art lessons. This wonderful facility promotes creativity and  exploration.
• Library: All children have an hour of library each week. We have over 10,000 books available for student borrowing. Our library is a state-of-the-art facility and our library program is facilitated by a trained, professional library technician. 
• Cultural Studies: Rather than trying to teach a language in a restricted time of one hour per week, we expose the children to an hour of Cultural Awareness. Each term children investigate and learn about a different country. They look at culture, religion, art, food, customs, housing, geography, money and some language. In a multi cultural society we find this approach is both relevant and interesting.
• Music: All children have an hour of music where they sing, dance, play instruments, perform and participate in group and partner activities designed to help children express their creativity and imagination.
• PE/Sport: We have a full time PE/Sport teacher. Each class will receive one hour of PE with the specialist but will also attend other sessions throughout the week with class teachers. Younger students participate in PMP (Perceptual Motor Program) where concepts such as: over, under, between, through etc. are reinforced during gross motor activities. All students are taught FMS (Fundamental Motor Skills) such as throwing, rolling, skipping, catching, hopping, jumping etc.. This then leads into games, rules and eventually inter-school sport. BPS is part of the Heidelberg District Sports Association. We compete against other local schools for inter-school sports, swimming carnival, cross-country and athletics. We also have a number of sports clinics throughout the year such as soccer, tennis, hockey and football.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: We have instrumental music teachers who can teach your child instruments such as guitar, piano, keyboard, flute and violin as a user pay program. For half an hour per week, your child can attend a private lesson with the tutor. This time will be changed each week so your child is not missing the same thing in the class room. The rates are extremely reasonable.

CHESS CLUB: This is another user pay program with a private tutor. Sessions are held on a Monday for beginners and Wednesdays for advanced players. Classes are held between 8:00am – 9:00am. Many of our children compete at regional and state level chess tournaments.

CHOIRS AND RECRDER GROUPS: Children have an opportunity to be in either our ‘Singing Sparrows’ (for Prep – grade 3 children) or our senior choir for grades 4-6 children. Recorder group is for any interested child. Both choir and recorder sessions are held once a week in half an hour of one lunch time.

PARENT HELPERS: There are many opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s education. Class room helpers are always welcomed. Individual teachers can make arrangements with you that suit your schedule and interests. Other ways to be involved include helping with Parents & Friends activities, attending excursions and camps, being on school council, attending working bees or by just asking is there anything I can do? Your help is always appreciated.

UNIFORM: The school uniform is compulsory. Our uniform shop is open every Friday morning 8:45am – 9:15am and is run by volunteer parents. Order forms are on the website and are available at the office. If you can’t attend the uniform shop during opening hours, you can hand your order and payment in at the office and the order will be sent home with your child, or left at the office for you to pick up. Some people like to buy spares at K-mart or Target(such as plain blue track pants, polo shirts, windcheaters or netball skirts). Please name all items so they can be returned when found. Your child WILL lose something at some stage! If it’s named there is a good chance you will get it back.

SCHOOL TIMES:

• 9:00 – 11:00     Class time (often dedicated to uninterrupted literacy sessions)
• 11:00 – 11:30    Recess
• 11:30 – 1:30     Class time (2 hours often including maths during this time)
• 1:30 – 1:40       Children eat lunch inside (younger children eat earlier)
• 1:40 – 2:30       Lunch time outside
• 2:30 – 3:30       Class time
• 3:30                 Dismissal. It’s a good idea to have a meeting place if you are picking your child up. Under the shelter is a great place as it is out of the rain and heat and is close to the prep rooms.

OUT OF HOURS SCHOOL CARE: This is available from 7am (including breakfast) until 8:45am and then after school from 3:30pm – 6:00pm. It is run by a private company called OSH Club. Payments are debited from your account. Registration is on-line and all information will be in the enrolment folder. There is an opportunity for a rebate every three months if you satisfy requirements.

YARD DUTY: There is a teacher on Yard duty form 8:45am – 9:00am and from 3:30pm – 3:45pm every day. During recess and lunch breaks, there are always 2 (sometimes 3) teachers on yard duty. Senior students have also been trained as peer mediators and wear special banners so they can be easily located. These children often settle small squabbles or help to find someone to play with if a child is alone.   We have found this to be so valuable.

STUDENT WELFARE: We have a positive approach to discipline in that we like to encourage children when they are doing the right thing rather than wait and discipline when they have done something wrong. We use the school values as a platform for expected behaviour and ask the children to identify which value they have not respected when they have done something wrong. Our school values are:

Respect, Responsibility, Care & Compassion and Doing Your Best

We also have a consistent approach to class room discipline across the whole school. Children have a set number of warnings, followed by going to another class room, missing some of recess and lunch time and perhaps even going to see the principal. This approach means all children are dealt with fairly and all issues are followed up in a consistent manner. Generally speaking, Banyule primary school has a culture of positive behaviour with children who look out for each other and teachers who follow through with issues as they rise.

We firmly believe that if the welfare of students is addressed properly, learning takes place a lot easier. Happy kids learn!

COMMUNICATION: Like any relationship, communication is the key to success. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate in contacting either the class teacher, specialist, Betty Horan in the office or the principal, Sharon Marmo This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. School phone 9459 0732.

Finally, Good Luck with your decision. When choosing a school for your child, just ask yourself:-

Can I see my child attending this school for 7 years? Do I get a good feeling about this school?

Sometimes it’s your ‘gut’ feeling that counts in the end!

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2013

Here are our important dates for 2013. Please feel free to ring and book a tour time or attend a kindy play date where kindy kids have a play session with our existing Preps.

TERM 2

Play School Date for 4 yr Kindy Kids to play with 2013 Preps

• Friday 24th May               12.30pm-1.15pm

TERM 3

Play School Date for 4 yr Kindy Kids to play with 2013 Preps

• Friday 2nd August            12.30pm-1.15pm

TERM 4 

Transition Program for 2014 Preps (enrolled)

• Friday 1st November         9.15am-11.00am (BYO morning tea and drink)
• Friday 8th November         9.15am-1.30pm (BYO morning tea, lunch and drink)
• Friday 15th November       9.15am-3.00pm (BYO morning tea, lunch and drink)

Parent Information Evening 2014 Preps (enrolled)