The School
Student Services at Beaumaris Primary School are comprehensive. The school offers a range of programs to assist students who are at risk educationally, socially, emotionally, and in matters of health, well – being and self esteem. Student Services are divided into four categories:
Students at Education Risk
Identification of students at educational risk occurs through analysis of student performance data and teacher observation. Support programs for students experiencing learning difficulties (especially literacy) include “Bwell” (Junior school) and ARK (Middle and Senior School). These programs use parent volunteers extensively. As well as classroom provision, extension programs are offered at a District level through PEAC (Primary Extension and Challenge – Years 5-7). Individual Education plans are features of the Students at Educational Risk program. These are determined by class teachers, usually in consultation with the school’s Deputy Principal (Student Services) and School Psychologist. Parents are also involved in this process and may initiate referrals through the class teacher or Deputy Principal (Student Services). Case Conferences are necessary in some circumstances, along with referrals to external agencies.
A range of individual and group strategies and programs are used by teachers and trained assistants and parents. These are well received by parents who say they see a difference, not just in learning improvements but also in self-esteem and confidence. All staff are required to account for IEP’s as part of the Performance Management cycle, which also requires parental participation.
Behaviour Management
Comprehensive policies are in place at Beaumaris for behaviour Management. Policies include a Code of Behaviour, Roles and Responsibilities, Consequences, Positive Strategies, Restorative Justice, Bullying and Violence Prevention.
One of most significant influences affecting the quality of learning in our school is student behaviour in classrooms and throughout the school. Policies and practices outline key elements in dealing with misdemeanours in terms of School responsibilities, Student responsibilities and how parents can help.
At Beaumaris student behaviour consequences accumulate over three levels where students commence with a “clean slate” each term – Good Standing. Students involved in more serious forms of unacceptable behaviour may “jump” a level or face immediate suspension. All members of the school community are expected to walk and talk in terms of school values, ethics and Code of Behaviour.
The Policy is founded upon the value of ‘Good Standing’ as an outcome for actively living our Code of Behaviour. Good Standing allows students the privilege of all school optional activities such as excursions, awards, camps, discos and special events. Where students fail to do so, their Good Standing and privileges are withdrawn, until such a time when they consistently exhibit expected values and behaviours.
As a consequence, Beaumaris experiences very few breaches of ‘Good Standing’ and misbehaviour, creating a safe and caring learning environment that allows teaching - learning relationships to flourish and students to feel safe, valued and cared for.
School Spirit
The Fish Philosophy
- Be there!
- Choose your attitude
- Make their day!
- Have fun!
The school has a focus on creating a positive, caring and safe environment. This has nurtured development of a number of programs that foster excellence, endeavour, harmony and collective school community spirit. These include Assembly Presentations, Merit Awards, Endeavour and Achievers Programs, Achievers’ Camp and Achievers’ Day, Year 7 Sydney/Canberra Tour, Outdoor Education Camp, Faction Competition, Student Council and Graduation Activities.
School Spirit is also fostered through special whole school projects that include performing arts, community based activities, competitions and special events. Last year the whole school performance was La Carnivale, a tapestry of dance, theatrical movement, acrobatics, circus and colour from across the world and through the ages. It proved an enormous success, engaging learning and uniting school and community in three fabulous performances.
School Spirit is also evolved through promoting enjoyment, fun and humour into daily school life, based upon the “Fish” philosophy ‘walked and talked’ by the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, now by all at Beaumaris.
Student Well-Being
Beaumaris policy promotes inclusivity for all children across the school. Where the school is able to manage health issues and provide an appropriate educational program for students with specific needs, special arrangements are put in place to cater for children with disabilities or medical needs. These are addressed through Individual Health Management Plans and targeted programs.
Students with high risk medical conditions are identified on emergency action plans, including photographs, symptoms and actions to be taken. All staff have been given training and awareness professional development, including canteen personnel, where menus have been adjusted to minimise risk.
The school caters for many educational and special needs students and employs over ten special needs assistants. They in turn, with staff, have received professional development regarding needs, awareness, understanding, management strategies, available support networks and collaborative practices. In addition, staff and assistants have received training in the delivery of a variety of programs that have assisted students and improved self esteem, learning outcomes and resilience. These include CABCA, Rock and Water, Mentoring, Support a Reader and BWELL. As a result there is a high level of acceptance and support for inclusivity at Beaumaris by staff, families and students. So much so that we receive many requests for enrolment, outside our catchment area because of the school’s reputation, not only on its inclusivity programs but its general Student Services Portfolio.
This is complemented by a highly effective Physical Education program that is developmentally focused. The program builds onto Health programs to foster healthy living, recreational pursuits, skills development, resilience and personal development. Programs in dance, games, fitness, skills and personal development add to student well being and enjoyment.
Emotional and social needs are also a school focus, where students are quickly identified and where necessary, placed into special programs such as Art and Drama Therapy, Mentoring and Rock and Water, with parental permission. Many of these are highly confidential and have enabled students to be confident in sharing their feelings and concerns in a variety of formats, media, and groupings that lead to positive outcomes. These programs are intensive and ongoing, run by staff, ECU support and selected parent volunteers. All are trained in skills, management and accountability. The school has a high success rate because of school community willingness to deliver programs and the shared belief they improve outcomes for participants and in turn, improve teaching – learning relationships.
Student Acknowledgement & Recognition Programs
Part of the Well Being focus is an extensive program of student acknowledgement and recognition. While the school successfully focuses upon special needs and managing student behaviour, it is just as important to celebrate student achievement, development and contribution. This aspect of the Student Services Portfolio models desired outcomes across the school through promotion of recognition and reward. The programs are extremely popular with staff, parents and students alike.
Beaumaris invests a lot of time, resources and energy into its Student Services Portfolio in the belief that a united, happy, safe and caring environment results in students and teachers being more confident, engaged and comfortable about positive teaching – learning relationships. The end result is improved outcomes, both academic and non-academic, as evident in the schools Annual Reviews and its selection as a High Demand Government School, as part of the recent national MCEETYA review.
Such is the success of the Student Services Portfolio that two staff members have been seconded, by DET, to undertake special programs within the Department’s Student Services Branch in 2005. Beaumaris is regarded as a highly effective example for student support initiatives and outcomes, by DET. This reputation has grown with increasing enrolment requests by parents outside the school’s catchment area.
The staff are to be congratulated for their commitment and enthusiasm in providing a safe, caring and exciting learning environment for all students.
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