A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
The A-Z of Information about Palmerston
Welcome to Palmerston District Primary School. We have provided an A-Z of information to assist in a smooth transition to Palmerston Primary School. If you have any further questions, please call the front office on 02 6142 1440 and they will endeavor to assist you.
Safety
Developing school and class rules is a collaborative effort and they are designed for the safety and security of the whole community. These are regularly discussed during class meetings, SRC meetings and assemblies and should be clear to all students. While each class develops their own Code of Conduct the overriding school guidelines are:
- bullying and harassment, physical violence or verbal abuse is unacceptable
- building passes are required to enter school buildings during recess and lunch
- appropriate hats must be worn on the playground- see Sun Smart Policy
- bicycle racks, canteen and in front of the main school building are "no play areas"
School Board
The School Board consists of three parent representatives (one elected as board chair) the principal, two teacher representatives, and a community member. Parents are elected to the board for one or two years.
Representation on the School Board is a valuable opportunity to become involved in school policy, curriculum and finance. These positions are advertised in the Palmerston Post at the beginning of each year.
School Psychologist
The school psychologist is present at Palmerston for 3 days each week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday). The psychologist is available for you to discuss any concerns regarding your child’s academic or social needs. Appointments can be made through the front office. The psychologist’s office is in the admin building.
Security
At Palmerston, we are keen to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of the children in our care. It is the policy of the ACT Directorate for visitors to schools to sign in at the front office. For this reason, we ask for your support in managing the safety of your child/ren by registering with front office staff when entering the school or for access to classrooms between 9am – 3pm.
Sports Houses
Students are allocated to a 'House' for special events and carnivals and remain in this house throughout their primary years.
Our houses and colours are:
- Cotter (red)
- Gudgenby (yellow)
- Murrimbidgee (green)
- Snowy (blue)
Student Injury - Insurance and Ambulance Transport
The ACT Directorate does not provide any insurance cover for injury, disease or illness to students resulting from school activities or school-organised excursions. Claims for compensation are met where there is a legal liability to do so. Liability is not automatic and depends on the circumstances in which any injury, disease or illness was sustained.
As there is no automatic insurance cover for personal injury if your child is injured at school or during a school organised activity/excursion you should therefore consider whether taking out personal insurance cover for your child is warranted.
This insurance might cover contingencies including medical/hospital expenses, ambulance transport outside the ACT, and cancellation of transport/accommodation or loss of/damage to luggage.
The ACT Ambulance Service provides free ambulance transport for students who are injured or suddenly become ill at school or during an approved school organised activity within the ACT.
Student Support Fund
All government schools have established a student support fund to ensure access and equity in the provision of education. The fund supports the needs of students who might not otherwise be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities provided by their schools. If you would like more information or to access student support please contact the Front Office or speak with your child's teacher.
Sun Protection Policy
The school supports the Cancer Council's Sun Protection Policy and these guidelines are considered whenever outdoor activities are planned. All children are expected to wear a hat when outdoors during school time and during breaks between August and May. If a hat is not worn, children are asked to play in the shade. For further information download the Directorate policy on Sun Protection
Supervision in the Playground
The school is fortunate to have an attractive playground featuring play equipment, grass areas, asphalt and access to the oval located adjacent to the school. The playground is supervised by the teaching staff each recess and lunch. However, staff are on duty in classrooms before school and are not rostered for playground duty before 9:00am. Children should not arrive at school until after 8:30am. If necessary, assistance is available from 8:30-9:00am from the Principal, Deputy Principal, or executive staff. The library is open each morning from 8:30am and has story book reading and activities available. Teaching staff wear a High visibility vest when on duty.