Middle School

General Information

Absences and Lateness

Parents are asked to call the Front Office on 8216 5555 as soon as it is clear that their child will be absent from school or late. The roll in each class is completed before 8.55am so it is important that we know about absent students before that time. If a student is absent and the school, via the Front Office, has not been notified, one of the administration staff will try to make contact with parents to ensure that all is well. If a student arrives late to school (after 8.40am) they must report to the Front Office with their diary, which will be stamped.

Accidents, Illness and the Sick Bay

If a student has an accident or falls ill at school, appropriate first aid will be given by staff and where possible, the School Sister. This assistance will include, where necessary, emergency ambulance transport to a hospital. Parents are strongly encouraged to take out accident and ambulance insurance, as this is not routinely covered under usual Private Health cover and ambulance transport can be expensive. During the school day, students may go to the Sick Bay when feeling unwell and the teacher for that lesson needs to be notified.

Appointments

If a student needs to leave the school during the day to attend an appointment, parents should write a note in their child’s diary. The child would then show this to their Home Group Teacher in the morning who would initial the diary note and inform the office. The student will need to show this note again to the staff member in the Front Office when they sign out to leave the grounds. If the student returns to school they will also need to sign back in.

Assembly

Every Friday morning at 8.40am students in Years 7 – 12 meet in the Quadrangle for Assembly. In weeks 5 and 10 of term the whole school community gathers in the Quad for this assembly. Parents are welcome to come along to these.

Assessment and Reporting

Assessment for learning is an integral part of our teaching program. We plan for assessment when we develop our teaching and learning activities. The major purpose of assessment is to improve student learning through the information and experiences students, teachers and parents gain from the variety of assessment strategies used.

Regular feedback is given to students both formally and informally, and reporting to parents on student achievement and progress occurs in the following ways:

•    Interim report – grades and effort rating: Terms 1 and 3.
•    Full subject reports: Terms 2 and 4.
•    Formal parent/teacher interviews: Terms 2 and 3.
•    Informal communication between parents and teachers via the diary, phone or email contact – as required.

Awards and Prizes

Prizes are awarded for academic excellence and endeavour at the annual school Speech Night. Achievements in other arenas of school life are also recognised. Merit Certificates are awarded to the highest achiever, at the end of each semester, for every class, in every subject.

Banned Items

Chewing gum, smoking requisites, non-prescribed drugs and spray cans are banned from the school grounds.

Basic Skills Testing

It is a Federal Government requirement for students in Years 7 and 9 complete standardised testing. From 2008 students across Australia will sit national tests in literacy and numeracy. The National Assessment Program will be completed in Term 2.

Big Day Out

On the last Wednesday or Thursday of term each Home Group Teacher plans a special activity for their class. This activity is a “reward” for the students who throughout the term have been met school expectations in regard to behaviour, academic effort, homework, uniform, etc. Students who have not met these expectations remain at school under the supervision of the Director of the Middle School. In Terms 1, 2 and 3 this activity is for the afternoon only but in Term 4 it is a whole day activity.

Booklists and Stationery

Booklists are distributed at the end of Term 4 for the following year. Campions are our suppliers and all text and stationery orders can be completed on-line www.schoolbooklist.com.au or by returning the booklist to school by the due date. All orders will be delivered to your home in January. A second-hand book sale is held in the last school week of the year where texts may be purchased. Check the school calendar for dates.

Bushfire Policy

As the fire danger period approaches we wish to advise you of our plans to cope with any emergency. Arrangements have been made to ensure that we are informed of a disaster in the risk areas surrounding Adelaide.

ON FIRE BAN DAYS
These are notified by the radio. A fire ban for the following day will be announced from 5 p.m. on radio and will be enforced from midnight to midnight.

The STATE FIRE CONTROL OFFICE issues warnings on radio and to the Independent Schools Board (ISB). The school continuously monitors the radio for warnings. The ISB also relays them to us by telephone. The warning we receive will be one of these three types:

Phase 1    Informs us of a fire in a particular area which is being attended and is not a serious threat to the public at present.
    Implications for schools
    Keep listening on the radio for further advice. Cancel any excursions or trips into areas at risk.

Phase 2    Indicates a situation threatening enough to cause people in the path of the fire to consider evacuation.
    Implications for schools
    Students living in or travelling through an area at risk will be kept at school until arrangements for their well being are finalised.

    No student will be able to leave school before their normal dismissal time unless previous authority has been received from a parent or guardian.

Phase 3    Indicates fire so close to a particular area that evacuation should NOT begin or continue. The roads should be clear for emergency vehicles.
    Implications for schools
    No parents, staff or children should be moving into the risk area. Parents collecting children should be strongly encouraged to stay on the plains until the danger has passed.

Phase 4    An ALL CLEAR will be given on the radio, indicating that it is now safe to return and that the fire is under control.

If a student’s home area is threatened by fire then he/she will be kept at school until arrangements for his/her safe keeping are finalised.

If you consider that your home or the route to your home is in a fire risk area, please indicate this fact on the attached sheet and provide the school with the details of safe accommodation to which your child can be directed. Would you also indicate the road used to reach your home from Adelaide as this will help us to decide in the event of an emergency whether it is dangerous for your child to proceed home.

In the event of an emergency the school telephone 8216 5555 will be manned until the danger is over.

If you consider your home to be in a ‘safe’ area please indicate this fact on the attached form and return so that we can be sure that no one is missed.

Careers

Kerry Turner is the school’s Careers Counsellor. The Careers Office is located downstairs in the Memorial Wing where extensive information is available. The Daily Bulletin, PRW and Assemblies are also used to disseminate information. Middle School parents, as well as students, are welcome to use these services and may make appointments by telephone. The Work Education program commences in Year 10 with students completing their Work Experience in Year 11.

Casual Clothes Day

The students in Years 7 – 12 have one Casual Clothes Day per term, as indicated in the annual school calendar. Students donate $2.00 and are able to wear casual clothes that are appropriate and suitable for school activities for the day. PE uniform is required for PE lessons and sports practice. All monies raised are donated to the charity determined by the SRC or individual Home Group.

Chapel

The Middle School students and staff join together in the School Chapel for worship every Tuesday morning. A Eucharist service is held once a term as well as one of MS Chapel service is celebrated in our nearby parish Chapel of St Mary Magdalene’s in Moore St. A prayer is also read each day as part of the morning Home Group time.

City Focus

In the MS we embrace our special city location and use it to maximum advantage in our curriculum. We aim to develop an understanding, knowledge and appreciation of Adelaide's unique history, planning, civics, culture, geography, built and natural environment, and political and current issues. Aspects of the city are incorporated into all subject areas and the students participate regularly in excursions to a wide variety of city locations and events all of which can be easily accessed by foot or public transport. The curriculum ‘city experience’ culminates with the special ‘City Week’ in Year 9, including an expo of the students’ work and experiences.

Co-Curricular Activities

Director of Activities: Mr Mark McGarry
The Activities program exists to complement the academic undertakings of students. It is valued, not only as an avenue to learn about, and participate in, a range of diverse activities, but also as a means to extend and affirm meaningful relationships between and among staff and students.

In the Middle School all students are involved fully in the Co-curricular Activities Program and are expected to participate in 3 activities per year, which would usually include two sports and at least one of the ongoing cultural activities offered. When a student plays a sport for an outside club, which is offered by the school, it is expected that the student will put their school commitment ahead of the club. Many students choose to exceed these commitments and this is considered desirable where students are able to maintain a balance with their schoolwork. The over-riding emphasis within the activities is ongoing, committed participation.

Summer Sports offered are:

Boys

Rowing, Volleyball, Tennis & Cricket

Girls

Rowing, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Softball & Basketball

Winter Sports offered are:

Boys

Athletics, Basketball, Cross Country, Hockey, Soccer & Football

Girls

Athletics, Cross Country, Hockey, Netball & Soccer

All sporting pursuits at Pulteney aim firmly at developing a healthy, balanced view of competition and teamwork. Students and coaches work together to develop skills and teamwork and compete against other schools. Pulteney unashamedly embraces the notion of sportsmanship and high standards of sportsmanship are demanded in all sports.

Cultural/community
Activities offered to both girls and boys are:

Debating, Chess, The Annual School Production (musical or drama), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Venture Club (outdoor activities), Active 8 and Water Watch.
Various Musical Ensembles include:
The Grammarphones
Concert Band
Stage Band
Orchestra
Percussion Ensemble

As much as possible, coaches, and leaders of activity based groups are academic staff members. Support staff and administration staff of the school are also encouraged to participate in the Co-curricular Program. Coaching, leadership and management appointments from outside the school are made to supplement available school based-staff.

Sports team selection in the Middle School is based on a principle that values participation of all squad members. In squads where there is more than the required number of players for a team, a rotation system of selection will apply to ensure practical application of this. Sport specific selection policies in some sports supplement this overall guideline at the discretion of the coach.

Community Service

Students are encouraged to be actively involved in community service either within the school community or in the wider community. The Middle School sponsors two World Vision children and students in their Home Groups are involved in a variety of other student-directed fundraising and community service activities throughout the year.

Competitions

Our students are offered the opportunity to participate in a wide range of Australian wide competitions in English, Science, Maths and IT. Within the school a MS Writing Competition (poetry and prose) and a Spelling Competition are conducted annually.

Computers and IT

Two Computer Labs are located in the Library as well as an extensive network of computers in specialist teaching areas throughout the school. Students will use these computers during lesson time as arranged by their subject teachers, and may access the computers in the Library at lunchtimes. All the MS Home Group rooms have 2 iMacs for student use and additional network points are available for students with their own laptops.

All students have access to the school server, the Internet and have their own personal school email address. Students have their own unique password that they use to access these. Under no circumstances should students give their password to another student. Students and their parents are asked to sign the “Student Internet Access and Email Contract” in the diary to agree to appropriate and academic use only of the school’s network. Failure to comply with any section of this contract may result in IT privileges being suspended.

Counselling
Sally Leonard, provides valuable counsel to students through her role as School Nurse.

Daily Bulletin

Notices for students are read in Home Group time every morning and then pinned up in the HG room. Students should make note of relevant meetings, training times, etc. in their diary. If a student is late he/she should ensure that they read the Daily Bulletin as soon as possible.

Diary

Proper use of the school diary is a very important for all Pulteney students. The diary is used:
•    As an organizational tool for the student for: their time, homework, assignments, study, school activities and events
•    To allow the student, parents and teachers to monitor: results, workload, progress, behaviour and involvement in school activities.
•    As a regular and direct communication link between parents and teachers.

Therefore it is vital for STUDENTS to:
•    Always bring their diary to every class
•    Stick their current timetable on the back cover
•    Enter all homework details
•    Record details of all school activities, meetings, trainings, matches, etc.
•    Record all assignment details: due dates, results, etc.
•    At the end of the day take the diary home and any books needed for homework, reading or study.
•    Check off completed homework and record time spent.
•    Keep their diary neat, tidy and graffiti-free. Stickers and pictures should not be stuck on the cover or pages inside.

PARENTS need to:
•    Check and sign their child’s diary regularly. It is suggested that you do this nightly to begin the year and as your child assumes more responsibility just a weekly check and signing should suffice.
•    Use the diary to send a message to a teacher who will sign it if required
•    Write a note to explain all absences and lateness
•    Monitor that time spent on homework is appropriate

TEACHERS will:
•    Insist that students always bring their diary to class.
•    Insist that students enter all homework and assignment details correctly.
•    Place reminder stickers and/or notes to communicate information to parents about incomplete homework or assignments, lateness to school or class and uniform, behaviour and organisational misdemeanors.
•    HOME GROUP TEACHERS will check and sign the diary weekly.

Excursions

As a city school there are many opportunities for our students to access the wonderfully rich and diverse resources in the city. To take full advantage of these facilities, exhibitions and performances and enhance the educational experiences of our students we ask all parents to sign the “Consent to Visit Local Areas” form in their child’s diary. This will give permission for excursions in the local city area when students travel by foot or public transport. Parents will still be notified of excursion details via a note in the diary or PRW. Specific permission will be sought for other excursions, camps, etc outside of the city area.

Goal Setting

“All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do.”
Norman Peale

Each term the students set goals for their academic achievement in every subject, in consultation with their Home Group Teachers. Previous term's results are reviewed and new specific and realistic goals are set. Strategies that will help guide them in their studies are devised and written out. These goals often become the focus for discussions between the student, parents and teachers. Goals are written in a specific section in the diary for each term and should be shared with parents and signed.

Homework

In keeping with the general principles of the Middle School it is envisaged that students will be productive at school and learn to use their class time effectively. As such, homework is not the primary agency for producing large pieces of work, but is essential to consolidate and revise classroom learning, reinforce skills and knowledge, and complete tasks, which promote independent and effective learning.

In the Middle School, homework will always be set on Monday - Thursday nights. Generally no new work will be set for the weekends but students will be expected to use weekend time to catch up on incomplete work, study for major tests or work on larger assignments. All homework tasks must be written in the diary and checked off at home when completed.

Year 7    1 hour per night                             (4 - 5 hours per week)
Year 8    1-2 hours per night                        (4 - 8 hours per week)
Year 9    2 hours per night plus weekend HW will be set when necessary    (8 - 10 hours per week)

In addition to set homework, students are expected to read for a minimum of 15 minutes each night, as well as regularly allocate sufficient time to organise their diary, notes, assignments, tests, subject folders, etc.

We believe that parents’ role in relation to their child's homework is to:
•    provide a suitable place to study and the necessary materials.
•    help establish a regular homework time and routine with minimal distractions.
•    take an interest in the homework tasks and discuss them.
•    encourage your child to plan their time and not to leave things to the last minute.
•    praise their efforts and achievements.
•    check and sign their diary each week.
•    monitor time spent on homework and communicate any concerns to the relevant subject teacher or HG teacher.

To keep parents informed, and as a reminder to the student a sticker will be placed in the diary when a student fails to complete or submit homework punctually. Accumulation of these stickers will result in a detention. We encourage students to negotiate with their teachers if a homework deadline cannot be met.

House System

Each student is assigned to a House when they commence in the MS. Traditionally family connections to a House are maintained. The Heads of House for 2008 are:

Bleby-Howard	Blue	Mr Michael Holmes
Cawthorne-Nicholls	Green	Mrs Gina Kadis
Kennion-Miller	Yellow	Mr David Andrewartha
Moore-Sunter	Red	Mr John Taylor

Once allocated to a House the students will remain in that House throughout their time in both the Middle School and one ninety. In Years 10 – 12 the Pastoral Care structure becomes House rather than Home Group based. Year 7 – 12 House meetings are conducted on a regular basis. For peer support all new students to the MS will be allocated an older “Buddy” in their House.

During the year students are selected to represent their House in a variety of activities. The four Houses compete for the prestigious Rungie Cup whereby points are awarded for academic results as well as a variety of competitive sporting and cultural events throughout the year. Middle School House Leaders are selected from the Year 9 groups each year. A coloured House t-shirt is required for all events.

Instrumental Music Lessons

The Music Department can arrange for individual music tuition for any student. Students are withdrawn from normal classes on a rotating timetable once a week. Please contact the Music Department for further information.

Leadership Opportunities

A Middle School Student Representative Council (SRC) is elected at the beginning of each year. One student is selected by his/her peers to represent each Home Group at the MS SRC meetings. The SRC aims to work towards improving the Pulteney community and environment as well as promoting and organising community service.

In Term 4 the Year 9 Middle School Leaders are selected for each of the four Houses for the following year. These leaders help and support their House Captains and Head of House to organise and run Middle School events, in particular for the Rungie Cup events.

Library

The Schrader Memorial Library is situated in the southeastern corner of the quadrangle and is a focal point of school life. It is used by parents, teachers and students, not only for the purpose of study, but also for co-curricular activities and has many visitors from outside the immediate school community. The library provides the ideal place for displays of student work, along with promotional materials for school activities.

The library collection includes a wide range of resources: fiction and non-fiction, reference materials, computers, audio texts, videos, DVDs, journals, periodicals and newspapers. Students can access these resources using their student ID card and are able to use the library facilities for relaxation and quiet study.

The library is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Friday when it closes at 4.30pm. Students may choose to visit the library before or after school, and at recess and lunchtimes. Classes also use the library at pre-arranged times. Every student in the Middle School will visit the library regularly as part of their English classes as well as other sessions for research as arranged by subject teachers. The library staff is always available for guidance and assistance for students.

Lockers and Locks

Individual lockers are provided for storage of books, equipment, uniform, etc. These lockers are to be kept clean and free from graffiti. Lockers should only be visited before school, at recess, lunch and after school. Lockers should be locked at all times and valuables should not be left overnight or on the weekend. The school cannot accept responsibility for any stolen items.

Combination locks are purchased by the school and sold to the students (on the booklist at the beginning of the year, or from the Finance Office) then remain the students’ property. Each padlock is sturdy and has its own unique combination. Students should never give their combination to another student.

Lost Property

Parents are asked to clearly label all of their child’s uniform items, books, materials and other items. Named items are returned to students and any unnamed items are stored in the Front Office.

Magazine

A school magazine is published annually and distributed in February.

Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices

During the school day MS students should not have mobile phones or other electronic devices switched on. If they need to be brought to school it is preferable for them to be left locked inside their locker between 8.30am and 3.30pm. The school accepts no responsibility for such items being brought to school, camps or excursions.

Newsletter: The PRW (Pulteney Review Weekly)

A weekly newsletter, the PRW, is emailed every Thursday. This is a very important source of information about school activities and achievements. It is also available on the school web page. If you would like to receive a copy by email, Mr Roger Oaten can organise this by emailing him at: roaten@pulteney.sa.edu.au

news@pulteney

Each term a round-up of recent events in the school and old scholars groups is published and circulated by mail to all families and the wider Pulteney community. Contact Mr Mark Bourchier, the Director of Development who is the editor of this publication.

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is a core activity and is a compulsory activity for all Middle School students.
A sequential curriculum program from Years 7 to 9 is offered.

Year	Venue	Length	Purpose
7	Kangaroo Island	5 days Term 1	Environmental Education, Camp Craft, SA History, Bush walking & Kayaking Local Study: Kangaroo Island

8	Clayton / Coorong	5 days Term 1	Saling, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Surfing, Camp Craft, Aboriginal Studies Local Study: Coorong, Murray Mouth

9	Mt Crawford	5 days Term 2	Expedition: Bushwalking, Bike Riding and Kayaking, Camp Craaft Local Study: Murray River

The Outdoor Education program leads students through a series of exciting and challenging experience designed to reach for affective development in the following areas:

•    Environmental awareness – students are given information about, and immersed in, natural environments. Local and global views of the importance of consideration of the environment are highly valued.
•    Personal development – the program emphasizes and enhance development of self confidence, co-operation, self reliance and consideration of others
•    The program also enhances learning from other curriculum areas and develops high-level skills in outdoor recreation activities.

Students with a particular interest in Outdoor Education are encouraged to join the school’s Venture Club and commence the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Parent Participation

Pulteney is very proud of its community spirit and high level of parent participation. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the formal and informal parent bodies. It is important, and indeed one of the outstanding characteristics of Pulteney, that parents are involved in supporting their children’s endeavours. We need to continually remind ourselves that the business of education requires a consistent, supportive three-way partnership in order to fulfill its potential.

Among the formal ways parents might become involved in the school are:
•    Parents and Friends Association
•    Friends of Music
•    A range of sport specific parent support groups et: Football Club, Netball Club, Venture Club
•    Volunteer time in the School Tuck Shop
•    Volunteer time in the Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

All of the above mentioned parent groups can be contacted through the Front Office. Activities and meetings are advertised in the weekly newsletter: the PRW.

Parent – Teacher Communication

The Home Group teacher is the primary agent for communication between school and parents. Both the parents and teachers regularly use the diary for written communication, and thus it is important that parents check their child’s diary regularly, i.e. at least weekly.

Parents are encouraged to ring or email their child’s Home Group Teacher if there are matters they would like to discuss. For subject specific queries please contact the specialist teacher. Generally, it will be difficult to locate a teacher during the day, but a message can be left with the Receptionist in the Front Office and the teacher concerned will call back at the earliest possible time, to either discuss the matter over the telephone, or make an appointment. All teachers have a school email, which is usually checked daily. Each address has the same format eg: smckinney@pulteney.sa.edu.au.

Pastoral Care

At Pulteney we believe that the pastoral care of each student at Pulteney is very important and underpins all activities. We are concerned about each student’s development as a whole person: social, emotional, spiritual and academic. Learning is optimized when students feel safe, believe that they belong and are capable of achieving success.

Home Group Teachers
In addition to the care given by every teacher in every class the overall pastoral care responsibility of each Middle School student is that of their Home Group Teacher. As well as the subject time they spend with their Home Group Teacher, they meet daily, attend Chapel and Assembly together and have weekly lesson time where pastoral care activities (based on Program Achieve), class meetings, organisational support and the planning of Home Group activities (i.e.: social, community service etc.).

‘Program Achieve’
This Australian program is the basis of our Pastoral Care curriculum (3 - 4 lessons per fortnight) and through it we aim to provide students with the necessary foundations for academic achievement and socio-emotional-behavioural well-being at school and beyond. We aim to provide them with many opportunities to develop a positive mindset that helps them develop to their full academic, emotional and interpersonal potential. The program is based on the following Keys and Habits of Mind which are specifically taught, along with other issues which arise during the year.

The 5 Keys to Success:

Getting along with Others
Persistence
Organisation
Confidence
Emotinal Resilience

The 11 Habits of Mind:

Playing by the Rules
Thinking First
Being Tolerant of Others
Planning my Time
Setting Goals
Working Tough
Giving Effort
I Can Do It
Taking Risks
Accepting Myself
Being Indepenent

Portfolios

All MS students collect exemplars of their literacy work in all subject areas throughout the year and then collate these into a Literacy Portfolio during Term 4. Generally the students take great care and pride in compiling their portfolio, which is posted home to parents with the Term 4 reports. This is a compulsory requirement for all Year 7, 8 and 9 students

School Day and Lesson Times

The school day starts at 8.40am and concludes at 3.30pm. A teacher is on duty from 8.15am. Students need to arrive by 8.30am to prepare for the day. The school day begins with a 20 minute Home Group time. The day is then divided up into 6 lessons of 50 - 55 minutes, with lesson 1 commencing at 9am. There are 2 lessons before recess, 2 before lunch and 2 after lunch. There are some double lessons. Students are expected to make a quick and efficient transition from lesson to lesson, visiting their locker at the main breaks only.

School Policies

These are available in full on the school website www.pulteney.sa.edu.au and a summary of key rules and policies for students is printed in the front of the diary.

Smoke-free

Pulteney is a smoke-free school. No person is permitted to smoke in the school buildings or grounds.

Student Management Plan

Pulteney’s Student Management Plan teaches students to behave in ways which increase academic success and which strengthen students’ relationships with their teachers and peers. The plan has been implemented to ensure the highest possible standards of student learning, behaviour towards others, student self-esteem, student appearance and general school tone.

Modern school classrooms should be calm, safe and purposeful; students flourish in the presence of teachers who set clear and consistent limits to student behaviour and who provide positive directional focus, encouragement and recognition of behaviours which support student learning. The complete Student Management Policy is available on the school website.

Our program is based on the following guiding principles.
•   The purpose of discipline is not to control, but to educate ,within a productive environment..
•   Positive, clear and consistent expectations are the keys to a successful school that maximises student learning and relationships with teachers and peers.
•   Classroom management has a significant role in determining student behaviour.
•   Recognition and appropriate reward of positive behaviour is a powerful motivator of students.
•   Students respond well to consistent structures that clearly define the limits of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
•   Rewards and consequences are based on student choice; students, given these choices, learn that they can be in control of what happens to them. Students are aware that their choices result in rewards or consequences.

Rights and Responsibilities
Students
•   have the right to a teacher who will set firm and consistent limits, and the responsibility to follow reasonable directions.
•   have the right to a teacher who will provide them with consistent positive encouragement to motivate them to behave.
•   have the right to know what behaviours they need to engage in that will enable them to succeed in the classroom.
•   have the right to a teacher who will take the time to teach them how to manage their own behaviour.
•   teachers have the right to teach.
•   should provide an appropriate and challenging academic program.
•   have the right to establish rules and directions that clearly define the limits of acceptable and unacceptable student behaviour in line with the school policies.
•   have the right and responsibility to teach students consistently to follow these rules and directions throughout the school day and school year.
•   have the right to advise parents and request parental support in handling unacceptable behaviour.
•   have the right to ask for assistance from senior staff when support is needed in handling unacceptable behaviour.

In the Middle School our goal is to teach our young people to behave appropriately, take responsibility for their own actions and respect and get along with others. We want to help them develop into responsible citizens with a sense of self-discipline, tolerance and respect for themselves, property, safety and the rights of others.

We believe that we can achieve a high level of quality behaviour from our students through:
•   developing positive relationships between and among students, teachers and parents
•   having clear and explicit expectations.
•   having clear, logical and consistent consequences for inappropriate behaviour.
•   ensuring our students feel safe and that they belong at school.
•   having a relevant and interesting curriculum which students enjoy and are motivated to learn.
•   teaching and modelling correct social responsibilities and conflict resolution skills.
•   ensuring all students can experience success.
•   developing strong partnerships and open communication channels with parents.

Classroom Management Plan
Behaviour in the classroom is a relationship between the teacher and the student. The good conduct of classes is the goal of all in the school. Classroom discipline is a matter for the class teacher. Disciplinary action should be taken at the level closest to the offence. Minor offences in the classroom, as much as is possible should be dealt with in the classroom. Sending a student outside for poor behaviour will be avoided in all but extreme situations as outlined below. In Years 7 - 12 three clear but simple rules apply in all classrooms. These are rules that students are expected to follow at all times:
•   Follow directions (*Directions must be reasonable and in no way violate the rights of students.)
•   Be on time and be prepared for class.
•   Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
Teachers might choose to add two more rules which either suit their teaching style or which may be applied from time to time to encourage specific behaviours. These rules will be specific, observable and testable, rather than vague and general.

Rewards
When students choose to follow these rules, students may be rewarded in four main ways:
•   Positive and encouraging feedback.
•   Positive notes and phone calls home.
•   Specific privileges.
•   Certificates and awards.
•   Participation in the end of term reward day - the Big Day Out.

Consequences
When students choose not to follow the rules, the following consequences apply. These range from a warning, to after class detentions and removal from class. When a student is removed from class, (a blue withdrawal form to be completed) the following will apply:
Once:        Note in diary and Friday Detention.
Twice:       Phone call to parents from subject teacher and Friday Detention.
Third Time:   Meeting with Director of Sub-School, subject teacher and parent.

When a student is removed from class, the blue form must be taken immediately to Front Office where contact with a senior staff member will be made to deal with the situation. The student must make contact with the subject teacher prior to the resumption of their next subject class so that the teacher can calmly reinforce the rules.

In cases of severe misbehaviour or disruption, such as fighting, vandalism, defying a teacher, or stopping the entire class from functioning, students will be automatically removed from class, losing the right to proceed through the hierarchy of consequences. A senior staff member will make contact with parents.

Detentions
It is school policy to run detentions every Friday and three Saturdays per term. Any questions or concerns about detentions should be directed to the Director of the Middle School. Detentions are issued for very poor classroom/yard behaviour and persistent infringement of other school rules, e.g. homework, uniform, etc.

The school recognises that in any organisation there is the potential for harassment to occur. Any form of harassment is abhorrent and unacceptable and the school is committed to minimising it. Every report of harassment will be taken seriously and will be investigated appropriately.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and happy whilst at school, travelling to and from school, or when attending a school organised activity. Students have the right to be part of a school community where they can learn and interact in a safe, enjoyable environment clear in the knowledge that they are not going to be ridiculed, or put down, by their fellow students, by teachers or other adults. No student should feel at risk from any form Friday Detention: a green form is sent home with the student prior to the date of the detention. Parents should sign this form and give it to their child who must hand it to the teacher supervising the detention. Students on detention are to report to M1 at 3.40pm with their signed green form and a pen. They will complete a Student Reflection Sheet before being dismissed at 4.30pm. Their Reflection Sheet will be posted home to parents and a copy kept in their school file.

Saturday Detention: For more serious or repeated misdemeanors a student may be asked by the Director of the Middle School to attend one of the three scheduled Saturday Detentions per term. A letter and form will be sent home for these and the student is to return the signed form to the Principal’s Personal Assistant before the Saturday of the detention. Students must wear full school uniform and attend school from 9.00am – 12.00 noon on the Saturday. Students are to complete schoolwork, or be required to complete duties as determined by the person supervising the detention.

Behaviour and Presentation in Public
Whenever students are in the public domain, e.g. excursions and traveling to and from school, they are expected to uphold all school rules, be dressed correctly in the required school uniform, and look and behave in an exemplary manner, which will positively reflect on the school and themselves.

Presentation – Uniform
Students are required to correctly wear the school uniform at school every day. They are also expected to wear the required uniform for all school events and activities. The cooperation of parents is expected in delivering a high standard of appearance for students.

Bullying and Harassment
Pulteney Grammar School is a school that expects all members within its community to treat one another with respect and support. Both bullying and harassment are hurtful and damaging, of harassment: physical, emotional, psychological, sexual etc.

Teachers have the right to be treated as a professional, enjoy their teaching and work in a calm and purposeful learning environment. No teacher or other adult should feel at risk from any kind of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual abuse or any other form of harassment.

What You Can Do If You Are Bullied or Harassed
The 5-Step method:
Identify clearly that it is bullying or harassment. Remember that bullying is not a once off act, but repeated behaviour.
1.   Ignore them. Do not answer back or move away. Many bullies will gain pleasure out of your acknowledgement. Ignoring them will not give them the response they are after.
2.   Walk away.
3.   Talk friendly. If the bullying continues, ask them to stop. Set clear boundaries about what you would like them to stop. Be assertive but not aggressive. Maybe the bully doesn’t realise they are being hurtful.
4.   Talk firmly. You may need to repeat this step but in a more assertive manner.
5.   Report. If after step 4 the bullying continues then you must report it immediate to your Home Group teacher or another staff member you feel comfortable talking to. You will receive support. Reporting is not “dobbing” and it is necessary to solve the problem
Any physical injury should be reported to a teacher or school nurse immediately.

Submission of Assignments – Meeting Deadlines

All teachers will set clear deadlines for all assignments and direct students to write these in their diaries. It is a MS expectation that all set work will be submitted by all students, with the exception of students who are ill, absent or on modified programs.

Students in the MS often need assistance in scheduling their time to fulfill their commitments to a wide range of subjects. Hence students may need to negotiate with their subject teachers when work is due. Extensions are not an automatic right; any request for an extension must be negotiated prior to the due date. Exceptions are of course, illness, injury or on compassionate grounds. We would encourage students, rather than parents, to negotiate extensions themselves with the teacher.

If work is submitted late, without an approved extension the teacher will indicate in the diary with a homework sticker that the work is overdue and will still expect the work to be submitted as soon as possible. The student may be required to work at lunchtime or during Friday Detention to complete it. Repeated infringements will result in parent contact and detention.

Sun Protection

Background
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with 2 out of 3 people developing some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Much of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. Research suggests that severe sunburn is a contributor to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as wrinkles, sunspots, blemishes and premature aging. As few as 5 - 6 sunburns seems to increase the risk of skin cancer. Most skin damage and skin cancer is preventable.

Schools can help reduce the risk of skin cancer, and the number of related deaths, by encouraging all members of the school community to take effective measures.

The aim of this policy is to promote among the students, staff, and parents of Pulteney Grammar School:
•    positive attitudes towards skin protection
•    lifestyle practices, which can help, reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths, for example, by using shade and wearing protective clothing.
•    personal responsibility for decision-making about skin protection
•    awareness of the need for environmental changes in the school to reduce the level of exposure to the sun.

Implementation Strategies for Skin Protection
The School implements the skin protection policy by:
•    incorporating in the school curriculum an appropriate educational program which focuses on skin cancer prevention,
•    encouraging positive role-modeling of ‘sun wise’ behaviour by all members of staff,
•    encouraging staff and students to protect themselves adequately from the sun,
•    seeking continuing support from parents and the school community for the Sun Protection Policy and its implementation,
•    encouraging students without adequate protection to use shaded or covered areas at recess and lunchtime,
•    timetabling as many outdoor activities as possible out of periods of strongest sunshine (i.e. 10.00am to 2.00 pm, or 11.00am to 3.00pm daylight saving time),
•    making sun screen available in a variety of easily accessible locations to meet the needs of the students,
•    require students to wear an appropriate hat when at play in the Parklands at lunchtimes and during any outdoor activities.
As part of the Physical Education Program and Sport Program the school will encourage all students to:
•    wear an appropriate hat for all outdoor sporting activities;
•    wear long or short sleeved, school sports shirts;
•    apply sun screen to unprotected skin;
•    wear protective sunglasses for outdoor activities when and where appropriate.

All Middle School students are required to own a white or blue broad brimmed ‘Greg Chappell’ style hat. This should be kept in their locker and be worn in Physical Education lessons and when playing in the park at lunch times or in the sun at any time. Sunscreen is available from dispensers in the gymnasium and outside Nicholls Building. The broad brimmed hat, or for tennis and rowing, the school cap, is to be worn on the sports field at training and during matches. All students are encouraged to bring a water bottle for use during physical activities, and in class, during hot weather.

Tuck Shop

The Tuck Shop is open every day at 8.00am and students may purchase breakfast items before school or other food at recess and lunchtimes. Students can only purchase items at these times and not during, or between lessons. Lunch may be ordered at the Tuck Shop window either before school or at recess time. Students are required to behave in an orderly and polite way at the Tuck Shop. Parent help is always welcome. Please speak to the Tuck Shop staff if you are able to help.

Current Tuck Shop price list.

Uniform and the Uniform Shop

Uniform requirements and expectations are detailed in a specific section on this website. Please read these carefully and discuss with your child. Your assistance in reinforcing these expectations and supporting the high standard of presentation of our students is appreciated.

The Uniform Shop is open throughout the year (see the Shop page for times and dates) and the staff is able to answer all uniform enquiries. Please seek their advice before purchasing any alternative uniform items.

Water

Students are strongly encouraged to drink sufficient water during the day, as this aids concentration. Water bottles may be taken into all classes and this is desirable, especially for PE and in warmer weather.