The Stanmore Public School Parent Handbook contains general information about our school for new and existing parents.
School Overview
Stanmore Public School is an inclusive, innovative school with a strong focus on academic excellence and positive wellbeing. In 2020, a total enrolment of 620 students attend Stanmore Public School, in 25 classes. The school provides a child-centred learning environment, where teachers and parents set high expectations of success for all students, and work in partnership to support students to fulfil their potential in all areas of learning and life.
A dedicated and talented team of school leaders, teachers and support staff work collaboratively to design and implement outstanding teaching and learning programs based on the NSW syllabus. The school-wide commitment to future-focused learning approaches including formative assessment, visible learning and thinking and project-based learning results in the development of essential ‘soft skills’ for citizens in the 21st century:
- communication
- collaboration
- critical thinking
- and creativity
A holistic approach to education, focusing on the development of the whole child, is a key component of the school’s philosophy. Classes in music, drama and languages (Greek and Mandarin) are taught by specialist teachers; a comprehensive sporting program enables participation in a range of sports and develops fitness and healthy lifestyles; students learn sustainable gardening and farming practices and culinary skills through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program; and the school offers a wide range of co-curricular programs including band, strings, choir and other musical ensembles, drama, chess, art, languages and tennis. An onsite Out of School Hours Care service works closely with the school to meet the needs of the school community.
Parents, carers and the wider community are highly invested in the school, with parents and community members providing strong support for the school through volunteering, fundraising and collaboration with staff members. The visible and active P&C Committee meets monthly, and enables consistent and meaningful collaboration and consultation between the school and its community, as well as organising events and initiatives which raise valuable funds for the school and provide opportunities for the school community to connect and thrive.
Principal’s Message
The wellbeing and learning of students is at the centre of everything we do at Stanmore Public School. Our dedicated teachers and support staff form positive partnerships with parents, carers and community members to further the achievement and success of the students in our care. Our school is committed to a holistic approach to education, with academic, creative, social-emotional and physical learning all given priority in our broad range of programs and co-curricular opportunities.
We also recognise the importance of developing a strong base of skills in literacy and numeracy in our students, to ensure their future success as learners and citizens. Teachers differentiate the curriculum to meet all learners at their point of need, and students with a range of additional learning and wellbeing needs are supported in the classroom and the playground to reach their full developmental potential. Regular, targeted teacher professional learning and collaborative planning results in consistency of teacher practice and judgement across classes.
Positive student and staff wellbeing underpin the successful learning culture that exists at Stanmore Public School. This creates a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, with our school values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility evident in the actions and words of our staff members, students and school community. The school has a strong commitment to promoting sustainable practices, environmental awareness and healthy lifestyles in our community.
Students’ learning across the curriculum is enhanced by high quality specialist teaching in music, drama, languages, sport and the Kitchen Garden Program, and the school offers a wide range of co-curricular programs to enable students to pursue their own passions and areas of interest. We are also incredibly fortunate to enjoy the strong and visible support of a highly engaged school community, who enhance the life of the school through volunteering, fundraising, and genuine partnerships between teachers, parents and carers and community members.
Welcome to Stanmore Public School. Our school community is very proud of our school and all that we do here, and we look forward to sharing your child’s learning journey with you.
Hugh Miller
Principal
Index
School Hours
| 8:30am | Office opens (playground supervision starts) |
| 9:00am | Classes start |
| 11:00pm–11:20am | Recess |
| 12:40pm–12:50pm | Lunch (supervised eating time) |
| 12:50pm–1:40pm | Lunch (break time) |
| 3:00pm | Classes finish |
| 3:15pm | Office closes |
Campus Map
School Uniform
Wearing school uniform encourages pride in the school, develops a sense of shared identity among students, and reinforces the school’s values of Respect and Responsibility.
Students are expected to wear full school uniform, including black shoes, to school every day.
Sports shoes and Balmain PSSA hoodies may be worn on days when students participate in sports lessons or programs.
To purchase Stanmore Public School uniforms:
Online: www.picklesschoolwear.com
At school: Friday 8:30am–9:30am at the uniform shop (located at the top of the first flight of stairs directly opposite the lift entrance adjacent to the toilet block)
Pickles Marrickville Outlet:
Monday, 9:30am–5:00pm
Thursday, 9:30am–6:00pm
Saturday, 9:00am–1:00pm
Second-hand Uniform Pool:
Monday, 2:45pm–3:15pm
Wednesday, 8:30am–9:00am
Friday, 8:30am–9:00am
The Pre-Loved Uniform Shop (PLUS) is located next to the canteen. Please consider donating outgrown uniform items to PLUS, to support our school community.
Stanmore Public School Staff 2020
Leadership Team
| Principal | Hugh Miller |
| Relieving Deputy Principal / Kindergarten Supervisor | Kelly Higlett |
| Assistant Principal / Year 1 Supervisor | Nathan Stevens |
| Rel. Assistant Principal / Year 2/3 Supervisor / Instructional Leader | Heide Cheng |
| Assistant Principal / Year 4/5 Supervisor | Claire Mitchell |
| Relieving Assistant Principal / Year 6 Supervisor | Tonina Barnfield |
Class Teachers
| KBI | Sarah Barratt / Caroline Idstein |
| KM | Esther San Miguel |
| KR | Katie Revell |
| KS | Emily Stapleton |
| K/1N | Nathan Stevens |
| 1A | Mikayla Antoniades |
| 1P | Monique Pinder |
| 1W | Tabitha Waples |
| 2B | Michelle Baboujon |
| 2V | Veronica Bell |
| 2M | Cara Mann |
| 2W | Kailee Wallington-Jones |
| 3A | Andrew Lade |
| 3G | Vanessa Garcia |
| 3P | Philip Gray |
| 3V | Angela Varavaressos |
| 4/5/6M | Claire Mitchell |
| 4H | Nigel Hunt |
| 4P | Chethana Padki |
| 4T | Hamish Tranter |
| 5L | Louise Barry |
| 5T | Chris Trudgett |
| 5/6B | Tonina Barnfield |
| 6L | Brett Latham |
| 6N | Murray Nance |
Additional Teaching Staff
| Instructional Leader | Heide Cheng |
| Library | Jan Metzner |
| Library | Richelle Pollack |
| Library Assistant | Deb Abela |
| Music | Bridget Poon |
| Drama | Nat Lopes |
| Drama | Dawn Fenech |
| Greek | Jenny Vezos |
| Mandarin | Ben Xin Ji |
| Garden Specialist | Mara Rotheraine |
| Kitchen Specialist | Dimitra Alfred |
| Special Education/Integration | Emma Minter |
| Learning Support | Annette Carruthers |
| Learning Support | Sonia Taylor |
| Learning Support | Maree Wodson |
| Learning Support | Jazmin Cassar |
| Learning Support | Belinda Arnold |
| Enrichment Programs | Jillie Brayley |
| Casual Relief | Michael Spence |
| School Counsellor | Bobbie Stanton |
Administration
| School Administrative Manager | Connie Tropiano |
| School Administrative Officer | Cathy Zervas |
| School Administrative Officer | Amanda Briggs |
| School Administrative Officer (Library) | Deb Abela |
| School Learning Support Officer | Yvonne Moustakas |
| School Learning Support Officer | Sonia Adoncello |
| School Learning Support Officer | Dimi Stratos |
| School Learning Support Officer | Lisa Seeney |
| School Learning Support Officer | Kate Littrich |
| General Assistant | Lindsay Page |
| Canteen Manager | Peggy Fasolas |
Student Wellbeing
Behaviour Expectations
Students at Stanmore Public School are expected to behave in line with the school’s three overarching values: Respect, Resilience and Responsibility.
The expected behaviours across all school settings are summarised in the School Wide Expectations Matrix.
School Wide Expectations Matrix
Teaching and Learning Programs
Our teachers work collaboratively to plan and implement teaching and learning programs addressing the Key Learning Areas of the NSW syllabuses:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Geography
- History
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Creative Arts
Our teachers design differentiated programs, which modify the content and expectations of tasks to cater for the wide range of learning needs and stages of development in the classroom. They regularly meet in teams to develop a range of assessment strategies to assess students’ prior knowledge, guide their teaching throughout the course, and assess the impact of their teaching and students’ levels of progress at the conclusion of programs.
Formative assessment strategies, inquiry-based learning, making students’ thinking visible and teaching ‘The 4 C’s’ (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) are key focus areas of our teachers’ collaborative practice.
Learning Support and Extension
Our school’s Learning Support Team collaborates with teachers and parents to identify students who are experiencing difficulty in areas of learning, students who need additional extension and enrichment, and students from language backgrounds other than English who are eligible for additional literacy support. The Learning Support Team works with teachers to collaboratively plan supports and/or interventions to meet students’ individual needs, and consult with parents.
Learning support, extension/enrichment and English as an Additional Language programs may include in-class support or withdrawal groups led by specialist teachers, focused on particular areas requiring support or extension; professional learning and support for teachers to develop their capacity to cater for students’ needs; and/or referral to the school counsellor or external agencies to additional support or assessment.
Reporting to Parents
Written reports are sent to parents twice a year, at the end of Term 2 and Term 4. Teachers report on students’ achievement in all Key Learning Areas, progress towards learning goals in reading, writing and numeracy, commitment to learning and upholding of school values, participation in co-curricular activities and attendance.
Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for the end of Term 1 each year. This provides an opportunity for parents and teachers to exchange information about children’s progress towards learning goals, and discuss how their learning can be supported at home and at school. Additional interviews can be scheduled through the year, if required, by contacting the school office.
Educational Technology
Teachers at Stanmore Public School are trained to flexibly integrate technology to support and enhance quality teaching. Our learning spaces are equipped with cutting edge educational technology, including interactive panels or smart boards in all classrooms, and an extensive fleet of iPads and laptops for students to access.
In Years 3-6, we operate an ‘opt-in’ Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Families who are able to provide a device for students to use in class are asked to provide one where possible.
Use of technology complements more traditional media for learning.
School Library
Stanmore Public School boasts a state of the art, architect-designed library which is stocked with an impressive range of fiction and non-fiction resources, suitable for all reading levels and interest areas.
Our dedicated teacher-librarians teach every class weekly, promoting a love of reading and quality literature and loaning books out to children.
The library is also equipped with laptops for browsing the catalogue and research projects and an interactive display panel.
The library hosts regular events including author talks, writing competitions and the annual Book Donation Drive.
Home Reading Program
A Home Reading Program operates in all classes across the school. This provides regular reading practice on books at an appropriate level for each student. Every day, younger students take home a book at their instructional reading level to read aloud for 10 to 15 minutes with a parent or other family member. Older and/or more capable readers, who are borrowing novels, will not change their book every day and may also prefer to read quietly to themselves.
This daily independent reading is a valuable part of developing and enhancing good literacy skills and is an integral part of the school’s successful Literacy Program.
The school appreciates parents’ support in encouraging their children to read a little every day.
RFF Programs
During relief from face to face teaching (RFF) sessions, class teachers collaborate with colleagues, plan teaching programs and assess student achievement, while students participate in specialised curriculum programs, taught by specialist teachers.
Music and Drama
All classes in Years K-6 participate in one Music and one Drama lesson each week. Our teachers, Ms Poon (Music) and Ms Lopes (Drama), are very skilled and experienced in differentiating the Creative Arts curriculum to cater for different ages. As well as developing students’ basic skills in performance and appreciation of performing arts, a key focus of these programs is preparing performances for the school’s annual Performing Arts Showcase Concerts, in which every student performs on stage as part of a class item.
Languages – Greek and Mandarin
Students are placed in a Language class (Greek or Mandarin) on enrolment. Parents can nominate their preferred language, but preferences cannot always be accommodated due to numbers. Students in Years 1 and 2 participate in one 40 minute lesson per week, and students in Years 3-6 participate in one 80 minute lesson per week. Our teachers, Ms Vezos and Ms Ji, are highly experienced teachers and native speakers of their languages.
Physical Education
Students in Years K-2 participate in weekly PE classes run by Got Game. Specialist teachers focus on developing fundamental movement and ball skills in a dynamic and fun environment.
Sporting Programs
Stanmore Public School has a strong tradition of sporting excellence. A wide range of sporting opportunities are available to students, catering to all levels of ability and a variety of interests.
Sports Carnivals
Every year the school holds Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals for students in Years 2 – 6. Students who meet qualifying times are selected to represent the school at Balmain Zone Carnivals.
Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) Sport
Stanmore Public School is a member of the Balmain PSSA competition, fielding Senior and Junior teams with students from Years 3-6. Sports offered include softball, OzTag and hockey in summer, and soccer, touch football, AFL and netball in winter.
Other Sports
Students in Years 3-6 can also choose to participate in tennis, ten pin bowling, swimming or school sport.
Students in Years K-2 do weekly PE and fitness classes with Got Game, as well as learning fundamental movement skills and modified games in class sport lessons.
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
Stanmore Public School is a member school of the SAKG Program, which teaches students positive food habits through fun, hands-on learning.
Specialist garden and kitchen educators collaborate with class teachers to teach children to grow, harvest, prepare and share their own fruit and vegetables, with proven positive impacts on their future food choices and health outcomes.
Classes in Years 3-6 participate in lessons in the garden and the kitchen every fortnight, integrating curriculum from English, Maths, Science and Personal Development and Health syllabuses. Students in Years K-2 participate in garden lessons.
Assemblies and Special Events
A whole school assembly is held fortnightly, every second Monday at 11:20am under the COLA, where we present awards celebrating students’ successes in learning and upholding the values of the school. Parents are welcome to attend.
Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 take turns to hold grade assemblies on Monday afternoons in the hall. Class teachers will inform parents of the dates of grade assemblies each term.
We also stage special events through the year, including Grandparents Morning Tea, Education Week, Performing Arts Showcase Concerts, and Presentations Days for Years K-2 and 3-6.
Co-curricular Programs
Stanmore Public School offers a wide range of co-curricular programs including band, strings, choir and other musical ensembles, drama, chess, art, languages and tennis. These programs are offered outside of school hours or at lunchtimes, and most incur an additional cost.
Music Ensembles
These include two bands (Training Band and Juggernaut Band), three string ensembles (Junior Strings, Intermediate Strings and Senior Strings), two choirs (3-6 Choir and K-2 Choir), and Ukulele, Tuned Percussion and Drumming ensembles.
For more detailed information, download the Stanmore Music Program Handbook on the school website, on the Programs and Support page.
Chess
Chess coaching is after school on Tuesdays.
Debating
Students in Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) have the opportunity to trial for the school’s debating teams, which participate in local and state-wide competitions.
Student Leadership
Students at Stanmore Public School have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Year 6 Student Leadership positions.
Classes from Years 2-6 elect a representative to the SRC each term. The SRC collaborates with Year 6 Student Executive and staff members to contribute to environment, sustainability, charitable and fundraising initiatives.
At the end of Year 5, ten students are elected as Student Leaders for Year 6 (two School Captains, two Vice Captains and six Prefects, with an even gender balance). House Captains and Vice Captains are also elected for each of the four sporting houses.
Out of School Hours Care
OSHC services at Stanmore Public School are provided by TASK (The After School Klub). TASK operates OSHC services from 7:00am in the morning, until 6:00pm in the afternoon, and vacation care during school holidays. For more information and to enrol your child, visit task-kids.com.au or email enrol@task-kids.com.au.
Parents and Citizens Association
Stanmore Public School is fortunate to have a highly engaged and supportive parent community, and the P&C Association is an integral part of the school.
The P&C supports the school in a number of ways. Monthly P&C meetings are a key forum for information and consultation between the school and parents and community members.
The P&C organises community events and celebrations to engage the community and develop links between families, and to raise valuable funds to support school resourcing and programs.
The Stanmore Public School P&C Association meets at 7pm on the third Tuesday of every month. All are welcome to attend meetings, membership is by gold coin donation.
Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
NSW schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics. These programs are non-compulsory. Volunteers are trained and accredited by approved providers deliver SRE and SEE classes on Monday afternoons. Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, Greek Orthodox and Jewish SRE classes are offered at Stanmore Public School.
Families who opt out of SRE can enrol their children in SEE (subject to available space) or elect for children to participate in alternative activities (non-SRE) at this time. Alternative activities during SRE/SEE time include reading, homework, private study or other meaningful activities appropriate to the age of the students.
Eating at School
Students require food for crunch and sip, lunch and recess breaks. We ask that where possible, families minimise single use plastics in lunchboxes, and provide nutritious food which supports students’ learning and development.
Allergen Awareness
A number of our students have severe nut allergies. To support the safety of these students, please do not send any nuts or nut products to school at any time.
Crunch and Sip
Crunch and Sip is a set break during the morning session, where students refuel with a fruit or vegetable snack and water in the classroom, which assists their concentration and learning capacity. Please provide your child with a fresh fruit or vegetable snack and a reusable bottle of water each day.
Canteen
The school canteen is open five days a week, providing healthy lunches for students and over the counter sales at recess and lunchtime. The canteen is managed by the P&C and the school.
Lunch orders should be ordered online (through quickcliq.com.au) before 8:30am, or in cash in a paper bag with the child’s name, class and order clearly marked.
Communication with Families
Clear and timely communication is essential to well-functioning partnerships between families and the school. Stanmore Public School uses a variety of platforms and strategies to communicate with families.
The school newsletter, SNIP (Stanmore News In Print) is sent out every Friday via email. The school’s email distribution list is also used to send out other important messages and information at times. Please ensure you have subscribed to the SNIP and school emails through our website (go to News > Subscribe to Newsletter).
Operoo
Notifications of school activities and excursions, parent consent forms, and student health plans and records are managed through Operoo. This means that the school rarely distributes or collects paper-based forms.
Families are signed up to Operoo using the primary email address provided on enrolment. Please ensure you check all emails from Operoo and respond prior to the closing date, to ensure your child’s participation in activities and excursions.
School Website
The school website (stanmorepublicschool.com.au) is regularly updated, and we aim to ensure that it is easy to navigate and provides families with relevant information when needed. Please check the website if you have a question or require information.
Any suggestions for updates or additions to the school website are welcome, and can be emailed to the school office (stanmore-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au).
The school and the P&C operate a joint Facebook account, which is regularly updated with news, photos and links.
Seesaw
Seesaw is an app where students and teachers post photos and videos showing students’ work and learning, and parents can view their child’s work and easily make contact with the class teacher.
At Stanmore Public School, Seesaw is used primarily in Years K-3.
Meet the Teacher Evening
At the start of each school year, parents are invited to attend a Meet the Teacher event, where class teachers give a brief presentation for parents, and answer any questions they may have.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Formal parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for the end of Term 1, and can be arranged by parent request at any other time during the year as needed.
Communication with the school
Email is the preferred mode of non-urgent communication with the office, as we have limited administrative staff to receive phone calls. The school email address is stanmore-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Absence notifications
Please provide a prompt written explanation for student absences through the school website (stanmorepublicschool.com.au – go to Parent Zone > Online Forms > Student Absence), or by email or in writing to the school office.
Verbal or email notifications to class teachers are not sufficient for updating attendance records, which are managed by the school office.
Communication with teachers
Your child’s class teacher should be your first point of contact if you need information about your child’s learning or wellbeing. Email is a good way to get in touch with your child’s teacher, to ask a question, or schedule a phone call or meeting. If you do not have their email address, please send your email to the school address and we will pass your message on, or submit a Teacher Meeting Request form through the Online Forms section of the school website. For students in Years K-3, Seesaw is another easy way to contact your child’s teacher.
Activities Statements and Payments
Every term, the school sends out an Activities Statement for each student.
The Activities Statement shows fees payable for activities, excursions and camps; and voluntary contributions and levies to support school resourcing that we ask families to pay if they are willing and able.
Government funding covers staffing, utilities and maintenance, and a bare minimum level of educational resources and technology. The school relies on contributions from families to enhance the range and quality of programs and resources on offer, and we are grateful for the generosity of our school community.
Families who are experiencing financial difficulty and are unable to pay fees for activities, excursions and camps are encouraged to contact the office to discuss a partial fee waiver and/or a payment plan.
Lost Property
Lost property is collected and stored on the verandah next to the Out of School Hours Care building, near the Cavendish St driveway gate. Parent volunteers assist with sorting and re-distributing lost property. Please ensure all hats, jumpers, drink bottles and lunches are clearly labelled with the child’s full name.
Health Care Procedures
If your child has any health conditions or needs which require medication or other forms of care at school, a Health Care Plan must be completed, in consultation with your doctor and the principal.
If your child needs to take medication for a short period of time, a prescribed medication form must be completed to permit school staff to administer the required medication.
If children become unwell while at school, or are injured, they attend the office where they are assessed and first aid is provided. If a child is not in a fit state to remain at school, office staff will contact parents to come and pick them up.
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