School hours
School operates from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Supervision is provided in the playground from 8:30 a.m. in the mornings and until 3:15 p.m. in the afternoons. Children who are not collected from school by 3:15 are taken over to OSHC (after school care). We encourage parents/caregivers to ensure the children are on time to school in the mornings so that they develop the understanding that it is important and valued. If your child is late to school, please take your child to the office to receive a late slip.
Teacher availability
As we acknowledge and value the importance of regular parent communication, all staff are available for a quick chat in the playground for 15 minutes each afternoon. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with your child's teacher on an informal level. From our experience we find that through regular conversations with your child's teacher issues and concerns can be managed effectively. This is a community strategy that is unique to Australia Street.
School community
At Australia Street, we feel it is important to encourage our wider school community to become actively involved the life of our school. We would like to encourage you to participate in our decision making and to develop an understanding of current curricula and pedagogy, get involved with our Australia Street Infants School P & C and most importantly take an active part in your child's social and academic life. To support this we encourage you to become actively involved in developing a learning partnership with your child and with us at school to ensure that your child has the best start in what is the most critical years of schooling.
Australia Street Infants School Parents & Citizens
The Australia Street Infants School P & C meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school library. P & C is a great way to participate in the life of the school and provides tremendous support in the form of fundraising and contributions to school policy. New parents are always welcome.
Parent involvement
We encourage parents to become actively involved in their children's educational programs through volunteering to assist with our daily reading program and other whole school activities. In addition to this we ask that parents consider taking on the role of class parent which assists in the organisation of class social activities, assists on school excursions and other parent initiatives throughout the school year. if you are interested in volunteering at school please see the office to complete a working with children check declaration for volunteers.
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for your child to achieve their educational best. Please read Department of Education's information on attendance:
School starting age
A common question that parents ask is how old their child needs to be to start Pre-School or Kindergarten in a particular school year.
In this regard your child is required to be 4 years old by the 31st July for Pre-School and 5 years old by the 31st July for Kindergarten of the year they start.
Fundraising
Over the course of the year, the school community holds a number of fundraising events. Australia Street Infants School P & C is always on the look out for different ideas for fundraising that enable the whole community to get involved. People are also needed to help with the organisation of fundraising events. Bring your ideas to the P & C meetings.
School fees
Each term families are asked to contribute $50.00 in voluntary contributions. This money is put towards further developing school programs and purchasing resources to support teaching and learning. Also throughout the term we run a range of activities and excursions which are invoiced to you each Term. Payment for these activities and contributions can be made in person via Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS or online.
Student assistance
Each year the school receives a small amount of money to assist those families that may experience difficulties in meeting some of the costs associated with their child's education. If at any time, you are experiencing difficulties in making payments for fees, performances or excursions, please don't hesitate to come and see the principal.
Transition
We understand the importance of developing not only an early childhood focus, but also a complete K-6 Perspective, including transition between Pre-School and Kindergarten and Year 2 to Year 3. We are committed to supporting the transition process to whichever local school you are zoned for Year 3.