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CONTENTS

Principal’s Welcome 2 Values and Beliefs Statement 3 Communicating with the School/Complaints Management 4 Staff List 2016 5 Term Dates/Office Contact Details 6 School Curriculum 7 Morning Assembly/Weekly Newsletter/Pupils of the Week Parent Liaison Officer/My Time Support Program 8 School uniforms/School Concert/School Dental Services/Tuckshop 9 Reports/IEP’s/Therapy Services/P&C/Sports Day 10 School Fees/Weekly Costs 11 Bulk Offers/School Camps/Community Learning Program 12 Nursing Service/Medication 13 Transport 14 Senior School Program 15 16 17 RTO (Registered Training Organisation) Behaviour 18 Appendix A – Request for Refund form 19

Address: 78 Glenala Road Durack 4077

Telephone: 3714 0666

PARENT HANDBOOK

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CONTENTS

Principal’s Welcome 2 Staff List 3 Values and Belief Statements 4 School Map 5 Communicating with the School / School Office Contact Details 6 Complaints Management / School Term Dates 7 School Uniforms 8 School Parade / Newsletter / Parent Liaison Officer / My Time Parent Support Program 9 Medication 10 School Nursing Service / Dental Service / School Concert / School Tuckshop / Reports 11 Personal Development Plan (P.D.P) / Therapies / P&C / Community Based Learning 12 School Payment Contribution / School Camp 13 Transport 14 School Curriculum - Junior / Middle / Junior Secondary School Program 15 School Curriculum – Senior School Programs 16-18 Responsible Behaviour Plan 19 Appendix A – Request for Refund Form 20

WELCOME TO WESTERN SUBURBS SPECIAL SCHOOL

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Our school information handbook has been prepared for new and current parents and caregivers of

students who attend Western Suburbs Special School. It contains information about the school, its

staff, programs and relevant policies.

Children are enrolled in this school in accordance with The Queensland Department of Education and

Training placement/enrolment procedures. Prior to enrolling any prospective student at Western

Suburbs Special School, parents will be provided with an Enrolment Package and an Enrolment

Agreement.

The Enrolment Agreement states clearly the rights, responsibilities and expectations of all those

concerned in the ‘education relationship’ at Western Suburbs. It includes documents on a range of

school policies and collects information about the student, in order to ensure that the student is

eligible for enrolment and that Education Queensland is;

· meeting its legal obligations under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006

· meeting its duty of care to all students and staff and

· administering and planning for the provision of appropriate education and support services to all

students.

This Enrolment Agreement is subject to Information Standard 42-Information Privacy (IS42) and is to

be voluntarily signed by both the Parents and Principal.

Western Suburbs Special School provides specialised educational programs for its students. The

process for determining the education needs of students with disabilities in Queensland State schools

is the ‘Education Adjustment Process’ or EAP. People involved in this process include

parents/caregivers, medical specialists, the Guidance Officer, the Principal Education Officer and

other staff at the Regional Office, class teachers, therapists and the Principal.

At Western Suburbs Special School, we aim to provide a happy, safe, supportive and effective

learning environment that creates a feeling of trust and security for students and leads to the

development of their potential. An Individual Curriculum Plan or ICP is the cornerstone of

individualised planning for our students. A Personal Development Plan (PDP) is another document

developed by the school to address identified developmental needs and to provide a basis for

fostering increased independence in areas such as physical skills, communication, self-respect and

respect for others, work habits and so on.

Best results can only be secured through the home and the school working together.

Your assistance in the task of providing the best possible learning opportunities for our students will

be greatly appreciated.

We look forward to working in partnership with you in educating your child and seeing him/her reach

their full potential.

Peter McGill (Principal)

STAFF

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Administration: Principal: Peter McGill Deputy Principal: Snjezana de Kroon Guidance Officer Karen Phillips Head of Curriculum Rosemarie Mannion Head of Curriculum Bernie Ellis Head of Curriculum Katie Andrew Head of Student Services Yura Pak Registered Training Organisation Kacie Howard Business Manager Sue-Anne Taylor Administration Officer Rhonda Rashleigh Administration Officer Jody Crocker Teaching Staff: Junior ATDL Attalie Towell / Debra Lindsay Junior SS Susan Sheppard Junior ST Sara Taylor Junior VB Vanessa Bryant Junior DN Danae Nugent Middle JI Julie Ingram Middle PM Pauline Matthews Middle KM Kylie Mead Middle KW Kerry Ann Weller Middle LG Libby Gerritsma Middle SBTL Sarah Bowman (M/T/W) & Tom Liscombe (Th/F) Middle LY Leila Younes Middle OG Olivia Gordon Middle LK Leanna Krivan Junior Secondary DJ Dilini Jayamanne Junior Secondary DH Donna Houseman Junior Secondary RF Rosemary Fuller Junior Secondary CH Cathrine Hogan Junior Secondary CT Charlotte Thompson Junior Secondary RZ Renee Zhu Junior Secondary DD Denise Dunn Junior Secondary MFNB Maja Fyfe (M/T/W/TH) & Nerida Boyle (Fr) Senior VD Val De Montille Senior JR Joan Roome Senior FC Fiona Childs Senior JK Julie Kneipp Senior AS Anne Sutton Senior PH Peter Hare Drama / NCT Vikki Watts Physical Ed / NCT Darren Whyte NCT Ghay Surendra NCT Trudi Wynne-Mathews NCT Colleen Kochardy NCT Jo-Anna McCabe Teacher Aides: Erika Adamson, Leah Apps, Karen Ashe, Sharon Bentley, Craig Berghoffer, Denny Bowman, Val Brooks, Jamie Lee Campbell, Mihwa Chean, Jenny Clark, Melinda Carmichael, Michelle Davies, Sue Dixon, Robyn Drury, Julie Elisseos, Laura Emmett, Megan Farquhar, Helen Fitzgerald, Judy Haigh, Amanda Hainsworth, Kathy Hagan, Chris Hanlon, Gary Hockey, Jane Ittensohn, Sheryl Kelly, Eliza Kent, Kelley Kerridge, Silvie Majorel, John Mitchell, Jenny Ramsden, Tracey Schumacher, Steven Smailes, Kirsty Smith, Karlene Summers, Coralie Shearer, Lorraine Wilson. Therapy Staff/Professional Support Staff: Physiotherapist: Dominic Hanson Occupational Therapist: Emma O’Conner Speech/Language Pathologist: Amanda Li Parent School Liaison Officer: Robyn Drury (1 day per week) Facility Officer: Jason Devries Cleaners: Lyn Newbigging, Sharon Pearce, Emily Croft, Gai Guy, Angli Indopia, Des Adams

VALUE AND BELIEF STATEMENTS

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Fundamental beliefs central to the delivery of school programs at Western Suburbs Special School are that:

Every student will be provided with a high quality educational program that is relevant and

appropriate to his/her needs.

Educational programs will be student-centred, individualised, specialised and embrace

innovation.

Contemporary teaching practices, built from evidence-based research, are most effective

when collaboration and reflection occur.

Students benefit from a holistic approach to education that enables them, builds personal

independence and promotes self-esteem.

Students learn best in an environment that is safe, supportive, healthy, respectful and

promotes a sense of fun and enjoyment.

Staff will provide quality educational experiences in close collaboration with families and the

community.

The principles of equity and social justice will drive decision making.

Difference is respected and celebrated.

Every member of our community, including students, staff and families, are learners.

SCHOOL MAP

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL

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Most classes have a home/school communication diary system, which is sent between school and

home on a daily basis. These books are very important and, when used regularly, allow for the quick

and reliable sharing of information about a student’s well-being, achievements, appointments and so

on.

From time to time during the year, you may wish to contact particular people at the school. If you wish

to see the class teacher or therapist, the Principal or Deputy Principal, please phone school reception

and make an appointment. This will ensure that we are able to provide a convenient time for a

meeting.

The school policy is to discourage telephone calls during class time, due to the disruption to student

programs. However, each classroom has a telephone extension if the matter is urgent.

If you need to telephone rather than use the home/school diary, please call between

8.25 - 9.00 am and 2.45 - 3.15 pm. Your child’s class teacher is usually available during these times.

Free App QSchool

Keep up to date, put us in your favourites and allow push notifications

SCHOOL OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: 3714 0666 Fax: 3372 1642

Email: admin@westernsuburbsspecs.eq.edu.au Website: www.westernsuburbsspecs.eq.edu.au

STUDENT ABSENCES Leave a message via phone on 3714 0660

SCHOOL TIMES: Arrival at school: 8.45 a.m. Morning Assembly: 8.50 a.m. (Monday & Friday) First Lunch 11.00 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. Second Lunch 1.00 p.m. - 1.45 p.m. Finish School: 2.50 p.m. Buses Leave 2.50 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT

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If Western Suburbs Special School is to provide quality education services that meet the needs of its

community, we need feedback, both positive and negative. Concerns and complaints will be

responded to as a matter of priority and will be used as a means of improving our school’s services to

students and parents/carers. However, there are certain guidelines that underpin the Complaints

Management process, including the following:

Parties should attempt to resolve complaints at the point where the problem or issue arose

If a complaint is made about a person, that person has the right to know details of the complaint

and be given the opportunity to reply

All people involved in the complaint process have the right of support of a third party

Complaint Management will be unbiased, objective and impartial

Education Queensland will handle all complaints fairly and with due regard to the rights of

employees who are the subject of the complaint

Complaint Management will be implemented flexibly, in ways that are culturally appropriate and

responsive to any special needs of those involved

Personal information collected as part of the complaints process will not be made public

Anonymous complaints will be accepted but complainants are reminded that refusal to supply

information may significantly hinder the ability to adequately investigate or resolve complaints

Designated executive and local, administrative Education Queensland staff have the delegated

power to determine whether complaints are frivolous or vexatious.

SCHOOL TERMS: 2018

Queensland term dates – 2018

Term Dates Length

Term 1 Monday 22 January - Thursday 29 March 10 weeks

Term 2 Tuesday 17 April - Friday 29 June 11 weeks

Term 3 Monday 16 July - Friday 21 September 10 weeks

Term 4 Monday 8 October - Friday 14 December 10 weeks

Staff professional development days for 2018

Thursday 18 and Friday 19 January

Four additional days within the Easter holiday or other negotiated flexible arrangements

Pupil Free day Monday 22 October

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

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Uniforms can be purchased from Lowes Inala either instore at Inala Plaza, Shop 31, 156 Inala

Avenue, Inala or via Lowes Online ordering.

This school is a uniform school for the following reasons:

it is felt that it engenders a feeling of belonging;

the school presents well when out in the community;

students are more easily recognised for greater safety in the community;

young people who do not belong in the school ground, are easily identified.

Western Suburbs Special School Uniform consists of:

Junior School Polo Shirt – Sky Blue

Shorts/Skort – Navy

Jumper – Navy

Track Pants – Navy

Shoes – Black leather preferably

Socks - White

School Hat – Navy

Senior School Polo Shirt - Navy

Shorts – Navy / Skirt – Navy

Jumper – Navy

Track Pants – Navy

Shoes - Black leather preferably

Socks - White

School Hat – Navy

There is the opportunity for Year 12 students to purchase senior polo shirts and jerseys that differ in

design and are exclusive to graduating students only.

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MORNING PARADE - Monday and Friday only

As students arrive by transport (minibus or taxi), they go straight to their class position under B Block.

The purpose of assembly is to have an activity which has the whole school together to develop a

sense of belonging.

Activities during assembly include:

General messages,

Singing of Happy Birthday

Acknowledgments of good behaviours or accomplishments by particular students

Student of the Week Awards

Pupil of the Week – (You Can Do It Program)

Singing of the National Anthem

Teachers select students to acknowledge effort, improvement or achievement in the ‘You Can Do It’

areas of Getting Along, Organisation, Confidence, Persistence and Resilience.

NEWSLETTER

A newsletter is produced each Monday. The newsletter includes:

Reports from classes re activities the students have done in the past week

Pupils of the Week

Principal’s report

P&C notices

Fundraising information

Notes and flyers for parents to read and return

Catering order form

PARENT LIAISON OFFICER

This year, we will be again offering the services of a Parent Liaison Officer, Mrs Robyn Drury, to

assist parents in meeting the needs of their children.

Mrs Drury can be contacted at the school four days a week; however her designated day for these

duties is a Wednesday.

In the past, parents have used this service for:

help with getting Government services – DSQ applications

filling in forms

help with arrangements for camps and other school activities

help with talking to Doctors

help in contacting the school

help in talking to experts about behaviour problems

visits to Post School Option Expos

MY TIME PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

During the past few years, the school has received support through the My Time Program which aims

to give parents the opportunity to come together in an informal way to discuss common issues and to

meet socially. Parents have the opportunity to meet fortnightly with the Parent Liaison Officer, Mrs

Robyn Drury, organising these sessions. Information regarding upcoming events and meetings is

provided in the school newsletter.

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MEDICATION – Important Information 1. Authorisation

All medication must be authorised by a Doctor. This can be done, by completing and signing the

“Administration of Medication” form and returning to Classroom Teacher or Administration. Both the

form and the medication container must state:-

The current date

The patient’s name

The name of the medication

The dosage

How it is to be given (oral - by mouth etc)

When- how many times a day & at what time

In some cases, parents are given some responsibility for varying the dosage. This is

generally the case for children with conditions like Asthma. If this is the case with your child,

could you ask the Doctor for a letter to us authorising you to make those changes. These are

all then kept on file.

Administration of Medication Form

2. Transport of medication to and from school.

Medication must be sent sealed via the bus escort, taxi driver or yourself (envelope or container).

Medications are handed by the escorts to the staff member on duty in the morning and vice versa in

the afternoon so that the children do not have responsibility for their own medication. This procedure

will avoid accidents happening.

3. Medication for school camps.

Some of our students take medication at home but not at school. When they go on camp, medication

is then brought in just for that time. Please send the medication in by the same procedure mentioned

above. The quantity of medication provided should only be sufficient to last for the time of the camp.

4. Giving students analgesics.

There is a Departmental directive not allowing any school staff to give students analgesics (Panadol

and other painkillers). We acknowledge that some girls may require special medication of this type for

managing menstruation. If this is the case, please follow the above procedures and write a specific

letter to the Principal authorising us to give this medication at school. At any other time, and for any

other purpose, we will not be able to give this type of medication without medical authority.

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SCHOOL NURSING SERVICE Education Queensland Nursing Services are available to students enrolled in Queensland State

schools that have a verified disability and/or specialised health need.

Nursing Services include:

Education and Training for school staff supporting students with long-term health conditions

and/or specialised health procedures (e.g. Gastrostomy, tracheotomy, stoma care,

catheterisation, epilepsy, diabetes, anaphylaxis)

Ongoing direct/indirect support and supervision for staff members who deliver specialised

health procedures

Development of Individual Health Plans and Emergency Health Plans and yearly reviews

Students with specific health needs are referred to the school nursing service via the referral

process – request forms are sent home to parents/carers on enrolment, at the beginning of

the year or if a specific health need arises. Nurses are based at Mt Ommaney Special

School.

SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE

This service has changed and parent/legal guardians are asked to attend every dental appointment

with their child. There is a free treatment service offered at any of Metro South Health’s public clinics

across the region. The closest to our school is Inala State School.

This means you will now need to book an appointment for you and your child; the clinic will no

longer arrange appointments through the school.

When you attend the appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns and receive

expert advice from our oral health professionals about your child’s dental care.

How do you make an appointment?

Simply call the new telephone number – 1300 300 850 to arrange an appointment.

SCHOOL CONCERT NIGHT

The school holds a concert night each year in December. Due to the popularity of the night, the

concert is held in the auditorium of Glenala State High School, situated across the road from our

school.

SCHOOL TUCKSHOP (Hospitality)- Friday only

As a part of the Senior School Work Training Program, our Catering students make healthy bread

rolls and salad box options for both staff and students and they are available every Friday. Order

forms are included in the weekly newsletter. Orders and payment should be sent to school in your

student’s communication book/folder by Thursday.

REPORTS

Student report cards are sent home at the end of Term 2 and Term 4. These reports focus on the

general class programs and will report on how students are progressing across all areas of the

curriculum, including behaviour.

Parent/teacher interviews should be arranged on a needs basis. If you wish to have a meeting with

your child’s teacher at this time, please contact the teacher to make a mutually convenient time to

meet. Parent interviews occur for ICP and PDP each semester (see over page).

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (P.D.P..)

The school policy is to have two P.D.P. meetings each year. The first one (during Term 1) sets the

P.D.P. goals for the year where parents are able to work with the class teacher to identify the priority

areas/goals for the year.

Your initial discussion with the teacher will develop a plan, which is agreeable for all parties and can

be managed within the resources of the school. If you are unable to make a suitable time for a

meeting with the teacher of your child, a suggested P.D.P. will be sent home for your consideration

and feedback.

The second meeting for the year (during Term 3) is usually just before the September/October

holidays. The purpose of this meeting is to check your child’s progress towards the achievement of

the P.D.P. goals and to decide whether any changes to the PDP document need to be made.

The PDP’s, then, are current from Easter to Easter. In this way, teachers are better able to plan and

manage the achievement of the individual student goals. PDP’s are reported on in semester 2 each

year.

PHYSIOTHERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND SPEECH PATHOLOGY

The school receives each of the above mentioned therapy services. Referral forms are sent home by

classroom teachers and therapy time is provided on a needs priority basis.

P & C:

The council has a very important part to play in the school. Its role includes:-

Assisting to set the strategic directions for the school (formulating the school’s Partnership

Agreement and Annual Operation Plan);

Monitoring the school’s budget;

Assisting with information gathering from the school parent and staff community.

COMMUNITY BASED LEARNING (CBL)

Most classes, particularly in the Middle and Senior sectors of the school, have a Community Based

Learning Program. This practical method of teaching is used so that students are able to apply the

skills learned in the classroom to a real world context. When students practise these skills in the

community, it allows them to be as efficient as possible in their adult life.

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SCHOOL PAYMENT CONTRIBUTION Payment Contribution Student Resource Scheme (SRS) (Students aged 13+ as of 1st January)

Parents/carers are directly responsible for providing books and other personal

resources for their children while attending school. In recognition that these

costs can be high, the School operates a Student Resource Scheme (SRS)

that enables a parent/carer to enter into an agreement with the School that,

for a specified annual participation fee, provides for the temporary use by the

student, prescribed books and/or other resources, and/or the purchase of

many consumables and materials for the student.

Participation in the contribution is optional, however before you make your decision, please refer to

the “Purpose of the Financial Contribution” on our Website https://westernsuburbsspecs.eq.edu.au/

or contact the office to see how you are able to make savings.

{Department of Education and Training policy references: Education (General Provisions) Act 2006

SCM-PR-002: School Excursions FNM-PR-019: State Education Fees}

SCHOOL CAMPS Many classes plan a school camp at some time during the year. These are usually three or four day

camps. The nature of the camps varies according to the age, abilities and interests of the students.

Most but not all classes run a class camp of some type.

While the costs of camps are kept to a minimum, they can be an extra element in the family budget,

which needs to be considered. If you require some lead in time to pay some money each week, ask

your teacher early in the year if the class will be having a camp and for an approximate costing. An

approximate time of the year for each of the class camps has already been decided and the teachers

of your children will be contacting you about those in the near future.

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TRANSPORT The Deputy Principal is responsible for the arranging of transport assistance.

BUS TRANSPORT:

The bus contractor for 2018 is Sunshine Bus Service from Bundamba in Ipswich. Most of our

students on subsidised transport are carried by Sunshine buses. Sunshine Bus Service handles all

transport arrangements.

Contact Sunshine Bus Services on: - 3282 5400.

TAXI:

Students travelling by taxi are carried by either:

B&W Cabs – Telephone: 3246 1833

Yellow Cabs – Telephone: 3391 5955

INITIAL TRANSPORT PROCESS

Step 1: Transport Assistance Distance Check – address/ new address

The completed distance check identifies the nearest school

Yes, nearest school – step 2 can be completed

No, not nearest school – no transport given (Conveyance only)

Step 2: Met Distance Check Criteria

Transport Assistant Application completed

Parent to sign and return to Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal submits application – (up to 2 weeks processing time)

Approved- letter goes home to parents informing them of bus route and responsibilities

CHANGE OF PICK-UP ADDRESS/RESPITE/CANCELLATION

Any changes of this nature need to go through the school. Your contact is the Deputy Principal who

handles transport issues.

Please remember that the process may take a week to complete.

PARENT / CARER RESPONSIBILITIES:

The bus runs are worked out to quite tight timelines so that the children are spending a minimum time

on the bus. The Transport Department contract requires that the vehicles only wait for three (3)

minutes before moving on if the child is not ready. If the buses have to wait for several students in the

morning, it affects the timetable for pickups for children further along the run. Having your child ready

for pick up a few minutes before the bus usually arrives generally solves this problem.

In the afternoon, the bus company must deliver the child to an adult. They are not allowed to leave

the child at an empty house. Sometimes there may be an unavoidable delay for yourself in getting to

your home to receive your child. If you are going to be late, please take the time to ring the school as

we can usually make other arrangements for that afternoon.

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SCHOOL CURRICULUM Western Suburbs Special School has an excellent range of programs across all four sectors of the

school. Junior, Middle and Junior Secondary sub-schools are aligned with the Australian Curriculum

but also focus upon vital social and life skills.

When students reach senior school age (in the year they turn 15), the focus of the curriculum

becomes work readiness and independent living skills. Class programs are structured so that skills

are taught and then applied to a real world context. As students progress through the school, there is

an increasing attention on applying the skills learnt in the classroom to the students’ post-school

lives. Coupling academic goals and life skills programs allows our school curriculum to

comprehensively teach the ‘whole’ student.

All of the life skills programs are aimed at applying the basic skills learnt in the real world and to

prepare the students for their whole life after school, not just their academic life. With this in mind,

much of the school’s curriculum is based around the ‘You Can Do It’ program. This program

emphasises five main life skills – Getting Along, Persistence, Organisation, Resilience and

Confidence.

In alignment with the Australian Curriculum, the school prioritises the following learning

areas:

Junior/Middle/Junior Secondary

Literacy/Communication skills - speaking, listening, reading, writing (class programs, speech

therapy, drama therapy, community based learning); supporting individual students with

communication needs through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems

Mathematical skills - (class programs including YUMI approach, community based learning

{relevant middle and junior secondary classes});

Physical skills (physical education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy);

Social skills - interacting with others both in the school and in the community (class programs,

community based learning);

Emotional skills – students learning to manage their own behaviour and deal with things which

happen to us every day (class programs, community based learning, social skills programs,

whole school approach through the YOU CAN DO IT program);

Life skills - skills necessary to be independent in the home environment (class programs such as

grooming and hygiene as well as cooking, community based learning)

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SENIOR SCHOOL PROGRAM Senior Phase of Learning at WSSS

The focus of the senior schooling years at Western Suburbs State Special School is the development

of independent living and work skills that will equip students to embrace their post school pathway to

their fullest potential.

All students are working towards a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) that is

issued by the QCAA (Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority) who provide the Guidelines for

Individual Learning (GIL) on which the senior school program is based.

The QCIA recognises and certifies the learning achievements of students whose learning is part of an

individualised learning program.

The five curriculum organisers are defined to support teachers in recording student achievements:

Communication and Technologies

Personal Living Dimensions;

Leisure and Recreation;

Community, Citizenship and the Environment;

Vocational Transition Activities

Curriculum Guide for Students

Transition of Junior Secondary students into Work Training

Junior secondary students will experience work training in term 4.

Each student will be timetabled to access a range of programs in the Work Training Centre. This

ensures that the work training co-ordinator and teachers can begin to observe skill sets, abilities and

interests of each student in preparation for their transition into senior school.

Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan

In Year 10, the Senior Homeroom Teacher will work with the parent and the student to develop a

Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan.

The involvment of parents/carers in helping students make important decisions about their future

education, work training and employment is vital to the success of the plan.

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WHAT is a SET PLAN

A confidential document that students develop in consultation with their parents/carers and

their Senior Homeroom Teacher.

It is designed to map your child’s indivdiual learning pathways through their Senior Phase of

Learning.

Help you to communicate with Homeroom teacher about learning pathways for the student.

Help make connections between where the students is now and where they would like to go.

Discuss and explore employment/ work skill options available.

Senior School Work Training Program Information

Philosophy of Work Training

The holistic approach taken towards the education of our students transitioning from school to post-

school options is made complete by the inclusion of the Work Training Program.

Each program offers training in generic employability skills, applicable within all work situations.

These programs are run within simulated environments, closely resembling that of a real work-place.

The focus skill set for each student includes:

On-task behaviour

Following directions from a range of staff members

Working independently and with others

Personal presentation

Punctuality

Workplace health and safety procedures

Quality work output with a focus on increasing the quantity delivered

Appropriate workplace and social communication with co-workers and supervisors

Identification and practical knowledge of typical equipment related to the program

For more information please refer to Senior School Parent Handbook

Curriculum Focus

Lifestyle Approach Program

The Guideline for Individual Learning is the basis for planning, teaching, learning and assessment in

the senior school.

The Lifestyle Curriculum (for students requiring a life skills focus) is based on a three year (year 10,

11 &12) scope and sequence of units about personal identity and the development of knowledge and

understanding of the home and community.

Units Covered include:

Semester one - “Who am I?”

Semester two - “Me and my home/ community”

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Benefits for Lifestyle Approach Students:

Developed understanding of their own identity

Increased knowledge of the local community facilities and protocols when accessing

community venues

Targeted teaching and personalised learning in literacy and numeracy

Focus on communication

Increasing independence levels

Employment Pathways Program

The Employment focus is on work readiness and independent living skills. This is achieved through

students accessing a high school style timetable approach with a differentiated curriculum that is

supported by the QCAA Guidelines.

This divergent approach is achieved through the following:

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Program

Work Training Programs

Curriculum Organisers (GIL)

Work Experience – both supported or independent

Traineeships (if eligible)

Homeroom Teacher (case manager)

Timetabled programs

SET Plan

Benefits for Employment Pathways students

Access to a range of programs suited to student strengths and interests

Development of independence across domestic, work and personal dimensions

Learning skills to develop relationships with a wide range of staff and peers

Access to a wide of range of work training programs helping with employability skill

development

Completion of Certificate courses/units of competency to further develop work skills and

abilities in chosen career fields

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RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR PLAN FOR STUDENTS The school has worked over the last few years developing a range of strategies for dealing with

particular behaviours.

For a number of our students, their own particular needs mean that specific and individualised

behaviour management methods have to be developed. Plans for individual students are developed

and will always occur in conjunction with the parent.

Sometimes students may show behaviours over a period of time indicating that something is wrong

with their emotional state or they have adopted a particular behaviour pattern that is harming their

learning or their relationships with other students and/or staff. In this case, we try to have a meeting

with the parents/carers and other stakeholders to work out how we can help each other to help the

child.

SUSPENSION:

While the following occurrences are infrequent, if they occur, the outcome may result in a suspension

for a period of up to twenty days or exclusion:

deliberate physical and wilful assault on another student or staff member;

deliberate and wilful behaviour which may result in injury of a fellow student or staff member

eg. throwing objects;

deliberate and wilful destruction of property of others or of the school;

deliberate and wilful swearing at a staff member;

total refusal to obey instructions;

theft.

At such times, you will be requested to come and pick your child up from school or have your child

delivered home if necessary. A meeting will be arranged during the suspension (it may be when you

come to collect your child) to agree on the conditions of the student’s return to school.

A copy of the “Responsible Behaviour Plan for Student’s is sent to all parents. It includes information

regarding:

School Profile

Values and Beliefs

Our Learning Community: Rights and Responsibilities

Intervention Procedures

Physical Restraint and Time Out Procedures for Students

Alignment to Education Queensland’s Policy of Managing Behaviour in a Supportive

Environment

Referral Process

Bullying and Teasing

Communication Protocols School

Transport

Support Services

At Western Suburbs State Special School, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive

learning environment for students, staff and volunteers. This commitment includes the health and

safety of staff and students when conducting curriculum activities in the school or in other locations.

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APPENDIX A – REQUEST FOR REFUND FORM

REQUEST FOR REFUND: I, ____________________________, being the parent/carer of ______________________ in Class ___________, request a refund of $__________ paid for ____________________ _________________________________________________________________(activity) I request a refund due to: _________________________________________________________________________

I understand and agree that: 1. A refund may not be made to me or be made in full or in part, having regard to the

associated expenses already incurred by the school, and the school’s refund guidelines provided to me.

2. The school receipt for the original payment is attached / not attached. (Please circle) 3. My details will be kept confidential and will not be used for any other purpose. 4. my refund be made:

as a credit against my child’s account at the school; or

to my bank account via electronic funds transfer (EFT) (please complete details below); or

to my credit card if used for the original payment (please complete details below). _______________________________________________ ___/_____/____ Signature of Parent/Carer Date Bank Account Details: Account Name: ____________________________________________________________ BSB: ____________ Account Number: _________________________________________ Bank: ________________________ Branch: _____________________________________ Credit Card Details: Card Type: □ Visa □ MasterCard □ American Express Expiry Date: ____________ _______________________________________________________________________ (School Use Only) Original Receipt Number:_______________ Amount Receipted: $___________ □ APPROVED Refund Amount Approved: $____________ □ NOT APPROVED __________________________________ _____/_____/____ Signature of Principal Date

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