Information for Parents - Middle School 2018

Information for Parents Middle School Years 4 to 8

1

CONTENTS

THE GEELONG COLLEGE

Pastoral Care/TripleR........................... 4 Beginning at the College...................... 5

VISION

Orientation Date of Commencement Welcome Evening Student Absences Medical Matters Special Family Situations Leaving the School Premises Student Drop-off & Collection Visitors to the School

Communication......................................... 6 Need to Know................................................ 8 Birthday Invitations Book List Excursions Friends of Enviro Garden Friendship Lists Fundraising Houses Laptop Collection Learning Lockers ..................................................................... 9 Lunch Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices PSPA Student Guidelines for Homework Students Selling Items at School SunSmart Uniform

Co-curricular................................................. 10 Out of School Hours Care / Vacation Care................................................ 12 Travel Information................................. 14 2

The Geelong College is an innovative and caring community of learners committed to making a positive difference to an ever changing world.

MISSION The Geelong College is a Uniting Church co-educational day and boarding school that creates outstanding opportunities for its community of students, encouraging and inspiring all to be positive contributors to our world.

TERM DATES 2018 TERM 1 Wednesday 31 January Monday 12 March Thursday 29 March

Students commence Labour Day holiday Term ends

Friday 30 March Monday 2 April

Good Friday Easter Monday

TERM 2 Tuesday 17 April Wednesday 25 April Monday 11 June Friday 22 June

Students commence Anzac Day holiday Queen’s Birthday holiday Term ends

TERM 3 Tuesday 17 July Friday 21 September

Students commence Term ends

TERM 4 Tuesday 9 October Monday 5 November Tuesday 11 December

Students commence Mid-term break Term ends

WELCOME Wonder, investigate, reflect, connect and collaborate are words that resonate with the learning experience at the Middle School.

The Geelong College recognises the importance of the relationships that exist between our students, teachers, parents and the community in general. It is our desire to foster positive and productive relationships and promote a sense of community as this provides a strong foundation for the learning journey.

The Middle School staff understand and respect the uniqueness of every child. Our teachers actively seek out the special qualities and attributes of every student and aim to provide the best possible education and learning experience.

On behalf of the Middle School staff, I extend a very warm welcome to you and your child as you embark on a new phase of learning and discovery.

We hope this booklet provides you with the information you need to ensure a happy and smooth start to your child’s school year.

Leanne Russell Head of Middle School 3

PASTORAL CARE The homeroom system at Middle School provides the structure for our pastoral care. Learning Mentors from Years 4 to 8 work closely with the students in their care to foster the College values so as to provide students with every opportunity to value themselves, respect each other, contribute to community service and to experience wellbeing. The emphasis at Middle School is that of the personal development of students, which facilitates their transition from dependence to independence.

Classes meet in homeroom groups twice daily, and Year 7 and 8 students have a mentor lesson each fortnight that is dedicated to pastoral time. At Years 4, 5 and 6 classes take part in regular TripleR lessons that encompass themes such as identity, growth and change.

Furthermore, the College expects every classroom and subject teacher to be responsive to the pastoral needs of students in their classes.

The Geelong College’s wellbeing program, TripleR, stands for resilience, relationships and reflection.

Specific initiatives to enhance wellbeing are integrated into the school’s learning programs at all year levels.

Resilience – I Can. Students are supported and challenged to develop an outlook that sees setbacks as an inevitable part of the human experience and to face difficulties knowing that they offer possibilities for personal growth.

Relationships – I Care. Students learn about establishing and maintaining positive relationships which demonstrate care and concern for others as well as themselves.

Reflection – Now I See. Students learn a range of self-managing and self-awareness skills including mindfulness, goal setting, good decision making, impulse control, identifying emotions and expressing them appropriately.

4

BEGINNING AT THE COLLEGE ORIENTATION An Orientation Day will be held at the Middle School from 9am to 3pm on Friday 1 December 2017 for all Middle School students. The aim of this day is to introduce the children to their class members and Learning Mentors. Both current and new students wear casual clothes for this special day.

A separate letter outlining arrangements for each year level will be emailed to families.

DATE OF COMMENCEMENT The academic year for 2018 will commence on Wednesday 31 January. The school day commences at 8.50am and finishes at 3.25pm.

WELCOME EVENING A Welcome Evening for parents of Middle School students will be held on Tuesday 6 February 2018.

Further details will be circulated later.

STUDENT ABSENCES If a student is absent, parents should contact the Middle School Office on 5226 8444 or send an email to MS-Reception@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au by 8.45am on the day of the absence. For long-term absences, a letter indicating the circumstances of the absence should be addressed to the Head of Middle School, Leanne Russell, and delivered to Middle School Reception. Alternatively you can email a notification of extended absence to mshos@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au. We discourage absences for reasons other than illness or serious family matters, but in unusual circumstances, a leave of absence may be sought in advance by writing to or emailing the Head of School. To maximise continuity and effectiveness of student learning, we particularly stress the importance of refraining from taking children out of school for holidays during term time.

MEDICAL MATTERS Parents of new students must enter medical information and emergency details into the College’s online system prior to entry. It is the responsibility of parents to keep this information updated and provide consent for educational activities such as excursions and trips when required. This online system, known as CareMonkey, eliminates the need for paper forms and provides our authorised staff with instant access to important medical and emergency contact details.

If any child has been suffering from an infectious illness, Health Department regulations must be observed and the school notified. Children suffering from obviously infectious cold symptoms should be kept at home.

SPECIAL FAMILY SITUATIONS We appreciate being informed of any changes to home situations, such as illness in the family, separation of parents, parents travelling etc. This assists our pastoral care staff as well as the specialist subject teachers. Heads of School and, as appropriate, Community Relations should be made aware of these changes.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL PREMISES If a child needs to leave the school premises for whatever reason, eg. appointment, they must have a note in their Student Planner signed by a parent and their Learning Mentor, and report to Middle School Reception before leaving. Students must report back in at Reception if they return to school that day.

STUDENT DROP-OFF AND COLLECTION The drop off and collection zones for Middle School students are the Robertson Hall Carpark (Minerva Road Entrance) and Aberdeen Street lower gate, just prior to the turnaround. The staff carpark on Aberdeen Street and Reception carpark are not to be used for this purpose.

The school grounds are supervised daily from 8.25am until 3.50pm. We ask students not be dropped off before 8.25am as they will not be supervised. Any student waiting for parents after 3.50pm will be directed to the Middle School Library, which is open until 4.30pm (4pm Fridays). After this time students will be sent to After School Care at Junior School, where a charge will apply.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL We ask any visitors to the school to sign in at Reception and collect a visitor badge. This badge should be worn at all times while on the school grounds.

5

COMMUNICATION COLLEGE TO PARENTS Parent Portal: Specific information for current families such as news, events, uniform shop details and more can be found on the Parent Portal (https://gnet.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au). The portal is a password-protected area that also contains specific information on your child.

Bulletin: Parents will be emailed a link to the College Bulletin each week during term time. The bulletin provides a wrap of College-wide news and events, as well as school-specific information. It is important that parents take time to read the bulletin each week.

Learning Together: “Learning Together” is a shared space for all members of the College community to learn – a place to share resources, archive projects, communicate ideas and develop learning relationships with others. Student blogs and digital portfolios provide first-hand views of the learning experiences taking place inside and outside of the classroom. Parents can view the blogs and leave comments via the Learning Together icon on the Parent Portal’s home page.

College website: The College website (www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au) features general College information, news, photos and videos.

Social media: “Like” The Geelong College on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and events. Follow us on Twitter to learn more about educational opinions and insights. We also use Instagram at Year 4 (agoodtomorrow), Year 5 (tgcdesignersandmakers) and Year 6 (tgc_techtales).

Special publications: The College publishes its community magazine Ad Astra twice a year. Ad Astra contains articles on school learning programs and events, as well as content about Old Collegians.

The College also releases a yearbook, Pegasus, at the end of each school year.

Student Planner: Each student has a Student Planner, which serves as a daily diary. The planner must be taken to and from school each day. All school notes and reminders are placed in the planner.

We ask parents to check and initial the student planner daily and sign it weekly. Planners provide a three-way form of communication between parents, their child and the teacher – and we encourage its frequent use.

Reports: Reports will become available on the Parent Portal at the following times of the year: Years 4, 5 and 6 Years 7 and 8 Years 7 and 8

Written Reports Interim Reports Written Reports

End of Terms 2 and 4 End of Terms 1 and 3 End of Terms 2 and 4

Learning Conferences: Learning Conferences are scheduled sessions to share your child’s learning. Details of these dates will be circulated to parents well before the event. Parents are strongly encouraged to arrange times to discuss their child’s progress with their teachers and specialist staff at any stage throughout the school year.

Learning Conferences are scheduled during the year as follows: Years 4, 5 and 6 Years 7 and 8 Years 4 to 8

6

Pastoral Conferences with Homeroom Teacher Learning Conferences – student, teacher and parents Student-Led Conferences

Mid Term 1 End of Term 1 Mid Term 3

PARENTS TO COLLEGE We encourage parents to contact the school with any areas of concern or for advice. The primary contact is the student’s Learning Mentor. For matters of urgency, reception can relay a message to the teacher. The Head of Middle School, Deputy Head of Middle School and Year Level Coordinators are available for urgent matters. Our School Counsellors and Chaplains are also available to support students and their families. If you wish to have a longer discussion, we ask that you make an appointment with the teacher concerned.

Key Contacts 2018 Peter Miller, Principal Roger Smith, Deputy Principal Leanne Russell, Head of Middle School Paul Jubber, Deputy Head of Middle School Georgina Rolls, Year 8 Coordinator Emma O’Callaghan, Year 7 Coordinator Doug Wade, Years 4, 5 and 6 Coordinator TBA, Leader of Learning 4-8 Cathie Thornton and Kate Sculley, School Counsellors Leanne Earl, Junior and Middle School Chaplain Middle School Health Centre (Nurse)

5226 3107 5226 3111 5226 8444 5226 8456 5226 8436 5226 8436 5226 8419 5226 8441 5226 3186 5226 8406 5226 8426

Contact details: It is important to keep the school updated about any new or changed family phone numbers, addresses or email contacts. These changes can be made by contacting Community Relations at communityrelations@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or 5226 3156, or by logging into the My Account section of the Parent Portal.

7

NEED TO KNOW BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS We are happy to distribute birthday invitations at school if the whole class has been invited. If not, we ask that you send invitations by mail for the sake of discretion. Learning Mentors will gladly acknowledge a child’s special day but will politely decline invitations to parties or any other parent requests for involvement or assistance with organisational matters.

BOOK LIST Our book list supplier is Campion Education (Aust) Pty Ltd, located at 36 Little Myers Street, Geelong.

Book lists will be available online at www.campion. com.au – Click “ORDER NOW”, locate The Geelong College (under “T” not “G”), click “Get Resource List” and use the code EP5S. The final date for submission of book list orders to Campion Education is Friday 1 December.

Book lists are available online at www.campion. com.au. PDF copies will also be published on the Parent Portal, in the Curriculum section. You may also collect a paper copy of the relevant book list at Middle School Reception if you wish.

Ordered books will be available for collection at the Senior School in Classrooms G1 and G2 (next to the Davey House Business Office, Noble Street) on Monday 29 January 2018.

Please note that late orders may be lodged at the Campion store in Little Myers Street or via their Home Delivery Service, but this will involve an additional cost. Similarly, uncollected packages will be returned to the Campion store in Little Myers Street for individual pickup.

EXCURSIONS During the year the children will participate in excursions that relate to their classroom studies.

At the beginning of the year, a 2018 Excursion Approval Form will be sent via CareMonkey to be approved by parents. Excursion Information Letters will be emailed prior to each excursion to advise you of the arrangements.

FRIENDS OF ENVIRO GARDEN The Friends of Enviro Garden aims to support and celebrate the Enviro Garden and associated learning programs. The FOEG provides support in a variety of ways, from volunteering at working bees to sharing knowledge and donations. It is a way for past students, parents, grandparents and friends to stay involved with our wonderful Enviro Garden. To become a member, email the Friends Liaison Coordinator at friendsofenviro@ geelongcollege.vic.edu.au 8

FRIENDSHIP LISTS Each class has a friendship list that is found on the Parent Portal. This is a useful place to arrange social activities for your child so it is important that you register on the list by visiting the Parent Portal, selecting the friendship list icon and logging in.

FUNDRAISING While the College encourages and supports a range of social and community service initiatives, students wishing to support such programs through awareness campaigns and fundraising, are required to seek permission from the Head of Middle School to do so.

HOUSES Pegasus and Bellerophon are the Middle School’s oldest houses, dating back to 1921.

Helicon House was introduced in 1947 (then named Rolland House) and Minerva House was introduced in 1963. The house colours are: Bellerophon, blue; Helicon, green; Minerva, red; and Pegasus, white.

The cross-age nature of the groupings gives the older students a chance to buddy and mentor their younger counterparts. Every child can make a positive contribution to their House; whether it is during House Sport or Music, or simply getting to know, support and encourage each other in the House and during House competitions.

Regular meetings where a range of fun activities are organised by the respective Heads of House further assist in the process of uniting the students of each House. Students are proud of the Houses they represent and the Year 8 students especially aspire to a range of leadership positions, as captains of various sporting teams or as the overall House Captain.

LAPTOP COLLECTION Years 7 and 8 students only: The laptop collection date, prior to the beginning of the school year, will be advised through the Parent Portal. A separate letter outlining arrangements for each year level will be sent to families.

Years 5 and 6 students will receive their laptops in the first week of the school year.

LEARNING To read about our College-wide Vision for Learning, visit http://www.geelongcollege.vic.edu. au/learning-teaching/vision-for-learning Curriculum information, namely the Years 7 and 8 Curriculum Guide and the Year 8 Electives Guide, can be found in the Parent Portal’s “Curriculum” section.

LOCKERS, LOCKS/COMBINATION PADLOCKS Years 5, 7 and 8 students only: The Deputy Head of Middle School will allocate lockers for books and sports clothes at the commencement of each year. All students must use the Stewarts or Abus Combination padlocks supplied from the Middle School Office. Please note that $17 will be added to the student’s account to cover the cost of the padlock.

LUNCH Lunches can be purchased at the Middle School Canteen at recess and lunchtime. The lunch order menu is available on the Parent Portal.

Food Sharing and Anaphylaxis Policy: At the College we have a number of students with food allergies. Our Middle School Canteen and Enviro Kitchen are nut free, and we encourage all families to be nut aware.

Parents can also assist us in providing the safest, healthiest school environment for all our students. Please do not provide food to share among students. There are times throughout the year when we have occasions where events and parties with food are held, but these are very carefully planned and controlled by our staff and the Health Centre, considering the needs of all the children.

Our College Anaphylaxis Policy can be found on the Parent Portal (https://gnet.geelongcollege.vic. edu.au/portal/home/Parent-Guidelines-Policies).

MOBILE PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES Mobile phones and devices must be placed in a locker as soon as students arrive at school. They are permitted to check their phones for messages at their lockers at the start of recess and lunch times. At all other times, phones and devices should remain in lockers unless they are given permission to use their device for educational purposes. Use of mobile devices outside the above arrangements will result in confiscation, normally until the end of the day. The school does not accept any responsibility for the loss or theft of mobile phones and devices carried for private use.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION (PSPA) The PSPA helps facilitate active parent involvement in the Junior and Middle School community. The association hosts a number of events throughout the school year, providing a chance for parents to meet and socialise in the College environment. We encourage all parents to contribute to College life.

Parent Support Groups: In addition to the PSPA, there are Parent Support Groups for music, drama and various sports which encourage parent involvement and support for these activities. These groups raise funds, host social events and support the students and teachers, they are an excellent way to make new friends and learn about the activities your child is passionate about.

STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR HOMEWORK Recommended times for homework, recorded below, reflect the minimum required time. At the secondary level, this work will include the opportunity for further research and the extension of class work, as well as revision. Homework tasks may also be set on Friday. Learning Mentors will negotiate the Homework Timetable according to subject distribution.

Suggested times for homework per week are: • In Years 4, 5 and 6: anything from 20 minutes to one hour depending on year level.

This can include reading.

• In Years 7 and 8: one to one-and-a-half hours a night, four nights a week, and some time at the weekend. Teachers will allocate regular homework.

Further specifics regarding homework can be found in the Student Planner.

STUDENTS SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL Students are not permitted to sell items to others while at school. This includes such things as sweets and trending toys.

SUNSMART The College will assist students to gain an understanding of appropriate behaviours related to protection against the harmful effects of the sun. Students are actively encouraged to use sunscreen when they are involved in outdoor activities in Terms 1 and 4. During this time, they will be required to wear hats/caps for Physical Education classes, sports training and matches in the summer season.

UNIFORM The College Uniform Shop is the only official authorised supplier of the school uniform. For more information please refer to the “Uniform Guidelines 2018” booklet or the “Uniform Shop” section of the Parent Portal.

School Bags: The Geelong College backpack can be bought from the College Uniform Shop.

The College sports bag is sold through the PSPA. Order forms can be found on the Parent Portal and from Middle School Reception.

9

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC A vibrant part of College life is the student’s musical journey. Students are encouraged to participate in the instrumental program - learn an instrument or voice, participate in the instrumental and vocal ensembles and perform at the many formal and informal occasions throughout the school year.

Tuition: Instrumental tuition is available on all orchestral string, woodwind and brass instruments.

Voice, guitar and percussion tuition are available from Year 6. Music theory tuition is available from Year 5 once a suitable level of proficiency has been achieved on their instrument (approx. Grade 3).

Enrolment: Eight lessons are charged in advance of the term on the understanding that students are present for weekly lessons for the whole term, unless illness, public holidays or school activities prevent these from taking place. In a ten week term, the remaining two lessons will be charged on the next school account.

Lessons missed where students are absent due to a family holiday will be charged. Where parents have provided instrumental teachers with sufficient notice (8 weeks’ notice), staff will attempt to schedule make up lessons during that term or the following term.

Lessons missed where students are absent due to illness will not be charged if instrumental teachers have been notified prior to 7.30am on the morning of the lesson.

Make up lessons will not be scheduled when no notice has been received by the instrumental teacher.

Ensembles: All students participating in the instrumental tuition program on voice, woodwind, brass, strings, percussion and guitar are required to participate in the College’s ensemble program.

Instrumental ensembles are established to cater for the variety of proficiency levels. It is not mandatory for percussion students at Senior School to be involved in a percussion ensemble. We strongly encourage piano students at all campuses to participate in the choral program.

Participation in smaller instrumental and vocal chamber groups is assessed on an individual basis, subject to existing participation in the large ensembles, and by invitation for the Stage Bands and Symphony Orchestra.

Students involved in the Stage Bands at Middle School or Senior School, as well as the Senior School Symphony Orchestra must also be members of the Concert Bands and/or String Orchestra.

Regular weekly attendance is a vital part of each student’s commitment to their ensemble. Parents are requested to support the program by not scheduling appointments, sport and birthday dinners, etc during these rehearsal times. Notice of absence from a rehearsal is requested from parents by providing notice to the conductor or reminding their child to contact the conductor via email. All students in each ensemble are expected to participate in the concert program which includes Music Evenings and the Foundation Concert. The Music Department Calendar is located on the Music page of the College Portal.

Practice of the ensemble repertoire must be part of a student’s regular home practice and part of the student’s learning with their instrumental teacher.

Swan Bay Band (Beginner brass/wind) Wednesdays, 3.30-4.30pm Barwon Concert Band (Intermediate brass/wind) Wednesdays, 3.30-5.00pm Balyang Strings (Year 4 strings) Wednesdays, 3.30-4.30pm Moorabool Orchestra (Years 5-6 strings) Wednesdays, 3.30-4.30pm Otway Orchestra (Years 7-8 strings)

Wednesdays, 3.30-5.00pm Primary Boys’ & Girls’ Choirs (Years 4-6) Tuesdays, 8.00-8.50am Secondary Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs (Years 7-8) Fridays, 7.30-8.30am (KHC) Further information: An outline of the procedures and protocols for learning an instrument at The Geelong College is detailed in the document ‘Music Tuition 2018’. This document can be accessed on the Music page of the College Portal: https://gnet.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au/portal/home/music If you would like to discuss any aspect of the instrumental tuition program, please contact Ms Janice Boyce, Instrumental Music Tuition Coordinator (5226 3126 or Janice.Boyce@ geelongcollege.vic.edu.au).

If you would like to discuss any other aspects of the College’s music program, please contact Mr Mark Irwin, Director of Music (5226 3187 or Mark.Irwin@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au).

10

SPORT In addition to an extensive classroom Physical Education program, Middle School students learn to play a wide variety of competitive and non-competitive sports including football, netball and tennis, focusing on skill development and teamwork.

Years 5 and 6 students are involved in the timetabled Primary Sports Program every Thursday afternoon. This program aims to actively promote positive sports participation and develop students’ health and wellbeing through regular training and competitions against schools in the Geelong region. Years 5 and 6 students are involved in Summer and Winter Sports including: Swimming, Tennis, Kanga’s 7 Cricket, T-Ball, Volleystars (summer); Australian Rules, Soccer, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, T-Ball, Volleystars (winter).

Students have the opportunity to join community teams and to try a wide range of sporting activities through their primary years.

Year 4, 5 and 6 students are encouraged to be part of the College’s Swimming, Cross Country or Track and Field teams competing in Terms 1, 2 and 3.

Students in Year 7 and 8 compete in the APS school sport program, challenging them to mix with different peer groups, to keep fit, and to have fun. Students train out of school hours twice a week and compete regularly on Saturday mornings, both in Melbourne and Geelong.

As a member of the Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS), we offer a wide range of sports at Years 7 and 8: • APS Summer sports: Badminton, Cricket, Diving, Rowing, Softball, Swimming and Tennis.

• APS Winter sports: Basketball, Football, Hockey, Netball and Soccer.

• APS Spring sports: Athletics and Water Polo.

Competitive Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Shooting, Snow Sports, Surf Lifesaving and Surfing are offered in addition to the APS sports.

PERFORMING ARTS The Performing Arts are an important part of learning at Middle School. In Drama, students learn to understand a range of performance and scripting styles with specialist teachers. Drama performances unite the school community. There is a Year 8 Production held annually and younger students participate in various dramatic performances for their class, peers and the community. Through the various productions, students of varying ages are encouraged to develop their interest in drama and music whether it is on stage or through support activities such as costume creation, set design and construction, technical support or publicity. Dance is offered as an elective in Year 8.

11

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE HELEN MACKIE LIBRARY The Middle School Library is open before school from 8.30am. The library is also open after school until 4.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 4pm on Fridays. Students are required to sign in on arrival and parents are asked to sign them out. Any student not collected by the time the library closes will be sent to the Outside School Hours Care program at the Junior School, where a charge applies.

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE The Outside School Hours Care program based at the Junior School offers care from Monday to Friday from 3.25pm to 6pm (school days only). The program is inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach to learning.

Full supervision is provided and your child will participate in activities that are safe and enjoyable. The program includes a variety of indoor experiences based on the children’s interests, as well as outdoor games and play. There is also an opportunity for older children to complete their homework.

The program provides a snack for the children around 3.45pm. This typically consists of water, sandwiches and fruit.

Bookings: Families are encouraged to book children in early. Bookings can be made by calling 5226 8444. or emailing Middle School Reception on MS-Reception@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au.

Outside School Hours Care can be contacted after school on 5226 8470 or 0409 674 324.

Regular bookings can be made on a term-by-term basis and should be arranged as soon as possible after the commencement of Term 1, and reconfirmed or altered before the beginning of subsequent school terms.

Casual bookings are made through the Middle School Office, 5226 8444, at any time prior to 10am on the day. Parents are requested to advise the office staff of the approximate collection time from Outside School Hours Care. Cancellation notices must be given prior to 10am on the day of care.

Bookings which are cancelled after 10am will be charged.

Fees for 2018: OSHC Fees will be included on the College term fee account.

Full Time (3.15pm – after 4.30pm) $24 per child Full Time Siblings $22 per child Part Time (3.15pm – 4.30pm) $15.50 per child Part Time Siblings $13.50 per child A special reduced weekly rate of $95 per child applies for five full sessions accessed in a week.

12

COLLECTION/DEPARTURE OF CHILDREN When collecting your child from Outside School Hours Care, please contact one of the educators and sign the departure form. If a child is to be taken home by a person other than those listed on the official form, a signed authority from the child’s parent must be obtained. The educators and OSHC Coordinator should be informed of such changes prior to the child being collected.

All children are required to be collected by 6pm. If there is an emergency and a child has not been collected by 6pm, the staff will endeavour to contact parents, then the emergency contact person (as advised by parents) and finally the Head of Middle School or Head of Junior School.

A charge of $10 per 15 minutes, or part thereof, applies for each child picked up after 6pm, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

VACATION CARE PROGRAM The Geelong College offers a Vacation Care program for the first week of each of the school holidays and each Monday before term begins. For dates and availability please phone 0409 674 324. It is open to current students and, depending on numbers, will be divided into age-appropriate activities.

This program caters for children from 3 years old to approximately 12 years and offers an excellent balance and variety of campus-based and excursion experiences, of the highest quality for schoolaged and pre-school children. Children participate in excursions, cooking, craft and sporting activities, with full use of the College’s facilities and equipment, including the Recreation Centre, gymnasium, sports equipment, ovals and libraries.

Please note that the program must meet the licence requirements of the Department of Education and Training.

13

TRAVEL INFORMATION For enquiries about transport to and from school, please contact the College’s Bus Coordinator, BusCoordinator@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or visit the Portal for up-to-date information and forms.

The following details are set down for the general information of parents and to assist in matters related to transport to and from the College.

LOCAL BUSES Geelong Transit System (GTS) operates a Newtown service which runs between the city, the Middle School and the Senior School. Specific details should be obtained directly from the relevant GTS operator (either CDC on 5240 5000 or McHarry’s on 5223 2111). Services are operated from other urban areas to the city where the connection with the GTS service is possible.

GTS (GEELONG TRANSIT SYSTEM) The Geelong Transit Card (either half-yearly or yearly) is purchased from V/Line at major railway stations. Application forms are available from the the Bus Coordinator in Davey House in January.

The forms must be completed and verified by the Bus Travel Coordinator before V/Line will issue a pass. Please note two passport photos are required with the form. These passes allow unlimited travel within the GTS urban area which extends to Leopold, Grovedale and Lara.

BELLARINE PENINSULA AND SURF COAST PUBLIC TRANSPORT McHarry’s Buslines operates services from the following towns located on the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast – Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, St Leonards, Clifton Springs, Leopold, Drysdale, Breamlea and Torquay. Details of particular services, times and routes should be obtained from McHarry’s Buslines on 5223 2111.

If you live on the coastal side of Bawtree Road, Leopold, or the coastal side of Mount Duneed Road, Mount Duneed, you will be required to purchase a Vic Student Pass. Application forms are available from the Bus Coordinator in Davey House in January. The forms must be completed and verified by the Bus Coordinator before V/Line will issue a pass, please note two passport photos are required with the form.

You may be eligible to claim a Conveyance Allowance to reimburse the cost of the bus pass if you meet the means test criteria and live more than 4.8km radial distance from the school. To see if you are eligible visit the Department of Education and Training website, www.education.vic.gov.au.

These forms are also available from the Bus Coordinator in Davey House.

14

RURAL/OTHER AREAS – APPLICATION TO TRAVEL FORM The Education Department operates bus services from Lorne, Anglesea, Deans Marsh, Winchelsea, Cressy, Meredith, Bannockburn/Lethbridge, Aireys Inlet, Paraparap, Bambra, Bellbrae, Buckley, Ceres, Conewarre, Eastern View, Fairhaven, Freshwater Creek, Inverleigh, Little River, Lovely Banks, Maude, Modewarre, Moriac, Shelford, Staughtonvale, Stonehaven, Teesdale, Waurn Ponds and Anakie. If you wish to make use of any of these services, please contact the School Contract Bus Coordinator at Matthew Flinders Girls’ Secondary College on 5221 8834. An Application for Travel form (blue form) can also be obtained from the Bus Coordinator in Davey House.

PRIVATE BUS TRAVEL As an alternative to the public school bus service, the College operates buses that pick up students from designated stops in the morning and drops them at the same place in the afternoons. The cost of fares will be advised each year and charged via the school fees. A conveyance form must be completed (available from Davey House or the Parent Portal).

Routes included are: Colac/Birregurra/Winchelsea/Moriac/Ceres Torquay Anglesea/Jan Juc/Freshwater Creek Williamstown/Sanctuary Lakes/Werribee/Little River/Lara Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads

LATE BUS The College runs a Late Sports Bus to Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove and Torquay/Jan Juc from Monday to Thursday, to transport students with after-school sports training commitments. The route times are available for download on the Parent Portal.

Bookings are essential in order to provide adequate seats for students using the Late Bus. Please email BusCoordinator@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au to make the arrangements.

15

SHAPING THE FUTURE www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au +61 3 5226 8444 CRICOS: 00142G 16