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
The A-Z of Information about Palmerston
Welcome to Palmerston District Primary School. We have provided an A-Z of information to assist in a smooth transition to Palmerston Primary School. If you have any further questions, please call the front office on 02 6142 1440 and they will endeavor to assist you.
Safety
Developing school and class rules is a collaborative effort and they are designed for the safety and security of the whole community. These are regularly discussed during class meetings & assemblies and should be clear to all students. While each class develops their own expectations the overriding school guidelines are:
- bullying and harassment, physical violence or verbal abuse is unacceptable
- building passes are required to enter school buildings during recess and lunch
- appropriate hats must be worn on the playground- see Sun (UV) Protection for Students
- playing on the school equipment after school hours must be supervised by parents/carers.
School Board
The School Board consists of three community representatives (one elected as board chair) the principal and two teacher representatives. Parents/Carers are elected to the board for one or two years.
Representation on the School Board is a valuable opportunity to become involved in school policy, curriculum and finance. These positions are advertised in the Palmerston Post at the beginning of each year.
School Psychologist
The school psychologist is present at Palmerston for 3 days each week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday). The psychologist is available for Parents/Carers to discuss any concerns regarding the academic or social needs of children. Appointments can be made through the front office. The psychologist’s office is in the admin building.
Security
At Palmerston, we are keen to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of the children in our care. It is the policy of the ACT Directorate for visitors to schools to sign in at the front office. Parents/Carers are asked to register with front office staff when entering the school or for access to classrooms between 9am – 3pm.
Small Group Settings
We currently have 24 Small Group Settings at Palmerston. These classes accommodate students with varying special needs. The aim for most of these students is to integrate for some of the day into a mainstream classroom to provide opportunities for them to interact with their peers. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan, developed in consultation with parents, the school and relevant specialists, which outlines educational and or social goals.
Sports Houses
Students are allocated to a 'House' for special events and carnivals and remain in this house throughout their primary years.
Our houses and colours are:
- Cotter (red)
- Gudgenby (yellow)
- Murrimbidgee (green)
- Snowy (blue)
Sports Teams Selection Procedure
Sports Team Selection Procedure and Code of Conduct
Student Injury - Insurance and Ambulance Transport
The ACT Directorate does not provide any insurance cover for injury, disease or illness to students resulting from school activities or school-organised excursions. Claims for compensation are met where there is a legal liability to do so. Liability is not automatic and depends on the circumstances in which any injury, disease or illness was sustained.
As there is no automatic insurance cover for personal injury if a child is injured at school or during a school organised activity/excursion Parents/Carers should therefore consider whether taking out personal insurance cover for a child is warranted. This insurance might cover contingencies including medical/hospital expenses and ambulance transport outside the ACT.
The ACT Ambulance Service provides free ambulance transport for students who are injured or suddenly become ill at school or during an approved school organised activity within the ACT.
Student Support Fund
All government schools have established a student support fund to ensure access and equity in the provision of education. The fund supports the needs of students who might not otherwise be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities provided by their schools. Please contact the front office for further information.
Sun Protection Policy
The school supports the Cancer Council's Sun Protection Policy and these guidelines are considered whenever outdoor activities are planned. All children are expected to wear a hat when outdoors during school time and during breaks between August and May. If a hat is not worn, children are asked to play in the shade. For further information download the Directorate policy on Sun Protection
Supervision in the Playground
The school is fortunate to have an attractive playground featuring play equipment, grass areas, asphalt and access to the oval located adjacent to the school. The playground is actively supervised by the teaching staff each recess and lunch. Children should not arrive at school until after 8:30am. The library is open each morning from 8:30am and has story book reading and activities available. Teaching staff wear a High visibility vest when on duty. The Blacktop and Basketball court are supervised from 8:30am.