Phone (03) 9435 1285
Send an Email
Phone (03) 9435 1285
Send an Email
Absences of Students
Whenever children are absent from School, we kindly ask families to enter the absence and reason in Compass, or if Compass is unavailable, to call and leave a message detailing the child/ren’s names, the date/s of absences and the reason.
On occasions families decide to take holiday periods during school terms. Please note that such requests must be submitted in writing prior to the holiday to the Principal for consideration.
Accidents to Students
As we know, on occasions children are involved in accidents in and around the school, despite the best precautions and safety procedures. For minor accidents, children are treated appropriately and returned to their classroom. For more serious accidents which may require professional medical treatment or a head injury is involved, parents are contacted. If parents are not able to be contacted, the emergency contact/s listed on the child’s student record will be used. An ambulance will be called in an emergency. All accidents are recorded in the School Accident Register on Compass.
When your child visits First Aid, you will receive a text message and email via Compass. On the child’s home screen in Compass, you will be able to see the details of the accident.
Assemblies
Each Monday morning at 9.00am (see ‘Attendance Hours’) a Whole School Assembly is held in The Centre for the purposes of making announcements and sharing information about school activities and achievements. The students themselves play an important part in this assembly, being responsible for a number of reports each week, and from time to time, putting on items for the rest of the school. Where possible, parents are encouraged to attend this assembly each week.
Attendance Hours
School commences at 9.00am, but a warning bell sounds at 8.57am (Monday morning bell sounds at 8.50am due to Assembly). School gates are opened, and students are supervised in their classroom, at 8:45am. Having students arrive at this time enables them to greet their friends, organise their belongings and get ready to start learning at 9:00am. School dismisses at 3.30pm.
Our Daily Timetable is:
Session 1: 9.00-9.50am
Session 2: 9.50-10.40am
RECESS: 10.40-11.00am
Session 3: 11.00am-11.50am
Session 4: 11.50-12.40pm
LUNCH EATING: 12.40-12.50pm
LUNCH EATING OUTSIDE: 12.50-1.50pm (middle bell at 1.20pm)
Session 5: 1.50-2.40pm
Session 6: 2.40-3.30pm
Early Dismissal
End of term dismissal times will be notified in the Fortnightly Newsletter. Please note that the School does not dismiss early due to wet weather or because of extreme temperatures. The school is heated and fully air conditioned. A Wet Day/Hot Day timetable applies on wet days and on days with extreme heat.
Bicycles
Children may ride a bicycle to school. It is recommended that children complete a Bike Education Program or Bike Safety Program. To arrange for your child to ride a bicycle to school, parents/guardians need to sign a permission note, which is available here.
Camping Program
Watsonia North Primary School considers the provision of a Camping Program to be a valuable part of education. The program is designed to provide students with a variety of challenging and exciting learning experiences not usually available in the school and home environments. Our students’ health, safety and security are the highest priority to all adults attending camp. It is important that each child be given the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and a sense of achievement through a variety of learning situations. The camping experience provides children with the opportunity to develop social skills, group responsibilities and independence in an alternate setting, away from daily home and school routines. Students in Years 5 and Year 6 are provided with the opportunity to attend a 3 day camp alternating each year between Phillip Island and Warburton East.
Canteen
The Canteen is managed by School Council employees Mrs Diane Miles and Ms Lisa Purton. Volunteers are always needed and we would be delighted to hear from you. The Canteen is open every day. Lunch orders can be made via Compass or by placing wrapped money in a paper bag, indicating your child’s name, room number and what your child would like to have for lunch.
Please note: Compass lunch orders close at 9:30 am so that the canteen staff know how much food to prepare for the day.
Camps Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. Eligible parents/carers may apply for CSEF at the school office when applications are open, you will be notified of these dates and times in the Newsletter.
Class Organisation
Classes may be either based on single age organisation eg Prep, Year One etc or on multi-age organisation eg, Year 5 and 6 together in a class. There are advantages to both arrangements, however, classes are organised first and foremost on the basis of the school having the lowest numbers in each classroom.
Confidential Information
In caring for your child we need to have access to up to date information. Please ensure that you provide us with immediate notification of any changes in phone contacts, addresses, health details or any other relevant details. All information collected is confidential.
Information sheets are sent home at the beginning of each school year and it is important that they be completed so that the school can keep this information up to date. A copy of the WNPS Privacy Notice is available here for your information.
Curriculum Days/Student Free Days
The Department of Education & Training allocates four Pupil Free Days each year.
2025
Curriculum Policy and Programs
To ensure that our school’s policies represent the views of the school community and are within the guidelines of the Department of Education & Training, policies are formed through a collaborative process.
The School Council is ultimately responsible for the formulation, adoption and evaluation of all school policies but it calls upon sub committees, working party groups and other interested people, including those with special expertise, to help in the task.
It is the responsibility of staff to develop and implement the school teaching programs following the development or review of School Policy.
Our curriculum policies and programs are available for your perusal and we welcome your involvement should you want to be part of our collaborative decision making.
Dental Service
Smile Squad is the Victorian Government free school dental program. This means all students can get a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment at school. Consent for the dental program will be advertised in the newsletter.
Emergency Management Plan
The school has an emergency management plan which has directions to guide us through any emergency. An important component of this is our evacuation and lockdown procedures, which we practice, to ensure the safety of all within the school.
Environmental and Outdoor Education Program
Watsonia North Primary School has an Environmental and Outdoor Education Program. This activity based program takes place over 3 separate days during the year for students in Years 3 & 4.
Excursions
Excursions are an integral part of our school’s education program. They provide a range of opportunities for children to have first hand experiences related to the various curriculum programs. All children are encouraged to attend so that they may participate fully in pre-excursion and follow up activities. Parental participation is encouraged where appropriate. There is some cost involved, but we endeavour to keep this to a minimum.
Finances
School Finances are derived from two sources, Government Grants and locally raised funds. The Government provides some funding which needs to be supplemented by voluntary parent contributions and fundraising in order to run an effective school. The voluntary contribution request amount is set each year by the School Council. The School Council also sends to each family, a list of the Probable Extra Money Requests for the current year, designed to assist each family with their financial planning.
First Aid
When your child visits First Aid, you will receive a text message and email via Compass. On the child’s home screen in Compass, you will be able to see the details of the issue.
Fundraising Committee
Membership of the Fundraising Committee offers parents the opportunity to make new friends while working for the benefit of our students.
The Fundraising Committee organises a number of activities and functions – some of these raise funds to provide the school with additional resources, whilst others are organised for social reasons.
You are most welcome to join the Fundraising Committee. Your children will benefit from your involvement and so will you.
If you are interested in joining the Fundraising Committee, or casually volunteering, please email the Coordinator, Marisa Vertkas-Fimis at: 4988-Fundraising@schools.vic.edu.au
Grounds
The maintenance of the school grounds is the responsibility of the School Council. Our Maintenance Manager is Mr Nick Ludvik.
Hats
To protect the children from the sun, hats are compulsory from September to the end of April. Please refer to the school’s Sun Protection Policy.
Homework
Junior Grades: Parents are encouraged to share books which are brought home daily. Please assist your child in caring for these books.
Years 3-6: Homework may include:
This work will be initiated in the classroom and much of the work will be carried out there. Children may be expected to do some work at home and this will vary with the child’s interests and capabilities.
Children in Years 3-6 have a diary or message book which is used to communicate homework expectations between school and home. Your assistance in seeing that homework is completed would be much appreciated.
House Captains (Elections)
In February of each year an election of House Captains is held. All children Years 3-6 are given the opportunity to vote.
House Teams
There are four houses at Watsonia North:
These houses were named after four of the original School Council members who had much to do with establishing the State Primary School for the area. Students in Years 3-6 are placed in houses, with consideration being given to allocating siblings to the same house if possible. An election of House Captains is held (as above).
Immunisation Certificate
A SCHOOL ENTRY IMMUNISATION CERTIFICATE is a specific document which shows your child’s record of immunisation. The certificate is an important record that will assist health authorities in protecting students in the event of a vaccine preventable disease occurrence in school.
Please note that it is a LEGAL REQUIREMENT to provide a school entry immunisation certificate ON ENROLMENT to primary school in Victoria.
Immunisation History Statement is available through your Medicare Online Account through myGov or via the Medicare mobile app.
Infectious Diseases
Exclusions from School
The Principal is required to exclude children according to the table here, under the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1996. The Regulations require the parent or guardian to inform the Principal as soon as practicable if the child is infected with any of the diseases listed in the table or has been in contact with an infected person.
It should be noted that in cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, parents should contact the City of Banyule Medical Officer of Health in regard to exclusion and recovery.
“Contact” means a child of school age or preschool age living in the same house as the patient, “patient” includes the carrier; and “School” includes any Pre-school Centre, Kindergarten, Primary School or Secondary School. A patient or contact shall be prevented from attending school.
Integration
The school has an Integration Policy which relates to the integration of children with special needs into the school. Contact the school for further details.
Instrumental Music
Children in Grades Prep-6 have the opportunity of learning various musical instruments in addition to the normal classroom music program. (Specific charges are made for Instrumental Music lessons).
Interschool Sport
Watsonia North is a member of the Watsonia District School Sports’ Association. Other members are Greensborough, Bundoora, Watsonia, Watsonia Heights, Streeton and St Mary’s Primary Schools.
The School is engaged in Interschool Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming (Year 3-6) and Summer and Winter Sports (Years 5-6).
Summer Sports: Rounders, Cricket, Bat Tennis and Basketball.
Winter Sports: Softball, Football, Netball and Soccer.
Children participating in interschool sport are expected to wear the appropriate sports uniform.
Library
Our Library has an excellent range of books suitable for students of all ages. We encourage students to use this facility. Each student from Prep to Year 6 has a timetabled session in the Library and borrowing takes place during this session or at lunchtime.
We need your cooperation in encouraging your child to read regularly and to take care of the books. Lost or damaged books need to be replaced and you will be asked to contribute to the cost.
Lost Property
To save the time of staff and students, and also your own time and expense, please label all personal property clearly.
Lost property is kept in the storeroom next to the main office. If your child has lost any belongings, please feel free to inspect the lost property area.
Expensive electronic toys, mobile phones, jewellery, etc. are best left at home, as the school will not take responsibility for such items.
Lunches
All students eat their lunches in classrooms under teacher supervision. Lunches can be brought from home or ordered from the canteen. Lunch eating time in the classroom is 12.40-12.50pm.
Magazine
Each year, everyone at WNPS is involved in preparing articles and pages to be included in the School Magazine, which is published annually. The School Magazine is called the ‘Kookaburra’.
Every student receives a copy.
Medical Examinations
A nurse visits the school to assess children in Prep (with parental permission). The purpose of this assessment is to detect variations in health and development, and to contribute to the prevention and management of any problems.
Referrals of students from other Year levels can be made to the Medical Service by parents or teachers prior to the visit. The nurse will discuss any concerns with parents.
Medications at School
Staff are only allowed to give medication to students if parents have completed a Medication Form. If your child needs to take medicine during school hours, please collect the appropriate Medication form from the School office or download a copy here.
Children must not be in possession of any type of medication at school. Students are not allowed to administer their own medication without supervision.
Money Sent to School
Most excursions, special events, uniforms, etc. will be available on Compass for permission and payment. If you need to send cash, it should be placed in a well sealed envelope which is clearly labelled with the child’s name, grade, room number, the amount and purpose of the money and handed in to the office. Visa and credit card facilities are available at the School Office from 9:00am until 3:45pm each day.
Newsletter
The fortnightly newsletter is uploaded to Compass. Please read this carefully as it contains important information regarding school events, as well as reports from Parents and Friends’ Association and School Council. It is important that you check for its arrival each week.
Notices
Separate notices are usually sent home regarding excursions and other special events. Please impress on your child the importance of passing on all notices to you. Prompt replies to notices are always appreciated.
Out of School Hours Care (TheirCare)
An Out of School Hours Program operates at the school between 7.15-8.45am and 3.30-6.00pm. This is available on a permanent, part-time or casual basis. Please note that all students must be registered before they can attend.
Please phone the Coordinator, Donna Leahy, on 0456 689 180 (24 hour answering service) for more information, or alternatively email Donna at: donna@theircare.vic.edu.au
Parent Participation
An effective school is one where teachers and parents work together for the benefit of the children. A note will go home early in the year inviting parents to become involved in one or more aspects of school life. These include helping in classroom activities, going on excursions, helping in the canteen, in the library and at Working Bees.
Parents are also welcome to take part in the decision making processes through the Fundraising Committee or nominating for School Council.
All children will benefit from parental involvement in school activities.
Parking
Please observe the parking restrictions in Sharpes Road and Dundee Street. These restrictions are designed to ensure that the school crossings are clearly visible and are safe for all students.
Parking Officers patrol these streets regularly and cars which park illegally risk heavy fines and they are putting children in danger.
The speed limit in Dundee Street and Sharpes Road is 40kmph at all times.
For safety reasons, the school car park is for staff use only. Students are not allowed in this car park AT ANY TIME.
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
Head Lice can often be a problem in schools. Lice are not selective and can infect anyone. Please check your child’s hair regularly. Students who are infected with head lice are excluded from school until their hair has been treated. The lotion can be purchased from the chemist. We appreciate parents letting us know if their child has head lice. For more information on Headlice, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Photographs
School photographs are taken annually. The date will be advised in the Newsletter. Each family has the opportunity to purchase a class photo and individual photos. Family groups, whole school photo, Year 6 graduation and sports’ teams are also taken.
Picking Up Children
Children’s welfare and safety is at the forefront of everything we do at Watsonia North.
At the end of the day:
Dismissal time is 3.30pm, and children should be promptly picked up at this time. Students are supervised leaving the school grounds until 3.45pm. Any child still remaining in the yard at this point, will be brought to the school office to ensure the child’s safety. We will attempt to find out why the child has not been collected by ringing home or the listed emergency contact numbers. If we are unsuccessful in making contact, the child will be placed in our Out of School Hours Care (OSH) program, with the appropriate charges being levied.
We do realise that from time to time, parents/guardians can be late to pick up due to unforeseen circumstances.
HOWEVER, IF THIS IS THE SITUATION, THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHOULD ATTEMPT TO RING THE SCHOOL AND LET US KNOW YOUR ANTICIPATED TIME OF ARRIVAL.
When you have made an arrangement for another parent to take your child home, the parent concerned should be absolutely clear about this, and the arrangement should be communicated directly to the child’s teacher so that we are aware of what can often be a changed situation. We are sure you will agree, we cannot take any risks with children’s safety, and these procedures are designed to address this.
During the day:
Again, in the interests of children’s welfare and safety, please follow the procedures below if you need to pick up your child during school hours.
If you are returning a child to school during the school day, you also need to visit the office to sign your child back into school.
Playground Supervision
The playground is supervised for 15 minutes after school, during recesses and lunchtimes. Although teachers may be at school well before 8.45am and well after 3.45pm, they are not rostered for playground duty outside these times.
Playground Use
As well as common playground equipment, there is separate designated playground equipment for Year Prep to Year 2 and Year 3 to Year 6. Other areas are available for use by all students. See plan of school for specific usage areas. Our playground equipment areas are covered with Shade Sails.
Students are expected to use the equipment in a safe and sensible manner.
Reporting to Parents
Individual parent/teacher/student meetings are held twice a year. These meetings provide an opportunity for teachers, students and parents to share information regarding a student’s social and academic progress. A written report is provided at the end of second and fourth term.
In February we conduct a ‘Meet and Greet’ session where student information can be shared and learning goals developed. Commencing Term 3, formal reporting of student progress takes place and students are requested to attend these meetings with their parent/s and teacher.
Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices is an approach for managing student behaviour and developing and maintaining positive healthy and respectful relationships. It encourages those involved to accept that harm has been done to people and relationships with a focus on repairing the harm and making things right. It forms part of the Students’ Code of Conduct and classroom personal development program.
Scholastic Book Club
Scholastic Book Club is run for all children, normally twice a term. This involves children being offered books to purchase, mostly at cheaper prices than through a commercial bookseller. This is something the children enjoy and benefits the school, as we receive a percentage of sales back in books for our School Library. Leaflets/order forms are distributed the fortnight before the Book Club is due and a reminder note is included in the newsletter. Orders can be made online via Scholastic LOOP or you can make a cash payment by completing the physical order form and returning it in an envelope with your child’s name and room number clearly written.
School Council
The School Council which controls school finances and decides on policy matters affecting students’ learning and the school environment, is a good example of the cooperation between parents and teachers.
Our School Council is made up of parents, teachers and the Principal. Should a vacancy occur, why not consider nominating? You would then have the opportunity to work and learn with a group of people who have the welfare of the school and its children at heart.
Security Gates
School Grounds are made as secure as possible including coded security gates. On enrolment, you will be provided with the security code to enter via the gate on Dundee Street and beside the Performing Arts’ Centre. For student safety, on the Dundee Street gate there is a latch at the top that is to be lowered as soon as the gate is closed.
Special Events
Each year the school holds a variety of special events. These events may involve all or part of the school and include such activities as parades, Bookweek, Performing Arts’ Concert, special lunches and fundraising activities. Each year there is a Graduation Night for children in Year 6. Information regarding special events will be included in the Newsletter prior to these activities. Parents are always welcome to attend these functions.
Student Representative Council (SRC)
The Student Representative Council was formed in 1991. Each person in the SRC is elected to represent a Grade. They inform their Grade about what is happening in the SRC and get students’ opinions on different issues. The SRC Councillors’ job is to take everyday problems that occur in the school and try to fix them. Sometimes these issues are handed up to the main School Council.
Student Wellbeing
Watsonia North Primary School takes steps to make the school environment a safe place and assist students to overcome any personal and social difficulties they may face. This ensures all students have the best opportunity to take full advantage of the curriculum program which is available to them.
Suggestions
If parents have any suggestions regarding the school they are welcome to talk to the Principal, teachers or members of the School Council.
Sunsmart
Watsonia North Primary School is an accredited SunSmart School. Our SunSmart policy incorporates strategies and practices as recommended by the Anti-Cancer Council.
Sunscreen
Students must provide their own SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. Strategies are in place to remind students to apply sunscreen before going outdoors.
Swimming Program
Years Prep-Year 6 are involved in a swimming program at a local pool. Specific times and dates for each grade level will be advised each year.
Telephone Number
The school telephone number is (03) 9435 1285.
Term Dates
2025
2026
Transfers In and Out
All transfers are handled by the Office Staff. Please let the school know if your child is transferring to another school.
Transition
Pre-School to Primary School
Information about the transition from Pre-School can be found in the Prep Information Book supplement.
Transition to Secondary School
When students enter Year 6, decisions will need to be made with regard to post primary placement. Begin by discussing the options with your child, teachers and other parents. Contact post-primary schools to ascertain when information day/nights are to be held. These sessions offer parents and students information about such matters as curriculum, policies and uniforms. Usually in mid-year ‘Application for Enrolment’ forms are sent home to parents to complete and return to WNPS. In early December, Orientation Days are held at the post-primary schools. Students are provided with activities designed to familiarise them with the new school setting.
Uniform
Watsonia North is a compulsory uniform school and enrolment is conditional on compliance with the school’s uniform code.
School uniforms can be ordered from:
School World Lower Plenty – 97 Main Road, Lower Plenty 3093.
Phone: 8407 8084
Email: onlineorders@spartanss.com.au
Website: www.spartanschoolworld.com.au
Secondhand Uniforms
If you would like to purchase secondhand uniforms, please complete an Secondhand Order Form. The following items make up the uniform for Watsonia North. Parents and children may select from these:
Summer Uniform
Worn with:
Winter
Worn with:
Socks may be white or grey. Grey tights may also be worn with dress or skirt
Please note:
If parents are experiencing any financial difficulties purchasing school uniform, please contact the Principal, Sarah Pollnitz.
Wet Day/Hot Day Arrangements
When wet or excessively hot weather occurs during recess/lunchtimes, the students are supervised in their rooms. Appropriate activities are provided.
