Katherine High School - School Rules, Policies and Procedures.
Rules, policies and procedures covered:
Behaviour Management Procedures
Code of conduct for School Bus Travel
School Rules
Students have a responsibility to arrive at lessons on time with all required materials such as books, pens, pencils and rulers. Students have a responsibility to purchase a calculator and take their calculator to every Maths lesson.
Students are expected to act in a courteous manner at all times, Recognising that:
Students should at all times be aware of the manner in which they treat their teachers, fellow students, visitors and people associated with school. Courtesy must be shown to grounds and maintenance staff, those in the canteen, office and bus drivers.
Students must observe reasonable directions given to them by Year 12 students and especially by Senior Executive leaders.
Whilst attending Katherine High School students are expected to adhere to the following:
Code of Personal Conduct
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour. To assist them in this regard the following pointers have been formulated and are displayed prominently in each classroom.
Physical Education Policy
Students are to assemble in the gym, as a class on the bleachers. The roll will then be marked and class will begin.
Students who do not change or wear inappropriate clothing will be marked as N/C (not changed) in the teacher's chronicle, but still allowed to participate in the class. Inappropriate clothing includes footwear.
After the third occasion of N/C a note will be sent home to parents/guardians to inform them of the issue. Students will be given one week from the issue of the letter to bring a change of clothes. If after one week the child is still not changing or still wearing inappropriate clothing a second letter will be issued to parents/guardians and the child will not participate until the issue is resolved.
Students will need to bring a change of shirt for physical activity lessons. Students will be allowed sufficient time to get changed and move to the next class before the bell.
It is advisable that students wear a hat for outdoor sports. These will be advised at the start of the course.
Dress Regulations
All students at Katherine High School are expected to wear the school uniform.
The guiding principle for dress is that it is modest, inoffensive and practical. The school has developed rules which support this concept.
Students ARE to wear any item of clothing or footwear deemed appropriate for occupational health and safety reasons.
Students SHOULD NOT wear:
When outdoors students are encouraged to wear a hat and apply sunscreen. Students are also encouraged to wear sunglasses outdoors particularly during the wet season.
Failure to meet the dress code may result in a student being excluded from lessons and/or sent home to change.
Absences
If you are absent from school (for any reason) a note must be brought to school or a parental/guardian phone call made to explain the absence. If you have a number of unexplained absences your parents will be contacted by your coordinator.
Bus Travel
Students living outside a 5 kilometre radius of the school are entitled to use the school bus system free of charge. Students are only able to access buses for movement between home and school; school buses are not a public transport service.
Students travelling to and from school on buses must obey the bus driver's instruction at all times. Students who misbehave on the buses may be suspended from travelling on the bus.
Leaving the School Grounds
If you need to leave the school to go home for lunch, written permission from a parent or guardian is required. Once acknowledged by the Principal, such permission enables you to move between school and home and back again.
If you need to leave the school for any other reason during the day, the Student Movement Book must be signed when you leave the school, and again on return, stating the times and destination. This book is kept at the Front Office.
Permission to leave the school will not be given unless accompanied by a note or telephone call from a parent/guardian.
NO PERMISSION Will BE GIVEN FOR STUDENTS TO GO TO THE LOCAL SHOPS.
Students' Vehicles
Students may drive cars/ride motor bikes to the school in the morning and from school in the afternoon. Any other use of vehicles, including use at lunchtime, is not allowed without written permission from both:
Without exception, students should park cars in the car park beside the gymnasium. The school accepts no responsibility for any damage that may occur to student vehicles whilst parked on the school grounds.
Mobile Phone Policy
Mobile phones are banned from Katherine High School for all classes, 7-12 .
Acceptable Internet Use
All students enrolled in NT Government schools are required to enter into an agreement with the Northern Territory Government. Forms are available on enrolment. Breach of this agreement by a student may lead to removal of access privileges.
Assessment
Students' work is assessed using a variety of methods. These vary from topic tests, homework exercises and research projects to investigations, surveys, physical proficiency tests, debates and play readings. In addition to the internal school assessment that is conducted by every class teacher, various courses have external assessment components.
At Stage 1 (Year 11), all subjects are assessed internally according to requirements contained in individual curriculum statements and assessment plans.
At Stage 2 (Year 12), educators from either NT or SA moderate student work in all HESS restricted subjects. This process also occurs for specific components of several HESS general subjects
External moderation ensures standards are appropriate and consistent within schools and in common courses across schools throughout the Northern Territory. Moderation ensures that both course content and the quality of teaching are of a consistently high standard.
Moderation amongst teachers ensures standards are appropriate and consistent within schools and in common courses across schools throughout the Northern Territory. Moderation ensures that both course content and the quality of teaching are of a consistently high standard.
Assessment and Reporting in the Middle Years
At Katherine High School, Teaching and Learning Assessment and Reporting for Years 7 to 9 is conducted using outcomes-based assessment as per the Northern Territory Curriculum Framework (NTCF). The NTCF identifies learning outcomes for students in classes from Transition to Year 10. Each student is assessed according to the required band level in accordance with the NTCF. Students are assessed on the basis of the achievement demonstrated or understanding shown against specific outcomes in Band Levels. Band Levels are a measure of a student's progress through their schooling from Transition to Year 10. Each Band Level represents where a student might be considered to be in particular year levels. Students will vary greatly in their development and achievement.
The table below shows the expected Band Level for particular year levels:
Year level Expected Band Level
Year 2 KGP3 Comprehensive to Band 2
Year 4 Band 1 Comprehensive to Band 3
Year 6 Band 2 Solid to Band 3
Year 8 Band 3 Solid to Band 4
Year 10 Band 4 Emerging to Band 5
Extension Level Beyond Band 5
(Preparation for Stage 1 or Year 11)
Reports with indicated band levels are issued to parents each term. Staff encourage parents to contact the school with feedback so we can develop the best possible way for you to understand student progress.
Grades (National Benchmarks)
In accordance with the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), NTDET is required to comply with awarding a grade of A through to E to all reports showing Bands. These are shown on these reports under the heading Grade.
The table below shows the meaning of the Grades A through to E.
Grade Definition
A One of more years above the expected level
B Up to one year above
C At 'expected level'
D Up to one year below
E One or more years below
Students studying English as a Second Language will not be shown in Bands.
Reports for these students will show a Level as their result which is independent of age.
Assessment and Reporting in the Senior Years
Reporting
Each course offered at Katherine High School is assessed according to the year level and subject. Students are assessed on the basis of the achievement demonstrated or understanding shown against specific outcomes according to the Northern Territory Curriculum framework (yrs 8-10) or SACE Board Curriculum Statement (yrs 11&12). These grades are reported to parents and students each semester.
In the last week of each semester each student receives a summative report. This report is a summary of achievement and states the final grade or achieved band level that he/she has attained In each subject for the semester. In addition to these formal reports and interviews, parents are welcome to contact the school at any time to discuss their child's progress.
Middle Years Work Deadline Policy
In years 7 to 9, any summative work set for students to complete must have outcomes outlined, task details, marking key or rubric and a due date. Depending on the task and the unit, this date can be set solely by the teacher or can be negotiated with the students if they have other work due on the same date.
Once a student is aware of a due date, it is his/her responsibility to ensure the task is completed by that date. If the work is not submitted by the due date, and the student does not have a legitimate reason for not meeting the deadline. Katherine High School has a policy of notifying parents. This information is designed to keep parents informed and to assist our students in living "Productive Habits of Mind" and assist our students with their performance.
Senior Years Work Deadline Policy
Any summative work, be it an assignment or in class test, which is set for students to complete, must also have a marking scheme and a due date. Depending on the task and the unit, this date can be set solely by the teacher or can be negotiated with the students if they have other work due on the same date.
Once a student is aware of a due date, it is his/her responsibility to ensure the task IS completed by that date. If the work is not submitted by the due date, and the student does not have a legitimate reason for not meeting the deadline, they will receive an E(0) for that piece of work (yrs 11&12).
If a student negotiates an alternative deadline with the teacher, the student will be permitted to submit his/her work on or before the alternative deadline. This should be negotiated at least 24 hours ahead of the deadline. However, the student must present a legitimate reason for a teacher to consider negotiating an alternative deadline. Prolonged absence through illness notwithstanding, the student will be expected to present evidence of work having been started on the set task in question.
Any piece of work that is submitted and does not meet the required deadline will still be marked but the mark will not be counted towards the end of semester grade. Parents/guardians will be informed of every instance in which their son/daughter has failed to meet a work deadline.
Rationale
At Katherine High School students are offered a quality teaching and learning environment to support individual, social and academic development and success. Homework is an integral part in this process and students may be required to work at home to:
Policy Statement
All students are required to do homework in every subject to ensure that a full understanding of content is acquired.
Homework may consist of:
The amount and the frequency of homework will vary between years and subjects. Homework will generally increase in difficulty, nature and length from Year 7 through to Year 12.
Homework Centre
The Homework Centre is available to all students between 3-4pm each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Tutors are provided together with printing, photocopying and stationery requirements. Afternoon tea is supplied at 2:4Spm and transport can be arranged if required.
Teachers
All teachers are required to:
Students
All students are required to:
Students should also:
Parents
Of paramount importance is the need for parents to:
Show an interest in their children's school work -discussing the work, facilitating research and encouraging sound study habits relative to the maturity of the child
Check homework entries in the School Planner (provided by Katherine High School for that purpose) and support a child to meet homework requirements
Provide a child with an appropriate area for doing homework, adequately lit and free from distractions
Provide notice to a subject teacher (by telephone, note or entry in the Student Planner) of any reason/s for a student's homework not being completed by the due date
Behaviour Management Procedures
Good behaviour is encouraged at Katherine High School and incentives are provided.
Katherine High School's behaviour management policy is designed to have students take responsibility for their own behaviour with an emphasis on restoring relationships.
School Awards
Achievement in many different fields is acknowledged and rewarded at Katherine High School. Academic achievement, good behaviour, sporting success and leadership are all things that are considered when students are rewarded.
Academic Awards
Certificate of Merit
These are presented at the end of each term to students who either gain at least three B grades or higher in their term report, or have not received any formal detentions or work deadline letters for assignments not completed.
Principal's Commendation for:
Presentation Night Awards
At the end of each year at presentation night, students are given a variety of awards ranging from sporting to academic effort and achievement.
Students of Good Standing: Senior Years
GOOD STANDING IS A PRIVILEGE given to all students when enrolling in the Senior Years at Katherine High School, and must be maintained for the duration of their enrolment. The purpose of this requirement is to allow KHS to function in an orderly manner and to encourage student achievement. Good standing has an EXPECTATION of RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR based on mutual respect. To this end, the seven levels of behaviour no longer apply in the Senior School at KHS. All students are charges with accepting the code of Good Standing and abiding by that code. Students who abuse the privilege will face consequences some of which are listed below.
Examples of responsible behaviour include:
Examples of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour include:
Consequences of failure to accept responsibility
Consequences will vary depending on the nature, severity and frequency of offences, but may include:
Behaviour Management
Blue vouchers may be awarded to any student across both the Middle Years and Senior Years as a reward for positive attitudes, work ethics and behaviours.
Discipline Strategies to be used by Teachers
In order to promote a better working environment in a classroom a teacher may use any of the following strategies:
Discipline Strategies to be used by a Teacher with the Senior Teacher
Where classroom discipline strategies have not worked an Individual Behaviour Management Agreement Pink Form may be imposed. The teacher, student and the Senior Teacher identify the specific student behaviours causing concern. The teacher then uses the Pink Form to record the student's work and behaviour scores over the following five lessons If the teacher and the Senior Teacher are not satisfied that the student is making progress then the student may be given another Pink Form or referred to the appropriate Student Coordinator.
Discipline Strategies to be used by a Teacher with the Student Coordinator
Persistently poor and/or disruptive behaviour is monitored and addressed by the teacher and relevant Student Coordinator with the use of a Yellow Lesson Report.
Wagging is unacceptable behaviour. Wagging will result in parents being contacted and the use of a Lesson Report.
While on a Lesson Report, the students' privileges to participate in organised activities in school time are suspended, and they must attend formal lunch detentions each day. Failure to report to formal lunch detentions will result in parent meeting and Thursday Activities Community Service.
Continued failure to report to detentions could result in internal suspension or suspension from school.
A student is required to keep a Lesson Report sheet for five or ten days during which time s/he must have each teacher comment and rate (with a mark from one to five) his/her work output and behaviour in each lesson. An acceptable level of performance is 30/50. Unacceptable performance on a Lesson Report may result in internal suspension or suspension from school.
Middle Years Behaviour Levels
Students are presented with Good behaviour vouchers for positive social actions in the school. These are passed on to the year level coordinator who keeps a tally. Students receiving 50 vouchers receive a Certificate of Merit for good behaviour. Students receiving 100 vouchers receive a Certificate of Excellence for good behaviour. Certificates are awarded at the weekly whole school assembly. There are seven levels that describe behaviour. All students start On Level 3. Most students will stay on Level 3 or move to Level 2 or higher during their stay at Katherine High School. Level 3 indicates responsible considerate behaviour.
Behaviour Management Procedures
Incident Reports
Incident Reports allow the school to collect and record information about student behaviour. They are filled in by teachers for breaches of school rules and are channelled through Coordinators and the Assistant Principals to a central filing system. Parents are contacted by Coordinators when a student has had 3 Incident Reports filed. If the incident is of a serious nature, parents will be contacted irrespective of previous incidents.
Yard Duty
Students may be expected to assist with rubbish cleanup.
Detention
Class teachers are responsible for their own Student Management Strategies. Accordingly, students may be asked to attend either a lunch-time or after-school detention. Detentions are given during the second 20 minutes of the lunch break and after school. Parents will be contacted if a child needs to attend an after school detention.
Lesson Report
Students are placed on lesson report if they are persistently disruptive or if their behaviour has been unsatisfactory. ~ Lesson reports usually last for 5 or 10 days. During that period students are required to have their report signed at the end of each lesson by the teacher concerned, who will also comment on their work output and behaviour and provide a mark out of 10. To demonstrate an acceptable level of performance, students must score at least 30 out of 50. If such a scare is not achieved the student may be suspended from school for a period of time.
Students may be suspended for the following:
Harassment and Bullying
These offences will not be tolerated at Katherine High School. If you believe either you or a friend is being harassed or bullied, contact an adult in the school.
A copy of the policy is available on the website (click here) or can be obtained in hard copy from the school.
Additional Guidelines
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