FAQ

What are the school times?
The school day begins at 9am, and the playground is supervised from 8.45am. We have recess from 11 – 11.30am and children are encouraged to eat a substantial morning tea. Lunchtime is from 1.30pm. Children are supervised in the classroom while they eat their lunch and then play outside until 2.30pm.The last session of the day is 2.30 – 3.30pm.
During the first term, the Prep children are escorted outside to their parent/carer or collected by after school care staff. School staff supervise the yard from 3:30-3:45pm each day.

What are the class sizes at Newport Lakes Primary School?
Newport Lakes Primary school is committed to maintaining small class sizes in the early years. Currently we run four prep classes with 21 students in each class.

How is student behaviour managed?
In line with Education Department expectations, the school has a ‘Bullying Prevention’ policy focussing on the right of each person in the school to learn, play and work in a safe environment. We are also guided by our school values and the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support program. At the beginning of every year the class teacher spends time working with the students on developing class expectations for behaviour and learning. Communication is key, and parents are always informed if there are ongoing behaviour issues.

A key support for teachers and students at Newport Lakes Primary School is our Restorative approach to managing ‘when things go wrong’ or when problems happen where relationships need to be repaired. 

Are parents involved in the school?
Newport Lakes Primary School actively encourages parent participation in the school. In 2008 a Parent Club was re-established and parents are involved in helping the school in a variety of ways, including fundraising, special lunch days, music and social activities.

When do I need to enrol?
We would like to finalise our Prep numbers by the end of Term 2. This enables us to inform parents of the number of classes we will be having and appoint teachers to the grades. Enrolment forms can be returned to the school office.

What happens after I enrol?
We will keep you informed of any school activities that you may be interested in. A newsletter is published each fortnight and available from the website. The teachers will prepare a transition program and inform you of dates/times. The children usually have two sessions at the school.
Our parents organise informal ‘play’ dates at the school during Term 4 to enable children and parents to ‘get to know’ each other prior to their child starting school.

How are students placed into classes?
Teachers organise classes after taking into consideration a number of factors, including friendship groups. The teachers plan and work together in delivering a comprehensive and consistent program and students mix with other classes and play with each other during lunch and recess.

What happens if my child is ill at school?
If your child becomes ill or is hurt during the school day they are initially taken to the sick bay to be cared for while a decision is made on the severity of the injury. Most staff at Newport Lakes Primary School have Level 2 First Aid and can confidently assess a situation. Parents are contacted if any child has a ‘head injury’ or is too ill to remain at school. It is important that contact details are kept up to date to ensure that in times of need the school can contact a parent or an emergency contact.

Will my child participate in any excursions or camps?
All classes will participate in excursions and incursions during the year. Parents are informed of all events in a timely manner. At the beginning of the school year parents are asked to sign a permission form to allow their child to attend local venues i.e. walk to the park with their teacher. All excursions that require travel in a bus/train will have a separate notice sent out via Compass detailing the arrangements and cost.
We have camp for children in Years 3 – 6 and the location of these differ each year.

What happens if my child has an appointment during school hours?
If you need to pick up your child early from school you must first sign your child out on the Compass kiosk, located at the front office prior to collecting your child from the classroom.

What happens if my child requires assistance at recess or lunchtime?
There are at least three staff on yard duty during recess and lunchtime. Each adult wears a fluorescent vest so that children can identify them easily. All children are encouraged to play together.

When do I receive feedback on my child’s progress?
Parents are able to arrange an interview with their child’s teacher at any mutually convenient time. Formal interviews take place early in the school year and mid year. Written reports are available via Compass at mid-year and the end of the year.
We encourage parents to discuss any concerns or issues with the class teacher.

Does the school have a ‘buddy program’?
Yes, the Prep children are matched with a senior student who will participate in activities with the Prep classes. It is a very successful program and assists the younger students to feel more confident and comfortable as they begin their school journey.

What about homework?
All students from Prep – Year 6 are encouraged to read each night. As students progress through the school, teachers assign purposeful learning tasks to be completed at home and parents are kept fully informed from the beginning of the school year.

Is there a swimming program?
A two-week intensive swimming program is offered in the second half of the year. All children from Prep–Year 2 are encouraged to attend. Year 3-6 students participate in a beach safety program run by Life Saving Victoria later in the year .

What is a CRT?
A CRT is a Casual Relief Teacher – these are teachers who are employed by the school to work in a class if a teacher is absent. At Newport Lakes we have a bank of reliable CRTs who know our school, the students and the staff and are able to fill in when required, implementing the program that has been set by the classroom teacher.

If your question has not been answered, we welcome you to contact us.