Primary School Orientation Guide

PRIMARY SCHOOL ORIENTATION GUIDE

KEY CONTACTS

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PRIMARY RECEPTION

ADVENTURES IN TOHOKU Two cities nestled into a bend on

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:40pm the blue Caribbean, swamped in glorious gothic and (07) 4936 0650 Art Noveau Splendor.

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primaryreception@rgs.qld.edu.au

The School's Main Reception is open during school holidays.

FOODIE JOURNEY: Reception is closed weekends and INDIA Indian restaurants and myriad Public Holidays.

international dining options in the Indian capital are abundantly ABSENTEES scattered throughout the city.

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(07) 4936 0650

absentee@rgs.qld.edu.au DESTINATION FOR DESIGNERS Jesse Williams takes you on a

tour around New York and every

HEALTH styleCENTRE point in between the fab

capitals of fashion and graphic (07) 4936 0638 design.

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healthcentre@rgs.qld.edu.au

WHAT'S NEW IN KOREA? Cultural festivals, performing arts, luxurySHOP hotels, food, and RED & BLACK technology centers spark an already hot destination.

(07) 4936 0653

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shop@rgs.qld.edu.au

TOP SPOTS TO CHILL We give you a list of places in the metro to have a break from a stressful day at the office. Find the perfect spot to dine and fun.

Welcome to The Rockhampton Grammar School Thank you for choosing The Rockhampton Grammar School for your child’s education and placing trust in us to work alongside you in their future development.

We are proud to play a part in developing well-rounded individuals who understand values such as teamwork, self-discipline, and gratitude. As a result, our students can make a positive contribution to their communities – both during their time with us and at home.

We take seriously the challenge of preparing our students for tomorrow through balanced academic, sporting, co-curricular and social activities. Through the extensive range of opportunities available, your child will explore, grow, lead and learn.

Our expectation is simple - that every student will strive to do his or her personal best in all that they undertake.

As one of Australia's oldest schools and Queensland’s largest boarding school, The Rockhampton Grammar School offers everything your family needs to enable your child to thrive.

In every way, our school is more than a place of learning – it is a family – and one of which we are all very proud. Your family will become part of the Grammar community from the moment you arrive and remain so, long after your child graduates.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to RGS.

Dr Phillip Moulds, OAM Headmaster

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Welcome to RGS Primary It is my pleasure on behalf of our Primary School staff to extend a warm welcome to The Rockhampton Grammar Primary School.

Our vision at RGS Primary is to be a supportive environment, inspired by our values of compassion, endeavour, respect, honesty, responsibility, integrity, democracy, and community.

I trust that together in partnership we will do our very best to maintain the high standards that have been established and that our School is known for. As a community of students, parents, and staff we celebrate our belief that children will ‘Grow in Character and Scholarship’ within a caring and supportive environment.

The Primary years are a time where strong academic foundations are built while ensuring the wonder, curiosity and joy of learning is encouraged. As a community, we celebrate our strong traditions while building a safe, welcoming, and educationally rich environment for all to develop and achieve success.

This guide provides information to assist you partner with the School in delivering the highest quality education for your child.

Mrs Kate Harris Head of Primary

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School Values

CARE AND COMPASSION

ENDEAVOUR

RESPECT

We show this by:

We show this by:

We show this by:

Being understanding Helping those in need Showing compassion and kindness Sharing

RESPONSIBILITY We show this by: Being accountable for our own actions Being punctual and organised for classes Acting in a safe manner at all times Cleaning up our own mess

Preparing thoroughly Asking for help when appropriate Taking every opportunity to learn Being persistent Seeing tasks through to the end, without supervision Meeting deadlines

INTEGRITY

DEMOCRACY

We show this by:

We show this by:

Acting in accordance with principles of moral and ethical conduct Ensuring consistency between words and actions Having the conviction to stop an activity that is not safe

COMMUNITY

HONESTY & TRUSTWORTHINESS

We show this by:

We show this by:

Being aware of the needs of others Accepting diversity Offering unselfish service Including and encouraging others Being tolerant Maintaining a sense of humour

Treating others with the same consideration and regard you would expect from them Being polite and well-mannered at all times Wearing our uniform correctly and with pride Respecting the rights of others to learn Using appropriate language and tone Self respect, knowing that you are a unique human being who has gifts and abilities and a part to play in making the world a better place

Appreciating the rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizenship Being committed to the common good Standing up for and helping others, locally, nationally and internationally

Being honest and sincere in all that we do Being loyal to friends and the School Presenting our own work

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Crest, Song & Houses School Crest

School Song

The School Crest is an important and historic symbol of The Rockhampton Grammar School which dates back to the School’s founding in 1881. It is a visual reminder to students and all in our community of our history, values and personality.

(Sung to Men of Harlech) We of Grammar shout our chorus, What tradition has gone before us.

Sing the songs of all our glory, Shout with all our might.

Proud of our endeavours, Surrender we will never, In a fight, we stand for right and May God be our protector.

When the battle-cry is sounding And our hearts in us are pounding.

That’s the time to show we stand, For Grammar and the right.

The crest represents the School’s strong core beliefs and common goals as well as our relationship with communities throughout Capricornia (depicted by the Capricorn symbol of the goat) and the rest of Australia (through the five stars of the Southern Cross).

The School motto, Macte Virtute Et Litteris (Grow in Character and Scholarship), forms the foundation of the crest.

Macte Virtute Et Litteris Grow in Character and Scholarship

Sports Houses Each student is assigned a Sports House upon commencement at the School. Our Sports Houses are named after the first four Headmasters of The Rockhampton Grammar School.

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A sensitive, peace-loving man, Mr Kellow struggled with the loss of many young men during World War I. Mr Kellow was also a skilled poet.

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After leaving RGS Mr Wheatley would later receive the Cross of the British Empire for breaking a German code during World War II.

Henry Arthur Kellow was Headmaster at RGS from 1912 - 1935. Mr Kellow was born in St Andrew’s, Scotland, five months after RGS opened.

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Frederick William Wheatley was the second RGS Headmaster from 1907 - 1912. Mr Wheatley arrived from Adelaide with Bachelor of Science and Arts degrees.

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CR Mr Wheatcroft retired from the position of Headmaster in 1906.

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W John Wheatcroft was the first Headmaster of RGS from 1881 - 1906. Born in England, Mr Wheatcroft constantly sought to improve the quality of education offered at the School, revising and adapting to meet the needs of his students.

Fitzroy Jardine was Headmaster at RGS from 1936 - 1964. Mr Jardine studied at RGS from 1910 and was a winner of the Archer Cup athletics prize.

Mr Jardine served in World War I before continuing studies at Sydney University. Mr Jardine also taught science at RGS before being appointed Headmaster.

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School Mission & Purpose Our Purpose The School provides a disciplined, challenging and stimulating learning environment to inspire our students to become successful lifelong learners, responsible local and global citizens, and men and women of strong ethical and moral character. We promote high standards of scholarship and work with all members of the School community to pursue personal excellence in their intellectual, physical, creative and emotional development.

Our Ambition The Rockhampton Grammar School aspires to be a centre of excellence in education. The School is committed to: providing opportunities for students to achieve success providing outstanding teaching and learning opportunities for students and staff strengthening its partnerships locally, nationally and internationally providing an environment where all feel safe and secure and can thrive challenging students to find meaning and value in their lives.

Our Academic Mission In the academic arena the School assists students: by fostering intellect to the highest level of which they are capable by encouraging them in the search for knowledge and in the pursuit of academic excellence by preparing them to undertake further learning and development by developing their thinking processes, attributes, values, behaviours and actions develop confidence and skills in the use of ICT to enable learning in the development of language and literacy by creating learning environments which are challenging, supportive and engaging.

Key Focus Areas A. Co-curricular The School strives to assist students: to foster an interest in, and enjoyment of, recreational

C. Community The School strives to assist students: by encouraging the commitment to a disciplined

pursuits and outdoor activities in a variety of challenging

school community through the development of: a

and interesting experiences in which self-reliance can be

sense of pride in the School, an appreciation of the

developed

history of the School, an appreciation of the

by encouraging an appreciation of music, drama,

integral contribution of our boarding community,

literature and the visual arts and crafts

social relationships based on courtesy,

to encourage a concern for good health and fitness and

consideration and respect for all members of our

the development of co-ordination and motor skills and an

community

adherence to the principles of good sportsmanship

by developing a knowledge of, and sensitivity to,

to develop an understanding of the importance of co-

the environment

operative endeavour, fair play, team work and excellence

by attempting to instil a commitment to assist

in personal performance via participation in sporting and

others in the broader community through displays

cultural pursuits.

of service, empathy, tolerance, compassion and

kindness.

B. Character Development The School strives to assist students: develop self-respect, have a sense of personal worth and learn to know and to understand personal strengths and weaknesses to become responsible, flexible and constructive members of society to become aware of the needs of others to develop appropriate social relationships with people of all ages and gender by fostering the development of character through all the activities of school life, with emphasis upon: the acceptance of responsibility, unselfishness, tolerance, kindness, honesty, integrity and respect for truth, self-discipline, perseverance and the desire to excel, humility in success and dignity in failure to exhibit the above traditional values underpinning the Christian ethos whilst also being aware and respectful of cultural and religious diversity.

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Safeguarding Children - Our Commitment At The Rockhampton Grammar School we consider the health, safety and wellbeing of all children and young people to be our highest priority. We strive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, in particular, through our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy Our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy has been adopted, approved and endorsed by the School’s Board of Trustees. It underpins a set of policies and procedures in relation to the protection of children and young people which guide: the screening and recruitment of our staff and volunteers the behaviour of our staff and volunteers towards children and young people the induction and training of our staff and volunteers about safeguarding children and young people our open and effective communication with children and young people and their parents our responses to the abuse and neglect of children and young people if it occurs, and our maintenance of a safeguarding culture in the School.

All staff and volunteers must ensure that their approach and interactions with children and young people are sensitive, respectful and inclusive of all backgrounds and abilities. We promote equity and respect diversity by: actively anticipating children and young people’s diverse circumstances and responding effectively to those with additional vulnerabilities by giving all children and young people access to information, support and complaints processes, and paying particular attention to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, children and young people with a disability and children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Our staff and volunteers are required to: undergo an extensive screening process including a Working with Children Check and/or a National Criminal Records Check behave professionally and with care towards children and young people including not acting outside the boundaries of their duties or using their position with the School to solicit work with or initiate contact with children and young people of our School understand the important responsibility they have to protect children and young people from all forms of abuse, bullying and exploitation either by our staff and volunteers or that occurs outside the scope of our operations and services; and create and maintain a child and young person safe culture.

We expect all within our school, regardless of their role or level of responsibility, to act to safeguard children and young people from such harm by: adopting the practices and behaviour we have set as our standard when carrying out their roles, and reporting any abuse or neglect of which they become aware to our management and/or to external authorities responsible for child protection or to police, regardless of whether that abuse is being perpetrated by staff or volunteers within our school, or by those outside our school including those from the child or young person’s family, extended family, their family’s extended network or strangers.

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Code of Behaviour The School’s rules exist to ensure that the comforts, rights and safety of all School members are protected. When students and their families join our School community, it is expected that they have read and agreed with these rules. The School aims, in partnership with their home, to develop students who have good character and self-discipline. This requires fundamentally that students are expected to act with common sense, good manners, and decency, at all times.

School Rules The School Rules apply to all students while attending school, representing the School in any place or occasion when a student is wearing School uniform or where the student can be recognised as a member of the School, or any situation that could be recognised as related to the School. This includes bus travels to and from the School.

1. Students will at all times respect and obey all school staff and student officers.

2. A student’s personal appearance will always conform with the School’s uniform and grooming standards.

3. Unauthorised borrowing or theft of others’ property will not be tolerated.

4. Wilful damage or destruction of any property is prohibited and could require the payment of compensation.

5. All dangerous substances are strictly forbidden including matches, knives, fireworks etc.

6. Students will not leave the School grounds during the day without complying with set procedures of their respective year. Boarders will not leave the grounds without complying with the set procedures as detailed in the Boarding Handbook.

7. Except in the case of illness, students must be in attendance on all School days unless leave has been granted by the School.

8. Students are expected to attend the following School events: Athletics Carnival, Cross Country, Swimming Carnival, Speech Day and excursions.

9. All members of the School community have a responsibility to uphold the values of The Rockhampton Grammar School.

10. Students will behave in a manner which enhances their reputation and the reputation of the School. This responsibility extends to behaviour outside the School grounds, outside School functions and outside School hours.

Parents can access all School policies via Parent Lounge.

Guidelines for Parents & Carers The School is committed to creating an environment were all its community can enjoy participation in School activities, events or programmes without experiencing abusive, insulting, threatening or other anti-social behaviour. This also applies to the online environment.

The School calls on all parents, carers and other members of the School community to: Observe the School’s guidelines for parents and carers.

When necessary, politely and respectfully remind others of their obligations under these guidelines.

In the event of serious or ongoing breaches of these guidelines by another person, report the matter to a staff member of the School so that appropriate action can be taken.

Parent feedback is valued by RGS for the continued improvement of our School. If you have a compliment, complaint or enquiry about an issue at school, the best approach is to speak directly to staff about the matter, rather than discussing it in a public or social media forum. It is important to remember that sometimes negative comments that parents make or post about their school community have a greater impact than expected.

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Primary School at RGS Curriculum All class teachers teach the Australian Curriculum and are responsible for planning, teaching, and assessing English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and Technologies.

Specialist teachers are responsible for planning, teaching and assessing the Arts, Health and Physical Education including cooking and Languages (Japanese).

The Arts – Music and Visual Arts Music and Visual Arts have the capacity to engage, inspire and enrich all students, exciting the imagination and encouraging children to teach their creative and expressive potential through specialist instruction.

Students are involved in weekly music and art lessons.

Private music lessons are also available through the RGS Music Department.

Health and Physical Education All students participate in comprehensive physical education lessons to promote the acquisition, movement, coordination, and specialist sport skills.

Primary students are introduced to PE through perceptual motor skills promoting spatial awareness, balance locomotion and body rhythm. In Term 1 and 4, students from Years 1 – 6 will participate in swimming lessons at the School pool.

A distinctive Health offering is the specialised teaching of cooking. Students in Prep – Year 3 are involved in cooking lessons taught by qualified Home Economics teachers. The teachers are in contact with parents regarding dietary, allergy and/or cultural food requirements. Parent involvement is encouraged to help supervise in the kitchens.

Languages – Japanese Learning a language in the Primary years creates many learning benefits including improving overall literacy and developing cognitive flexibility. Students study Japanese in Years 4 - 6.

Technologies Technologies draws together the distinct but related subjects of Design and Technologies, and Digital Technologies. It ensures that all students benefit from, learning about and working with, traditional, contemporary, and emerging technologies that shape the world in which we live. In creating solutions, as well as responding to the designed world, students will contribute to sustainable patterns of living for themselves and others.

Students in Prep – Year 6 have direct access to quality digital devices with ICT support. All students throughout the Primary Years take part in specialised design thinking learning to promote 21st century thinking and problem solving.

Class Structure Students are placed in mixed ability classes that remain together for the duration of the school year.

Careful consideration is given to ensuring classes are balanced both academically, socially and even distribution of gender.

Providing specific information about your child that is relevant is appropriate in some instances, but this should occur in writing to the Head of Primary, who reserves the right to place students according to the professional judgment of the teaching staff.

Daily Routine All students are encouraged to be at School on time.

General supervision is provided at the drop-off zone and handball courts from 8:00am.

Unless pre-arranged with teachers or coaches, parents are requested not to bring children to school before 8:00am.

8:30am

Classroom lessons commence

10:30am - 11:10am

First Lunch/Morning Tea

1:10pm - 1:50pm

Lunch

3:10pm

School day ends

Lunch times may vary on Friday due to sport schedules.

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Uniform and Grooming Standards To ensure standards are maintained, the School has set uniform and grooming standards for all students.

The Red & Black shop is the School’s onsite uniform shop and is the exclusive supplier of RGS uniforms. Uniform lists are available on the School website and in Parent Lounge. Staff at the shop are available to answer any uniform questions that parents or students may have.

Day Uniform - Prep Prep students wear RGS sports uniform each day (refer below).

Bags Students are required to use a regulation RGS branded bag for their books and other school materials.

Day Uniform - Years 1 - 6 On arrival or departure from school all students must be dressed in full school uniform, including the appropriate hat.

Non-RGS bags are not permitted.

Students may wear their sport uniform to school on the days they have sport (PE) classes.

Exaggerated styles are not permitted.

Hair & Grooming Students are expected to keep their hair clean and wellgroomed. Hair is to be of natural colour.

Shoes must be traditional style, plain black and lace up.

Buckle style “Mary Jane” shoes are not permitted.

For girls - long hair must be tied back neatly with blue, black or red ribbons, or fastened with plain hairpins.

Short haircuts must be neat and above the collar.

For girls - white socks must be clearly visible above the shoes and cover the anklebone.

For boys - hair styles must be neat, cut above the collar, off the ears and above the eyes. No hair product is to be used.

For boys - Years 1 – 3 - grey socks must be clearly visible above the shoes and cover anklebone.

For boys - Years 4 – 6 - knee high school socks (red and black trim) must be worn to cover the calf. Ties must be worn in Terms 2 and 3 or as advised.

Year 6 students are required to wear formal uniform on select days, such as when formal assemblies are held.

Parents and students will be notified in advance when formal uniform is to be worn.

Nail polish and make up is not permitted.

Jewellery Girls may wear one pair of small (5mm) plain sleepers or studs (gold, silver or pearl) in the lower part of each ear.

Students may wear a wristwatch, however smart watches with cellular connectivity are not permitted.

No other jewellery is permitted when wearing the RGS uniform.

Sports Uniform When wearing the sports uniform, students must wear white, or predominately white sports shoes, with white shoelaces. Black or coloured sports shoes, including skate shoes, are not permitted.

White RGS sport socks are to be worn with sports shoes.

House shirts are to be worn at major sporting events including the swimming carnival, athletics carnival, cross country and free dress days. The house shirt is optional for students in Years Prep – 3 and compulsory for Years 4 - 6.

House shirts can be worn for after school training.

Swimwear must be predominately black, including sun shirt or rashie. Thongs or other slip-on shoes are to be worn from the dressing shed to pool deck.

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General Information – A to Z Absence of students Parents/carers are asked to notify the School of any student absence including full day absence, late arrivals or early departures. You can notify the School by emailing absentee@rgs.qld.edu.au. For the safety of your child, we will make contact with you via SMS if your child has not arrived and the School has not been notified of any absence.

Accidents All reasonable care is taken to prevent accidents but when they occur students will be taken to the RGS Health Centre where an assessment will be carried out by the medical staff.

If the incident is of a serious nature, parents/carers and/or outside medical authorities (ambulance) will be contacted and a formal report on the circumstances of the accident will be written and placed in school files.

After school pick up/drop off The School recommends collection of students from the front of the Beasley Centre, where staff are on duty. Students not collected by 3.40pm will be taken to the Primary office and parents/carers contacted. If parents/carers are unable to be contacted, students will be taken to the OSHC, located next to Primary reception.

Assemblies Assemblies are held each week in the Auditorium. These gatherings are used to remind students of upcoming events and to provide reminders of school matters such as uniform requirements and School rules. They are also a time to recognise student achievements and co-curricular results. A Formal Assembly is conducted in Terms 1, 2 and 3 at which the Year 6 students are required to wear their formal uniform.

Bicycles Bicycles may be ridden to School and stored in the racks located under the Beasley Centre. Bicycles are not to be ridden in the School grounds.

Board of Trustees The Board or Trustees has ultimate responsibility for the governance of the School. The day to day running of the School resides with the Headmaster. The School website provides information on the Board of Trustees and the School’s leadership team.

Book Club Students can order books through Book Club. This is advertised in the school newsletter and is managed by the Primary School.

Book lists Booklists are determined each year by classroom teachers.

A number of companies in Rockhampton will be able to fill these orders. It is recommended that books are covered for protection and the student’s name placed on all items.

Buses The School operates a daily bus service for families living in Yeppoon, Emu Park and North Rockhampton. Families can sign up for this user-pays service by submitting a Booking Form. Public buses transporting students to and from School stop in Agnes and Archer Streets. Timetables can be obtained from the relevant bus companies.

The School uses its own buses for most local excursions.

Parents do not incur costs for the use of these buses. Where a charter bus is required, costs may be charged to student accounts. School policy requires that buses have high back seats and seatbelts.

Calendar The full school calendar, which includes all school activities, key dates and events can be accessed via Parent Lounge.

Communication It is important that communication channels between teachers, students, parents/carers and the community are as open as possible. Teachers are available for discussions with parents and students. The Headmaster also invites input from parents and the community. Parents are encouraged to keep up to date with school matters through Parent Lounge, Daily Notices, newsletters, and email.

Counselling service Primary students can access the services of the school psychologist, but all appointments are approved in writing by the Head of Primary. Referrals are triaged and accommodated as efficiently as resources allow. There may be a wait time for non-urgent appointments. After three to four appointments a decision will be made by the psychologist about the need for longer term support. Where necessary a referral will be made, and students will be supported in their transition to a service outside the School.

Daily Notices Daily Notices are published in Parent Lounge. These notices provide information and updates on a range of matters for parents and staff. Parents are encouraged to review these each day.

Daily routine Classroom lessons begin at 8:30am and finish at 3:10pm.

Students are encouraged to be at school on time. First lunch is held from 10:30am to 11:10am. Lunch is from 1:10pm to 1:50pm. Friday lunch times may vary due to sport schedules.

Emergency drills Drills are carried out on a regular basis to ensure staff and students are aware of procedures in times of emergency.

Excursions, incursions & camps The Primary School offers a consolidation ‘Out of School Learning Programme’. This is designed to expose children to the many benefits of outdoor education, community learning and extension of learning through quality teacher designed programmes. The activities are an important and integral part of the curriculum that students are required to attend.

Facilities & grounds The School is proud of its learning environment. The grounds and facilities are extremely well maintained by grounds staff.

Students are expected to demonstrate respect for all school facilities and grounds.

Homework Home learning is designed to consolidate school learning and an opportunity for students to further develop study skills. It is not designed to be onerous or cause major family disruptions.

Teachers consider the co-curricular and extracurricular involvement as homework.

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General Information – A to Z Library The Library is for use by students from Prep to Year 12 and is open from 7:45am – 4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 7:45am – 4:30pm Friday. Students are asked to have a library bag for carrying books when borrowing.

Lost property Lost property is kept in a basket outside the Primary Office.

Items that are named are returned. Parents are urged to check lost property as quickly as possible if their child has misplaced an item. Parents can contact the school if items have not been located. It is important to label all clothing items to assist in locating and returning lost property.

Medication Parents are required to maintain and update their child’s medical information via Parent Lounge. No medication including over the counter medication can be administered by teaching or reception staff without an Authority to Administer Medication form being completed. Children will be taken to the RGS Health Centre if they present with illness or parents/carers called to collect their child.

Ongoing daily medication requires a completed ‘Authorisation to Administer Medication’ form to be signed and provided to the school. Medication needs to be brought to reception by the parent in the original packaging and the medication form will be provided by reception staff.

The School adheres to all Queensland Health regulations for time out periods of illness. Information on these time out periods is available on the Queensland Health web site or by contacting the RGS Health Centre on (07) 4936 0638.

Mobile devices Students are not permitted to have mobile phones or devices turned on during the school day. This includes smart watches with cellular connectivity or that are wi-fi enabled.

Newsletters Newsletters are published fortnightly on Monday afternoon and emailed to parents/carers. Newsletters can also be accessed on the school web site.

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) & Vacation Care The Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programme operates Before School, After School and Vacation Care programmes for RGS Primary and Kindergarten Unit students.

The Before School Care programme commences at 6:20am and runs until 8:20am, with After School Care operating from 3:10pm until 6:00pm.

Parent Association The School encourages all parents to become actively involved in the education of their child and contribute to the life of the School. The RGS Parent Association meet once a month and all RGS parents are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings. Meeting times are posted in the School calendar.

Parent Lounge Parent Lounge is the portal for parents to access a broad range of school information including daily notices, the school calendar, academic information such as reports, polices, forms and keep up to date with events and activities.

Parents/carers can also pay fees and manage their contact information, including providing student medical updates.

Parent Lounge can be accessed at: rgs.qld.edu.au/parentlounge Parent volunteering & involvement Parental involvement in the Primary School is encouraged.

From time to time your child’s teacher may require assistance with classroom, cooking, swimming and/or cocurricular activities. Please contact your child’s teacher to volunteer your help for any of these activities. Parents/carers are to use the staff toilet facilities at the swimming pool change rooms or on the bottom floor of the Beasley Centre.

The School recognises that mobile devices may offer students and parents an advantage in terms of ease of communication and a sense of personal safety. However, if used inappropriately this will have a negative impact on the learning environment and well-being of others. Students in the Primary School are not permitted to have phones or smart watches/devices with cellular connectivity during the school day. Primary reception is available for all parents/carers who need to have a message given to their child during school time.

Parking/driving in school grounds Unauthorised vehicles are not permitted to drive onto the school grounds. This includes the entry off Quarry Street leading up to the pool area.

If a mobile device is sent to school with your child, it must be signed in at Primary Reception on arrival to school and signed out in the afternoon. The security of the device is the responsibility of your child when in their possession.

Pick up & drop off traffic Mornings and afternoons can be a hectic time for families and school drop off zones are often congested. To avoid disruption to other road users and minimise the risk of accidents, please obey all traffic rules when travelling through the RGS drop off areas. Remember to be patient and considerate of other road users during these busy traffic times around the School.

Non observance or breaches of the policy will result in parents being contacted and device sent home with the understanding that it will not return to school.

Photographs Each year professional photographers take individual and sibling photographs. Parents will be notified via the newsletter of the date when photographs will be taken and how to place an order.

The mobile device policy applies while students are on school transport and excursions. Devices are not permitted on school camps unless otherwise specified by camp coordinators.

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General Information – A to Z Policies Policies are in place to support students and further the School’s commitment to an environment that is safe and free from harassment, discrimination and bullying. Policies can be accessed via Parent Lounge.

The Primary School promotes and teaches how to communicate and solve problems in a friendly but supportive manner. Our "Five Finger Strategy" communication visual (provided on page 11) is used as a way for students to communicate and create safe boundaries.

Red & Black Shop The Red & Black Shop is located near the School’s main reception off Archer Street. The experienced staff are ready to assist in the outfitting of student uniforms. The Shop sells all uniform items (except shoes) both new and when available, second-hand. The Shop also sells some Co-curricular uniforms, souvenirs, stationery and toiletries. Hard to find stationery list items are often stocked.

The shop is open 8.00 am – 10.00 am and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm during term time. Extended trading hours are in place from November to January. Check the School website for Red & Black Shop opening hours, to book an appointment and to access uniform lists.

Reports Student reports are available in Parent Lounge. Parents can also contact Primary Reception to request a hard copy of the report. Students in Years 3 and 5 will undertake the National Assessment Programme in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). These independent reports will be mailed home once received.

Requests for leave Requests for leave for three or more days should be made through the Head of Primary, in writing, as early as possible.

Safety All School facilities and grounds are considered to be safe but we must be vigilant to keep our students free from harm.

Parents and teachers are urged to raise any safety issues without delay. Special attention needs to be paid when students are arriving or departing school due to traffic movements. All volunteers and visitors to school are required to sign in at Primary Reception.

Students in Years 5 and 6 are given as many opportunities as possible to participate in Inter-School, and ultimately Capricornia and State sporting pursuits.

On Friday afternoons Years 5 and 6 are involved in local InterSchool sport. Some opportunities are available for students in Year 4 to also participate in these. Training for all School teams takes place on Thursday afternoons between 3:15pm and 4:15pm.

Student free days Student free days occur in each term. These days enable staff to undertake professional development activities and planning. Dates are published well in advance and are published in the School calendar and newsletter.

Student records Important student information such as address, telephone and medical information is kept on the School’s student management system. Parents are asked to review and keep this information up to date. Changes to your personal details can be made via Parent Lounge.

Student supervision Unless pre-arranged with teachers or coaches, parents are requested not to bring children to school before 8:00am.

General supervision is provided at the drop-off zone and handball courts from 8:00am. The RGS Early Learning Centre coordinates an outside school hours care programme (OSHC). This fee-paying service operates from 6:20am until 8:20am, and from 3:10pm until 6:00pm.

Term dates Term dates are published in the School Calendar, accessible on Parent Lounge, and on the School website.

Tuckshop Students in Years 1 – 6 may access the school Tuckshop for first lunch. Parents/carers can access the menu and place orders through the “Flexischools”app. The app can be downloaded from the Apple or Android app stores. The cutoff time for Tuckshop orders is 8:30am.

Yearbook (Capricornus) The School Yearbook, Capricornus, is distributed to students on the last day of the School year.

Speech Day Speech Day is held during the final week of the School year.

This day provides an opportunity to recognise students’ achievements and to enjoy some light entertainment. The format may vary each year and further information is provided to families in Term 4.

Visitors Visitors are always welcome within our Primary School. For everyone involved, these visits are more beneficial if an appointment is made first. All visitors must sign in at the Primary Office before entering the School grounds and always follow the direction and instruction of staff.

Sport & co-curricular activities There are many co-curricular activities on offer including cross country, athletics, rugby league, band, chess, netball, swimming, tennis, touch football, vocal and signing choirs.

Details of participation and sign-up requirements will appear on the sport notice board and in the School newsletter.

Welfare of children At times family disputes can have an effect on children at school. Should there be any legal issues relating to your child, please inform the Head of Primary as soon as possible and provide copies of all court documents.

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Co-curricular Programme The Rockhampton Grammar School has a long and proud history of co-curricular achievement in the region, State and at a National level. Our co-curricular offering is a key part of our difference, complementing academic pursuits, strengthening our community, and maintaining School traditions. The School’s extensive on and off-site facilities provide ample opportunities for students to explore and excel in their chosen pursuit.

Programme Goals Primary School students are encouraged to be active whilst at school. This ranges from supervised recreation time during lunch breaks, Physical Education lessons and Inter-school sport on Friday afternoons (for Years 5 and 6).

All students are provided with the opportunity to continue their physical development through structured and controlled physical activity. Our programmes cater for all levels of ability to assist students develop a wellbalanced and healthy lifestyle.

All primary students participate in RGS Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming carnivals.

Years 5 - 6 Inter School Sport Students in Year 5 and Year 6 can participate in interschool Friday Sport throughout the year, across a range of sports*.

Some opportunities are available for students in Year 4 to also participate.

The School provides club opportunities in Cricket, Netball and Touch Football.

Training for all School teams takes place on Thursday afternoons between 3:15pm and 4:15pm.

Various sporting organisations also provide after school activities throughout the year.

Friday Sport Season 1 – February – March – AFL, Soccer (Football), Softball Season 2 – May – August – Hockey, Netball, Rugby League, Tennis Season 3 – October – November – Basketball, Cricket, OzTag *Sports offered are subject to change.

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Music The School offers an extensive music programme which provides opportunities for all students to participate. The programme ranges from classroom music which is offered as part of the school curriculum, through to co-curricular music ensemble and private tuition opportunities.

In Years 5 - 6 students are given the opportunity to select an instrument, with assistance from their specialist music teacher, and learn this as part of the classroom music programme.

Instrumental & Vocal Tuition

Co-curricular Music Ensembles

Individual instrumental or vocal tuition is available

The Music Department offers a range of ensemble

through the School in a range of instruments including:

activities for Primary students. Students are

Piano Flute Clarinet Saxophone Trumpet Euphonium Trombone French Horn

encouraged to participate in this important aspect

Tuba Violin Viola Cello Guitar Drums Voice Speech & Drama

Instrumental and vocal tuition consists of one thirty-

of school life, and it is expected that all students who receive instrumental tuition will participate in at least one of the music ensembles available.

The following ensembles are currently offered in the Primary School Choral

Prep Vocal Choir Years 1 - 3 Vocal Choir Years 4 - 6 Vocal Choir

Signing Choir

Prep Signing Choir Years 1 - 3 Signing Choir Years 4 - 6 Signing Choir

Concert Bands

Year 5 Beginner Concert Band

minute lesson per week in Prep to Year 4 or one fortyminute lesson per week in Years 5 to 6. These lessons are usually held during class time.

Fees for instrumental and vocal tuition are published on the School’s annual Fee Schedule and will be charged to the student’s account.

(After tuition commences)

Further information is available in Parent Lounge or by

Primary School Concert Band

contacting the Music Department.

(1+ years experience)

Early Years String Programme

Strings

Primary School String Ensemble (Prep - Year 6)

Students in Prep – Year 3 can enrol in a small group violin programme. This programme is offered to beginner students and consists of one forty-minute lesson per week.

Small Ensembles

Woodwind Ensemble (Years 4 - 6) Primary Rock Band (Year 6) Primary Jazz Ensemble (by invitation)

Music Council The RGS Music Council is a volunteer parent group that

Contact information

supports the co-curricular music programme by

Telephone: (07) 4936 0626

contributing to the funding and running of music events

Email: musicadmin@rgs.qld.edu.au

as well as the provision of additional ensemble resources.

Meetings occur the first Thursday of the month and new parents are always welcome.

Please contact the Music Department for more information.

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Dance & Musical Theatre (DMTA) The Rockhampton Grammar School Dance and Musical Theatre Academy (DMTA) provides professional tuition from state-of-the-art dance studios on the main school campus.

Boys and girls aged from three years, can participate in a range of classes in the various facets of dance and drama under the guidance of fully qualified, experienced and talented staff.

Classes & Programme Boys and girls aged from three years, can participate in a range of classes in various facets of dance and drama under the guidance of fully qualified, experienced and talented staff.

The Academy offers many classes to accommodate students who are interested in dance and musical theatre as a recreational pursuit, to those students interested in extending their skills and excelling in the various areas of dance and drama.

Students at the Academy perform at local eisteddfods and perform a Musical or Presentation Showcase each year. DMTA students have the opportunity to be involved in examinations, seminars and workshops throughout the year.

Classes include:

Classical Ballet Tap Acro Dance Highland Irish Musical Theatre Jazz

Hip Hop Contemporary Strength and Conditioning Drama Personal Training

Contact information Telephone: (07) 4936 0865 Email: dance@rgs.qld.edu.au

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Health Centre RGS is fortunate to have a state-of-the-art Health Centre on campus, which provides a valuable service for all students at the School.

The Health Centre is staffed by qualified and caring full time Registered Nurses with backgrounds in emergency nursing and who are experienced in school nursing. The Centre also has an appointed doctor and physiotherapist who regularly visit the School.

Student Medical Information It is important that the School has current medical information for every student.

Student medical information must be updated on Parent Lounge any time your child’s medical details change and must also be reviewed at the beginning of each year.

If there are any changes to any medical information throughout the year (eg: new allergy, updated Medicare number) please contact us as soon as possible, and ensure details are updated on Parent Lounge immediately.

Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 7.15am - 8.45pm The Centre is located on the lower floor of the Birkbeck Building, off Archer Street.

Contact information Telephone: (07) 4936 0638 Email: healthcentre@rgs.qld.edu.au

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Outside School Hours & Vacation Care The Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programme operates Before School, After School and Vacation Care programmes for RGS Primary and Kindergarten Unit students.

Outside School Hours Care

Vacation Care

Our Before School Care programme commences at

The Vacation Care service provides a planned holiday

6:20am and runs until 8:20am, with After School Care

programme with a variety of excursions, incursions and

operating from 3:10pm until 6:00pm.

activities to keep children entertained over holiday periods.

This service is a fully supervised recreational programme where children can participate in a variety

The programme is leisure based and is developed in

of activities driven by their own interests. Students

consultation with the children who attend, making use

have access to a purpose built self-contained OSHC

of local community events and venues.

room with a kitchen and bathroom. Breakfast and afternoon tea are provided at Before and After School

A Junior programme is offered for children in Prep to

Care.

Year 3 and a Senior programme is available for children in Year 4 to Year 7.

Children can choose from a range of age-appropriate activities such as arts and craft, music, board games,

The Vacation Care service operates from 6:30am to

computers, construction as well as thinking and

6:00pm weekdays during RGS school holidays (closed

problem-solving games. Students are also able to

Public Holidays).

utilise the undercover area directly outside the room, the bottom oval, the top playground and the very popular Duggan Hall (when not in use for extracurricular activities).

Prep children are escorted to and from their classrooms by OSHC educators.

Bookings & Further Information Bookings are essential for OSHC and Vacation Care programmes.

For more information including enrolment forms, bookings and costs contact RGS Early Learning Centre Phone: (07) 49360 880 Email: elc@rgs.qld.edu.au

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The Rockhampton Grammar School Archer Street, Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Non-denominational, Co-educational, Boarding and Day School Prep to Year 12 Early Learning Centre (6 weeks to 5 years) Enrolment enquiries (07) 4936 0600 registrar@rgs.qld.edu.au www.rgs.qld.edu.au CRICOS: 00507F ABN: 71 055 702 035

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