PMACS Pre-Kindergarten Handbook 2022

PRE-KINDERGARTEN NEW STUDENT HANDBOOK 2022 Peter Moyes Anglican Community School A school of the Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

I Belong - Everyone Matters - Together We Achieve

1

Welcome Welcome to our School community. We look forward to a long partnership in the years ahead.

At Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, we aim to be an inclusive, dynamic and future-focussed centre of excellence in teaching and learning, pastoral care, worship and service.

We are a caring, compassionate and innovative learning community where everyone matters, and all are inspired to be their best. Our students are empowered to imagine, be creative and achieve their true potential.

Our students are blessed with a dynamic environment abuzz with a sense of purpose, accomplishment and excitement about their learning.

Mr Benjamin Lomas Principal

Mr Roderick Wood Associate Principal Primary School

Ms Kellie Shimmings Acting Dean of Students Primary School

2

Gymnasium

Allan Shaw Centre

Chapel Secondary School

Main Admin

Year 7 Building

Pre-Kindy & Pre-Primary Parking

Primary School

3

2022 Term Dates Term One Primary Students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 Commence Term 1

Monday 31st January

Pre-Kindergarten students commence Term 1

Tuesday 1st Feburary

Labour Day Public Holiday Monday 7thMarch Term One Ends for Students and Staff

Friday 8th April

Good Friday Public Holiday

Friday 15th April

Easter Monday Public Holiday

Monday 18th April

ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Monday 25th April

Term Two Students Commence Term Two

Tuesday 28th April

Staff PD Day / Student Holiday

Friday 3rd June

Western Australia Day Public Holiday

Monday 6th June

Term Two Ends for Students and Staff

Friday 1st July

Term Three Students Commence Term Three

Monday 25th July

Term Three Ends for Students and Staff

Thursday 22nd September

Queen’s Birthday Monday 26th September

Term Four Students Commence Term Four

Monday 10th October

Term Four Ends for Students

Friday 9th December

4

The Pre-Kindergarten Programme The Pre-Kindergarten introduces the children to their first learning environment in an exciting and informal way. It is our aim to make the transition from home to School as easy as possible by providing a warm, friendly atmosphere in which the children can interact and meet challenges without fear of failure. The learning environment is relaxed, allowing children to build confidence and independence while developing positive attitudes towards other children, adults and to learning in general.

The Pre-Kindergarten programme is based on the Early Years Learning Framework. The main objective of the programme is to introduce children to group situations whilst enjoying and discovering new experiences. Learning experiences are designed to promote the overall development of the child: spiritual, cognitive, emotional, social and physical.

Through inquiry and play based learning activities the programme provides opportunities for children to develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes at an appropriate level.

• •

Gross and fine motor skills are developed during indoor and outdoor activities.

A range of activities are provided, designed to develop creativity, literacy and numeracy skills.

5

Your Child’s First Day The first few weeks at Pre-Kindergarten are very important for both you and your child. Your child needs your support, both at School and at home. For many children, this may be the first big step towards independence. It is a time in which they learn to cope with unfamiliar adults, peers, environments and routines. Getting your child off to a good start in the first few weeks of school will foster future positive attitudes. There are a number of things you can do to help prepare your child for that first day:

•

Be positive and reassuring about school.

•

Read age-appropriate books about going to school.

•

Mention the teacher’s name and talk to your child about what he/she may do at school.

•

Visit the school with your child. Explore the playground and classroom.

•

Walk or drive the route your child will take to school.

•

Prepare your child’s uniform and school bag. Pre-wash school clothes and wear in new school shoes, so they are comfortable to wear on the first day.

•

Start early to help your child adjust to your occasional absences. Gradually increase the number and duration of visits with relatives, friends and other caregivers to improve your child’s comfort level with those outside the immediate family.

•

Try not to build too much significance into the first day. Your child’s first day of school is indeed a milestone, but too much hype can make children nervous. Your child will approach the first day with less apprehension if it is treated as a normal part of everyday life.

•

Prepare your child at home. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, gets enough physical activity and plenty of sleep!

•

Please label everything.

6

What To Bring For each Pre-Kindergarten Session, please bring the following:

School Bag Please bring a small backpack that your child will be able to recognise.

Hat Children are not permitted to play outside without a hat. The School adopts a ‘No hat, no play’ policy. We will place a label on the outside of the hat so that your child is easily identifiable outdoors. School hats are available from the Uniform Shop. Please put your name on the inside.

Shoes Children are required to wear black leather sports shoes with Velcro straps, as they are involved in physical activities every day. Please ensure that these are sports shoes and have a flexible sole. It is very difficult for children to climb and run if shoes have a rigid sole.

Fruit Each child will be required to bring a piece of fruit for each session. Other options are raw vegetables, dried fruit or cheese. Please note that nuts and nut products should not be brought to School.

Lunch Our intention is to promote healthy eating habits. Please do not send sugar-laden treats to school. We recommend that you pack fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, cheese, sandwiches, rolls or crackers. Please ensure that all food is easy to manage.

Drink bottle This should contain water only. Children have access to their water bottles at all times of the day. No further liquids are necessary.

Change of clothing A spare set of clothes and underpants (including wipes) should be kept in a zipped plastic bag in your child’s school bag to allow us to quickly attend to accidents or spills.

Please ensure each of your child’s items are clearly labelled, including socks!

7

Attendance Times Children attend Pre-Kindergarten on the specified day as confirmed by Enrolments, from 8:10am to 1:10pm unless a full day has been requested.

At 8:00am the doors will open and you are welcome to come inside. Please place your child’s water bottle on the trolley, show your child where the toilets are, and then choose a book or activity and sit down with your child. You are free to have a look around the room.

At approximately 8:30, a signal will be given for you to say ‘Goodbye’ to your child and we will begin our day.

Please reassure your child that you will be there to collect them at the end of the session/day and then depart quickly, especially if your child is emotional.

Collecting Children It is important to arrive on time and to collect your child promptly, as this will help him or her feel more secure.

At the conclusion of each day, children are dismissed individually to their parent or caregiver. We will not release your child to another adult without prior arrangement. If you have arranged for your child to be collected by another family member or friend, please advise Pre-Kindergarten staff in writing. A book will be placed at the classroom door for your convenience.

We realise that unforeseen circumstances arise at times. If you are unable to collect your child or are running late, please telephone Primary School Reception on 9304 5566 to advise the teacher. Children who are not collected by 3:00pm will be taken to the Main Reception to await collection.

8

Personal Belongings Personal toys and belongings are not permitted at school as they can cause arguments and may be broken or lost. Please ensure that your child’s name is on all personal items.

Uniform For a copy of the School Uniform Policy, please visit the School Policies and Procedures Webpage: www.petermoyes.wa.edu.au/school-policies-and-procedures

Key Focus Area 2 Pre- Kindergarten Summer and Winter Uniform

•

French Navy and Emerald Green striped polo shirt with School crest

•

French navy School rugby shorts or French navy School trackpants

•

French Navy tracktop with School crest

•

School striped white ankle sock in Summer, School striped navy ankle sock in Winter

•

Navy legionnaires hat with School crest

•

Black leather sports shoes with velcro fastening and flexible sole

•

French navy School bag with School crest (Optional)

9

Uniform Shop Our School Uniform is designed to be smart and distinctive. It incorporates the colours French navy and emerald green, with a striped blazer and tartan dress.

Our Uniform Shop sells new Uniforms for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. The only item which is not available in the Uniform Shop is shoes.

For a copy of the School Uniform Policy please visit the School Policies and Procedures Webpage: www. petermoyes.wa.edu.au/school-policies-and-procedures For information about uniform pricing, please visit the School Website: www.petermoyes.wa.edu.au/ community/uniform-shop

Location The Uniform Shop is located on the ground floor of the Administration Building on Elliston Parade. Please enter using the external door.

Opening Hours The Uniform Shop is open twice a week during the term, at the following times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:45am to 12:00pm Please check the School App and Newsletter for details about special School Holiday opening hours.

Second Hand Uniforms You can buy and sell second hand Uniforms through the Uniform Shop.

10

Other Relevant Information

Absences Reporting Absentees If your child will be absent it is important that you inform the School prior to the beginning of the School day. Parents must contact the Primary School Reception by phone, email or using the School App: •

Primary School Reception (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6) (08) 9304 5566 or primaryschool@pmacs.wa.edu.au

Late Arrivals If arriving at School late, students must report to Primary School Reception for a late note to take to their class teacher.

Leaving Early Students must be signed out at Primary School Reception by a parent or guardian if they are required to leave early for an appointment.

Periods of Extended Leave The School strongly discourages student absences caused by additional holidays being taken during term time. It is recognised that there are sometimes special family circumstances requiring such extra holidays to be taken; however, these must always be exceptional. Unnecessarily disrupting the learning programme of a student inevitably causes difficulties for students when they return to the School from any such extended absences. Where a family believes that an extended holiday outweighs the learning disadvantages, then parents need to understand that teachers cannot be held responsible for any gaps that develop in the learning of their children. Furthermore, it is not an expectation on staff that they prepare work, or chase up student work, as a result of any such absence.

For all these reasons, the timing and duration of any extended absences should be carefully considered by families and, where appropriate, discussed with the School.

11

After School Care Care for students can be provided on campus after School by the team from Atlantis. After School Care is run Monday to Friday, from the Western Foyer of the Primary School, for children aged 4 to 12. (Children under 4 years can attend as long as they are attending Peter Moyes.)

After School Care is available until 6:00pm. Children have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities including sports coaching clinics, free play, art and craft activities and supervised homework time. They are also provided with a healthy afternoon tea.

To enquire please contact the Atlantis Coordinator: Crystal Harrison 0499 949 769 pm@atlantisonline.com.au To make a booking, please visit the School Website using the URL below to download the complete Enrolment Form and EZI Debit Form and return completed forms to Atlantis. www.petermoyes.wa.edu.au/community/before-after-school-care Please note that additional fees apply for these programmes, payable directly to Atlantis.

12

Anglican Vision and Values Peter Moyes Anglican Community School is one of the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) system of schools. The School is named after Peter Moyes, the Commission’s first Director and former Headmaster of Christ Church Grammar School whose vision in establishing the Commission was to develop affordable Anglican schools in Western Australia that provided a high quality, socially inclusive and caring Christian education.

As an ASC School we seek to demonstrate and advocate to our students, staff and the wider community the worth of the ASC’s six core values: Faith: Living the Gospel values and Anglican traditions Excellence: Pursuing high standards in all things Justice: Demonstrating fairness, compassion and conviction; advocating for the educationally disadvantaged Respect: Respecting self, others and our world Integrity: Acting with honesty and openness Diversity: Promoting social inclusion and celebrating difference.

These values have been used to develop the Vision, Purpose and Values of our School. As a Christian community in the Anglican tradition, the School wishes to engender the following Vision, Purpose and Values within our students, staff and wider community.

Our Vision To be a caring, compassionate and innovative learning community where everyone matters and all are inspired to be their best.

Our Purpose To be an inclusive, dynamic and future-focused centre of excellence in teaching and learning, pastoral care, worship and service, preparing students for a changing world.

Our Values The following values guide all we do at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School: Faith: Living by Christian values in the service of others.

Excellence: Striving to be the best you can for yourself and others.

Compassion: Showing empathy, being kind and supporting others.

Respect: Valuing self and others and acting with care for the world.

Responsibility: Honouring your commitments and being accountable for your actions.

Courage: Daring to do the right thing and embracing challenges.

13

Our School seeks to focus on the needs and development of the whole person. These are incorporated in the range of activities experienced principally by our students and staff, but also by our School families, in the formal and informal elements of the School’s curriculum.

The School recognises and believes that: •

All students are able to learn.

•

Learning is best conducted in a safe environment, where mistakes can be made without ridicule.

•

The focus of School life must be a holistic one that includes the full and balanced development of each member of the School community; intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, moral, physical, social, and spiritual.

•

A healthy balance must exist between the demands of School and home life for students, staff and parents.

•

Learning best occurs when the learner integrates experience, imagination, information and application.

•

Regular support and assistance to learning is vital for teachers, students and parents.

•

The greatest success occurs when students, staff and parents work in unison.

“It is our innovative learning community, based on faith and compassion that is at the heart of our School’s vision to inspire courage and develop resilience, equipping our students to be the best version of themselves, so that they can be of service to others and confidently take their place in this rapidly changing world” (Mr Benjamin Lomas, School Principal, outlining his Vision for the School, September 2019)

14

Birthdays We always enjoy celebrating the children’s birthdays. If you would like to provide cupcakes or a sweet treat to share with the class you are most welcome. Please send individual portions, such as cupcakes or biscuits, as slices of cake are very awkward for the children to manage.

If your child’s birthday falls during the holidays or on a weekend, please feel free to bring cupcakes after we return to school.

If you are giving out party invitations for the whole class you may give them to the teacher for distribution.

If you are only inviting some of the children please hand these out yourself, as those children who are not invited often become upset.

If your child has a food allergy you might like to provide a supply of something your child can eat so that he/she doesn’t feel left out. However, please note that nuts and nut products should not be brought to school.

Communication Communication between home and school is very important. Should anything happen at home to upset your child in any way, we would appreciate you advising your child’s teacher.

We will keep you informed about the Pre-Kindergarten programme through notes, newsletters, School App, SeeSaw and the parent notice board. The School Mobile App is also a valuable source for reminders and links.

School Newsletter The School produces two editions of the Newsletter each Term. The Newsletter includes notices, messages from the Principal and Chaplain, student news and stories about student activities.

It is available to read on the School App, Facebook Page and School Website.

15

Parent Portal Just prior to your child commencing at the School parents will receive login details for the Parent Portal.

The Parent Portal allows parents and guardians to have secure access to key records including reports, which will vary depending on the Sub-School. It is also the place where tuition fees are paid.

It is important for all parents to have an active Parent Portal account as this is one of the initial points of contact of the School.

The Parent Portal should be accessed using Chrome from a desktop computer or laptop. Not all functions are available when accessing the Parent Portal from a mobile device, iPad or tablet.

If you experience difficulty with logging into the Parent Portal, or require assistance using it, please email admin@pmacs.wa.edu.au

School App The School has a Mobile App that provides information and reminders about School Notices, access to the School Calendar, Sports information and the School Newsletter. From the App you can find key School contacts easily and notify the School if your child will be absent. There are also quick links to the Uniform Shop, FlexiSchools lunch ordering, booklists and more.

The App is used as one of the main communication links between the School and parents. It is for this reason that we encourage all parents to download it.

The App is available for iPhones, iPads and Android devices. To download the App search for “Peter Moyes Anglican Community School” or “PMACS” in your device’s App Store.

Once downloaded, please ensure the following functions are enabled: • Visit the settings section to select your preferred subscriptions for year group and sports so that you will receive tailored notices.

• Allow push notifications so that you will receive important notices, such as alerts.

16

School Facebook Page The School has a Facebook Page where we share School events and announcements, news and activities, photographs and student achievements. It is not used for reminders, as reminders are sent out via the School App. To like or follow the page use this URL: www.facebook.com/peterMoyesACS/ (Please Note: This is the only official School Facebook page so make sure you like or follow the correct page.)

Upon your first visit to the Facebook Page please take a few minutes to review the Terms of Use in the Notes section.

17

Health and Wellbeing In case of a medical emergency it is essential that we are able to contact you. Please ensure that we are notified of any change of emergency contacts, as well as personal telephone details. It is essential that contact details are updated regularly.

Please inform us of any condition, that could affect your child’s wellbeing, and equally of any circumstances that might affect his/her behaviour on a particular day. This helps us to cater for the needs of your child.

Do not send your child to school if he/she is unwell.

Should your child be unwell or involved in an accident at school, you will be notified.

Medication As a matter of general policy we do not administer medications. You are most welcome to come to the School to administer the medication yourself.

Please detail, in writing, any allergies your child may have on the School Medical Information form which is located on the Parent Portal.

Sun Protection You may wish to apply sunscreen to your child before school, particularly during the first and fourth term.

Please do not send sunscreen to school in your child’s bag.

18

School Policies The School has a variety of policies and procedures in place to ensure we provide a positive and harmonious work and learning environment.

The documents are available via the Parent Portal and the School Website: www.petermoyes.wa.edu.au/school-policies-and-procedures Please note that they are subject to change and may be updated without notice.

19

Staff Principal

Mr Benjamin Lomas

Deputy Principal

Mr Roger McNamara

School Chaplain

Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder

Associate Principal Primary School

Mr Roderick Wood

Acting Dean of Students Primary School

Ms Kellie Shimmings

Acting Head of Department Lower Primary, Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2

Ms Ashley Lazarus

Acting Head of Deparment Upper Primary, Year 3 to Year 6

Mrs Melissa Lawton

Primary School Counsellors Primary School Reception

Mrs Lucy Hinson & Mrs Michell Pestel Email: primaryschoolcounsellor@pmacs.wa.edu.au

Ms Claire Long Telephone: 9304 5566 Email: primaryschool@pmacs.wa.edu.au

20

Historical Background Information

School Patron Peter Morton Moyes (9 July 1917 - 27 July 2007) was the fourth of six children born to John and Helen Moyes. He was educated at St Peter’s College in South Australia and The Armidale School in New South Wales. In 1939, he graduated with an Arts Degree from Sydney University.

His teaching appointments included Canberra Grammar School (Assistant Master), King’s School UK, Winchester College UK (Latin and History Teacher), Geelong Grammar School (Senior History Master) and Christ Church Grammar School (Head Master from 1951 to 1981).

Mr Moyes served the wider educational community through Chairmanship of the Headmasters’ Conference in 1973-75 and was three times President of the Association of Independent Schools of WA. In 1982, after retiring from Christ Church Grammar School, Mr Moyes joined the Catholic Education Commission to develop programmes for handicapped and disadvantaged youth, a position he held in a part-time capacity until 1985. It was also at this time that Mr Moyes began to devote himself to the establishment of the Anglican Schools’ Commission. He was the Foundation Chairman in 1985 and his vision of co-educational, low-fee Anglican schools came to fruition in 1986 with the establishment of St Mark’s Anglican Community School.

In his time as Chairman, from 1985 until 1993, the Commission successfully established five low-fee Anglican schools. In 1999, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School in Mindarie, a northern beachside suburb of Perth, was named in his honour, becoming the fifth school established by the Anglican Schools Commission. Mr Moyes took an active interest in the development of the school until his death, regularly meeting over afternoon tea with Mr Allan Shaw, the Foundation Principal.

In recognition of his service to the community, Mr Moyes was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1982, a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1995 and Western Australian Citizen of the Year for the Professions in 1991. His professional awards include a Fellowship of the Australian College of Education (FACE) in 1969 and Life Membership of the Anglican Schools Commission in 1994.

In honour of Mr Moyes, Peter Moyes Day is celebrated annually at the School, usually early in Term 3.

21

History of the School 1997

The Anglican Schools Commission determines the need for a campus in the Mindarie region

1998

The School’s site is purchased by the Anglican Schools Commission and Marcus Collins Architects are appointed as the School’s architects March: The School’s Foundation Principal, Mr. Allan Shaw, is appointed and in June construction of Stage 1 of the School commences January: Construction of Stage 1 of the School, being the Primary School Building is completed and the School opens.

June: Design work begins on the Middle School and Science buildings

1999 2000 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2016 2016 2017 2018 2019

December: Construction of Middle School and Science Buildings is completed February: Design work begins on the Creative Arts Building April: Construction begins of Creative Arts Building January: Construction of Creative Arts Buildings is completed June: Design of Allan Shaw Centre commences August: Construction of Allan Shaw Centre commences August: Construction of Allan Shaw Centre is completed Construction of new Library and Resource Centre commences Design of new Senior School commences January: new classroom areas in School’s old Library opened February: Opening of the new Library and Resource Centre and Student Courtyard between Science Block and Art Studio Northern Oval extended Primary School Covered Sports Area constructed June: Construction of new Senior School commences Construction of the Doug Swingler Senior School is completed with Official Opening on Monday 14th May 2012 September: Design of new Gymnasium completed Construction of the Gymnasium begins Design of the new Administration Building commences February: Construction of Administration Building commences May: Opening of School Gymnasium on Monday 16th May 2016 September: Completion of the Administration Building Planning begins for construction of School Chapel Construction of the School Chapel build commences July: Completion of School Chapel

22

Story of the Crest

The Bishop’s Mitre shows the connection between the School and the Anglican Church. The Bishop has authority over the School, so the Bishop’s Mitre sits at the top.

The shield contains several important symbols. The waves of the left panel indicate the geographic position of the School near the ocean. They also represent one of the meanings of the word ‘mindarie’, which is ‘place of green water’.

The right panel contains three rushes/grass tree stems. This symbol has several meanings. It represents another meaning of the word ‘mindarie’, which is ‘dry leaves from a grass tree’. It also creates a link to the family name of Peter Moyes. ‘Moyes’ is Old French for the Hebrew word ‘Moses’. Moses as a young boy was hidden from the Egyptian Pharaoh’s men in the bulrushes by the edge of the river Nile.

The open book represents learning. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega are early Christian symbols representing ‘the beginning and the end’, showing that learning continues all through life.

The motto, ‘Act justly, honour God’ directly refers to two important parts of life. The first phrase, ‘Act justly’, sets a high ideal for all to aspire to in life, treating all as we would like to be treated. ‘Honour God’, the second phrase, indicates the spiritual aspect of life that is important in order to lead a full and rich existence. To ‘Act justly’ and to ‘honour God’ require us to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to act in this manner. Learning to acquire the attitudes, skills and knowledge to be able to ‘Act justly, honour God’ is our aim.

23

School Houses The School has five houses. Four were established during the School’s foundation year and Florey was introduced in 2013.

Cuthbert

Cuthbert House is named after Betty Cuthbert (1938 - 2017) who, as an Olympic athlete and winner of 4 Gold medals, showed the values of courage, determination and ambition. Betty was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and then dedicated her life to helping educate others about Multiple Sclerosis and promoting research into it. She has used her faith in God to assist her in dealing with her disease.

Durack

Durack House is named after Dame Mary Durack (1913-1994) who saw her fair share of hardships, whilst young, which encouraged her to survive and develop a positive attitude to life. Her positive attitude towards learning, equality and kinship have influenced society.

Durack believed in knowledge and insight as shown through her thorough research of topics presented in her novels. She also strongly believed in equality and compassion for all, as she was dedicated to gaining Aboriginal rights, and her success in literature was through personal confidence and competence.

24

Florey

Florey House is named after Baron Howard Florey, of Adelaide OM FRS FRCP (1898 –1968), who was an Australian pharmacologist and pathologist. During his remarkable career in science, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Sir Ernst Boris Chain and Sir Alexander Fleming for his role in the development and mass production of penicillin.

Florey’s portrait appeared on the Australian $50 note between the years 1973 - 1995.

Hollows

Hollows House is named after Professor Fred Hollows (1929-1993). As an eye surgeon, he helped those living in poverty prevent and overcome blindness.

He accomplished this through his passion to help others. He created the Fred Hollows Foundation which has continued his work after his death. It helps others that cannot afford surgery by running as a non-profit organisation and can be found in many places throughout the world. His achievements have allowed many people to see again and created hope for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Lingiari

Lingiari House is named in honour of Vincent Lingiari OAM (1908-1988) who was a member of the Gurindji people from the Victoria River District, Northern Territory. He worked for many years to improve conditions for Aboriginal people working on cattle stations. He led a strike of indigenous stockmen that would eventually reshape the agenda of relationships between indigenous Australians and the wider community.

Important Note

The information provided in this handbook is correct at the time of publication in December, 2021.

Please check the Parent Portal for up to date information during 2022.

Phone

(08) 9304 5500

Address

Elliston Parade, MINDARIE WA 6030

Postal

PO Box 240, QUINNS ROCKS WA 6030

Email

admin@pmacs.wa.edu.au

Website

www.petermoyes.wa.edu.au