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School Profile

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, Queenscliff, situated on the Bellarine Peninsula is approximately 30 km from Geelong.  The school is part of the Parish of Holy Trinity, which encompasses the towns of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. St Aloysius School was opened in 1902 by the Sisters of Mercy. Extensive renovations took place in 2015 making St Aloysius a contemporary, comfortable learning environment catering for all. One classroom was renovated allowing the school to have a functioning Visual Arts Centre. The toilet block was also renovated. A new contemporary learning space was built on the first floor catering for our senior classes. The school population at the end of 2016 was 141 students. The students come from the local area including Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and the surrounding areas. The school grounds are safe and secure. The play spaces are varied including junior and senior adventure playgrounds, netball/basketball court, oval and passive play areas.

At St Aloysius, we endeavour to develop courage and confidence within our students while showing respect and care for others in a vibrant faith community. St. Aloysius models values which are consistent with the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ. We promote a safe and supportive school environment for all students and pride ourselves on developing respect and understanding of individual differences. As a place of learning, our contemporary and personalized environment supports the academic progress of each child, balanced with a strong awareness of the need to nurture their spiritual, creative, physical, social and emotional development. We have purposely targeted the Sciences and Environmental Sustainability as areas of inquiry and a means for our students to make meaning of our natural world.

Curriculum development is an ongoing process and the school is continuing to work on improving the Numeracy and Literacy programmes, and further developing the ICT skills of staff and students. St Aloysius has made a major commitment to continually upgrading ICT resources. At St Aloysius Catholic Primary School teachers are encouraged to make their classrooms vibrant and active learning environments in which stimulating teaching strategies are designed to maximize student interest and learning opportunities. A variety of digital devices are used by the students including desk top computers, ipads, smart TVs, interactive whiteboards and laptops which are utilized at the point of need. Google Apps for Education (GAFE) has been introduced school wide as well as an effective using of ‘blogging’ as a vehicle for reflection and home/school communication. All of this sits within the umbrella of the eSmart framework. Science and Environmental Sustainability continues to be a key focus within the learning and teaching programme with engagement with community organizations such as Parks Victoria, Coast Care, Deakin University and Community Environment Alliance a key to its success.

The partnership of parents and teachers is essential to the life and learning at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School. Parents play valuable roles assisting in the classrooms, participating in literacy programs, guest speaker role, inter-school sport, excursions, library etc. Parents have representatives on the School Education Board, which acts as a forum for discussing matters concerning the school.  The School Education Board meets ten times a year and its members include the Parish Priest, Principal, Staff Representative and elected Parent Representatives. St Aloysius is fortunate in having a highly committed and supportive Parents and Friends Association.

Special Features

Personalised learning is ensured at St Aloysius through the differentiated curriculum offered.  This includes Religious Education, Literacy, Numeracy, Inquiry Studies, LOTE, Environmental Studies, Physical and Outdoor education (Swimming, Camp, Bike Ed).  Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music and Art) are also integral aspects of our curriculum.  Activities include an annual concert at the end of the school year.  Private tuition in guitar, drums, piano and keyboard is also available.  We use a variety of multimedia tools and devices to engage students in their learning journey.

Children are regularly involved in local community activities such as sand dune revegetation, environmental planting programs, history walks and combined projects with the local council.  Students regularly visit the local library to make use of community resources.  We are known as an active and vibrant school community which is welcoming and inclusive.  We welcome new members to our dynamic parents and friends association.

Environment

St. Aloysius is situated in the 'heart' of Queenscliff. The Borough of Queenscliff is a vibrant and supportive environment with a community oriented focus. The students of St Aloysius can access many historic sites and have a diverse range of educational activities to participate in.

Vision Statement

The Staff at St Aloysius recognises the right of each child to a complete education and therefore the curriculum of our school needs to foster the total development of each child:

• Spiritually
• Academically
• Aesthetically
• Emotionally
• Socially
• Culturally       
• Physically

As members of St. Aloysius School Staff we strive to be a faith-filled, dynamic community who proclaim the mission of Jesus.  We believe it essential that we aim to promote the self-esteem of others and that we assist children to feel positive about themselves and the future.

Our school works within the Parish of Holy Trinity to develop a mutual awareness of what it means to be a member of a Catholic Community.  To make this work we need cooperation between the School Staff/Students, Families and members of our Parish.

Mission Statement

• To develop in children an awareness and appreciation of the environment in which they live and respect it as part of God's creation.

• To develop an appreciation of education as a lifelong process that enables individuals to adapt in a rapidly changing technological society.

• That through education one develops an understanding of self, others, our society and the world in which we live.

• To assist students to develop skills, attitudes, values and actions which will support them in becoming valued effective members of our society.

• To cultivate an environment where children, parents and staff grow together in a Catholic Community.  To have time for reflection so the Spirit of God can be seen in action.

• To endeavour to show each child that they are special and individually loved for whom they are.

• To foster a spirit of acceptance, appreciation, sharing and friendly cooperation with all others in our school community.  Our school needs to be a happy place where people respect and support each other.

• To facilitate the professional development of staff, who can then use new ideas for the benefit of our children; to facilitate a relationship between staff/parents so that parents too can understand the changes that are taking place in the education process.

• To provide a variety of experiences that encourage children to participate to the maximum of their abilities.

• To build and expand the experiences of our children; so that each comes to a fuller realisation of belonging to a faith and wider community.

Learning and Teaching

At St Aloysius, the curriculum expresses the educative vision of our school community and an authentic understanding of Christ and his teaching.

The curriculum is designed to ensure all students gain the knowledge, skills and deep understandings of the world around them.  To achieve this, the school teaches skills that enable our students to participate fully in their school, parish and local community today, and which will enable them to participate in the future workplace and contribute as members of their community.  Skills of innovation, cooperation, problem solving, self-direction, self-regulation, the capacity to relate to others and the capacity to manage change are embedded throughout the curriculum.

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is owned, operated and governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS).

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School is a MACS school in which:

• prayer and liturgy are vital aspects of religious life in the school
• the pastoral care and support programs for students, families and staff are based on the teachings of the Catholic Church
• the teachings and values of the Catholic Church are paramount.

Principles

Inclusiveness

MACS schools are established primarily for Catholic children. St Aloysius Catholic Primary School strives to be open and welcoming to all Catholic students, regardless of their background, and does everything reasonable to accommodate each student’s individual needs.

St Aloysius Catholic Pris open to the enrolment of children of other Christian traditions and faiths, however, priority will be given to children from non-Catholic Eastern churches. Children from other religious traditions or of no religion are provided with an opportunity to enrol in Catholic schools, should they choose to apply and there is sufficient capacity within the school.

Partnership between parents/guardians/carers and St Aloysius Catholic Primary School

Parents/guardians/carers are the first educators of their children. By enrolling a child in St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, parents/guardians/carers are entering into a partnership to promote and support their child’s education, in particular their education in faith. While the school promotes access to a Catholic education through the school enrolment policy, it is the parent/guardian/carers’ responsibility to support the school in furthering the spiritual and academic life of their child.

Exercise of pastoral discretion in enrolment decisions

Local pastoral discretion is an important element of decision-making with regard to enrolment at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School. While the first priority of the principal is to enrol the children of Catholic parents/guardians/carers, pastoral discretion may be exercised in enrolment decisions where deemed appropriate. The local school enrolment committee will formally endorse all enrolment decisions to ensure transparency and equity in decision-making.

Priority enrolment

There is an agreed order of priority for enrolment in MACS schools, which must be followed in the enrolment policy and procedures. As systemic Catholic schools, the first priority of Catholic schools is the provision of a Catholic education for Catholic children.

The order of priority for MACS primary schools is:

1. Catholic children who are residents of the parish
2. siblings of children already enrolled in the school
3. Catholic children who are not residents of the parish but are recognised as parishioners by the parish priest
4. Catholic children from other parishes (for pastoral reasons)
5. children from non-Catholic Eastern churches (i.e. Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox and other Orthodox) who are residents of the parish
6. children from non-Catholic Eastern churches (i.e. Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox and other Orthodox) who reside outside the parish
7. other Christian children who are residents of the parish
8. other Christian children who reside outside the parish
9. non-Christian children who are residents of the parish
10. non-Christian children who reside outside the parish.

Definitions

Catholic child

For the purpose of enrolment in a Catholic school, a child is considered to be Catholic if they are a member of the Catholic Church, usually established by a Certificate of Baptism.

Enrolment catchment area

The enrolment catchment area is a defined area from which a school enrols students as officially designated to a school by MACS. The parish for St Aloysius Catholic Primary School is Holy Trinity. In parishes with more than one primary school, the catchment for each school is determined by the parish in consultation with MACS.

Enrolment is subject to the maximum capacity of the school.

Orthodox child

For the purpose of enrolment in a Catholic school, a child is considered to be Orthodox if they are a member of a non-Catholic Eastern church, including Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox and other Orthodox.

Parish

‘Parish’ refers to the local parish as defined by its geographical boundaries and student location is based on home address.

Parental Responsibilities

At the time of enrolment at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, parents/guardians/carers make a commitment to provide ongoing support for their child’s Catholic education. In particular, parents/guardians/carers are asked to make an explicit commitment to the following responsibilities:

• complete the school’s enrolment form and ensure it is returned by the due date. This does not guarantee enrolment in the school
• be prepared to support the school in the Catholic education of their child and involve themselves as much as possible
• acknowledge and commit to meeting the financial responsibilities arising from the ongoing enrolment of their child at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School. Any difficulties in meeting this commitment should be discussed with the principal
• advise the principal of any court order, parenting or custodial arrangement/s that may exist in relation to their child, or any changes to such order/s, and provide a copy of the court order/s and any subsequent changes for the child’s school file
• provide the school with an immunisation history statement.

Information to Be Collected

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School is required to collect particular information about parents/guardians/carers and their child. Parents/guardians/carers are required to provide particular information about their child during the enrolment process in order for MACS and the school to meet the duty of care obligations and to satisfy government requirements. Lodging an enrolment form does not guarantee enrolment at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School.

School Times:

 8:35am - Teacher on duty

8:50am  -School begins

9:00am - Literacy Block

10.00am - Fruit Break

11:00am - Recess (children play outside)

11.28am - Music - get ready for class

11:30am - Music -move inside

1:00pm - Supervised lunch

1:10pm - Lunch (Children play outside)

1.50pm - Afternoon session

3:20pm - Home time

The School Year

St. Aloysius School operates on a four-term basis.  List of Activities:

ST ALOYSIUS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL UNIFORM

The wearing of our school uniform is compulsory.  Children take pride in wearing their school uniform and it develops a sense of belonging.

The Parents and Friends group has a liaison officer who works with the uniform supplier to provide an efficient service.

The School/Parents & Friends run a second hand uniform shop, contact the office. 

Children’s clothing needs to be labelled with a permanent marker showing the child’s full name.

SUMMER

Girls:

• Blue and White check dress
• Navy blue bike short
• Plain white socks (up & downers)
• Black shoes (leather or leather-look, no runners or suede)
• Crew neck navy windcheater (with or without band) with St Aloysius logo or
• Navy bomber jacket with St Aloysius logo

Boys:    

• Grey shorts (elastic waist)
• Light blue short sleeve polo shirt with St Aloysius logo
• Grey socks (up & downers)
• Black shoes (leather or leather-look, no runners or suede)
• Crew neck navy windcheater (with or without band) with St Aloysius logo or
• Navy bomber jacket with St Aloysius logo

WINTER:

Girls:      

• St Aloysius school knee length kilt with grey tights/grey knee high socks
• OR Navy blue Gaberdine pants with grey socks
• Light blue long/short sleeve polo shirt 
• Crew neck navy windcheater (with or without band) with school logo or
• Navy bomber jacket with St Aloysius logo
• Black shoes (leather or leather-look, no runners or suede)

Boys:     

• Grey trousers (full elastic) – double kneed
• Light blue long/short sleeve polo shirt with school logo
• Crew neck navy windcheater with St Aloysius logo or
• Navy Bomber jacket with St Aloysius logo
• Black shoes (leather or leather-look, no runners or suede)
• Grey Socks (up and downers)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Boys & Girls (on class Sport/PE designated days only)

• Navy blue track pants or Navy blue sports shorts
• Navy sports top with St Aloysius logo
• Crew neck navy windcheater (with or without band) with school logo or
• Navy bomber jacket with St Aloysius logo
• Runners
• White sport socks

Boys & Girls:

• School approved hybrid bucket hat & bag with logo
• Hair longer than shoulder length to be tied back

Uniform Supplier:

Bellarine Uniforms: 162 Moorabool Street Geelong  3220

Phone: 5221 9199

Fax: 5221 5789

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Financial Arrangement of the School

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School is funded as part of the Catholic Parish School System of Victoria.  As such, the school attracts grants of a recurrent nature from the State Government of Victoria.  In addition, the school requires financial support from Holy Trinity Parish and from the families of the school, as well as the Parents and Friends Association.

School Fees and Levies

School Fees are billed per Family and Student Levies are billed per student.

Statements are sent out in Term 1 with the full amount payable per annum.

You can elect to pay school fees as an annual payment in Term 1, by Direct Debit (monthly or fortnightly) or make a Private Arrangement with the Principal. 

Every child is charged a student levy covering items such as books, stationary, excursions, incursions, Religious Education, class sets, library resources, information technology, specialist classes cost and other educational resources.

Procedure for Payment

Payments are to be made through the school office.  Periodic payment via credit card or direct debit is the preferred method of payment.

Conveyance Allowance

Children residing further than 4.8km from the school and attending the nearest school of the chosen denomination are entitled to an allowance for each day of school attendance.  Application forms are available at the school.  For private transport an allowance per child per year is paid to the school.  Payment is subsequently issued to parents.      

Parent Involvement

Our School welcomes parent involvement and at St. Aloysius we see this as being paramount to enabling our children to acquire the best education possible.

Our staff work with parents to help them be involved as productively as possible within the classroom.

To become involved as a volunteer at St Aloysius School, parents must complete a process laid down by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria – this involves meeting with the Principal, giving the Principal permission to contact two referees, read and sign the St Aloysius Child Safe Policy and  sign the St Aloysius Code of Conduct agreement.

St. Aloysius School has a School Board which has elected parent representatives. 

Our Parents and Friends Association organises many activities during the year which are for:-       

i) Fundraising purposes and

ii) To foster a sense of community in our school.

When choosing to Enrol

St. Aloysius will accept enrolments for any grade at any time throughout the year.

To enrol at St. Aloysius it is necessary to complete an 'application for enrolment' form.    Families may then make an appointment to meet with the principal to confirm enrolment and to be given a tour of the school's facilities.

It is necessary for children to have been immunised against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough (INFANRIX), Poliomyelitis (SABIN) and Mumps/Measles, Rubella (M.M.R.) prior to school entry. 

Immunisation certificates cannot be issued until these vaccinations are received.

It is necessary at the time of enrolment to present the child's birth certificate, Immunisation certificate and baptismal details (if Catholic).

Facilities

St Aloysius provides 14 distinctive learning and teaching facilities that help to support the continuing education of your children including:

• All classrooms are air-conditioned and heated. 
• A ratio of 1:2 computers and laptops for each student
• Contemporary Learning Space that includes Library with resources to cater for all reading levels
• Reading Recovery room
• Oval
• Basketball/netball courts
• Adventure playground for seniors and juniors
• Church and Parish Hall on site
• A combination of interactive whiteboards and smart boards’
• Visual Arts Room
• Contemporary learning spaces for Years 5 and 6