General Information

Arrivals and Departures

Taxis arrive and depart from the Farnham Street entrance of the school. Some parents also choose to use the Farnham Street entrance to deliver and collect their son/daughter whilst others choose to use the Anzac Highway entrance.

Students arrive at school between 8.30am and 9.00am and depart from 2.50pm onwards. Staff are rostered to the taxi room in the morning to support students to get to their classes. In the afternoon students remain in their class until they are called via the two way radio system and then supported to get to their taxi.

Behaviour Management

The School's Behaviour Code is included in the Information package. The Behaviour Code identifies key rules for students in the areas of Learning, Safety, Treatment and Movement. Outlined in the Code is a range of positive responses for students obeying the rules but, also a range of responses if students do not obey the rules.

Communication

All students are issued with a daily communication diary for information to be transferred between school and home and vice versa. Parents are welcome to contact the school via the telephone (8293 3779) any time between office hours(8.00am - 4.00pm). Face to face meetings need to be pre organised to ensure the availability of staff.

Daily Routine

The school day is divided into three main teaching sessions see below. The eating of recess and lunch occurs in class under staff supervision prior to the stipulated break times

Excursions

To complement the work done at school and support increased independence and life skills all classes in the school have weekly excursions. Parent's signed consent will be sought prior to students leaving the school grounds. The consent will include information about the date, venue, mode of transport, purpose of the excursion, departure and return times, cost and any other requirements.

To support students accessing the community the school has two buses. In some cases Public Transport may also be used.

Illness

Students who are unwell need to be kept home and not sent to school. The students are more comfortable and also reduces the spread of illness. Please inform the school if your son/daughter is unable to attend.

Lunch and Recess

As the school does not have a canteen students need to bring their lunch and recess from home.

Medication

• Medication can be given to students at school provided a Doctor completes a Medication Plan and it is lodged at school. A copy of the Medication Plan is included in this brochure.
• Medication supplied to the school must be in its original container, clearly marked with the students name and administering instructions.
• Each medication must needs to have to Medication Plan.
• Any changes to dosage need a new Medication Plan signed by the doctor.
• In accordance with DECD policy the school is only able to store a maximum of one week's supply of medication.
• All classrooms have a secure medication cupboard for the storage of medication.

Parent Participation/ Partnership

Parents are encouraged to be active members of the school community. There are a number of ways this can occur. School Council provides the opportunity for parents to be an integral link between the school and parent community. Parents are also invited to attend our Special Events and Celebrations. Parents also support the school though various fundraising efforts (eg Lamington Drives, Hot Cross Buns). There are activities organised for parents eg Acquaintance Night, parent information and training sessions, afternoon teas. All of these activities provide the opportunity for parents to meet each other and also support the school community.

Reports

Two written reports are sent home during the year. One at the end of term two and the other at the end of the year. In addition, Parent / Teacher Interviews are held during term two to discuss student progress and a negotiated education plan meeting is also held during the year.

Transport Assistance

Transport assistance is a targeted service provided by the Department for Education to support students with disabilities to attend school.

Transport assistance can be in the form of:

• a car allowance payable to parents/caregivers
• taxi service, Access Cab, specialist bus
• Public transport grant

A brochure is included to supply more information.

Tuck Shop

On Thursdays the students from the Senior section operate the 'Tuck Shop'. Through the Tuck Shop students are able to order a range of items including pies, pasties, sausage rolls, chips, cakes and drinks. All food needs to be pre-ordered b y Tuesday for the following Thursday's delivery.

Uniform

The Errington Special Education Centre Uniform consists of a red polo shirt and red windcheater with the Ashford House logo. These are worn with dark pants, skirt or shirt. A school hat is also available for purchase. Uniforms can be purchased from the Front Office.

Bathers and towels need to be supplied from home for students to participate in the swimming program.

Parents are encouraged to send an old shirt to school to protect clothes when students participate in Art/Craft activities.

Wet/Hot Weather Policy

At times of either wet or hot weather students remain indoors under staff supervision.