Upper Coomera State College - Our College | Academic and Cultural Information

Academic & Cultural Information

The following information relates to academic and cultural life at Upper Coomera State College.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

Each sub school has an Assessment/Assignment Policy. This will be fully explained in each sub school area and can be viewed on the school intranet. Assessment is an integral part of the school curriculum. Its nature varies. Assessment can take the form of assignments, projects, oral presentations, examinations, experiments, practical demonstrations and performances.

JAKAARA MIDDLE SCHOOL/FENSHAM SENIOR SCHOOL

ASSESSMENT POLICY (QSA COMPLIANT)

1. DEFINITION
Assessment is taken to mean any task or item that allows students to develop and display their knowledge, skills and abilities. It can be in the form of assignments, projects, oral presentations, tests, examinations, experiments, practical demonstrations or performances.

2. ABSENCES
If a student is absent on the day of a test or submission deadline the following procedure applies.
A parent is to call the Central Administration, Head of Department or classroom teacher to explain the exceptional circumstance (emergency, family bereavement) resulting in the student being unable to meet the assessment conditions.
A medical certificate or explanatory letter from the parent is provided to the classroom teacher or Head of Department upon return to school as proof of absence.

3. TESTS/EXAMINATION POLICY
Tests and exams are conducted under strictly observed conditions and time restrictions. If a student fails to attend a test the following conditions apply. Where there is a valid excuse for the absence (illness supported by a medical certificate or extenuating family circumstance supported by the Principal) the exam will be completed at the earliest possible convenience or time determined by the Head of Department. When it is not possible for a student to complete the test, it will be omitted from a student’s profile and a final grade will be determined based on other work completed during the semester. Where there is no valid reason for missing a test the student will still complete the test at the earliest possible convenience or time determined by the Head of Department. The result will be recorded on the student’s profile and reviewed for consistency in relation to other work recorded when a final grade is determined.

4. ASSIGNMENT POLICY
4.1 Student Completion of Tasks.
Sufficient in-class time under teacher supervision will be allocated to allow students the opportunity to understand, develop and complete a first draft of the task. When completing an assignment students must ensure:

All work is their own (see plagiarism below).
Work required for sighting on monitoring dates is complete.
Submission takes place on or before the due date.
Correct procedures have been followed if an extension is required.

4.2 Submission of Tasks.
If a student is absent on the final day an assignment is due the assignment is to be delivered to the Central Administration by a friend, parent or sibling, clearly indicating the subject and teacher’s name.

4.3 Late Assignments: (Written)
As part of the assessment process, students are given sufficient in-class time to complete an initial draft of the assignment. This draft will serve as the final copy should a student fail to submit a final copy by the due date. This draft will be credited towards completion of the course.

4.4 Late Assignments: (Oral/Performance)
If a student fails to complete an oral/performance by the due date the following applies:

The student performs at the earliest convenience or time determined by the class teacher.
In cases of group work the group members present complete the task using a ‘fill in’ student. Upon return to school the student performs the original task or an alternative task of equal difficulty to the original.
In the Fensham Senior School, students who have not submitted assessment will be referred to the Performance Room. This operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 1.25 and 2.00pm

5. EXTENSIONS
5.1 Special Circumstances
The Head of Department may grant an extension where exceptional circumstances exist. These include:

Extended absence due to illness which is supported by a medical certificate or documentation relating to an existing medical condition (recorded in SMS).
Absence due to a family bereavement or special circumstance supported by parental communication to the Principal.
A student physically unable to participate due to an injury.
A student has been suspended.

5.2 Extension Process
Students seeking an extension must:

Apply to the relevant Head of Department as soon as practicable or at least three days prior to the due date.
Provide details or drafts of work completed up to the time of seeking the extension.

5.3 Computer/Equipment Failure
No special consideration will be given for computer failure or equipment malfunction. Students are required to submit their disks and hard copy drafts on the due date. When submitting tasks electronically students must ensure tasks are received by the class teacher by the due date.

PLEASE NOTE: It is at the discretion of the Head of Department as to whether an extension is granted.

6. PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism occurs when a task has been copied from someone else, taken directly from a source without referencing or when outside assistance has significantly altered a student’s work to the extent it is no longer original. Where plagiarism is proven the student will be assessed on in-class work done during the course of the unit.

7. DISPUTES and APPEALS
Any disputes regarding an assessment result are directed firstly to the class teacher, then the Head of Department and if necessary, the Administration of the Senior School.

8. INCOMPLETE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
It is a requirement for all students enrolled in Fensham Senior School that they satisfy course requirements in each subject by completing assessment tasks in accordance with the Assessment Policy. A student’s failure to meet course requirements may result in the loss of credit for a semester unit. This may affect a student’s O.P Score or Selection Rank

9. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION POLICY
Students can apply for special consideration on the basis of:

Certified medical condition
Pre-existing and documented record of illness
Family emergency
Compassionate grounds (approved by principal)

Students must apply to the Guidance Officer who will consider each case on its own merit. The Guidance Officer will convene a committee to determine the application and advise relevant Heads of Department, teachers and the student of the outcome.

AWARDS and EVENTS

Student’s achievement is recognized in a variety of fields at out Celebration Ceremony in November each year. This includes teacher and student nominated awards in the academic and school life areas. In many ways this is the highlight of the school calendar. Students are encouraged to become familiar with the many awards on offer at Celebration Evening and set goals early in the school year so that they might be in the running for recognition in November.

EXAMS and TESTS

All students will be required to sit exams and tests at various intervals throughout their schooling. These may be written, spoken, performed or practical. Please refer to the Assessment Policy. Any student bringing unauthorized material into an exam in any format (written, electronic, spoken, and signaled) will be deemed to be involved in gaining an unfair advantage and cheating. Each student involved in cheating will be dealt with according to the Behaviour Management Policy. Exam supervisors may re-set calculators at the beginning of an exam. The Fensham Senior School has an Examination Shutdown scheduled at the end of each semester for students in Years 10-12 in which examination assessment is scheduled. Senior students are only required to attend school during Examination Shutdown for scheduled exams. Students and families are notified of the exams scheduled during the Examination Shutdown through a letter sent home and in newsletters prior to the Shutdown period.

EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES

A wide range of extra-curricula activities are offered at our school which cater for all age groups. A timetable outlining these activities is published each semester and included in the weekly newsletter.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions and field trips form an important part of a student’s school curriculum. All organizers of excursions are required to provide parents and caregivers with full details before the excursion date. Payments for excursions are made through the Finance Office. Any student who has not returned a parent permission slip or who is not in full school uniform or dressed as required, will not be allowed to participate in an excursion. All excursions are approved by the P&C at the beginning of each term.

HOMEWORK/STUDY POLICY

Homework provides students with opportunities to consolidate their classroom learning, pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members in their learning. The setting of homework takes into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation, cultural pursuits and employment where appropriate. A full Homework Policy is available from Each Sub-School’s administration team. Minimum expectations for homework tasks are differentiated according to a student’s stage in the College:

Jakaara Middle School (Year 7 – 9)
*Maximum time = 5 hours per week

Home reading / Novel study
Spelling consolidation
Numeracy and Literacy revision
Long term assignment work related to TDS unit
Study for exams

The assignment and exam program is given to all students at the beginning of each term in the Unit brochure.

Fensham Senior School (Year 10 – 12)
* The amount of time devoted to homework and independent study will vary according to the student’s learning needs and individual program of learning, determined through their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan.

English, Mathematics and Science revision
Long term assignment work related to students’ elective subjects
Study for exams

A term planner for each subject and a semester Assessment calendar is issued to every student.

Completion of homework tasks is an integral part of the curriculum. A student’s failure to complete homework may result in a detention issued by the classroom teacher.

LEARNING TO LEARN

Learning to Learn is a program that will provide students with skills that they need to enrich their lives and access success. They include:

Understanding how we think and problem solve
Communication skills
Leadership qualities/opportunities
Responsibility and independence
Personal development as quality human beings
Welfare support to develop the inner person
Relationship skills to work with others

The Learning to Learn program at Upper Coomera for 2008 is a Prep-9 program. The key elements are:

Learning how to learn (Prep/Year 1)
Learning to think and do (Year 2)
Learning with others (Year 3)
Learning to be responsible (Year 4)
Learning how to manage &monitor learning (Year 5)
Learning from the knowledge of others (Year 6)
Learning how to be a life long learner (Year 7)
Learning about my strengths (Year 8/9)
Learning how to achieve (Year 8/9)

REFERENCING GUIDE

In-text referencing and bibliographies (a reference list at the end of an assignment citing sources used) are a crucial feature in establishing student authorship of work. The following is a basic guide to in-text citing of books and referencing. In 2008, each student will be provided with an extensive referencing and bibliography guide. This includes directions on how to account for the many diverse sources available to students in the course of their study such as, referencing the internet, audio-visual, newspaper, magazine, edited journals and so on. A3 sized posters of the UCSC Referencing Guide, fully detailing this information and based on the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing model (which is the standard adopted by all Queensland tertiary institutions) will be displayed in each classroom.

CITING IN THE TEXT (quotes)
Citing in the text (without direct quote)
At each point in the text which refers to a particular resource, insert the author's surname and publication year. (Initials not necessary unless two authors have same name)
e.g. The work of Thompson (1994), Bryant (1998) and Eastman (1986) were all concerned with the importance of consistency in bibliographies and citations.

Citing direct quotations
After the quote include author's surname, publication year followed by page number.
[One page (p) pages (pp) (full stop)]
e.g. "Write clear and concise sentences" (Barry, 2001, p4).

REFERENCING BOOKS
Include the following information in this order:

Author's surname, initials. (full stop)
Year. (in brackets) (full stop)
Title of book. (underlined OR italics) (full stop)
Place of publication: (colon)
Publisher. (full stop)

For example:
Handy, P. (2001). How to grow better flowers. Sydney: Hardy Books.

STUDENT REPORT

Formal written reports are issued at the end of each Semester, except at the end Year 12 when Student Education Profiles (SEP) are issued by the Queensland Studies Authority. Informal reports can be requested at any time by contacting the Administration. Parent/teacher evenings are held during the year to complement written reports. An official exit statement is available on request at a Senior Level if a full semester has been completed.

STUDENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING PLAN

It is a mandated EQ requirement that every Year 10 student complete a SET Plan. This records their senior subject selections, their future goals and expected outcomes. All SET Plans must be signed by the student and their parent/caregiver. If you require any further details please contact Head of Department Senior Schooling.

SPORT

Sport is an integral part of school life and all students are expected to participate in a sporting activity during their sports time. Each sub-school will issue complete sport details at the beginning of each semester.

WORK PLACEMENT

In Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students are encouraged to complete some work experience in an area they might wish to seek future employment. All work experience needs to be formalized through the Industry Liaison Officer. This is to ensure all work experience students are covered by insurance and that all legal requirements have been met.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION and TRAINING (VET)

Vet is an important part of an academic focus at Upper Coomera State College which recognizes that the journey towards success and opportunity for each student may be achievable via a number of diverse and exciting pathways

Q : How are VET certificate courses different from other senior courses?
A : In three major ways

The certificate you may achieve is a nationally recognised vocational qualification, recognised around Australia by industry
Assessment is competency based. Each unit is tested a number of times and students are considered as “working towards competency” during each task. When a student exits, a judgement is made as to whether they have achieved competency over the entire course.
Competency based training is a different way of learning and takes some getting used to. You are required to demonstrate your knowledge through practical applications – very often work experience is compulsory.

Q : What are SATs?
A : SATs are school based apprenticeships and traineeships. Students can begin, and in some instances complete, a traineeship or apprenticeship whilst continuing study at school. Any senior student can apply for a SAT. Usually SAT students work one day per week.

Q : Who does work experience?
A : Any student can participate in work experience at any year level. All work experience whether organised by parents, family or privately MUST be formalised through the school. This is for insurance and workers compensation purposes and is mandated under government regulation.

Q : Need more information?
Kim Alden (HOD Vocational Services)

kalde3@eq.edu.au
Lynn Davies (Industry Liaison Officer)

ldavi157@eq.edu.au

ROUTINES, POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The following information is a summary of routines, policies and procedures that help sustain a positive learning environment within the Fensham Senior and Jakaara Middle Schools at Upper Coomera State College.

ACCIDENT/ILLNESS
When students have an accident or become ill at school, they, or a witness must report immediately to the nearest teacher on duty or to a member of the Administration. Minor injuries are treated at school. If the illness or injury is considered at all serious and no parental contact can be made, an ambulance will be called. Students need to obtain a note from their class teacher before reporting to the Administration in the case of non emergency illness. The Administration makes every effort to contact parents by phone regarding their child’s illness.

ATTENDANCE and/or LATE ARRIVAL

Students must attend school on each official school day. This includes sports days and carnival days, which form a vital part of our College life and curriculum. In the case of absence or late arrival, a note of explanation properly certified by a parent or guardian, or a parent/guardian telephone call is required. Late arrivals must report to the office to ensure they are recorded as present. A late slip will be given to the student to take to their current teacher. Parents are contacted by letter or telephone when students have extended/unexplained absences or have a history of unsatisfactory late arrivals. By Education Queensland requirements, any student who has not attended school for three weeks, where there has been no contact from parents and no explanation of the absence, the school is required to delete the missing student from school records.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL MIDDLE AND SENIOR STUDENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT CORRECT DETAILS ARE RECORDED WITH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER REGARDING THEIR ATTENDANCE.

EXTENDED ABSENCES
Approval may be given for students to travel overseas with parents, and to go on family holidays at times outside official school holidays. Parents are asked to advise the school Principal in writing at least a week BEFORE the absence takes place. Students are to collect a form from the student counter and complete with their class teachers’ signatures. Where appropriate, work may be given to the student to do whilst they are away to enable them to continue their learning.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

UCSC is a place where:

we develop and value quality interpersonal relationships
effective learning occurs within a safe environment
we value individual needs and differences
behaviour management is a shared responsibility
all behaviour is purposeful and occurs as a result of choice
we teach and learn that choices can be responsible or irresponsible

Our management strategy for intervention is, ‘The Work It Out Process’, for focusing on individual needs at a ‘step level’ of support and intervention.

the first step of the process is proactive, i.e. encouraging students to take a positive attitude of self management towards their studies, behaviour and personal presentation;
step two leads to modification, when a student may be directed to focus on what they should be doing;
the next steps lead to managed consequences where a student may be required to leave the classroom and consequently be referred to other support staff for possible individual management plans.

We aim to influence and manage behaviour by creating and co-ordinating the environment through positive reinforcement of negotiated expectations so that students develop intrinsic motivation, age appropriate control, self-management, and accountability of their own behaviour.

To create a supportive school environment, we need to uphold, teach and model values. At UCSC we are engaged in the ‘You Can Do It Program’ which values character education programs, providing for personal growth, which in turn enhances our ethos of respect for ourselves, others, learning, and the environment.

CANTEEN and HEALTHY SCHOOLS POLICY

There are two canteens at UCSC: Junior Canteen and Canteen Café. These operate each day before school and during the first and second breaks. The canteens provide a healthy menu at reasonable prices.

COMPUTERS – INFO and COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY
UCSC provides students with access to computers in a range of subjects and studies. Each student has their own log on code and password and is responsible for their own computer files.
All UCSC students and parents are required to read, sign and return the Acceptable User Policy. This document will be issued at the beginning of each year. Students without this document will not be able to access ICTs. All students who breach any part of the acceptable use policy will be given a consequence in accordance with policy guidelines.

EXIT PROCEDURES (ceasing enrolment)
Formal notification by parents/caregivers to the Middle or Senior School Principal is requested upon a student ceasing enrolment at the College. Upon receiving notification that a student is leaving, the administrative staff will forward exit forms to the student’s parents/caregivers. Resources must be returned and the Finance Office consulted regarding payments and refunds. A Transfer Note can be requested by a parent/caregiver when ceasing enrolment at the College.

GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
The Workplace Health and Safety Act is strictly adhered to in all workplaces.

The regulations of the Workplace Safety Act require all people working in Science Laboratories, Industrial Design s workshops, Home Economics practical rooms, Art Studios and in practical Physical Education lessons to wear protective fully enclosed footwear at all times. All people working in Industrial Design Workshops are required to wear protective footwear and safety glasses, while people working in Senior Workshops are also required to wear hearing protection at all times. Students are not permitted to wear jewellery or other items, which may result in a breach in Safety Regulations. Students who do not conform to these requirements will be excluded from participating in these practical lessons. UCSC reserves the right to contact parents and send students home if non-compliance with OWHS procedures is breached as a consequence of inappropriate uniform.
On no account is any student to bring to school cigarettes, tobacco, matches, lighters, chewing gum, pocket knives or sharp implements or weapon, any type of aerosol container (including deodorant), alcohol or any illegal substance.
Confiscated Items: The student should collect any items, which have to be confiscated, from the teacher concerned at the end of the school day. If a student fails to collect the item, it will be stored in the office.
In order to maintain a safe environment, students are required to avoid the following areas and activities:

Inside any school building unless a teacher is present
Any roof area or fence lines
Bike racks (apart from on arrival and when departing)
Construction sites
Car parks
Ball games and any other physically active games on areas other than fields/courts especially designed for them

FIRE and INCIDENT EVACUATION
Fire and Incident Evacuation procedures are practiced with students and staff a number of times throughout the year. Maps and directions are posted at strategic positions through the College.

FINANCE OFFICE

All payments are made through the Finance Office which is located in the Executive Services Office.

Office Hours 7:30 a.m. > 9:00 a.m.

                                       10:40 a.m. > 11:25 a.m.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
No student may leave the school grounds during the day without prior arrangement with the Administration. This includes lunchtime and illness. The grounds on which approval will be given by administration to leave the school grounds is limited to medical treatment, dental treatment or specialized instruction (eg. excursion) as advised in written communication from parents/guardians.

During school lunchtime, students are encouraged to partake in sporting, social, cultural and academic activities. Under no circumstances are students permitted to leave the school grounds to purchase lunch or go home for lunch. Any students leaving school grounds without prior permission will face a range of consequences ranging from detentions and, in some cases, suspension.

LOST/FOUND/STOLEN PROPERTY
All student possessions should be labeled clearly with the student’s name. All lost and found property is located in Junior and Central administration. Theft of property should be reported to the Administration but students must be responsible for the care of their own property.

Please note: Walkmans, electronic games, trading cards, scooters, skateboards, iPods, MP3 players and similar items should not to be brought to school. Bringing large amounts of money (more than $5.00) is actively discouraged. The College can not be responsible for damage or theft of such items.

MOBILE PHONES/IPODS

Mobile phones are not needed by students in the course of daily school life. All students have access to a phone at the office before and after school and during breaks. Every effort is made by the office staff to forward to students important messages from parents. Where parents deem it essential for students to carry a mobile phone for reasons of personal safety outside of school hours (e.g. student travels after school to a part time job and requires a phone to call parents for a lift home from work) or urgent parent communications (e.g. Parent sends student a message re a variation to transport home arrangements) mobile phones will be tolerated subject to the following conditions.

The College will not investigate mobile phone theft. All valuable items including mobile phones should be lodged at the office for safe keeping.
Under no circumstances are mobile phones to be left on during school time including form meetings, class time, assemblies and sport. Strict penalties apply for disruption caused by mobile phone usage.
During exams and assessment activities, all phones held by students are to be placed in a clear plastic bag on the student’s desk or where indicated by the teacher, and are not to be touched. Exam supervisors will give students explicit instructions regarding the appropriate storage of mobile phones.
The only appropriate time for students to check messages or to contact parents is during breaks.
In the event of illness or injury at school the most appropriate course of action is for students to follow our Accident and Illness procedures. Please note, student contact with parents via mobile phones has the potential to impede the school’s response to a situation. For this reason students are strongly advised to NOT call parents as a first course of action in response to illness or accidents at school.
Mobile phones are not suitable for use as a calculator. Students must purchase the College prescribed calculator.
Action will be taken as per the UCSC Internet and Technology policy against any student who photographs or films other individuals without their consent or who sends harassing or threatening messages.
Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who is found using a mobile phone to cheat in exams or assessment as per the UCSC Responsible Behaviour Code.

RESOURCE SCHEME
The cost of providing instruction, administration and facilities for (non-International) students attending Upper Coomera State College is met by the State Government. The College’s Resource Scheme provides materials, services and consumable items required for delivery of curriculum subjects. Parents and caregivers are advised upon enrolment to participate in the Resource Scheme via the Finance Office. Students are not permitted to collect items made or constructed in class until all fees and levies under the Resource Scheme have been paid.

Text Hire
Students are able to hire text books from the College via the Book and Equipment Lending Scheme. This service is available to students whose parents elect to join the scheme when paying school fees and levies.

TRANSPORT TO AND FROM SCHOOL
While the Queensland Government acknowledges the necessity for the education of students and accepts responsibility for the provision of education facilities within the State it is the responsibility of the parent to make suitable travel arrangements for their children to attend these facilities.

Buses: Bus passes for students who live more than 4.8km from the school have to be arranged by parents through bus companies Surfside Bus Lines (55716 555) and Tamborine Coaches (5545 1298). Behaviour is monitored by the drivers, the bus companies and the school. Unacceptable behaviour, either on the bus or while waiting for the bus, can result in the loss of bus passes. Bullying of younger students is regarded as very serious. Students must travel directly to and from school by bus and not loiter at any other venues.
Bicycles: All bike riders must wear stack helmets and must leave their bikes with stack helmets chained to their bikes in the bike racks in the Junior or Middles and Senior bicycle enclosure. Middle and Senior students are not to use or be near the Junior bike racks. Bicycles must not be ridden in the school grounds.
Skateboards: are not to be ridden in the school grounds. If skateboards are brought to school for any purpose, they must be stored in an office until the end of day.
Scooters: At Upper Coomera State College, we are committed to the safety of our students. Parents and students are being asked to ensure the safety of all students in our college and to leave these items at home. Any students who persist in using scooters as a mode of transport to and from school need to be aware that they will not be able to carry them around the college, nor store them in classrooms or staffrooms in the junior school. As is the procedure for bikes at the college the only facility to store scooters will be the bike racks at the front of the

College. Any theft of scooters will not be investigated nor responsibility taken by college staff for scooter storage. The Department of Transport does not recognise scooters or skateboards as a valid form of transport. They are considered as recreational forms of transport, and should only be used under parent or adult supervision.
Parents who deliver and/or collect students from school are urged to avoid blocking exits, bus areas and the vision of other drivers by double parking.

SUNSMART POLICY
UCSC is committed to ensuring all students are mindful and aware of the damaging effect of the sun to their skin. The complete SunSmart Policy is available through Administration.

UCSC expectations
Parents/carers will:

Provide a SunSmart hat for their child.
Ensure students apply sunscreen before they depart for school.
Act as positive role models by practising SunSmart behaviour.

Students will:

Take responsibility for their own health and safety by being SunSmart.
Beware of SunSmart policy and uniform requirements.
Apply SPF 30+ before going outdoors, for PE/sport/outdoor activities.
Seniors to act as positive role models to junior students.
Participate in SunSmart education programs.

TRUANCY
Students who are not attending all classes, have an incidence of unexplained absences, or provide unsatisfactory reasons for their absence may face the following consequences: placed on a focus/monitoring card, after school detention, or suspension. Students with prolonged periods of unexplained absence will be placed on the process for Persistent Truancy or Absenteeism which may ultimately result in prosecution.

UNIFORM POLICY VALUES AND BELIEFS
Upper Coomera State College is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all members of its community. The College’s values and beliefs underpin the philosophy behind the importance of wearing of the uniform.

Learning
Maximizing the focus on learning and minimizing distraction with dress differences is the foundation principle upon which the UCSC uniform policy rests.

Respect
Students are encouraged to take personal pride in their own presentation and grooming and in their College.

Safety
Appropriate clothing should be worn to allow students to safely participate in the full range of educational activities at the College, in line with our legal responsibilities under Workplace Health and Safety requirements as outlined in relevant legislation and policy (see above).

Belonging
Encouraging all students to embrace the “College family” ethos, promotes a positive image of the College to the local community in demonstrating that the College has high expectations of its students.

Uniform
Students will wear the Day uniform on all days they do not have sport or physical education; and, on those other days the Sport uniform will be worn.

Jewellery

One flat ring
One pair of plain studs or sleepers only (Other body piercing is inappropriate for school and may breach OWHS standards)
One watch
One item of necklace jewellery may be worn if it is of cultural or religious significance and it must be long enough to be tucked out of sight under the College shirt following negotiation with the school Principal and parents/carers.

Footwear
Black shoes or black runners and black shoe laces. Any shoes required for a particular sport e.g. white sole shoes, running spikes, etc, will be allowed only for participation in sport. Footwear must be fully enclosed. Ballet shoes are not permitted.

Sun Safe Policy
Students are required to wear a charcoal broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire’s hat, which protects the face, back of the neck and ears, for all outside activities.

Hair, Make Up and other Accessories
Hair should be neat. Long hair must be tied back for all practical lessons and activities as required by Workplace Health and Safety requirements.
Make up, nail polish and coloured hair is inappropriate for school. Students will be asked by a Head of Department to remove make-up should breaches of the above protocols be referred via teaching staff.

Consequences of not wearing the correct uniform
If a student does not attend College or College related activities in the correct uniform, Education Queensland policy (October 2006) fully supports the Principal or nominees in the following actions;

Students are requested to report to the Uniform Head of Department on duty for senior students for an Out-of-Uniform Slip or the uniform window for middle school students prior to the commencement of the school day. A note from the parent/caregiver should accompany a request for an Out-of-Uniform Slip. A note from home will excuse a temporary inability to comply with the Uniform and Appearance Policy but will not allow a variation from the Uniform and Appearance Policy.
The student is offered appropriate items from the bank of spare uniforms held at the College for this purpose.
Students who do not present for an Out-of-Uniform Slip will complete a 20 minute detention during school hours or after school hours. Parents will be notified prior to any detentions occurring after school.
If the student persistently fails to wear the correct uniform, appropriate conflict resolution/mediation strategies are used with parents, the student, P & C representative and College administration present.
Denim items of clothing are not to be worn for any reason as a substitute to uniform. Senior students will be asked to go home and change or have a parent/caregiver bring a more appropriate item of clothing. Parent/caregivers of middle school students will be contacted to bring a suitable alternative.

The College obviously prefers that all parents fully support this policy in the current and future interest of ALL students for the reasons explained in the Values and Beliefs. In the unlikely event that a student refuses to change, that student is seen, as refusing to cooperate with a College policy and consequences will follow.

Exemptions
The only exemption to this policy are students whose impairments prevent their ability to conform to the dress code or students whose families have religious or cultural grounds for conscientious objection. In such cases, these students will need to discuss their situation with Management who will review the issues involved.

Newly enrolled students or families experiencing genuine hardship may contact the relevant Sub-school Principal to make arrangements for the loan of clothing for a limited period only.

VISITORS TO THE COLLEGE
All visitors to the College are requested to report to the Executive Services Facility and sign the Visitors Book prior to proceeding through the College. Visitors are requested to wear a Visitors badge and to sign out upon exiting the College. Any currently enrolled student not attending school on that day, or not in school uniform, must report to Administration in the Executive Services Facility upon arrival at the College.

SUPPORT
Upper Coomera State College is a vibrant learning community where a significant range of support mechanisms exist to provide the most appropriate educative journey for each student. The following information is a summary of support mechanisms available to students, parents and care providers.

ACCESS AND EQUITY
Upper Coomera State College is committed to the provision of educational services to all students. The Stanley Advancement Centre is a support centre for all students in the College, ensuring that educational outcomes for all students are maximized, taking full account of factors such as their location, gender, ‘Students at Risk’, sexual identity, socio economic circumstances, well being, ability, talents, cultural background or any disability they may have, by acknowledging diversity both within and among these groups.
This centre has also increased the range of support available to students diagnosed with a low incident impairment in the area of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Impairment, Physical Impairment, Multiple Impairment, Nursing and Secondary Impairments including; visual and hearing. Facilities and services include School Based Youth Health Nurse, Youth Support Coordinator, Guidance Officer, Careers Officer, interview meeting rooms, conference room, Student Support Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, first aid rooms, College printery, support classrooms and outdoor areas for students with a disability, therapy room, nurse for students requiring specialised health procedures, Head of Special Education Services office, sensory room, propagation shed, hospitality centre.
The Special Education Unit operates on a fully inclusive model with a continuum of support for all students ascertained with a Low Incidence Impairment. Additional Special Education teachers and teacher aides work from within the classroom to provide the necessary program modifications and support required to meet the individual needs of students.

APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS
Under the Education and Training Reform Framework students are encouraged to participate in a variety of vocational experiences and explore various pathways. Students in Year 9-12 may undertake a School based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. This involves students combining school, paid work and training. For full details and further information please call out Industry Liaison Officer, Lyn Davies.

GUIDANCE, COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT SERVICES
The Guidance Officers are key members of the College staff and are available to discuss courses, career planning and personal issues with students and/or their parents. Appointments may be made by telephoning the Guidance Officer direct or the Stanley Advancement Centre.
The College also has the services of a Student Support Teacher, Chaplain, Nurse and Youth Support Coordinator. All support personnel can be accessed by students, parents and staff. Appointments can be made through the Stanley Advancement Centre office.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

At UCSC we embrace diversity and are dedicated to identifying and overcoming barriers to improving achievement of ALL STUDENTS and promoting inclusion.

INFORMATION SERVICES CENTRE- LIBRARY
Opening time: 7.30am Monday to Friday
Closing time: 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 3.00pm on Friday
Borrowing- Students may borrow one fiction and one non-fiction item for two weeks. At times when certain resources are in heavy demand due to assignment tasks or units of work, some titles or sections may be ‘frozen’. This ensures equitable access for all students.

GOLD COAST CITY LIBRARY SERVICE

In the ISC students are able to access a range of books and resources from the GCCC Library Service. Students can join this free service through the school library. Members receive a GCCC library card and may borrow up to ten fiction and ten non-fiction books at one time. This also enables student to access the full range of library services and resources from any GCCC library. These are requested by the student and delivered to the school twice a week.

COMMUNICATION

Communication with Parents/Interviews

We encourage parent involvement in their child’s education. Two-way communication can be achieved by:

1. Classrooms teachers should be the first point of call if you have a concern; or

2. Contact a Head of Department or a member of the Administration to make an appointment. Early consultation is encouraged if an issue should arise.

Fortnightly College Newsletters

Newsletters are emailed out to each family on a fortnightly basis. Please ensure that you have provided the school with your email address (if you do not have access to this, advise the school so that a hard copy can be organised for you). It is important to take the time to read each newsletter as it contains important information and dates for the school calendar.

Parent Teacher Interviews/Information Evenings

Information in relation to the timing and procedures for parent teacher interviews will be published in the College Newsletter. Please contact the classroom teacher if you require an interview. Parent Information Evenings are held during Term 1.

EXECUTIVE SERVICES FACILITY

The Executive Services Facility is located at the front of the school. It has a reception area where visitors are required to sign in. Administrative staff are always available to answer your query or take messages.

NEWSLETTERS/COLLEGE NEWS

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER/FORM NOTICES
The youngest student in each family receives a College Newsletter. This includes information from each sub school, important dates and events. Students are encouraged to keep up to date with information regarding the weekly operation of the college via form notices each day.

PARENT/CARE GIVER INTERVIEWS
We encourage parent involvement in their child’s education. Two-way communication can be achieved by:

Contacting the Executive Services Office and making an appointment to see or talk with a member of your student’s sub-school Administration team.
Contacting the relevant Head of Department, Team Leader to make an appointment to see or talk with teachers about subject specific/class work issues. Early consultation is encouraged if an issue should arise. All return communication from the college will be within a 24 hour time period.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Information in relation to the timing and procedures for parent teacher interviews will be published in the College Newsletter.

P & C ASSOCIATION
The Parents and Citizen’s Association meets once a month on a Wednesday. All interested parents, caregivers and community members are welcome to attend.

STAFF CENTRES
Fensham Senior Staff Centre and sub-school is located at the lower section of the College. All senior staff are situated in the Staff Centre. Parents/Caregivers and visitors to the Senior School are requested to report to the Executive Services Facility to make an appointment with the staff member they wish to see.

Jakaara Staff Centre houses middle school teachers and some administrative staff. It is situated opposite the ISC. Appointments must be made to see all staff members. This can be done through the executive services facility.

Chisholm Junior Administration is located at the Brygon Creek Road entrance to the school. Appointments to see Junior scholl staff can be made through the Junior Administration reception.