A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Camps
To extend children's learning experiences, Macquarie offers day and overnight camp programs for Years 3-6. Camps are held at a variety of venues including Birrigai Outdoor School (Namadgi National Park, ACT), Warrambui Retreat (Murrumbateman, NSW), Cooba Sport and Education Centre (Snowy Mountains, NSW) and Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre (Wagga Wagga, NSW). We aim to provide families with at least one term’s notice prior to camps. Permission notes detailing the purpose, dates and times, documentation requirement, a timeline for payment(s) and other details are sent home beforehand. We aim for camps to be a reasonable and affordable cost. If families have difficulty meeting the cost of a camp children will not be disadvantaged. For children not participating in camps, an alternative education program will be provided at school. Parents are not encouraged to attend camps. The school staffs them accordingly.
Canteen/Lunch Orders
The P&C facilitate Friday lunch orders for students. P&C page
Celebrating Birthdays and Special Events
If your child wants to celebrate his/her birthday, cupcakes or pre-cut cakes can be brought to school. We ask that food brought to school to share with classmates is in line with our allergy awareness requirements and is given to the classroom teacher. Lollies and other party treats will be sent home with the birthday student.
Families are invited to celebrate student achievements outside school through written contributions to the newsletter.
Changes to Contact Details and Other Information
It is important that we keep up to date records for each student. We request that families let us know as soon as possible during the year about any changes to contact details, childcare arrangements, medical information and emergency contacts.
Child Protection
Staff deliver developmentally appropriate lessons to children in protective and safe behaviours, as well as lessons to enhance children’s social and emotional skills. All employees in schools are mandated to report any case of suspected child abuse. Failure to notify suspected physical and/or sexual abuse of children is a criminal offence.
Class Names
When classes meet as a group in term four of the year prior, they name their class for the following year. These names are derived from The United Nations General Assembly ‘Year of…’ which is released each year to promote awareness and education in particular areas.
Class Organisation
Macquarie has a mixture of single year classes (preschool and kindergarten) and multi-age classes (years 1/2, years 3/4 and years 5/6). All classes have a range of development levels and abilities, and there is considerable interaction between classes at all year levels and throughout the school. Flexible learning areas (eg hall, library and our outdoor learning areas) are used to support this interaction.
Class Placement
Careful consideration is given to the placement of students in classes, carried out by teachers working as an informed team. In term four students are invited to indicate who they work productively with. We aim for each child to have at least one of their nominated friends in their class for the following year. Parents are invited to advise the Principal or Team Leader early in term four regarding issues about placement for the following year. Wherever possible, students are given the opportunity to meet with their class for the following year at the end of term four once classes are finalised.
Clubs
Clubs are available for students at lunchtimes and can include activities such as gardening, Lego, running, craft and dance. Students are notified about clubs via posters and advertising around the school. Clubs are run by teachers or parents. Most clubs can be attended by any kindergarten to year 6 student, others are by invitation only. The Rotary Club volunteer once a week to run a structured Meccano club. Year 5 and 6 students are nominated for this and participate for a term. This club runs from 11am to midday so students who participate understand that they miss their outside recess break once a week and also miss 30 minutes of classroom learning.
Competitions
Students in years 3-6 can choose to participate in a variety of International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) provided by the University of NSW in English, Mathematics, Writing, Science, Spelling and Digital Technologies. There is a family cost associated with these competitions. The competitions offer an opportunity for students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing situation. Information about the competitions and associated costs is shared during the year. Results are provided to teachers, parents and students on completion of the testing. Participating students receive a certificate and an individual report. These are celebrated at our school assemblies. ICAS is usually run in term 3, with entries opening prior to this.
Contacting School
To contact Macquarie Primary School:
46 Bennelong Crescent
MACQUARIE, ACT, 2614
Phone: (02) 6142 1550
Fax: (02) 6142 1571
Mobile: 0434 751 607
Email: admin@macquarieps.act.edu.au
School opening hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm.
The front office is attended between 8:30am – 3:30pm.
Contacting Students During School Hours
To ensure teaching and learning is not interrupted, families who need to get in touch with students during school hours should contact the front office in person or phone (02) 6142 1550.