School Policies

Introduction

In the past ten years, homework has been the subject of many academic studies, and more recently the theory and practice behind homework has been questioned. As a community of learners, we at St Joseph's have been following the developments on this subject, and are reviewing our practice as a result.

Research

Some significant peer reviewed studies have been conducted in the past few years.

• Hattie's (2011) meta-analysis found that homework in the primary years has no academic benefit. It does prove to be an effective strategy for secondary students. Therefore, it may play a role in transitioning a student to high school.
• Interactive reading with your child each night (reading to them and having them read to you) has been found to be of immense benefit to children when it comes to the development of literacy. This should continue well after they have learnt to read. (Merga, 2017)
• Cooper's (2006) findings suggested that homework can cause physical and emotional fatigue, negative attitudes to learning and limit leisure time for children.
• Length of time on homework is an inaccurate measure, as it only considers the quantity of work given and not the quality. Not everyone works at the same pace, under the same conditions, with the same resources. (Earp, 2017).
• Homework can reduce the amount of time available to pursue other activities that may have greater long term benefits (Eren and Henderson 2011).
• Interactive homework approaches, where a child and parent complete an activity together, can increase the meaningfulness for students and their families, and improve academic outcomes. (Wilder 2013).
• Homework can have the effect of helping a parent understand the progress of the child, and can make parent-teacher interviews more meaningful (Horsely and Walker 2013).

Summary

It is generally agreed that homework in the primary years provides limited academic benefit, however it can be helpful to parents as a monitoring tool. Opportunities for interaction – such as reading to and with a child, or games and activities that encourage discussion and collaborative problem solving, are far more effective ways to improve student outcomes. Time spent on homework should not be excessive, as pursuing other activities and interests can be more beneficial in the long term. Homework becomes increasingly more relevant as a student moves into high school, and can be helpful when transitioning students into secondary.

Suggested Readings

Earp, J. (2014) Does Homework Contribute to Student Success? Teacher Magazine.
From: https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/does-homework-contribute-to-student-success

Reilly, K. (2016) Is Homework Good For Kids? Here's What the Research Says. Time Magazine.
From: http://time.com/4466390/homework-debate-research/

Merga, M. (2016) Research Shows the Importance of Parents Reading With Children, Even After Children Can Read. The Conversation.
From: https://theconversation.com/research-shows-the-importance-of-parents-reading-with-children-even-after-children-can-read-82756

Baker, F. The Great Homework Debate. Kidspot.
From: http://www.kidspot.com.au/school/primary/homework/the-great-homework-debate/news-story/1a16b9d962f507c4b84aff89b977b8c3

The occurrence of head lice is the most common insect infestation in humans throughout the world. In Queensland schools head lice are a challenge and infestation occurs mainly in children of primary school age. However, head lice infestation may affect people of any age, nationality, gender or socio-economic status. It is as much a social issue as a health or educational issue, and the way that it is approached can have significant influence on a student’s emotional, social and educational development. It is contagious and untreated head lice can become very distracting and upsetting for children who are unable to concentrate in class due to the itchiness of their scalp.

It is critical to identify head lice early and take steps to eliminate it for the comfort of the children and to stop it spreading throughout the class and school. The best outcome is achieved when school staff and parents work in partnership.

Parents have prime responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice.

Schools have a responsibility for minimising risk to school community members of being affected by head lice while at schools, but parents have responsibility for prevention, detection and treatment of head lice among their own children.

When a teacher suspects a child has head lice, the teacher will act promptly, following the agreed procedure.

The first step is to request the child go to the office where the child will be privately told they may have head lice. A staff member will inspect the child's head and if head lice are evident (live lice and/or eggs) then the parents will be phoned immediately and asked to collect their child and to treat their child's head.

A general letter of notification will be sent to families of all children in the class, including the child who has been sent home. This notification also outlines Queensland health's recommendation procedure for treating head lice. Assistance will be offered to parents who have difficulty in eliminating head lice in their family.

While it is easy for children to get head lice, there can be a stigma attached to it. Mindful of this, any head lice occurrence is to be managed by all parties in a way that is respectful to the sensitivities of the situation and the individual child and their family.

Parents are expected to ensure that their children do not attend school with untreated head lice. To achieve this, it is reasonable to expect that parents will:

• regularly inspect their child’s scalp and hair to detect the presence of lice or lice eggs
• regularly inspect all household members and treat them if required; and
• notify the school if their child is affected, and advise when treatment has begun.
• not send their child with headlice to school until the day after treatment has commenced.

Fees and Levies collected at St Joseph's School are essential in providing a high quality of Catholic education for all students. The fees and levies are used for the following purposes which are aligned to the Vision and Mission of St Joseph's School to:

• Provide teaching, administrative, classroom support and facilities
• Provide essential resources, materials, facilities and equipment
• Assist with providing activities such as excursions
• Support the St Joseph's School building program
• Maintain buildings, grounds and other facilities

For those families experiencing short or long-term genuine inability to pay fees, we are committed to providing support to ensure that enrolment is not compromised. Please contact the Principal for further information concerning the concession application process.

School Fee and Levy Collection Process

1. School fees and Levies are charged on a term basis in accordance with the School Fees and Levies Schedule for the year (available on our website).
2. Fees are due to be paid within 14 days of the issue of the Statement of Fees and Levies. The due date will be noted on the statement. All payment plans and fees must be finalised on the last day of enrolment.
3. Where a parent/guardian believes financial circumstances have arisen that will prevent or delay the payment of the school fee account, a variety of options are available:

• Extension of Time

If an extension is required, please contact the school office prior to the due date.

• Payment Plans

Payment of the school fee and levy account by regular instalments. All payment plans must ensure that the account is cleared by the last day of the school year or as negotiated with the Principal.

Fee Concessions

In cases of financial hardship an application may be made for a fee concession.

• Concession applications are accepted at the commencement of each year or at any point initiated by the family.
• Concessions are issued for a maximum period of 12 months within a calendar year. Consideration for a subsequent 12-month period will require a new application.
• A compassionate and just approach under the mission and values of Brisbane Catholic Education and St Joseph's School is used when reviewing applications. The same process is adopted by all Brisbane Catholic Education schools for assessing eligibility.
• A family wishing to apply for a concession should apply to the Finance Officer, in the first instance, for a Fee Concession Application form.
• All matters are dealt with on a confidential basis.

Recovery of Unpaid Fees

• In fairness to families who pay their school fees regularly and on time, our school will follow up all overdue school fee accounts.
• A reminder statement will be issued by email within 7 days to any family who has not settled their school fee account by the due date where a payment plan or other arrangements are not in place.
• If payment or a suitable response is not received within 7 days of the reminder statement, contact with the parent will be made via telephone, mail or email from the Finance Officer or Principal.
• If after 14 days from this second reminder satisfactory arrangements have not been reached, the account may be sent to the school Debt Collection agency. In serious cases, where there is clear capacity to pay outstanding fees, legal options may be pursued by the school.
• Legal costs, direct debit rejection fees and any debt collection costs, or other costs incurred will be at the family's expense.

Agreed Payment Plans

As mentioned under point 3 above, our school offers families the opportunity of paying the school fee account by regular instalments over the course of the year. All Agreed Payment Plans must be organised to include a regular schedule that will clear the school fees account by the last day of the school year. Any extensions to an Agreed Payment Plan must be negotiated with the Principal. To establish an Agreed Payment Plan, authority forms are available from the school office.

Late Start Enrolment

New students entering St Joseph's School after the commencement of the term may be charged on a pro-rata basis for the remaining weeks of the term where appropriate at the Principal's discretion.

Withdrawal of Enrolment

Fees will be payable for the whole month in which the enrolment is terminated. For a reduction in fees a written request must be made to the Principal at the time of notification and may be granted at the Principal's discretion.

Student text books, library books and laptops and all accessories are to be returned to the School. If any fees remain outstanding, they will be payable as per the normal payment terms and where appropriate, any fees in credit will be refunded.

Extended Leave / Holding an Enrolment Place

Fees will be payable for the whole term in which extended leave is taken. For a reduction in fees a written request must be made to the Principal at the time of notification and may be granted at the Principal's discretion. Consideration will be given to the length of the break, the nature of the leave, the time the student has been at the school, the number of previous leave occurrences, and the existence of student waiting lists.

For further clarification regarding the above school fee and levy collection process, please contact the school office.

Student Attendance Roll Marking procedure.pdf

Please follow this link to review the BCE Student Behaviour Support plan.

Corinda Graceville Parish Schools Liturgy Policy.pdf