Support Networks
At St Philip Neri Catholic School all staff members provide a support network for the students in their class. When and where appropriate the Assistant Principal or Principal will work with and support individual children. Outside agencies may be engaged to assist an individual child if it is considered necessary by the school administration or parents.
Children with Special Needs
St Philip Neri Catholic School has a 'whole school' approach to meeting the special needs of children. This is co-ordinated by the Principal in consultation with the Special Needs teacher and the class teacher. This approach involves parents, teachers, children, C.S.O. Advisers and support agencies working together to meet the child's present and future needs. It includes:
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identification of students at risk |
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assessment of child's needs |
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application for funding support |
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meetings between Class teacher, Special Needs teacher and C.S.O. Adviser to develop I.E.P. (Individual Education Program) |
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classroom support |
School Enrolment Policy
This is based on the Diocesan Enrolment Policy.
Student Leadership
Student leadership is encouraged, particularly in Year 6. There are a variety of leadership positions that children are elected to:-
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School Captains and Vice Captains |
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Sport Team Captains- 2 for each of four colour teams |
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SRC Committee |
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There are additional leadership opportunities offered in the following areas:
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Restorative justice leaders |
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Technology Team |
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Library Monitors |
Restorative Justice Program
St. Philip Catholic Primary School implements a Restorative Justice program aimed at a positive resolution to conflicts that may arise. This program incorporates strategies for collaborative problem solving and assists children in enhancing their resilience and assertiveness. The principles of RJ are: Inclusivity, Flexibility, Problem Solving, Empowerment, Forward Looking and Optimism.
Restorative Justice is a program initiated by Marist Youth Care and was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as a quality teacher initiative under the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme.
The St. Philip Neri RJ Program is co-ordinated by a teacher and is led by our RJ Leaders who are students from Stage 3. The criteria for a Stage 3 student to take on this role of leadership is that they are required to apply for the position, demonstrate understanding of the role and embrace the role with enthusiasm.
The guiding principles of this program are:
- Foster awareness in the child of our their actions affect others
- Avoidance of blame and lecturing
- Involving the child actively
- Separating the deed from the doer and recognition of a child’s worth
- Seeing every serious instance of wrongdoing and conflict as an opportunity for learning
It is a highly effective program in developing within children strategies for learning, managing behaviour and resolving conflict.
Restorative Justice Brochure
Buddy System
Year 6 children have a Kindergarten buddy for the year.
Orientation of New Students
Enrolment of Kindergarten students begins in May. Individual parents and students attend an Enrolment meeting with the Principal and Special Needs staff for screening and assessment of specific needs. Where appropriate, pre-schools are contacted. In the case of children with specific needs outside agencies are contacted. An orientation morning is held in Term 4 for all new students.
Children Enrolling during the School Year
Children are enrolled throughout the year. Appointments are made with the Principal and Parish Priest. The Principal, child and parents meet and an on-site tour is conducted.
Teaching/ Learning Groups
Children are grouped in parallel classes. Each year class compositions are changed to meet the needs of individual children and to assist in developing socialisation skills of children. Attention is given to a balance of gender, academic ability and social needs.
Specialist teachers are employed in the areas of Music, Physical Education and Library. Children are given the opportunity to develop specific talents and skills through membership of the school orchestra, the school choir, and representative sporting teams. All students participate in a Public Speaking program in Term 2. Year 6 compete in a public speaking competition with other schools at the Cluster level.
Awards
Awards are an integral part of the weekly assembly. Teachers give two awards each week. A Principal’s Award is also given based upon outstanding merit. Awards, competition results and significant events are published in the Newsletter. A class takes responsibility for the organisation of each weekly Newsletter.
Child Protection
Staff have participated in Child Protection inservice training and have been informed of the legislation. Any issues in this area are reported to the Principal who will take appropriate action.
Student Health
Specific student health concerns are brought to the staffs attention. Appropriate staff inservice will be carried out to provide information and support to enable staff to deal with concerns about individual children
Care and Supervision Policy