Prospectus

School E Mail Address: the.principal@mackwestss.qld.edu.au

School Website: www.mackwestss.eq.edu.au

Education Queensland Website: www.education.qld.gov.au

Queensland Transport: www.transport.qld.gov.au

Parents are encouraged to contact the Class Teacher or Administration Team Member by telephone or by letter if they have any concerns or queries about the educational program for their child at school. If required, an interview may be organized with appropriate personnel at a mutually convenient time.

1.12 MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not encouraged at school. If they are deemed necessary we request parents contact the school outlining reasons for this. If agreed, mobile phones are to be turned off and lodged at the school office on arrival and collected again on departure.

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SECTION 2 - OFFICIAL SCHOOL UNIFORM

The Parents and Citizens Association has laid down certain guidelines for the provision of school uniforms for boys and girls. It is hoped that parents will encourage the wearing of the established uniform at all times, for the sake of uniformity; pride in school, economy and durability. This policy is supported by the Principal and Staff of this school.

2.1 OFFICIAL SCHOOL UNIFORM - BOYS/GIRLS

	Royal Blue/Gold collared T-shirt (with monogram) available through Fourways Fabrics & Fashion
	Royal Blue brimmed hat (with monogram) available through Fourways Fabrics & Fashion.
	Black shoes and short White Socks available from department stores.

Winter Wear:

	Royal Blue Pullover and/or Royal blue tracksuit available from department stores.
	Royal blue and gold taslon jacket available through Fourways Fabrics and Fashion.

Girls:

	Royal Blue Dress - Butterick Pattern No 993
	Girl’s: 4.5.6. Children’s: 7-14 {Dresses available made up from Fourways Fabrics and Fashion}
	Pleated royal blue skirt or tailored royal blue culottes or tailored royal blue skorts (Colour: Cesarella Miani Royal No. 5693), Fabric available from Fourways Fabrics & Fashion for dress, culottes and shorts)
	Culottes Pattern: (Itz cool wear - 1008P - available from Fourways Fabrics & Fashion).
	Royal Blue Shorts

Boys:

Royal blue traditional boys school shorts, cargo shorts or basketball knit shorts are worn (board shorts are not part of the uniform).

Prep Uniform:

	Polo shirts with prep logo may be worn daily. A choice of four colours are available: red, hot pink, emerald and royal blue (available from Fourways Fabrics and Fashions).
	These shirts are worn with royal blue shorts, skorts or skirts. Black shoes with white socks also required (refer above as to where you can purchase these items).
	A school hat with the school emblem (available Fourways Fabrics and Fashions).
	A royal blue/gold collared uniform shirt will need to be purchased and worn on special occasions.
	This shirt may also be worn daily if so desired (available Fourways Fabrics & Fashions).

2.2 OFFICIAL SPORTS UNIFORM - BOYS/GIRLS

	House t-shirt or royal blue t-shirt for interschool (as above)
	Girls/Boys - as above with official skirt/culottes/shorts/skorts.
	Black shoes/joggers
	Hats - as above
	Winter wear - as above

The following colours are used for House Sports:

	Apollo House - Orange
	Mercury House - Emerald Green
	Neptune House - Sky Blue
	Vulcan House - Red

BOTH SPORTS HOUSE AND SCHOOL T-SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM FOURWAYS FABRICS & FASHION DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

2.3 GENERAL

	House Sports Uniform should be worn at sports day & optional on Phys Ed Days.
	School uniform should be worn for all interschool sporting functions.
	School uniform should be worn on all other school days.

2.4 STUDENT DRESS CODE

In accordance with our Sun Safety and workplace, health and Safety policies, we request that school uniforms are worn daily. Hats are whenever outdoors and appropriate. Safe footwear is compulsory. jewellery is to be kept to a minimum. Students are allowed a watch and ear studs or small sleeper earrings.

2.5 PERFORMERS UNIFORM

A Performers Shirt is available for those children selected in school choirs, verse speaking and band groups. if students are in many performing arts groups, the performers' shirt can be purchased from Fourways Fabrics & Fashion. Alternatively the performers' shirt may be hired for a small fee from the Junior Campus and Senior Campus Offices.

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SECTION 3 - CURRICULUM, PUPILS AND STAFF

3.1 KEY LEARNING AREAS

	Literacy and Numeracy are taught both individually and integrated within a series of Outcomes Based units through the school.
	All Key learning Areas and outcomes are represented within the integrated Units.
	This school provides for the eight years of primary schooling, Years prep to Seven.
	All primary children follow general educational programs, involving learning experiences in:

English

Science Education

Arts Education

Technology

Mathematics

Studies of Society & Environment

LOTE

Physical Education & Health

3.2 HOMEWORK AND STUDY

	Teachers may require a pupil to undertake home study, which may occupy such amount of time reflecting the relevant year level. Our goal at Mackay West State School is to have a consistent approach to homework in all classrooms.
	Homework in primary schools is a way of ensuring that, by the time students have reached high school, they have had an opportunity to establish sound study habits.
	Homework supports our school goal of promoting independent learning.
	All children should be able to complete homework activities successfully. Homework comments where appropriate should be constructive.

Guidelines for Homework

New homework guidelines for Queensland State Schools will help children establish a balanced lifestyle that allows time for activities with family and friends.

The guidelines provide our school with the chance to develop our own homework policy in consultation with parents, to ensure a common-sense framework for students, teachers and parents.

The homework guidelines for different age groups are as follows:

	In the prep year, generally students will not be set homework.
	Homework in Years 1, 2 & 3 could be up to, but generally not more than, an hour each week.
	Homework in Years 4 & 5 could be up to, but generally not more than 2-3 hours each week.
	Homework for Years 6 & 7 could be up to, but generally not more than, 3-4 hours each week.
	For our younger students, it is important that parents get involved by reading books to them and encouraging them in a range of activities.
	For the older students, parents can help them balance the amount of time spent completing homework, watching television and playing sport.
	Good communication between teachers, students and parents is also very important to ensure students reach their full potential.
	Homework should be confined to Monday - Thursday nights and adjusted where there are special events or public holidays. Where possible, homework should be weekly to allow for extra curricula activities.
	Each classroom should have a consistent plan for homework each week. This plan should be shared with families via the classroom policy at the beginning of each year.
	Consideration should be given to children with learning difficulties and special family circumstances when deciding on homework for the class. Parents may wish to personally discuss the homework issue individually with the teacher.
	Families should support their child where possible by having a set time and place for homework and helping where possible.
	Homework for Year 3 and Year 4 should include learning number facts, spelling and reading.
	Homework for Years 5, 6 and 7 should comprise one written task per night plus number facts, spelling and reading.
	The following table outlines how many assignments or projects each year level could complete in place of homework:

Year 1 - None

Year 2 - None

Year 3 - None

Year 4 - One per semester

Year 5 - One per semester

Year 6 - One per term

Year 7 One per term

	Children ascertained with a learning difficulty (Level 4/5) should have modifications made to their projects.
	Projects should be done in the classroom where possible to encourage original work.

· Due dates should be advised each term in written form.

· A clear outline and structure should be provided to all children who undertake project work.

· All morning talks and presentations in Prep to Year 3 need to be placed on a written roster and sent to parents.

Please Note: The Support Teacher Learning Difficulties can be contacted by both parent and teacher regarding resources to assist with homework and projects.

3.3 ADVICE FOR STUDENTS ABOUT HOMEWORK

Spend some time each night going through work covered during the day. Make sure you understand this. If you find any difficulty, ask your parents, or your teacher when you return to school. Don’t leave it or delay your questions for a long period of time. If you find you cannot complete your homework because of some domestic activity, ensure it is done before school on the following day. Consult with your teacher concerning any homework difficulty.

Choose somewhere quiet for your homework: away from radio, conversation, television or other distractions. Arrange your materials - book, pencils, etc. near you. Don’t daydream, but concentrate on the topic to be carried out until completed. If your concentration lapses, take a break.

3.4 SCHOOL EVALUATION

Class teachers at this school; carry out continuous evaluation of pupil progress, and designation of individual strengths and weaknesses in all subject areas.

At the end of each Semester, in June and November-December, teachers will forward a comprehensive report card of the progress of their children to parents, in which details of each subject area will be given, together with a general summary of the result in such subject. Details of general behaviour will also be included.

Teacher-parent discussions may take one of the following forms:

individual parent-teacher interviews

parent-teacher meeting (all parents of a class)

individual letters during the term

Year 2 children participate in the Year 2 Diagnostic Net.

Year 3, 5 and Year 7 children complete the Year 3, 5 and 7 Test each year with results provided for parents.

Please peruse your child's report carefully and sign the slip and return to the school promptly. Parents may keep the original copy of the Report Card.

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3.5 SCHOOL MATERIALS

Items of texts and stationery, set for each year level are not included as a permanent record in this booklet, since class requirements vary from year to year. This information will be issued as an insert with the guide for new parents, or separately for continuing parents during the last school week of the year. A copy will also be available on the website (Newsletters).

Most local retailers should be in a position to provide the listed items.

The P & C have introduced a bulk purchasing scheme for school stationery materials, which will operate in Term 4 each year. Please enquire at the office.

Every endeavour is made to keep the list, and therefore the costs to a minimum, without sacrificing learning activities which warrant such materials.

ITEMS OF SCHOOL MATERIALS WHICH COMPLY WITH THE LIST, AND WHICH ARE USEABLE FROM THE PREVIOUS LIST, SHOULD BE RETAINED.

On the book list some notes are given to indicate specific elements of our requirements e.g.:

	Stationery with relevant use in the following year/s
	Stationery which ceases at the end of the current school year level.
	Stationery not required for purchase this year level, but could be very handy just the same.
	Items that can be brought from home.

Care, Maintenance and Use

Because of increasing costs of school materials, please instil in your children’s minds the need to take very good care of all such materials so that they can be of continuing use.

All personal materials should be clearly marked with the child’s name.

Please encourage children to cover schoolbooks, place name and class on the covers, but leave the subject until the class teachers in the new school year have allocated the books to specific use.

Use and contents of books will be governed by school and class book policies.

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3.6 SCHOOL MATERIALS - CURRENT YEAR

	Book Lists available on request.
	Book Lists are able to be accessed through the school website.

3.7 PUPIL WELFARE

Absences

Regular attendance at school is of vital importance if your child is to receive maximum benefit from the lessons.

This precludes bona fide absences through illness, medical and dental appointments and other unavoidable urgent reasons.

However, this school is governed by Departmental Regulations concerning compulsory attendance, and as a result request that parents contact the school with reasons for non-attendance.

Conduct

All children enrolled at this school will be required to exhibit exemplary behaviour (A+) whilst at school, travelling to and from school, during school sporting and other extra-curricular school activities.

They will be guided in this by:

The Code of School Behaviour and procedures set down in Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students, which is discussed with students at regular intervals.

Constant supervision during all school activities.

	The Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students is available for perusal by parents.
	A series of strategies designed to acknowledge and reward appropriate behaviour by students underpins the school policy.

Health, Safety, Welfare

The school, at all times, is concerned with the general well being of all pupils and to this end seek your assistance in the following matters:-

Health

In the interests of your child, it is inadvisable to insist that he/she attend school while ill or injured, subject of course to the points above regarding absences.

If a child becomes ill or injured whilst at school the matter will be referred immediately to the parent and/or urgent medical assistance sought.

c) To this end, it is imperative that current contact people, addresses and phone numbers are listed in our school records. Please update these when changes occur.

Medication

Strict new procedures have been developed by the Queensland Government regarding prescription and over-the-counter medication in schools. Our school is committed to working closely with parents and students to highlight the risk of students misusing these medications.

All parents/caregivers must:

a)         notify our school in writing of a health condition requiring medication at school.

b)         request in writing if school staff are to administer medication or assist in the management of a health condition.

c)         notify our school in writing of any requests and/or guidelines from medical practitioners including potential side effects or adverse reactions.

d)         provide the medication in the original labelled container to the nominated staff member.

e)         ensure the medication is not out of date and has an original pharmacy label with the students name, dosage and time to be taken.

f)          notify our school in writing when a change of dosage is required. This instruction must be accompanied by a letter from a medical practitioner.

g)         advise our school in writing and collect the medication when it is no longer required at school.

Safety and Welfare

Please be punctual in collecting your child from school for child protection and personal safety reasons.

Please insist that your child, whether walking or riding to and from school, obeys all traffic rules and is at all times sufficiently observant to avoid danger and unnecessary accidents.

The school has instituted supervised safety crossing areas in Bridge Road, Pinder Street and Ferguson Street. Please ensure the safety of your child as well as others by:

(i) Complying with crossing regulations.

(ii) Reducing travelling speeds in the school environs, especially at the critical times 8.00 - 9.00am and 3.00 - 3.30pm.

(iii) Refraining from parking or stopping to let children off in any no parking areas.

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3.8 PUPIL GOVERNMENT

School Houses

	Each child in Year 3 - 7 at this school will be allocated to one of the school houses, for purposes of interhouse, scholastic and sporting competitions. Children are placed in the same houses as older brothers and sisters.
	The school houses are: Apollo, Mercury, Neptune and Vulcan.

Student Leaders

	Student leaders, one boy and one girl, will be elected in their class during the first month of the school year, nominations to be subject to the approval of the class teacher.
	Student leaders (in Year 7) will act as officials of the Student Council.
	Student leaders will carry out special duties prescribed from time to time.

House Captains

	A boy and girl house captain, and vice captain, will be elected from each house during the last month of the school year. House captains will be drawn from the prospective Year 7 pupils.
	House Captains will be responsible for the general conduct of team and other house members during sporting and other functions involving house activities, and may be called upon by the Principal and house teachers to carry out other duties from time to time.

School Captains

	Year 6 students will be eligible to apply for the position of school captains and vice captains during term 4 of the school year. From these nominations at least two boys and girls will be elected.
	The process will include an application, short listing, brief speech, voting by staff and Year 6 & 7 students, interview, observation of behaviour at school and on excursions. Captains for the following year will be announced at Awards’ Night.
	School captains will act as members of the Student Council, and represent the school at functions and presentations. School captains will be required to carry out other duties determined by the Principal from time to time.

The Student Council

	The council will be composed of student leaders from each class in Years 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, house captains and vice captains, school captains and vice captains.
	All members will have equal voting power on any matter raised by the council. The teachers-in-charge of the council will be present at all meetings to assist.
	The chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer will be elected by the members at the first council meeting each year under the guidance of the Principal.
	The main aim of the council is to discuss school organisation and decide how pupils can assist teachers in the running of the school, and how they may help to improve the school, its facilities and its surroundings.
	Records - minutes, correspondence, attendance, accounts, will be maintained.
	Any monies raised, collected or received will be banked in the School General Account under the supervision of the Principal, and accounted for in the account book by the treasurer at each meeting.
	Procedure - each member will receive a copy of meeting procedure used at council.
	Meetings will be called by teachers-in-charge on a regular basis.
	Each member is responsible for carrying queries and reporting back to classes. The chairman will convey decisions to the whole school on parade.

3.9 LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE

Mackay West State School operates two school Libraries, one each at the Junior and Senior campuses. The aim of our School Library is to encourage and support Learning and Literacy. Our Library Motto is “Literacy is for Life.”

Because Literacy and reading are inextricably linked each class visits the Library on a weekly bases to borrow reading material. Years 1-4 may borrow one item at a time while Years 5-7 can borrow two items. Students are encouraged to borrow as often as they would like. The borrowing period is set at two weeks. Students who need extra time are welcome to extend the borrowing period., Overdue notices are sent to classes on a weekly basis. Lost or damaged items are either replaced or funds provided to enable a replacement copy.

Much effort has gone into the creation of a comfortable and inviting reading area in the Library and to ensuring that the Library Collection is up-to-date and responsive to student needs. This has partly been possible through seeking students’ assistance in the selection process of new reading materials. A wide range of popular magazines has also been provided to encourage recreational reading. A wide range of strategies have been developed to foster a love of reading and literature for leisure.

A Bookfair is held each May at the Senior Campus and in August at the Junior Campus. These Bookfairs are a positive contribution to a reading culture but are also very important in providing for additional resources.

An excellent selection of non-fiction has also been provided to assist with research based learning activities. Students also have access to a number of Library computers, which are part of the School’s network. The Internet is available on all library computers. It is important that our students are exposed to a wide range of resources and learning technologies.

A wide range of activities is provided for students before school and during the lunch break. These include playing computer games, accessing the Internet, recreational reading, using the building blocks, reading the local newspapers and checking out various Library displays.

The Library co-ordinates a wide range of displays and special events and activities designed to support student learning. An excellent example has been our Anzac display. This features an excellent selection of military memorabilia. The school community is kept up-to-date with library activities and issues through a regular segment in the School’s weekly newsletter. The School also operates an excellent Website, which is regularly updated and maintained through the Library.

Productive Partnerships: Learning for Life

Public libraries provide a learning network that runs parallel with formal school education. Reading and literacy are inextricably linked for all school and public libraries and a key element of their role in supporting learning. Improved learning outcomes are the result when libraries forge partnerships in the learning process. Over the past 6 years, the collaborative working relationship between Mackay West State School and Mackay Libraries has developed into a highly successful example of the benefits of cross-sectoral cooperation between public and school libraries.

The key elements of Productive Partnerships include:

Library Monitor Program

Work Shadowing

Grade Ones at the Library (GOAL)

Year 7 Library Orientation

Mackay West State School Website

Through presentations and workshops in both the school and public library environments at local, state and national levels, Productive Partnerships has been promoted as a valuable, transferable and continually evolving program which results in long term benefits for both school and public libraries. The value of productive Partnerships has been well recognised, receiving an honourable mention in ALIA's Bess Thomas Awards 2004 and being awarded first place in Australia in the IASL (International Association of School Librarianship) Softlink Excellence Award 2005.

Partnership pathways between public and school libraries provide the best opportunity for the development of networked learning communities and the acquisition of lifelong learning skills for all students.

The successful Library Monitor Program is available to Year 7 students. This program has five main aims:

Providing support for Library Administration

Increasing ICT skills

Providing alternative forms of leadership

Development of personal skills

Forming strategic alliances with other school and public libraries

More details about Productive Partnerships and our Library Monitor Program can be found on our website by using the Productive Partnerships link on the library page.

School libraries can have a very positive impact on student learning. This is clearly supported by the research data. Our aim is to ensure that the Library is multi-functional and a focal point for student learning and literacy development.

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3.10 SCHOOL WEBSITE http://www.mackwestss.eq.edu.au

Mackay West State School’s Website currently contains 150 pages of information and is updated weekly. Our website is a valuable communication, educational and promotional tool which performs several functions:

	Provides access to prospectus, latest newsletters, calendar of events and tuckshop menus.
	Outlines several initiatives and programs at Mackay West State School in the ‘For Parents’ page and details how parents can provide support for their children at home e.g. Typing Program, Outcomes Based Education, Encouraging children to read, Searching the Internet.
	Research tool for students – The ‘For Students’ page *‘Cyberville’* contains hundreds of links to relevant sites in all subject areas.
	Community Partnerships - The Library page provides a valuable link between community partners, Mackay West State School and the Mackay Libraries and details the very successful Library Monitor Program at Mackay West.
	Mackay Libraries link on the Home Page takes students directly to their catalogue so students can easily source reading material from their public library.
	The School map provides links to various departments and teacher profiles.
	The Photo Album documents the many events and excursions which the school participates in during the year.

3.11 MUSIC PROGRAM

Mackay West State School offers an extensive cultural program from Prep to year 7. The music program has a team of four teachers: two classroom teachers and two instrumental teachers who challenge the students in all areas of music.

Music develops from the grade four children learning recorder. Singing is still the main focus and children start to write music on the staff. In years 5 and 6 they develop their singing, playing and writing skills. By grade seven they commence units on percussion and guitar. By the end of the year we have students who are ready to perform “live on stage.”

Our Choirs

Our school is proud to offer choirs from years 1, 2, 3, 4/5 and 6/7. Our music teachers show their talents in training these choirs. All teachers in our school give great support for all musical events. We rely on teachers and parents to assist us with conducting and accompanying.

We also offer students the opportunity to develop singing techniques for solo work at the Eisteddfod and other community projects.

Creative performance is an integral part of choir work where children learn to choreograph or use gymnastic effects to enhance the performance.

3.12 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

	The instrumental program is designed for children to learn an orchestral instrument. The range of instruments covers, strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. The program follows the Education Queensland guidelines as per class sizes, course books etc.
	In Year 4 a small number of children are offered tuition using stringed instruments. Brass, woodwind and percussion instruments are offered for Years 5, 6 & 7. All children participating in the program are expected to join the school band or ensemble when they have demonstrated proficiency.
	The instrumental instructors visit a number of schools in Mackay and thus their time is very limited. The timetable will be prepared early in the school year and issued to participants.
	Due to limited time of tuition available to our school and the large number of students who would like to be involved, a selection process has been devised to place the most musically suited children in the program.
	If selected, an annual levy will be charged to assist with related costs for maintenance and development of instruments, equipment and the program.

3.13 SPORTING ACTIVITIES

General Program

	To assist in their social and physical development every pupil is expected to take part actively in Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons during each of the summer and winter periods and to perform in interhouse competition. Minor games, gymnastics, dancing and other fitness activities are incorporated in a comprehensive school physical education and sport program.
	Children not participating in organised sport through illness will be required to engage in additional school work, monitoring, or other useful but less strenuous activity.
	A doctor’s certificate is required for continuous non-participation in the Physical Education, Sporting or Swimming Programs of the school.
	Every pupil must realise that, while it is the aim of the game to win, the essence of sporting activity is in the participation and striving to improve in the many sporting skills conducted. Pupils will however, endeavour to develop the attitude of a good sportsperson, in the true Australian tradition, as well as bearing in mind the school motto - ALWAYS OUR BEST.

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3.14 SPORTING ACTIVITIES - Interhouse/Interschool Competition for Years 3 – 7

Interhouse sport, including athletics will be organised for all pupils and played during the sport’s afternoons. The program includes sessions on skill development as well as competition matches between the various sports houses: Apollo, Mercury, Neptune and Vulcan.

Interhouse competition with the Southern Suburbs Schools Sports Association and Mackay District Association will allow for personal representation in school teams in most of the major sports, and lead on to higher representative honors. Our school has a sound tradition in this area, supplying a good proportion of children for higher representation.

Major sporting activities up to state representation level include: swimming, tennis, hockey, basketball, rugby league, soccer, track and field, softball, cross country, cricket, touch football, netball, Australian Rules.

3.15 SPORTING ACTIVITIES - Swimming

All school students from years 3 to 7 take part in a Learn-to-swim Program during Term 1.

3.16 SPORTING ACTIVITIES - Tennis Coaching

On a number of mornings prior to school hours, private tennis coaching lessons are held on our school courts by a highly qualified instructor. The instructor will contact children who are interested in receiving such tuition personally early in each term. This program is supported by the school but not sponsored or organised by the school.

3.17 SCHOOL EXCURSIONS

Parents will be informed of school/class excursions by a not requesting permission and/or payment. Parents are required to complete the permission form and send accompanying payments with a medical consent form by the closing date. You will be issued with a receipt for your payment. For safety reasons, students are required to have submitted permission forms, medical consent forms and payment in order to attend school excursions. Appropriate dress standards and responsible behaviour will be an expectation of all students.

3.18 religious education program

The Religious Education Program at Mackay West State School is organised as Co-operative Religious Education. This means that your child will remain in his/her normal classroom with his/her usual class group for Religious Education.

	All denominations that presently teach at Mackay West State School will instruct from the curriculum “Christian Religious Education for Schools”.
	Parents may request that their child not participate in Religious Education classes – a written letter (VALID FOR CURRENT YEAR ONLY) outlining this request must be sent to the school office if you do not wish your child to participate.
	For children participating in Co-operative Religious Education, student workbooks will be provided as part of the weekly Religious Education lessons. The cost of these materials will be $5.00 per child for the year and proportioned for new enrolments. Each child receives a Semester One booklet and Semester Two booklet. Parents with children in P-6 will be levied at the end of each year for Religious instruction materials needed for the following year.

3.19 EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Pupils will take part in a number of extra-curricular activities, held at different times throughout the year, designed to broaden the experiences and develop habits of community involvement. Some of these include:-

	Anzac Day Parade
	School camps
	Educational tours and excursions
	Visiting cultural productions
	Spellathon
	City of Mackay Festival of the Performing Arts
	Wakakirri Performance / Rock Pop Mime
	School concert (biennial)
	School E-mag
	Grade 7 Graduation
	Awards Night
	Eisteddfod
	Walkathon
	Opti-Minds
	University of NSW Competitions (Maths, Science, English, Writing and Computing)

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3.20 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The school is well resourced with technology equipment which includes computers in every classroom, in the Resource Centre and in the Technology Centre (which houses 30 networked computers.) A comprehensive Technology Skills Program ensures students gain necessary skills and confidence when using computers and when accessing the Internet.

An Internet and E-mail Agreement must be signed by both student and parent and returned to the class teacher before the student is permitted to use the Internet.

Students and parents are also requested to sign a Student Consent Form, which gives Mackay West State School and Education Queensland permission to use photographs/videos of your child or their work for the promotion of the school and or Education Queensland.

3.21 awards’ night

The following awards, through generous donations and other fund raising activities, will be presented at the annual Year 7 Graduation, Prize-Giving and Awards’ Night, or in conjunction with it:-

Academic - Individual class awards for Academic Achievement

- Individual class certificates for Academic Effort

- SEU Encouragement

- LOTE Awards

- Scholastic Shield

- Literacy and Maths Awards

Citizenship - Julie Senn Memorial Award

- Christensen Family Award

Sporting - Interhouse Sporting Competition

- Aggregate Points Trophy

- P & C “B” Division Trophy for Athletics

- Julie Leitch Ballgames Trophy

- Team Sport Encouragement Award

- Interhouse Competitions Trophies

- Individual championship awards in boys and girls sports

- Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year individual trophies

Cultural - Instrumental Music Awards

- Performing Arts Encouragement Awards

- Music Encouragement Award

Special awards presented annually on Awards’ Night, namely:-

Julie Senn Memorial Prize - Citizenship

Christensen Family Award - Citizenship

Kerry & Helen Royes & Family - Music Encouragement Award

Billy Bickmore Memorial Prize - Literacy Award

Haines Family Award - Maths Award

Glendenning Trophies - Male & Female Sportsperson

Flynn Family Shield - Team Sport Encouragement Award

Julie Leitch Trohpy - Ballgames Trophy

SECTION 4 - PARENTS AND P & C ASSOCIATION

4.1 NEWSLETTERS

Prep to Year 7 - published weekly on Wednesday.

Please check regularly to ensure that the eldest child in your family conveys this newsletter to you when published, and that you request a copy from the School Administration Office, if your child misses an issue through illness etc.

Newsletters are able to be accessed through the school website.

4.2 MEETINGS

The Parent and Citizens Association of the Mackay West State Primary School meets at the Administration Meeting Room at the Senior Campus on the second Monday of each school month, excluding January and December, or unless otherwise stated in school circulars or newsletters. All parents and interested citizens are cordially invited to attend these meetings, which commence at 7.30pm

The School Council will meet prior to the Annual General Meeting to formulate a budget for the year.

The School Council meets once a term to ensure the School Plan is operating effectively. They look at the Annual Operation Plan, School Budget and Partnership Agreement (3 year plan).

4.3 PARENT/TEACHER DISCUSSIONS

It will be necessary from time to time throughout the school year to discuss, either formally or informally, matters of concern to you and/or your children.

Please feel free to drop into the office if you have any concerns. Someone will be available to talk to you or a specific time may be set. If you wish to speak to your child's teacher regarding your child's progress, please make prior contact to arrange a mutually convenient time. To ensure continuity of teaching and learning for students, it is requested that phone contact with teaching staff is not made during class teaching times. All messages will be communicated accordingly.

Please keep in mind that Monday afternoons are set aside for staff meetings, whole school meetings and committee meetings from 3.10 - 4.15pm.

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