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Handbook

This handbook for students and parents contains practical information and policies every family needs to be aware of. Please take the time to read through this document so that you are conversant with College procedures. For quick reference, click the appropriate link below.


CONTENTS:

  1. School Times
  2. Arrival & Departure Times
  3. Assembly
  4. Contact Numbers
  5. What happens if a student is ...
    1. Sick at school
    2. Absent
    3. Needs to Leave the College Grounds
    4. Unable to do Sport
    5. Unable to Complete Homework
    6. Has a Personal Problem or Grievance
    7. Being Bullied or Picked On
    8. Feels Unsafe, either at home or at school
  6. College Rules
  7. Homework
  8. Secondary Assignments
    1. Extensions
    2. Late Submission
    3. Plagiarism
  9. Dress Code
  10. Mobile Phones
  11. iPods
  12. Complaints and Disputes
  13. Dental Clinic
  14. Emergency Evacuation Drill
  15. Governance
  16. Headlice
  17. Helpers/Volunteers
  18. Immunisation
  19. Infectious Diseases
  20. Library
  21. Lost Property
  22. Medication
  23. Money
  24. Newsletter
  25. P & F Association
  26. Parent Participation
  27. Parent / Teacher Evenings
  28. Reporting to Parents
  29. Smoking
  30. Sport
  31. Swimming
  32. Uniform Orders
  33. Stationery Orders



  1. SCHOOL TIMES:

    08:40am Bell
    08:45am Praise and Worship
    09:15am First Session
    10:45am 1st Lunch Break

    11:30am Second Session
    01:00pm 2nd lunch break

    01:30pm Third Session
    03:00pm School concludes

  2. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
    Students are welcome to arrive from 8:20am. The first bell rings at 8:40am for an 8:45am start. The day concludes at 3:00pm.

    In the morning, a teacher is on playground duty before school from 8:20am. We cannot ensure the safety of students arriving before then. If circumstances require a student to arrive before that time, we ask that prior arrangement be made with the teacher or through the office. In such a circumstance students must remain on the verandah upstairs until a teacher is on duty downstairs.

    In the afternoon, a teacher will be on duty until 3:20pm. We request that all students leave the grounds by this time. Should there be a difficulty in arranging pickup by this time, please notify the office as soon as possible.

  3. ASSEMBLY:
    On Mondays there is a whole-of-school Assembly under the building.
    From time to time special Assemblies shall be held.
    On all other days, each class shall start with praise and worship in its' own room.

  4. CONTACT NUMBERS:
    Phone .... 4921-0580
    Fax ...... 4921-2088

    Email via the Contact form at: www.cqcc.org/contact
    Website: ..................... www.cqcc.org

    Founder .......... Rev John Alley
    Chairman ......... Mr Peter Callaghan

    Principal ........ Mr Michael Appleton
    Deputy Principal . Miss Jacqui Toohey

    Secretary ........ Mrs Helen Winters
    Accounts ......... Mrs Kathy McCoombes

    Teachers
    Prep - Yr 3 ..... Mrs Karen Sanderson
    Year 4 - 6 ...... Miss Jacqui Toohey
    Secondary ....... Mr Russell Gorge
    Secondary ....... Miss Christine Pierson
    Secondary ....... Mr Noel Patson

    Updates
    Receive updates and news via
    Twitter ......... www.twitter.com/cqccollege
    Facebook ........ http://www.facebook.com/cqchristiancollege

  5. WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT ...

    1. IS SICK AT SCHOOL:
      If a student feels sick at school, they should inform their class teacher, or the teacher on duty at lunchtime. Appropriate action will be taken and the parent contacted if necessary.

    2. IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL:
      If there is an occasion where a student is absent due to sickness or some other occurrence:
      • Parents need to provide a note to the teacher on the student's return to school.
      • If no note is provided a letter will be sent home.
      • After three absences with no explanation a phonecall will be made to parents.
      • The teacher should be asked if there was any essential work the student missed out on and what might need to be done to catch up.
      • If a Secondary student is absent on a day when an oral presentation or exam was due, a medical certificate is required.

      Lateness

      • If a student is late a note must be provided to the class teacher.
      • After three unexplained late arrivals and every time thereafter a letter will go home.

      Partial Absence
      If a student needs to attend a doctor’s appointment or something similar:

      • Parents should write a note to the teacher advising them of the time that the student is to be collected from the College.
      • Students shall be collected from the front office.
      • Parents need to sign the 'sign out' book on the front counter.

      Family Travel
      If a family is making travel plans, the following points need to be considered:

      • In addition to normal school holidays, CQCC has four additional weeks per year that allow families to travel in the off-peak season.
      • If travel during term is unavoidable, parents are requested to discuss plans with the teacher and write a note in advance advising of the dates.

      Extended Absence
      If possible, work can be arranged for your child in the case of an extended absence. It this is desired, please notify the relevant teachers in advance; the earlier the better. In some cases assessment dates cannot be changed. If a student is absent for assessment it is recorded on their Report Card as such.

    3. NEEDS TO LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS:
      For a student to leave the College grounds a note from parents must be provided. The student is to report to the College Office before leaving so that the departure can be noted. The 'sign out' book must be completed.

    4. IS UNABLE TO DO SPORT:
      The student should present a note from parents to the Sports Teacher.

    5. IS UNABLE TO COMPLETE HOMEWORK:
      Parents should explain the reason why homework could not be done either in the student's diary or by way of a note. If no note or reasonable explanation is provided, a detention or similar consequence will result. Consistently incomplete homework is not acceptable, and the situation will be addressed by the Principal.
      If a student is unable to complete homework because of difficulties in their learning, the student should submit their best attempt. If difficulties are ongoing then parents need to communicate with the teacher and arrange a meeting if necessary.

    6. HAS A PERSONAL PROBLEM OR GRIEVANCE:
      The student should find a time to discuss the matter privately with either their teacher or another staff member to whom they relate well.

    7. IS BEING BULLIED OR PICKED ON:
      The student should talk to the teacher on playground duty or class teacher about the problem. Students should not retaliate under any circumstances. Fighting will not be tolerated.

    8. FEELS UNSAFE, EITHER AT HOME OR AT SCHOOL:
      The student should tell their teacher or another staff member about their situation, so they can be helped as quickly as possible.

  6. COLLEGE RULES:
    • Show respect
    • Be responsible
    • Be safe
    • Use self-control
    • Co-operate
    • Be positive


  7. HOMEWORK:
    Central Queensland Christian College has set the following guidelines for homework:
    • In the Prep Year, students will not be set homework until the reading program starts, when a small amount of revision will be required.
    • Homework in Years Prep-3 could be up to but not more than 20min per day on the following activities:
      • Number facts revision
      • Spelling revision
      • Reading
      • Small assigned tasks as required
    • Homework in Years 4 could be up to but not more than 35min per day or 2-3 hours per week on the following activities:
      • Number facts revision each day
      • Spelling revision each day
      • In-completed work as required
    • Homework in Years 5-6 could be up to but not more than 3-4 hours each week on the following activities:
      • Number facts revision each day
      • Spelling revision each day
      • In-completed work as required
      • Assigned tasks as required
    • Homework in Years 7-8 and Years 9-10 could be up to but not more than 5 hours each week on assigned tasks.
    • Homework in Years 11-12 will vary according to the young persons' learning needs and individual programs of learning.


  8. SECONDARY ASSIGNMENTS:
    In Secondary, assignments form a significant part of assessment and must be submitted on or before the due date. Assignments submitted after 8:45am on the due date will be deemed late and subject to relevant penalties.
    1. Extensions:
      Extensions should be sought at least three days before the due date. Prolonged illness would be the most common reason for an extension, which should be requested in the form of a letter from the parents to the teacher.
    2. Not Submitted or Late:
      • If a Secondary student is absent on a day when an oral presentation or exam was due, a medical certificate is required.
      • If an assignment is not submitted on the due date, parents will be provided with a note. For each day that the assignment is late, the mark shall be reduced.
        If the assignment is not submitted within five working days, a parent teacher meeting will be arranged. Late penalties will apply.
        The second time an assignment is not submitted, a meeting between parent and Principal will be arranged. Late penalties will apply.
        Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the third time an assignment is not submitted, discplinary action will be considered.
    3. Plagiarism:
      If a student is found to have plagiarised work or not referenced appropriately, the assignment will need to be resubmitted. Late penalties will apply.
      The second time a student is found to have plagiarised work a meeting between the Principal and parent will be arranged. The assignment will need to be resubmitted and late penalties will apply.
      The third time a student is found to have plagiarised work, disciplinary action will be considered.


  9. DRESS CODE:
    Students are to present themselves in the same way they would for a job interview or employer: Clean, neat and tidy.
    1. Correct College uniforms must be worn neatly at all times.
    2. Hair:
      • Hair should be neat and kept off the face.
      • Girls with hair longer than the collar line must have it tied back.
      • Boys' hair should be short, not extending past the collar line at all or covering the ears. Boys may not have longer hair tied back. "Rats Tails" are not permitted.
      • Facial hair, including side burns is not permitted.
      • Hair colour must be in natural tones. Subtle streaking in natural tones is allowed , if it is in the same direction as the flow of hair.
    3. No jewellery is permitted except a watch or a cross on a chain worn inside the neckline.
      • Plain gold or silver sleepers or studs may be worn by girls with pierced ears. One pair only.
      • Boys are not permitted any ear jewellery at all.
    4. In general, make-up is not permitted. Subtle use of foundation and/or concealer for students feeling the need to hide blemishes is an exception. Lipstick, eye-liner, blush, mascara etc is not permitted at all.
    5. Length of girls’ tunic should be just above the knee when kneeling.
    6. Correct socks should be worn at all times. That is, Dress socks with Dress uniform and Sports socks with Sports uniform. Socks should be folded correctly and short socks should not be tucked under the heel.
    7. Shoes must be a plain black colour with no colour trim. Black sneakers may be worn each day of the week. Alternatively, a student may wear black dress shoes with the dress uniform, and black sneakers with their sports uniform.
    8. College hats must be worn on all occasions outside the classroom. Full school uniform must be worn before and after school in all public places if the student chooses to remain in his/her uniform.
    9. It is expected that students will wear full dress uniform when attending excursions unless otherwise specified by teachers on the permission form for that activity.
    10. All clothing must be marked with the student’s name.
    11. All uniform pieces should be purchased from the College unless previously discussed with staff.

    If students are unable to wear correct uniform at any time, parents are requested to explain with a note to the teacher. If there is no explanation, the College reserves the right to contact the parent and send the student home if necessary.

  10. If students have three uniform infringements without a note a letter will be sent home.
  11. After three letters are sent home for the same infringement, disciplinary action may be considered.



    12. Summer Uniform:
    Primary
    Girl's Dress Uniform:
    Dress embroidered with College logo, white ankle socks, plain black shoes and hat.
    Boy's Dress Uniform:
    Light blue shirt embroidered with College logo, navy shorts with drawstring and elasticised waistband, navy ankle socks, plain black shoes and hat.
    Secondary
    Girl's Dress Uniform:
    White blouse embroidered with College logo, checked skirt, white ankle socks, plain black shoes and hat.
    Boy's Dress Uniform:
    Highschool shirt with College logo, Navy shorts, black or brown belt,kneehigh socks in College colours, plain black shoes and hat
    Years 9 to 10: Blue tie.
    Years 11 to 12: Maroon tie.


    Sports Uniform (Unisex):
    Navy mesh shorts, College Polo shirt with College logo, sports socks with College logo, plain black shoes and hat.
    Winter Uniform:
    In addition to the Primary Dress uniform all students may wear a navy pullover with the College logo, girls may wear navy or black stockings in place of socks and boys may wear long navy trousers instead of shorts.
    With Sports uniform College trackpants may be worn in place of shorts and the Sports jacket may also be worn.

  12. MOBILE PHONES:
    • Students are responsible for the care of their mobile phone and, if it is lost, stolen or damaged, the College accepts no responsibility for replacement or repair.
    • Students will leave their mobile phones switched off while on College property.
    • If a student feels they need to contact their parent urgently, they are to go to the front office and ask for permission to make the phone call there. No unauthorised phone calls are to be made by students.
    • If a mobile phone is used by a student during College student hours, the phone will be confiscated and placed in a secure location in the front office. The student will be able to retrieve their phone from the front office at 3:00pm of the same day. Repeated disobedience using a mobile phone may result in disciplinary action.


  13. IPODS AND MP3 PLAYERS:
    Devices may not be used while on College grounds.

  14. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES:
    We have a comprehensive policy for dealing with disputes and complaints. Proper procedures will be followed to listen to, understand and address any issue.

    Steps to take:
    1. Jesus said, "If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Mt 18:15
      See the student / teacher / staff member that has caused your grievance privately and see if the matter can be resolved this way.
    2. If the matter remains unresolved, approach the next person in authority. That is, if two students are unable to resolve a matter, they should then see a teacher. If a parent is unable to resolve a matter with a teacher, they should see the Principal.
      As Jesus said, "But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’" Mt 18:16
    3. If someone is unable to resolve a matter with the Principal, they should see the Board Chairman.



    Further information is available on request.

  15. DENTAL CLINIC:
    All students in the College up to the age of 15 or the end of Year 10 are eligible for free dental treatment.
    Appointments can be made by phoning the dental clinic at either Frenchville or Park Avenue State Schools.

  16. EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILL:
    Drill procedures are on a noticeboard in each room/office. If it is necessary to evacuate the classroom students are to meet in the designated area where attendance roll will be taken. This will apply in the case of fire or other emergency. Emergency lock-down procedures are also in place. Should a lock-down be required students are to follow the procedures and gather in the nearest classroom where they will be directed and cared for by the class teacher until the all-clear is given.

  17. GOVERNANCE
    Central Queensland Christian College is governed by an independent Board. Those interested in serving on the board need to be qualified by the desire to serve the best interests of the College, hold the same values as the College, and have such qualities or qualifications as will contribute positively to the leadership and development of the College. Please contact the Board Chairman if interested.

  18. HEADLICE:
    Headlice spread rapidly and persistent carriers place all others at risk. It may be necessary to exclude carriers from school until their heads are cleared of lice by using a treatment available at chemists. We ask that student’s heads be checked on a regular basis and, if required, treated appropriately. The College should be advised if there is a problem so that other families can take preventative action.

  19. HELPERS/VOLUNTEERS:
    Volunteers are welcome! Any adult who does not have children in the school is required by law to first fill out a form for, and be granted, a Working With Children Card to gain permission to work within the College. Please see the front office for further details.

  20. IMMUNISATION:
    Central Queensland Christian College actively promotes the benefits of immunisation and will endeavour to provide families with current information. Children born on or after the 1st of May 2000 should be immunised at the following stages of life:
    Birth
    2 Months
    4 Months
    6 Months
    12 Months
    18 Months and
    4 Years of age

    Children born before 1st May 2000 should consult their G.P. for variations on this schedule. Parents should consult their preferred G.P. or the Rockhampton Public Health Unit on 4920 6989 to have their children immunised.

  21. INFECTIOUS DISEASES:
    Pupils who are unwell should not attend school. Students with infectious diseases must be excluded for specified times. Your family doctor should be able to advise you on what steps to take to prevent the spread of infection to other students. If a student has been at school during the contagious period, parents are requested to contact the office so that other families can be advised. If students have younger or older siblings that have contracted an infectious disease then they should also be kept at home unless otherwise advised by the family's GP. If this is the case please contact the College office and explain to staff so as to prevent any misunderstanding or anxiety within the College community. Please inform the teacher immediately as to the expected period of absence from school.

  22. LIBRARY:
    All children are encouraged to use the library. Children will require a material library bag for borrowing purposes. Any books lost or damaged must be paid for. Parents/family members are also most welcome to use the library resources.

  23. LOST PROPERTY:
    All lost property is placed in the Lost Property Box. Items left unclaimed at the end of each term will be donated to the Salvation Army or other charity. Please clearly mark all of your children’s items and check the clarity of these markings regularly.

  24. MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS:
    Parents requesting that students receive medication (including panadol) at school must provide a written request. All medication is administered by staff with the exception of Ventolin sprays which may be administered by the child under the supervision of a teacher. Students are not to keep medication in their bags or desks – all medication must be given to a teacher. All medication (including panadol) is to be supplied by the parents. If you think your child might need panadol from time to time, please supply it to the office. It will be stored securely and registered.

  25. MONEY:
    It is important that money sent to school for specific purposes be placed in an envelope, clearly marked, and given to the front office or class teacher soon after arrival at school. Money should not be left in desks or school bags. No responsibility is taken for money not left in safe keeping. (Money for school fees is best paid directly to the office).

  26. NEWSLETTER:
    The College produces a regular newsletter which is sent home via students. An email version is also available if desired. To receive this, please give the office your email address or send a message via the contact form at www.cqcc.org

  27. P & F ASSOCIATION:
    The Parents & Friends Association is incorporated, is active in raising funds to improve school facilities, and facilitate occasions for social interaction. All parents and friends of the College community are encouraged to be involved and support the College through this organisation. There is a small joining fee of $1. Meetings are scheduled throughout the year and advertised in the newsletter.

  28. PARENT PARTICIPATION:
    Opportunities for parent involvement include:
    • Participation in the Parents & Friends Association
    • Assisting with classroom and outdoor activities
    • Providing transport
    • Being available for playground assistance
    • Cleaning
    • Grounds maintenance

    (Should you have any special skill you may wish to share, please see a staff member).

  29. PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS:
    The parent-teacher relationship is very important to each child's education. You are welcome to make an interview appointment to discuss your child's progress at any time in the year. Formal interviews are scheduled at the end of Term 1 and Term 3.

  30. REPORTING TO PARENTS:
    Report cards are sent home at the end of each semester.

  31. SMOKING:
    Smoking is prohibited within the Central Queensland Christian College grounds and buildings.

  32. SPORT:
    As sport and Physical Education form part of the College curriculum, all children are expected to participate unless they are sick or injured. The emphasis on children’s involvement in sporting activities is on participation and skill development rather than competition.

  33. SWIMMING:
    All children attend swimming lessons as part of their Health and Physical Education Program. A fee per child is charged to meet pool costs. Swim shirts must be worn (no swim shirt, no swim). It is useful for children to wear goggles and swimming caps. Please ensure all clothing, towels, etc. are clearly marked.

  34. UNIFORM ORDERS:
    Please lodge your order through the front office.
    If your order is able to be supplied from existing stock it will be issued immediately. If the item is not in stock, it normally takes 2-3 weeks for the uniforms to arrive.
    Because uniform suppliers close over the Christmas holidays, orders for the new year need to be placed before school closes for Christmas.

  35. STATIONERY ORDERS:
    Each year, the entire Booklist may be ordered through the front office by submitting the relevant form by the due date. Through the year, if items such as pens, pencils, erasers and glue need replacing, they may be ordered through the front office. A parent may send an order by note or email. A parent may also give a standing order that their children be supplied their needs as they arise through the year.