ABSENCES

Student Absences

all students arriving at school after 9.00 a.m. are to report to the General Office to collect a Late Pass and have it recorded. You can register your child's absence by going through the link on the front page of our school's website.

ASSEMBLIES

A whole school assembly is held each Monday at 9.00 a.m. in the gym. Our assemblies are run by our senior students or occasionally by the Principal class. Presentations of in-class learning and extra-curricular programs including JSC, Sport and Music are part of our school assemblies. 

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

Reporting to Parents 

Reporting to parents about their child’s progress is given the highest priority at Moonee Ponds West. 

A student’s report consists of four parts:

PARENT/CARER/TEACHER/CHILD interviews occur twice a year and at other times as needed or requested. These interviews are generally held over a one-week period. All three participants contribute information at these interviews with the student’s Self Evaluation being presented and the Learning Portfolio discussed. Formal reports are sent home prior to the interview. These reports document achievements, areas for improvement (the next step), home and school strategies to achieve the next step and attendance data.

THE LEARNING PORTFOLIO is an on-going report.  It comprises annotated work samples and written teacher comments. The File will be sent home prior to the interview for reflection and discussion. At the interview the student’s self-evaluation is shared and aspects of the file discussed. Included in the student portfolio is a Student Self Evaluation which is sent home at least twice a year. Together with the Learning Portfolio, these are used to initiate discussion about a student’s progress at interview.

OTHER TAKE-HOME WRITTEN MATERIAL including Library Work Book, Year Book (or Challenge Book), Project Books, Diaries, Unit Work Books and self-published books are sent home throughout the year. 

Each year a timeline for reporting to parents/ carers is developed. 

BANKING (Student)

The School Banking facility with the Commonwealth Bank operates for our students each THURSDAY.

BELL TIMES

Moonee Ponds West Primary operates a three-session day.  The following are the bell times.

8.45                          Students arrive at school, teachers in rooms. 

8.55 a.m.                   Music

9.00 a.m.                   Bell

11.00 a.m.                  Recess bell

11.28 a.m.                  Music

11.30 a.m.                  Bell end of recess

1.15 - 1.30 p.m.           Eating time in the classrooms

1.30 p.m.                    Lunch

2.28 p.m.                    Music and yard clean up – yard duty teachers to supervise

2.30 p.m.                    End of Lunch Recess Bell

3.30 p.m.                    Dismissal 

It is expected that students be in classes by 8.45 a.m. This is an opportunity for books to be changed, notices to be handed in, chairs to put down and their learning area set for a day.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL - CAMP AUSTRALIA

Camp Australia operates an out of hours care program in the school's gym. The program runs from 7.30 - 8.45 a.m. and from 3.30 - 6.15 p.m.  You can contact Camp Australia on 9375 7906 or at http://www.campaustralia.com.au/

BIKES/SCOOTERS

At Moonee Ponds West students are permitted to bring their bikes/scooters to school. We have a purpose build scooter/bike shed. Bikes/scooters are not permitted to be ridden in the school grounds during school hours.

DROP OFF ZONES

 

• You are not to pull into the Drop off zone in the afternoon until your child is standing on the verge waiting to be collected
• If your child is not present, continue to drive slowly around the school
• If the Drop off zone is full, continue to drive slowly around the school (Do Not double park waiting for a space).

BUILDINGS and GROUNDS

The Buildings and Grounds are the responsibility of the School Council through the Resources Committee. If you have anything to report in relation to repair/vandalism please refer these to the Principal Class Officer in charge of your team or write them in the Maintenance Book at the General Office.

BUDDIES

All classrooms at MPW are paired up with another classroom or buddy room.  This will be different age groups e.g. P/1 with 3/4. Students interact with several people from their buddy grade (not just 1) in order to develop positive relationships with several people across the school. Buddy grades might meet on a weekly or fortnightly basis as well as for various reasons/ events across the school year. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The Community Partnerships group coordinate a number of activities including guest speakers, class representatives for each classroom and parent information (forums) sessions on varying topics. The focus is on increasing and maximising the link between home and school.

CAMPS

The camp program at Moonee Ponds West Primary aims at developing independence and adventure in the students. From P/1 activity night in the early years, through the to five-day camp in grade 5/6, students are gradually supported to expand their horizons, build their self-reliance and experience new settings and challenges.

Moonee Ponds West Primary has a strong history of outdoor education with a variety of locations visited in a rotation.

Included in our camping program are:

P/1 Activity Night

Grade 2 Sleepover

3 day and 5 day camps for students in grades 3 to 6 

Also, students may have the chance to attend: 

a 5 day Cluster Group Instrumental Music Camp [3-6]

Somers Camp programme 

CIRCLE TIME

At MPW we have well known school values. All classrooms develop a classroom rights and responsibilities document.  This document is produced during first term and takes many weeks to develop through ongoing class discussion, roleplaying of scenarios and drafting/editing. The document is written using positive language and is central to student management within each classroom. Circle time provides an opportunity for the class to discuss many aspects of their operations. It is one strategy which forms part of our restorative practice processes.

CHOIR 

MPW has a Junior and Senior choir. These are un-auditioned choirs so all students are invited to join. The choirs sings the national anthem at each school assembly (Mondays at 9.00 a.m. in the school’s gym) and have an evening performance, usually in Term 4. There are various times throughout the year when the choir performs both inside and outside of the school.

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES 

Each classroom has one or two parents who have the following roles - compiling a friendship list for their child’s class, assisting the class teacher with particular activities – e.g. parents attending excursions, assisting in the classroom, organising social events for the parents of their class, welcoming new parents to Moonee Ponds West in their class and others as discussed between the representative/s and their classroom teacher. Generally Classroom Representatives are selected by the classroom teacher.

COMPUTERS (eLEARNING)

There is a range of electronic resources available through the library. Some include: digital cameras, iPod shuffles and USB microphones.

Student access to the Internet is to be within the guidelines of the Acceptable Use policy. 

Access will only be given to those students who have returned signed permission forms. 

All technology is connected wirelessly. A technician is employed for 10.8 hours a week to deal with problems that arise.

iPads are available in our Prep/1 classes, MacBooks from Grade 2-4 and a 1:1 iPad for all students in Grades 5 and 6.

CURRICULUM DAYS 

All Victorian Government schools are allocated 4 pupil free days per year. These days focus on professional learning for the staff. Requested dates are presented at School Council for approval. The school aims to communicate these dates to our families as soon as possible.

DOCUMENTATION FOR THE SCHOOL

Curriculum Statements

Moonee Ponds West Primary has a set of Curriculum Policy Statements that have been ratified by School Council. These statements reflect the school's vision. They will be found in the document entitled ‘MPW Policy Statements and Program Budgets’ as well as being located on the school’s website.

END OF TERM DISMISSAL 

At Moonee Ponds West school ends at 1.30 p.m. on the last day of each term. Term dates can be found by accessing the DEECD’s website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/datesterm.aspx

ENTRY TO CLASSROOM (Students)

Students are not allowed in their classrooms prior to school, at recess, or at lunchtime unless arranged and supervised by a teacher.

EXTENSION

At MPWPS we cater for students of differing abilities, including extension, through our student centred approach and differentiated classroom programs. Moonee Ponds West Primary School supports avenues for students with specific talents and interests. We provide 'in school' programs within the classroom setting as well as those across our school's specialist programs. A number of music programs are offered through the MVIMP and Soundhouse initiatives.

MPWPS has an Extension Team of nominated staff members, who coordinate extension programs. Some of the programs offered include: the Australian Maths Competition, Tournament of Minds (LaTrobe University) and the Gateways program.

FREE ACTIVITY DAYS (F.A.D.)

PURPOSE: F.A.D. is one of the older students favourite events at M.P.W. It is a culmination of our work with rights and responsibilities and is a great example of an intrinsic reward for following these. F.A.D. is a rite of passage for senior students at the school. Parents, students, teachers and school community members are encouraged to run activities throughout the day, including sports, art and craft, games, cooking and an endless variety of activities in and out of the school. Annually there may be up to four F.A.D.s held.

MPW have a number of highly valued whole school events that make us unique.  These are run with the support and participation from the whole school community.  These include but are not limited to: Show Day, Fun Run, Jump rope, Book week.

FREE ACTIVITY TIME (F.A.T.)

Free Activity Time (or F.A.T.) is a whole school, weekly event that takes place on Friday afternoons between 2:30-3:30 p.m. F.A.T. is a time where students can choose or plan an activity to be done cooperatively with peers from their own classroom or another. F.A.T. incorporates elements of ‘developmental play,’ which we value as an important learning experience for children of all age groups. Students can use F.A.T. to visit other classrooms in the school in order to develop/maintain positive connections with other students and staff members. In this sense, F.A.T. is an important element of the school’s transition programme and combines with the buddy system to develop and maintain social connectedness across the school. Except in extraordinary circumstances, all classes should participate in F.A.T. each week. 

GATEWAYS PROGRAM

Gateways is a program which provides further opportunities for some students with particular talents and interests.

MPWPS see value in this program being offered to our students but recognise the programs rely on a number of factors which include – students leaving the school to attend, parents having to transport their child to these venues (which can be some distance) and the associated costs of enrolment.

The process includes:

• Documentation being received by the Extension Team and this being disseminated to the relevant areas of the school. 

• Class teachers will be asked to identify students who would benefit from involvement in the program and will then contact the parent with the Expression of Interest form that outlines the program, the location and the costs. They will ensure the parent that they are under no obligation what so ever and appreciate the inconvenience which may be incurred (as per the above mentioned areas).

• The classroom teacher will send the forms home ASAP and return these to a member of the Extension Team so they can enrol the student (there is a very tight timeframe to enrol a student in GATEWAYS programs).

• As soon as a place is confirmed for the student the Extension Team will then send home the enrolment form to parents to complete and to submit to GATEWAYS with the payment.

• Feedback will be sought on the program.

HALL PROGRAM

The Hall program at Moonee Ponds West Primary School has a long tradition of offering P/1/2 students a diverse range of stimulating learning experiences.  Hall sessions are an hour in duration and are provided for Preps: 3x per week, Grade 1s: 2x per week and Grade 2s: 1x per week.

Literacy skills are at the forefront of everything that takes place in Hall. Each learning area is equipped with an ongoing word wall, which through conversations, is added to each session with key vocabulary words for each of the areas. Students then read these words and use them throughout their writing when reflecting in their Hall Journal, compiling lists or orally through conversations with their groups. 

When at Hall, grades are often mixed with other grades and there is a combination of P-2 students carrying out investigations and learning through various activities. Family involvement throughout Hall Sessions is highly encouraged. Parents observe the tuning in time and use the language of tuning in time throughout their conversations when carrying out group work at the various learning areas. Sometimes parents work with small groups at the different learning areas in Hall, at the school Vegie Patch or lead specific interest learning areas such as woodwork or sewing.

Lesson Break Down

10 minutes – Tuning In

During this time, specific learning intentions are explained to the group and discussions take place about the learning intentions.

5 minutes – Independent Choice of Learning Area

Each student has the opportunity to choose the learning area of their interest for each session.

30 minutes – Investigative Play

Students independently begin playing in their area of choice and are inspired by a range of books on different topics in their learning areas.

10 minutes – Journaling

During this time, the group meets back together and shares writing that has been completed at various areas.

5 minutes – Organisation for the next learning group

Each group is responsible for making their area learning ready for the next group.

HEAD LICE

Please see the policy on head lice at https://www.mooneewestps.vic.edu.au/webroot/uploaded_files/media/final_headlice_policy_mpwps_2012.pdf

JUNIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL (JSC)

The JSC has two representatives from each classroom in the school. They are voted by their class mates. It is a vital component of our school’s student voice. The group meet on a fortnightly basis to discuss varying topics. These may include: feedback on programs, policy development, fundraising etc. Each class’s representatives report back to their classroom after each meeting. Minutes from the JSC are presented as part of the School Council’s meeting.

KEYBOARD LESSONS

Keyboard lessons are offered through The Soundhouse. They are available to students from Prep to Grade 6. Lessons are generally held during class time. This is a user pay program.

LATE PASSES 

At MPW we have a focus on students being at school, on time. A bell is rung at 8.45 a.m. This is a time for students to enter their classrooms, put their bags in their lockers, check the day board/agenda, hand in notices, put down their chairs etc to prepare for the day ahead. At 8.58 a.m. the music plays for 2 minutes by which time all students are ready for the roll to be marked. If a student is late (after 9.00 a.m.) together with their parent/carer they visit the office to sign the ‘Late Arrivals Register’ and collect a tag which they show their teacher as they enter the room.

LEARNING PORTFOLIOS

Moonee Ponds West incorporates Learning Portfolio as part of our reporting process.  Learning goals and evaluations will be included in the Learning Portfolio.

The Learning Portfolio includes samples of the student’s work for the semester. These samples provide a snapshot of the student’s learning and indicates progress made. Attached to each sample or collection of related samples is a brief outline of what the task was and the learning purpose.

There is a slight difference in the number of samples for the different teams.

Some work samples may cover more than one area eg. An ICT related task related to Mathematics. There may also be photos to demonstrate learning. We encourage parents to take the time to share and discuss their child’s Learning Portfolio. They bring the Learning Portfolio when they accompany their child to the Parent/ teacher/ Child Interview.

LIBRARY 

MPW is fortunate to have such a wonderful library. It is staffed by a library technician who works from Monday – Thursday. As well we have a library teacher who operates lessons on a Tuesday and Thursday. All Prep/1 classes have a one hour library lesson with all other year levels attending the library for a 30 minute session with their class teacher. They are able to borrow during this time. As well, the library is open before school from Monday-Thursday from 8.45 a.m. The library is also open on a Thursday lunchtime.

LUNCH ORDERS

Student lunches are  provided from the Darling St Café. Students of Moonee Ponds West have access to healthy, tasty and

affordable lunch options.

 

MPW VALUES 

The values are Moonee Ponds West are: Respect, Honesty and Integrity, Persistence, Rights and Responsibilities, Freedom, Inclusiveness, Creativity and Community.

MOONEE PONDS WEST WEB PAGE

Moonee Ponds West website address is www.mooneewestps.vic.edu.au  

MOONEE VALE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM (MVIMP)

MPW operates an instrumental music program as part of a group of schools in the Moonee Valley Network and is offered to students from grades 3-6. Lessons are generally held in class time throughout the week. Some students also take part in band rehearsals and performances. Band is held on Wed. from 9 am until 10. MVIMP is a user pay program.

MOVIE NIGHT

During Term 1 MPW holds a movie night. This is coordinated by the Fundraising Committee and it held on the Tiger Turf. A large screen and projector enable the community to enjoy an open air cinema. 

MULTI-AGE WORKSHOPS

At various times during the year MPW operate Multi age workshops. On these occasions there is a focus on a particular area such as Education Week, where the students are organised into groups with representation across all levels of the school.

OFFICE HOURS 

The school’s office is open each day from 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

NEWSLETTERS 

Each Wednesday the school publishes a newsletter. The newsletter is available online at https://www.mooneewestps.vic.edu.au/page/192.  The community can request an email alert by registering through the link on the front page of our website - https://www.mooneewestps.vic.edu.au/

PARENT HELPERS

With a newly developed parent/carer's policy a range of opportunities exist for our community to be involved in a various ways to contribute to the school’s success. Research has shown that parents who are involved in their child’s school has a positive impact on their child’s improved learning outcomes. Parents are welcome to nominate for School Council and its sub committees, assist in the library or become a classroom representative.

PARKING 

In recent times the parking around MPW has had a number of changes. Two school crossings were installed in 2013. As well 2 minute drop off zones were put in place by the Council. As well, speed humps and roundabouts surrounding the school were improved. These are all aimed at maximising the safety for all members of our community.

RAISING CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Please see the school’s policy at https://www.mooneewestps.vic.edu.au/webroot/uploaded_files/media/mpwaddressing_concerns_and_complaints_final.pdf

RUBBISH FREE LUNCHBOXES

Moonee Ponds West is committed to the environment. Through our ‘Green Team’ we are continually looking at ways that MPW can have a positive effect on the world around us. One way is our school’s focus on rubbish free lunches. We encourage families to send lunches in lunch boxes, with as little wrapping as possible. Wrapped food is not taken outside the classroom. Any wrapping brought to school goes home in the lunch box.

SPECIALISTS

Specialist programs at MPWPS are Physical Education (PE), Creative Arts (CA), Japanese, Hall and Library. Each program is led by a qualified experienced teacher.

All students participate in PE and CA for one hour per week. On Friday morning there is also Sport for Grade 5 and 6 students. Japanese is taught to Grades 2 to 6 for two hours a week. Library is taught for one hour per week for Prep and Grade 1. Grades Prep, 1 and 2 participate in the Hall program for 1 to 3 hours per week. 

SCHOOL FORMS AND NOTICES

Forms or notes that are regularly required by parents and staff, including general payment envelopes; lunch order lists; cheque requisitions; staff lists; school medicine authority etc can be obtained from the office and are located on the school's website.

Local excursion note 

Parents are asked to sign a local excursion note at the beginning of each school year. This allows teachers to undertake ‘excursions’ of a local nature – walks, visits to the park, shops etc – without needing a specific excursion note each time [although parents should still have prior notice of the ‘excursion’ eg: through the newsletter or a class information note]. To leave the school grounds on such occasions a student must have a current signed local excursion note.

SHOW DAY 

Given our proximity to the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, MPW joins in the celebration by running our version of the show in an event we call Show Day.

At this time students are given time to set up a variety of activities for the whole school to take part in. Generally the students have one hour to enjoy what is on offer. This is an extremely popular event at Moonee Ponds West.

SPORT (INTERSCHOOL)

Sport occurs each Friday morning from 9.00 – 11.00 a.m. for students in Grade 5 and 6. In Terms 2 and 3 this includes interschool sport where we play against schools in our network. There are other sporting events which include: Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country etc where students have the opportunity to not only compete at the local level but if successful it could lead to representing the state. These are age group events so students in Grade 4 may also be involved.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Through DEECD provision Moonee Ponds West has access to the services of Educational Psychologist and a Speech Pathologist, co-ordinated by the Principal Class.

The Educational Psychologist works with students, teachers and parents/guardians. The Speech Pathologist works directly with students and parents/guardians/Education Support Staff. All students who are seen by an allied health worker must have had a referral form signed by a parent/guardian. Please see the Principal Class Officer if you wish to find out more about their services or wish to make use of them. Other services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy are not provided free and need to be ‘purchased’.

STUDENT WELLBEING AT MPWPS

At Moonee Ponds West, students are listened to and treated with respect. Moonee Ponds West has a strong commitment to the wellbeing of all students, teachers and community members. Our school community has consistent values that underpin our understanding and approach to student wellbeing. 

Logical Consequences (Natural & Negotiated)

At MPW we understand that all actions have logical, natural consequences. This forms the basis of our discussions with students both positively and negatively, such as who is affected by a choice. Logical consequences relate to the actions being discussed in response to an issue and consistently followed up. Logical consequences are negotiated and are designed to help students encourage, maintain or restore positive relationships. Students should have a strong voice in negotiating the consequences of their actions, with clear links being seen between the action and the consequence. Consequences aim to help the child learn about themselves in social situations and help them develop strategies (for next time). All parties should feel they have been heard and that the consequences are just. 

Classroom Rights and Responsibilities

All classrooms develop a classroom rights and responsibilities document. 

It is displayed prominently in the classroom and is referred to and refined throughout the year. It is shared with specialists/principal class officers and sent home to families.

It is student directed (but guided by the teacher), in the shared language of the school and in line with the student wellbeing policy.

Logical consequences should be discussed as part of this process, so clear links can be seen between choices and the results of these. Positive choices should be identified and celebrated through logical, intrinsic rewards. We do not give extrinsic rewards (e.g. certificates, stickers, etc.).Rewards do include having great friends, positive feelings. Our aim is to teach children that doing the right thing is positive without only behaving for a particular reward. Children should always be encouraged to make great choices, because it is the right thing to do, or because of the positive effect on themselves and others.

Playground Responsibilities

Playground Responsibilities are developed and agreed upon by both students and staff, and will be displayed in classrooms and in the yard. All staff should familiarise themselves and their class with the current playground responsibilities document. Logical consequences will apply in the yard, as per above. At MPW we believe in shared responsibility for all members of the school community, which includes all staff members (with support if necessary) following up playground issues and reporting back to the child’s teachers.

SQUIRT 

SQUIRT stands for: sustained, quiet, uninterrupted, individual, reading time.

SUNSMART

MPWPS is a Sunsmart school. As such staff set an example by wearing hats and encouraging students to wear hats at break and sport/PE times as well as applying sun screen and drinking regularly throughout the day.

UNIFORM

Students are encouraged to wear a school uniform. It can be purchased at Lowes Highpoint. 

VEGIE PATCH

The Vegie Patch is a popular location for the students at MPW. Situated along Lennox Street various vegetables are grown. The Vegie Patch is incorporated across the school in various curriculum and community projects.

VISITOR BADGES

All visitors to MPW shall visit the General Office first to sign in and obtain a Visitor’s Badge. 

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS 

All people working with students at MPW require a ‘Working with Children’ check.These must be shown at the office where a copy is taken. This is a legal requirement of all schools.