1.  Contents: General

Welcome to Happy Valley School.  We hope that your association with Happy Valley School will be rewarding and enjoyable.  We believe that the communication and exchange of information between family and school are of great importance.   The achievement of this will contribute towards the success of your child's education.

Your involvement is highly valued and the partnership developed between parents and the school will also be a significant factor in your child's education.

Happy Valley School has the following as its Core Values

• CO-OPERATION

• LEARNING

• COMMUNICATION

• STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

We hope that you and your child/ren adopt these as your own too.

We look forward to getting to know you, working in partnership with you and having a common goal of meeting your child's educational needs.

From the staff of Happy Valley School

Happy Valley School has a comparatively long history.

In 1852 there was a Happy Valley School but the exact location has not been determined.

In 1876 Happy Valley became a Public School.  In 1896 Happy Valley School was closed because of the Happy Valley Reservoir being built.  The original site is now covered by water.

A new school was opened in 1898.  During the next 60 - 70 years Happy Valley was a small country school, but it was obvious that urban development would occur.  In 1968 the Education Department purchased eleven acres in anticipation of this growth.  The original school is now the Kindergarten.  In 1980 a new building was built to the west of Education Road.  Enrolments continued to grow and peaked in 1991.  As enrolments increased additional buildings have been provided with the result of a building mix of solid, metal, timber and demac.

During 1986 it was decided to establish a Junior Primary School.  Since then the two schools have worked co-operatively together under the umbrella of Happy Valley School.  The establishment of two separate schools enabled the school to gain more educational expertise, an increase in School Services Officers' hours, better grants, but most importantly the increased potential for a better education for all children.

In 1998 the School celebrated its Centenary.  Late in 2000, the school decided to join Partnerships 21, starting in 2001.

Click here for more about the history of Happy Valley School

The early years of schooling are particularly important in laying the foundations for the child’s continuing educational experience.

Happy Valley School adopts the Department for Education and Child Development'  First Years of School Policy which is as follows:-

Children enrolling in Government Schools have between 11 and 14 terms in Junior Primary classes.  Generally, the progress of children will take the following pattern.

• Children admitted at 5 years of age in February will have12 terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at the beginning of second term will have 11 terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at the beginning of third term will normally have 14 terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at the beginning of fourth term will have 13 terms in Junior Primary classes.

There is flexibility within the Policy to allow for individual differences in exceptional cases, and to accommodate the DECD policy - Early School Enrolment for Gifted Children.  Those exceptions take into account the emotional, physical and social, as well as the intellectual needs of the child.  Variations to the normal length of time in Junior Primary School are decided on by the Principal, parent and teacher if necessary.

At the end of the child’s first year, he/she may go on with the same teacher.  

At Happy Valley Junior Primary School we have FOUR intakes each year.  Reception children are admitted on the Wednesday of the first week of each term. Children must be FIVE (5) on starting school.

The aim of the transition visits is to enable new Reception children to become familiar with our school and to meet the teachers and children. We place a lot of emphasis on our Transition programme so that the change to school is as smooth and comfortable as possible for both child and parent, and learning is continued into the school setting.

The programme is as follows -
Children visit the school on four Friday mornings prior to commencing school. Parents will be advised of dates.

• First visit: 9:00a.m. -  9:30a.m.  
  This is a Principal's tour of the school for parents and their children.

• Second visit: 8:55a.m. - 10:30a.m.
  Whilst the new child enjoys his/her first classroom visit, parents are invited to join other parents of new children and members of the Parent Club for a "cuppa and a chat" in the Long Room.  The child will bring home a Welcome Pack with all the necessary information that parents will need for starting at our school.

• Third visit: 8:55a.m. - 10:30a.m.
  After parents have dropped their child at the classroom, we invite them to meet with us in the Long Room to talk about school policy, general organisation and answer any questions that they may have.

• Fourth visit: 8:55a.m. - 11:30a.m.
  On this final visit, the children will stay until after recess, so parents are asked to pack some food and a hat.

First day at school on Wednesday:
After parents have farewelled their child, they are invited to join other parents of new children and members of the Parent Club for a "cuppa and a chat" in the Long Room. 

Uniform:
Parents are issued with a Price List and Order Form prior to their child starting school.  The Uniform Shop is open on Wednesday 2.45-3.45 and Friday 8.30-9.30 in Room T13, which is located next to Unit 4.

Should children be absent through illness or for any other reason a brief note must be forwarded to the class teacher explaining the reason for non-attendance.  It is compulsory for children to attend school between the ages of six and fifteen.

Please assist us by ensuring that your child arrives at school between 8.30a.m. and 8.55a.m. - late arrivals to school are recorded by teachers in class roll folders. We also ask that late arrivals are accompanied with an explanation note to their teacher.

Class numbers are based on the D.E.C.S. staffing formula which is 26 students for Junior Primary classes and 30 students for Primary classes.  In practical terms, some classes may be slightly over and others slightly under these figures.

During Term 4 of each year, parents are invited via the Newsletter to contribute information to be used in forming classes for the following year.

Staff then look at individual students’ needs considering the following -

•  Learning Styles

• Abilities and special needs

• Friendship groups

• Gender balance

• Separation of some students or keeping a group together

Parents are required to pay for a year's supply of stationery, curriculum fees (e.g. Art/Craft, Library, Society & Environment ), and other areas as shown in the school budget.  All these constitute what is called the  Materials and Services Charge.    We do not operate an everyday book shop.

It is expected that stationery and other materials will last for all of the year but it may be necessary for some children to purchase a few items.

The Materials and Services Charge is set by the Finance Committee in October and is increased slightly each year with children starting school during the year paying a  proportion of the fees, according to the number of months they attend.

An additional book loan fee of $20 is also charged.  This is refunded when the child leaves Happy Valley School, provided all books (e.g. atlases and dictionaries) have been returned in good condition.

This is a means tested scheme aimed at helping low income families and provides assistance towards the school's Composite Fee.

New applications have to be made every school year, preferably within 4 weeks of starting school.  Application forms are available from the Front Office.

We urge parents to apply before the due date to ensure the school receives the funding.

The Governing Council provides details of the school budget to parents in December.  This shows the anticipated expenses in all areas of the budget and the sources of the school income.  Copies of the budget are available on request from the front office.  The school financial year runs from 1st January to 31st December.

The wearing of the school dress code is required. The school colours are green and gold. The wearing of a hat is compulsory for all of the year.  The school has a policy of - "no hat – sit in the breezeway".   Details of the dress code appear below.

All students are to choose apparel from the following Dress Code

While some items are available from the bookroom, some can of course be purchased from stores.  Trousers and trackpants includes any long pants e.g. leggins.

With regard to sneakers, students are not encouraged to wear expensive high profile named sneakers.  Green trackpants may be worn all year.   The wearing of jewellery is not permitted, except for sleepers, studs and Medical Alert Bands.

The Parent Club has made it possible for parents to buy school uniforms at a reasonable price. These prices can vary, so a current list of all items and prices can be collected from the front office. The Uniform Shop, in Transportable 13, is open Monday and Friday from 8.30am. – 9.30am.

To minimise the chances of items being lost, parents are asked to name all possessions that are brought to school.  Parents and children are asked to continually check through the Lost Property  which is on the shelving adjacent to the Resource Centre.

At the end of each term all unclaimed/unnamed articles of clothing will be recycled within the school or given to a charitable organization.

The School Canteen provides lunch every day, except the last day of Term 4, and is open at recess and lunch times for  purchases.

Orders are written on the paper bags purchased from the canteen. The money is placed in the bag which is placed in the canteen tray in the classroom.  This needs to be done as soon as the child enters the classroom.  At 9:15 a.m. monitors take the trays from the classroom to the Canteen and at 12:30 p.m. the monitors collect the lunches and deliver back to the classroom.

Parents are invited to help in the Canteen. We rely heavily on volunteers to provide this service.

A canteen price list is available from the Canteen or the Front Office.

Our OSHC service aims to provide a safe and welcoming place for children to enjoy their time in a fun and stimulating environment.  The OSHC program is based in Transportables 13 and 14.  This is a quality facility with access to amenities such as fully equipped kitchen, wet area, ball courts, oval and playground equipment.

OSHC is open from 7.15 – 8.30 am and 3.15 – 6.15 pm.  OSHC normally opens on Pupil Free Days and School Closure Days from 7.15 am – 6.15 pm.

The Before School Care session fee without Childcare Benefit is $4.00 per child.  The After School Care session fee without Childcare Benefit is $8.00 per child.  Please note that these fees are subject to change, and were printed in December 2000.   Families need to register with Centrelink for Childcare Benefit so as eligibility for financial assistance can be assessed.

For more information please contact the Director, on 8322 2411 – OSHC direct line with answering machine.

Vacation Care is open from 7:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. each week day of the school holidays (except on Public Holidays and for a two week period over Christmas). Programmes for each Vacation Care period are available in Week 6 of each term from the OSHC or school office. The current fee for Vacation Care is $28.00 per day (including excursions), less Childcare Benefit.

Click here for more information about OSHC

We aim to enhance learning by building positive relationships between the home and the school.  We want our communication to be open and accessible.  We use many and varied strategies.  They are -

• Fortnightly whole school newsletter

• Class newsletters

• Diaries or Communication books

• Student Achievement Records

• Acquaintance Night/Information Nights

• Meetings

• Parent/Teacher Interviews

A whole School Newsletter is sent home with the eldest child in the family on every second Thursday.  These Newsletters are numbered and it is important that you encourage your child to pass it into your hands, as it is the main avenue of communication between the school and parents.  As it is an important means of communication, the school welcomes feedback on this Newsletter.  Teachers will also send class notices, class Newsletters or make Diary entries for classroom matters.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers and the Senior Staff on any matters that concern or please them.

All Newsletters are posted on the School Web Site

Teachers assess student learning continually throughout the year. Teachers report to parents using the ‘Check This Out’ stickers in student work books, the Student Achievement Records, and teacher written reports in Terms 2 and 4.  All Curriculum ares are reported on twice a year. In addition, we have :

• parent/teacher acquaintance night in Term 1

• parent/teacher interviews in Term 2

• class newsletters and communication notes throughout the year.

All students have either a Communication Book (Years R-2) or a Diary (Year 3 - 7) to record homework as well as parent and teacher messages.  Parents are encouraged to record any reasons for student absences in the Diary.  The Diary should be sighted and signed by parents on a regular basis.

Currently there are many ways that parents can be involved in the school and with their children's education.

These include -

• Governing Council and sub-committees

• Parent Club

• Canteen

• Resource Centre

• Working Bees

• Classroom assistance - Sharing, hearing reading, working with small groups of children, helping on excursions/camps, assisting with computing and technology, helping in Activity, typing children's stories etc.

• Learning Assistance Program  (LAP)

• Co-ordination Program (Fun and Games)

Our Parent Participation Policy promotes and further develops the role of parents in our school and supports parents in school decision making processes.  Copies of this are available. We encourage parents to take part in school decision making.

The Annual General Meeting of the Governing Council is held in February.  All parents are welcome to attend. Governing Council meetings are held monthly on the Monday evenings.  Council is comprised of parents and staff, and the number of parents on a council must constitute a majority. In addition to elected parents, a Council shall also have as members the Principals of the school (ex officio), representatives of the school staff according to the approved enrolment scale, representatives of affiliated organisations, and in addition, for secondary and area schools, nominees of the local member of the House of Assembly and Local Government body.

Office bearers are elected for a one year term from members of the Council at the first meeting following the Annual General Meeting.  Positions include Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Minute Secretary and Treasurer.

Click here for more information about Governing Council

Membership of the Parent Club is open to anyone with children attending the school.

The Parent Club meets on the first Tuesday morning of each month in the Long Room and all parents are welcome to attend these meetings.  Each class is encouraged to have a parent representative that attends each meeting.  The committee arranges general meetings, fundraising and social activities and organizes the order and sales of the school uniform from the Parent Room in Transportable 13.  Parent Club also acts as a reference group for the school  and organizes School Photos.

Traffic congestion near the school is most acute in the morning and afternoon.

Children who walk home or catch the bus on Chandlers Hill Road should use the footpath on the eastern side of Education Road.  Motorists are asked to take care when travelling along Education Road and Chandlers Hill Road as there is a large number of children either walking, riding bicycles, or travelling by bus.

This area is for staff use only, during the hours of 8.00 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Only in special circumstances can parents use this car park, such as when their child has a temporary disability like a broken limb etc.

Outside School Hours Care parents have been given permission to use it 7.15 a.m. - 8.15 a.m. and 3.45 p.m. - 6.15 p.m.

The City of Onkaparinga General Inspector regularly patrols Education Road (particularly at peak periods) to ensure that drivers comply with parking regulations under the Local Government Act.

Parents are invited to be part of this scheme and can obtain information at the Office.  Children are encouraged to use the service if they are in distress.

The Safety House Co-ordinator may be contacted by phoning the Association on 8373 0818.

Happy Valley School has been assessed by the C.F.S. as NOT a high bush fire risk school.

The solid buildings have been assessed as Fire Refuge Buildings.

On "Alert" days - days of extreme fire danger in the Mt. Lofty Range Fireban District, the C.F.S. advocates school attendance by children.

On these days of extreme Fire Danger there are 3 levels of readiness carried out by the school.

Dental Clinic - Reynella South Primary School    -    Telephone 8381 2457

A Dental Clinic situated in the grounds of the Reynella South Primary School on Sherriffs Road offers general dental treatment to the students of the Happy Valley School.  The service is free but parents are required to transport their children to and from the clinic.  The clinic operates from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and is open through the school holidays, with the exception of End-of-Year/Christmas holidays.  An emergency service is available to patients by telephoning 8232 2651.   Recall notices are issued to children who have had previously attended Reynella South Clinic.

Children enrolling for the first time will receive consent forms which should be completed and returned to the school as soon as possible.  If you do not wish your child to receive treatment please complete Sections A and C only.

If a student suffers from asthma or similar medical conditions, an asthma form and/or medical plan must be completed.   As well, if parents request staff to administer medication, either short term or long term, a request form must be completed.

It is the parent's responsibility to update their child's medical information by upgrading the school's current information. This will assist us in responding effectively to any situations which arise.

Health Service in school starts in Kindergartens.  Every pre-school child in South Australia is offered a pre-school Health Check.  It is emphasised at these health checks that it is most important for parents to follow up any referrals; eg. to any Eye Specialist, their GP or Hearing Assessment Centre; as Child and Youth Health do not follow up checks in schools.

Children who have not had a pre-school check due to sickness or if parents have come from interstate, will be offered a Health Check in school.   Parents need to make this request.

Parents may contact the following services if they have any concerns about their children's health or behaviour;-

Students whose parents have a private health insurance are automatically covered.

Students who are not covered privately are covered by Department of Education Training & Employment following completion of a statutory declaration stating that the person is not covered by any form of private health insurance against which a claim could be made.

When a parent receives an ambulance account, he/she obtains the statutory declaration from the school.

Student Accident Cover is available through approved companies for parents wishing to take out insurance for school children against accidental injury. Application forms are available through the school.

Our Partnership Plan outlines the school’s vision, core business values and principles, directions and main commitments to delivering quality teaching and learning in a supportive environment. Every three years this is updated after gathering information from staff, parents and students.  Copies of the 2001 – 2003 Partnership Plan  will be available from the front office in the new year.

The curriculum of Happy Valley School is developed within the framework of the Department of Education and Children's Services policy statement "Foundations for the Future - a charter for public schooling in South Australia”. Key Directions and the SACSA framework – South Australian Curriculum Standards and Accountability Framework.

Our curriculum is comprised of the following areas -

*          English

*          Mathematics

*          Health and Physical Education

*          Science

*          Studies in Society and the Environment

*          The Arts

*          Technology

*          German

Teachers plan programmes and assess students using the SACSA Framework

The Key Competencies are integrated into the curriculum

They are

*      Collecting, analysing & organising information

*     Communicating ideas & information

*     Planning & organising activities

*     Working with others & in teams

*     Using mathematical ideas & techniques

*     Solving problems

*     Using technology

• The German and English languages share the same origin, thus making German one of the easiest languages for an English-speaking person to learn.

• German settlers have contributed greatly to the development of South Australia.

• At present, the German-speaking countries are Australia’s third most important trading partners.

• German is spoken by more people in Europe than any other language.

Another important factor why Happy Valley School teaches German is that our local feeder Secondary schools offer it as one of their LOTEs, enabling our students to continue studies begun in their Primary years.

The German Framework (Stages A + B), produced by D.E.C.S., is the basis of our programme and students study the language from R - 7.

In the Junior Primary area we are using a content-based approach where Music and Drama is taught through German.

The Resource Centre,  plays an important part in children's learning.  Information retrieval is a skill required throughout adult lives and children also discover reading for pleasure and enjoyment.

Students visit the Resource Centre at least once a week with their teachers.  During this time the children may be involved in a variety of activities including looking at new materials, developing their information skills, reading and borrowing.

Children can choose from a wide range of books that not only support the curriculum but also provide opportunities for their own interests and reading enjoyment.

The Resource Centre is open before school from 8.30 a.m., at lunch times from 12.40 - 1.10 p.m. and after school on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday until 3.45 p.m. for borrowing, reading, and quiet activities.

When borrowing from the Resource Centre, Junior Primary students are encouraged to bring their green book bag, with their name on it.  Otherwise a strong plastic shopping bag will suffice.  From Year 3 students may borrow up to 4 books at a time.

Parents are reminded that they are responsible for any lost or damaged books and will be asked to contribute towards the cost of the replacement.  We ask that parents do not try to repair any books themselves but point out the damage when returning them.

Parents are welcome to borrow books for themselves.  We have a small collection of books on Child Development, Parenting, Children's Illnesses, Child Abuse, Sex Education, Death and Coping with Grief, Divorce, and Family Relationships.

The Resource Centre staff, welcome parents to assist with the processing of material.  The work is pleasant and  worthwhile.  Parents who feel they would like to help the school in this way should come to the Resource Centre and arrange a mutually suitable time with the staff.  Our collection is still growing rapidly and assistance is gratefully accepted.  To date, the Resource Centre has received an excellent response from a small group of parents, and we look forward to their continued support and support from any other interested parents.

Our school has a strong focus on the use of computers and information technologies to enhance student learning.

We aim to develop creative thinkers who can use computers to effectively meet a range of learning needs.

All classrooms have 2 - 3 computers per room.  Because of the layout of our classrooms this means that “pods” of 4 to 6 computers can be created in spaces shared by 2 or 3 classes.   We also have a multimedia computer suite which all classes can access.  This room has 17 computers networked to the Internet. All classrooms have access to the Internet.

Through LAP parents can work closely with individual students providing a mutually rewarding experience.  LAP parents receive some training and support from staff and spend a little time each week working with one child.  We always need more parents to help with the program.  Please consider being a LAP volunteer.

Click here for more information about LAP

There are three services provided by DECD to help our school support students with special needs - namely Guidance, Social Work and Speech Therapy.

Staff is available to assist teachers, parents and students with problems relevant to the services supplied by the three sections named above.  Requests for assistance should be made through the Class Teacher or Principal.

An Early Intervention programme supports  students who are experiencing learning difficulties in their early years at school.  Criteria is used to identify these students, who are then supported by Early Assistance funding.   A School Services Officer works along side an individual child  or small groups several times a week, using support material provided by the teacher or speech pathologist.  The Junior Primary program is continued into the Primary School where students with learning difficulties are supported by Basic Skills funding.

This is a programme to identify and support 5 year olds who have co-ordination problems.  All students are tested after a term at school and parents’ permission is sought if the student requires the programme.   -  See leaflet for more details.

More information about our Fun and Games Programme is on "Junior Primary News"

School Programme:  Special Education

Our Special Education staffing varies from year to year depending on the number of students with a learning disability.

The Special Education teachers support each student in collaboration with the class teacher, using the Negotiable Education Plan (N.E.P.) as the basis of the programme.  N.E.P. review meetings are held about once/year which involves the parent, teachers, Principal and Guidance Officer or Speech Pathologist.

Students with High Intellectual Potential are supported within the classroom, by using a variety of strategies and programmes e.g. DeBono’s Coloured Hats, Thinking Keys, Question Matrices, Bloom’s Taxonomy etc.  All students benefit from these strategies including the gifted and talented students.  SHIP students are identified using a teacher observation checklist and other testing tools.  A parent support group has links with GATSS – Gifted and Talented Southern Support Group.

Violin tuition is available through a DECD teacher.  Lessons are provided by private teachers in the following instruments :- Flute, Saxophone, Keyboard and Guitar.  Lessons take place during school time and occasionally students may be required during a break time.

Fees are charged for the lessons by private providers and a hiring fee is charged for instruments which students borrow.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children’s practice times and to keep in contact with the instrumental teacher.

Students from Year 4 - 7, who are musically literate, are encouraged to join the School Band which provides opportunities for further development of musical knowledge and skills through playing a range of repertoire in an ensemble situation.  The students are given opportunities to perform to an audience eg assemblies, special music nights, Christmas Concert, Music Festival Foyer concerts.

The school has been involved in the Public Schools’ Music Festival since 1995.  Students from Years 6&7 are encouraged to be part of the Choir which rehearses once a week and is assessed by the Conductor of the Festival Choir.   The school choir then attends rehearsals in the city and finally performs in a massed choir at the Festival Theatre in September.

In 2000, the Junior Choir consisting of Years 4 and 5 students was established.

R-2 classes through Singing and percussion activities and German, participate in weekly musical activities.  There is opportunity for students to sing in a Junior Primary choir at the Christmas concert.  The music room is equipped with a wide range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments, which teachers use for their individual lessons.

Students are encouraged to participate in decision making at Happy Valley School.  At the class room level this can occur when students meet during class meetings.  At these meetings students raise issues concerning individuals, the class and also students across the school.

The class elects a boy and a girl who will take these student issues to meetings of representatives from every class.  The representatives form Kookaburra Council - our Student Representative Council.  Kookaburra Council meets each fortnight, under the supervision of two staff members.

Click here for more about Kookaburra Council

Assemblies are held fortnightly on Tuesdays of even weeks of each term. Primary Assemblies commence at 11:00 a.m. and Junior Primary Assemblies at 2:30 p.m.  The times are set at the beginning of each year.  Students take a leading role in running the assemblies.   These are excellent opportunities for parents to find out what students are doing in classes.  Please feel welcome to come along.

The school enters  teams in the Tournament of Minds Competition which is held in Term 3 at the Flinders University each year.

The competition takes place between teams of 7 members from schools all over the state.  Students must be in Year 6 or 7 to take part and must be confident and creative lateral thinkers.

At our school, students early in the year are invited to try out for the team.  After a period of practice activities, and consultation with class teachers by the team manager, the teams are selected late in Term 2.  They then have six weeks to  plan and rehearse their problem solution unaided   for Tournament Day.

Click here for more about Tournament of Minds

Sports Day is held annually in Term 1.  This is a fun day combined with competition where both schools are involved, but separately.  The Primary section is divided into 4 houses which compete for a Sports Day shield.

Click here for more about Sports Day

Sport is a strong feature of the school with over 20 teams in football, soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, softball and tennis.

School sport is managed by parents through a  sub committee of the governing council.  Students gifted in sport have the opportunity to reach State selection through the South Australian Primary Schools Amateur Sports Association (S.A.P.S.A.S.A.) programme.

The school holds its Sports Day towards the end of Term I each year.  Using results and information from this day, and through a programme of trials, students are then selected to represent the school at the District Athletics Day.  The best athletes in each track and field event are chosen for this Day.

Students who are successful on District day then go on to compete against students from across the state at the Metropolitan Athletics day.  From here students may be selected to compete in the Pan Pacific Games.

Click here for more information about Inter School Athletics

All students have a week’s programme of swimming or aquatics in Term 1.  We use various swimming centres, those being, Noarlunga, Marion and the Port Noarlunga Aquatics Centre.  Swimming fees are in addition to the School fees.

Click here for more about Swimming

$30 is in addition to the school’s Materials and Services Charge and covers the cost of excursions but not camps or swimming.

Children are required to have written consent before attending any excursion.  Class teachers will keep parents informed on this expenditure.

All primary students will be set regular homework, however the frequency and type of homework will vary according to individual teachers.  Generally students in year 3 would  be expected to spend no more than 20 minutes on homework while year 7 students, would be expected to spend about 40 minutes.

All primary students use a diary to record homework and other school or class information.  The diary is an important means of communication between teachers and parents.

Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, to respect other’s feelings and to work together cooperatively.  Classroom and yard management procedures operate in order to create a safe, caring, harassment free learning environment.

When a student’s behaviour is inappropriate, time out is given as an opportunity for the student to think about a more appropriate option.  If inappropriate behaviour continues or is frequent, then  parent involvement will be requested by the principal or class teacher and more serious consequences will be negotiated.  Copies of the policy are available from the office.

Happy Valley School  students have an excellent reputation in  High School.

Our year 6 and 7 classes are organised  together as part of our focus on meeting the needs of young adolescents.  Teachers plan together and students in these classes work with a core of teachers - on a smaller scale, but in a similar way to High School. Our year 7s have opportunities to be involved in transition programs with Aberfoyle Park High School and Reynella East High School - our two local  secondary schools.  Our teachers are also involved in “middle schooling” meetings with high school staff.

The range of problems handled is large, but generally connected with children who have learning, behaviour or speech problems.  Parents can make referrals to psychiatric, and psychological services e.g. (Child, Adolescent Mental Health Services - C.A.M.H.S.).

Please contact the school if you require any information about these services.

To search index, click on letter or scroll through alphabet
 

Annual Report Archives BER Building Update Christian Pastoral Support Worker
Curriculum Headline Governing Council Highlights of 2010 History of School Home Page
House Captains Junior Primary News Meet the Staff Newsletters Parent Information
Recent Site Updates School Context Statement School Vision Site Map: Index
Special Programmes SA Kitchen Garden Student Leadership Term Planner