Communication and Reporting

Curtin Primary teachers and staff work with parents to provide the best possible opportunities for children at our school. To help forge strong links between home and school we have a number of avenues for communication and reporting.

Parents are encouraged to arrange a time to meet with the teacher to discuss any queries or concerns that arise during the year. The school will also contact parents should anything need immediate or ongoing attention.

Term Overviews
Teachers provide a written outline of the planned program for each term.

Information Sessions
At the beginning of each school year parents are invited to an information session with the class teacher.

Learning Journeys
Children invite their parents to the classroom to join them for a little while on their learning journey, sharing examples of the work they have completed and what they have learnt, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mid Year Interviews
Teachers invite parents to meet with them to discuss progress.

Mid and End of year Reporting
Teachers provide a written report twice a year, providing a description of progress in the eight key learning areas, as well as social development, including A-E Reports for Years 1-6.

Parent Groups

Parents are encouraged to participate in the school community in a variety of ways. As well as the direct links formed with your child/children's teacher/s and the opportunities you will have to assist in the classroom, there are representative bodies inviting parent participation.

School Board
The school Board is made up of three elected community representatives, two elected teacher representatives, the Principal and a Departmental nominee. Board elections are held once a year to fill vacant positions and election times are advertised in the Canberra Times and the Curtin Courier (the school newsletter). The term of office for elected members is two years. Meetings are held once a month during school terms.

Parents and Citizens Association
The P&C Association is an important link between the school and community and all parents are encouraged to participate in its many and varied activities.

The aims are:

• to provide funds for special programs and resources  
• to provide a forum for educational discussion, input and understanding  
• arrange social activities for the school community

Meetings are held regularly during term and are advertised in the Curtin Courier.

Parent Class Representatives
Parents can take on a voluntary role as a class representative, providing a key link between the class and parents. Responsibilities of the role include:

• assisting the class teacher, eg. finding volunteers with particular expertise to help, collecting materials, etc.
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• welcoming and farewelling families (in conjunction with the teacher).
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• welcoming and farewelling families (in conjunction with the teacher).
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• channelling issues to discuss at P&C meetings and providing feedback where appropriate.
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• assisting with coordination of fundraising activities.

Canteen
The Canteen is administered by a paid Manager who is assisted by parent volunteers and provides a daily food service and also conducts special fundraising activities. School uniforms are also available from the canteen.

Community Involvement

Who is the Green Team and what do we do?

Started in 2005, the Curtin Primary School Green Team is a group of enthusiastic parents and one of our wonderful teachers from the school community who are committed to making a positive impact on the school environment.

The aim of the Green Team is to bring about the improvement and renovation of the grounds at Curtin Primary School within an environmentally sustainable framework. The Green Team can only achieve this by working in consultation with the students, teachers and the community of Curtin Primary School.

The Green Team meets regularly and works collaboratively with the School Board and the P&C. The Green Team has extended its support to beyond the school community by linking and involving local businesses and community members. All have an interest to foster a sense of place and belonging as a whole community.

Who supports the Curtin Primary School Green Team

During the Green Team’s first year, its activities were generously supported with funds from both the School P&C as well as the School Board. In addition, the working bees boasted over 70 families – an impressive turn-out!

What has the Curtin Primary School Green Team Achieved so far?

Two working bees, with support from Yarralumla Nursery and Curtin families:

• re-established old existing garden beds from 1964 (plans obtained from ACTPLA);
• re-planted shade trees which had been removed due to their age;
• removed of asphalt in the Senior courtyard;
• constructed of brick retention wall for a built up garden bed in the Senior Courtyard, now used for growing vegetables and plants;
• re-instated the greenhouse in the Senior Courtyard;
• prepared all the garden beds around the school prior to the students’ planting day where $4000 of native plants. This was overseen by Greening Australia who provided education about the type of plants being used in the garden beds. There were enough plants for each student to participate;
• installed seating in the Senior and Junior courtyards. The seating is made from recycled milk containers (Repeat Plastics);
• established shade trees at the back of the school, adjoining the Curtin South oval;
• replaced vandalised trees that were damaged and destroyed;
• developed the front entrance garden;
• established the school’s tumbler composter;
• installed recycled bench seating in the senior playground;
• installed mulch provided by ACT Parks and Places around the school;
• students planted trees along the fence line in Theodore Street to provide a wind break, followed by mulching;

How can you help the Curtin Primary School Green Team?

No assumed knowledge of green issues, nor a green thumb, is necessary - just a commitment to better the children’s school environment.

If you have an interest or skills that can support the Green Team, ranging from watering plants, coordinating working bees, purchasing supplies or writing submissions, the Green Team would welcome your participation.

Come along and get stuck in. You don’t have to know about green issues, nor have a green thumb - just have a commitment to make our children’s school environment great.

If you are interested in joining to get in touch with the Green Team, please call Franco on 62603997 or Vanessa on 62814967.