We value positive relationships with parents and carers to help develop better social and emotional skills in children. We know that when children are engaged with their learning, they attend school more regularly, leading to better long term outcomes.
For parenting and counselling services, visit the Family Support page, and for direction and clarity on regulations, processes and procedures at our school, read the Sydney Catholic School policies.
Open Days
The school has four open days each year. One in Catholic Schools Week where parents and visitors are invited to visit the school and have a guided tour by Year 6 students who explain our program and vision for learning. In Term 1, 2 and 3 we also have open days to educate and demonstrate our vision for learning to parents. These days begin with a parent education session and then classrooms are open for parents to visit.
Communication
We communicate with parents through a fortnightly newsletter, the Compass student information system and app, emails, phone and social media. Parents can email their teacher to book a meeting when required. Students share their learning with their parents through apps such as see saw.
The School Advisory Council
The School Advisory Council is composed of parent representatives as well as the parish priest, principal and assistant principal. The Advisory Council meets once a term to provide wisdom in relation to the broader areas of challenge for the school community. It provides feedback, support and advice to the principal and assists the school in achieving its goals. Parents are invited by the principal to join the Council for a two to three year term.
School Hours
Parents are required to ensure that that their child arrives at school on time. This is essential for your child’s learning. The school day begins at 8.55am and concludes at 3.10pm. Students who arrive late are required to sign in at the school office before proceeding to their class. School attendance is governed by the compulsory education requirements of the NSW Education Act 1990.
Parents who wish to seek leave from school for their child, for any reason, are required to complete an Application for Exemption from Attendance at School a minimum of a week prior to the proposed commencement of the leave. Certificates will only be granted when it has been clearly demonstrated by the applicant that an exemption is in the student’s best interests in the short and long term, and that alternatives to exemption have been considered. Families are strongly encouraged to arrange family holidays during designated school holiday breaks. Parents are also strongly encouraged to make medical appointments outside of school hours where possible.
Playground Supervision
Supervision commences at 8.25am each day and ceases at 3.40pm. Children who cannot be collected before this time should be sent to After School Care which operates until 6.00pm. Before School Care operates from 7.00am.
At this school, volunteers include the following – Work Experience students, parents and family members who assist with various school programmes and excursions. These volunteers are asked to complete a SCS Volunteer Application form (until a new Working with Children check is in place) stating that they are not persons prohibited from working with children. Volunteers are required to attend the school’s Child Protection and Confidentiality workshop at the beginning of each year. Volunteers are required to complete and sign the required documentation at the completion of the workshop.
Principal’s Advisory Council
The principal’s advisory council is composed of parent representatives as well as the parish priest, principal and assistant principal. The advisory council meets once a term to provide wisdom in relation to the broader areas of challenge for the school community. It provides feedback, support and advice to the principal and assists the school in achieving its goals. Parents are invited by the principal to join the council for a two to three year term.