Parent School Communications


High priority is given to parent/teacher communication at Sirius College. Ongoing and varied forms of communication are greatly valued and give parents and teachers the opportunity to actively participate in the life of the College. Parents should feel free to communicate with the school about the progress of students. Although Home Group Teachers are authorised staff members to handle issues regarding all student matters, in case of very serious issues an appointment can always be arranged with Deputy Principals.

Formal contact between the school and home includes:

  • Two interim reports (for term 1 and term 3)
  • Two semester assessment reports (for semester 1 and semester 2)
  • Parent / Teacher Interviews Parent / Teacher Information Nights
  • Parent / Teacher Seminars
  • Student Diary
  • Occasional circulars regarding school activities, special performances, camps, excursions, etc.
  • Newsletters
  • Orientation day for new students and their parents

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Sirius College supports the notion of co-operative decision making and encourages parental participation in all of the student’s education.

Image

The objectives of Parent-Teacher Interviews at Sirius College are to:

  • report on students’ achievements and learning processes,
  • give an opportunity for parents and teachers to explore problem areas,
  • collaborate with parents to support students’ learning.

At Sirius College, in order to meet and discuss a child’s achievements and needs, a close relationship between the school and home is provided by means of planned personal contact, phone calls, home visits.

The College has established a policy of conducting parent-teacher interviews during the second weeks of 2nd, 3rd and 4th terms. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to discuss the progress of their children with the teachers concerned.

The school welcomes contact with parents and other members of the community. However, in order to ensure that you are able to see the relevant staff member, you are expected to make an appointment.

Expectations From Parents

As Sirius College, we sincerely try to establish a very close relationship with parents as a part of our school culture. Also, we believe that such communication enables the school to provide the best learning environment possible for the students and that this dialogue makes us different and special.

As parents, you are expected to attend all designated parents-teacher interviews to monitor your child’s behavioural and academic progress.

You are also expected to apply the discipline and school policies approach to your child in a similar way to the school. In this context, parents should not make any negative comments about the College in the presence of their children as this will make them dislike the school. The school is the most important factor in a student’s academic life.

Image

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)

The Victorian Government have unveiled a new initiative (financial support) to ensure all Victorian students can take part in school trips, camps and sporting activities.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) commenced in 2015 for four years and will provide payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports and excursions.

Families holding a valid means-tested concession cards such as Centrelink Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Veterans Affairs Gold Card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply.

$125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students and $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student.

Criteria 1 – Eligibility

To be eligible for the fund, a parent or legal guardian of a student attending a registered Government or non-government Victorian primary or secondary school must:

    • on the first day of Term one, or;
    • on the first day of Term two;
    1. Be an eligible beneficiary within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004, that is, be the holder of a Veterans Affairs Gold Card or be an eligible Centrelink Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) holder, OR
    2. Be a temporary foster parent, and
    3. Submit an application to the school by the due date.

    Parents who receive a Carer Allowance on behalf of a child, or any other benefit or allowance not income tested by Centrelink, are not eligible for the CSEF unless they also comply with one of (a) or (b) above.

    Criteria 2 – Be of school age and attend a Victorian school

    School is compulsory for all Victorian children aged between six and 17 years of age.

    For the purposes of CSEF, students may be eligible for assistance if they attend a Victorian registered primary or secondary school. Typically, these students are aged between five and 18 years.

    CSEF is not payable to students attending pre-school, kindergarten, home schooled, or TAFE.

    Eligibility Date

    CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card successfully validating with Centrelink on either the first day of term one or term two.

    Applications for Parents

    Image

    Parents or legal guardians

    Parents or legal guardians are required to complete a CSEF application form and lodge it with their child’s school for processing.

    Important information

    A separate application is required for each school if you have children attending different schools.

    If you transfer your child, you will need to make a new application at the new school. All staff are required to treat the information that you provide as confidential.

    Please contact the school to find out more information on CSEF or refer to http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/csef.aspx

    Late applications cannot be processed…

    The Parents' Website

    Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) re-launched its Parents’ Website in March 2016.

    The aim of the website is to provide expert advice for parents on the important issues that they confront in raising their children, complementing the excellent support already provided by member schools of ISV.

    The parents are keen for information and guidance on the many challenges faced by young people.

    For more information visit ” The Parents’ Website

    Image