School Requirements
A child is enrolled in the school on the understanding that the child’s class teacher and parent(s) will work together for the balanced development of the child. The teacher is available (within reason) to be contacted by the parent(s) when they feel the need to do so, and in return the parent(s) agree to support the following guidelines:
Punctuality
Students are to arrive at school no earlier than 8.15am unless a prior arrangement has been made, and no later than 8.40am. If your child arrives late, please accompany them to the office and they will be taken to their classroom.
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Attendance
An important aspect of Steiner education is the continuity of lesson content and social interaction from one day to the next. A low rate of absenteeism is vital to the children’s progress and the class. Students are expected to attend to the last day of each school term, and to participate in class performances and other activities which may take place in the evening or on weekends. Class camps are an integral and compulsory part of the School’s programme. It is important for each child, and the continuity within the class, that holidays are not taken during term time. There are 2-3 weeks of scheduled holidays in addition to State school holidays each year.
If your child will be absent please phone the school before 8.40am to alleviate concerns regarding missed connections etc. It is a legal requirement that when the child returns to school the class teacher receives a note explaining the absence.
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Daily Transport
Kindergarten children are to be brought to school and collected from school by a parent or adult known to the child, as train and bus travel are generally unsuitable for this age. Either car park may be used for set-down in the morning. For pick up in the afternoon please use the car park near the soccer field so as to keep the bus turning/waiting area clear. Buses are available to most regions and a bus connects to the East Maitland railway station. Kindergarten finishes at 2.30pm, the other classes at 2.40pm.
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School Outings
School outings which involve an additional cost will be notified beforehand, however impromptu class outings for sporting, recreational or cultural purposes (without prior notification) are a normal occurrence. This may involve use of the school’s bus(es) or public transport.
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Access to electronic games and media
Especially in the primary years, many behavioural, social and learning difficulties can be contributed to or exacerbated by exposure to electronic games and media. Such exposure is counter productive to the effectiveness that Steiner education strives for and parents are expected to work with the teacher in monitoring and restricting this access.
Phones and electronic entertainment devices are prohibited at School and if confiscated will be returned only to the parent.
Parents and students are asked to be mindful of privacy and ethical considerations when using electronic communications and social networking sites. No photos or video clips associated with school activities may be used without the express permission of every person featured in the images/video, and then only for private purposes, unless sanctioned by the school. The use of electronic media to transmit material which may denigrate, be offensive or upsetting to another member of the school community is not acceptable.
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Food
Diet has an important effect on a child’s well being through the day. Apart from occasional class fund-raising activities there is no school canteen, and parents are asked to provide a nutritious morning tea and lunch for their child. Sweets, soft drinks, crisps and other packaged treats and snacks are not permitted.
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Clothing, Hair and Jewellery
There is no school uniform, however appearance needs to be neat and within the following guidelines, formulated for the protection of students and to reflect a working environment where there is allowance for individuality without appearance becoming a point of focus.
Clothing
Needs to be comfortable for work and play, in good repair and free from writing, advertising, motifs etc. Tops must be long enough to overlap pants/skirts.
Black clothing, singlet tops and make up are not permitted.
Children need a wide-brimmed hat in their bag all year round.
Shoes need to be comfortable for walking; thongs, scuffs and high heels are not permitted
Jewellery
Earrings are restricted to small sleepers or studs. No body piercing is acceptable. Other jewellery is not permitted, however this may be relaxed for later secondary years at the teachers’ discretion.
Hair
Exaggerated hairstyles are not acceptable – including dreadlocks and cuts shorter than No 3. Bleached or coloured hair is not allowed: if a child arrives with dyed hair they will be required to stay away from school until the hair is restored to its natural colour.
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