CHECKOUT OUR DAILY ROUTINE
Students are not permitted in classrooms unless a teacher is present – classroom doors are kept locked.
Morning Supervision
Playground supervision will commence at 7:55am, it is encouraged that students do not arrive at school before this time. Students at school before 7:55am will be sent to Before School Care, the casual rate will be charged (as of Term 1, 2020).
Lunch and Recess Time
There will be teacher supervised play areas during recess and lunch. For recess and lunch, students sit and eat inside their classrooms under the supervision of the class teacher.
Afternoon Supervision
Students who have not been collected by 3.05pm will be sent to afterschool care to ensure supervision. Once your child has been signed into After School Care, the casual rate will be charged (as of Term 1, 2021).
UNIFORMS
In the spirit of the vision and mission of our school community, we are committed to being partners with our parents and families in pursuing the well being, learning and character development of our students. School policies and procedures are directed towards the supporting of these goals. The social norms of the school are fundamental in establishing the environment in which these goals are pursued. The school uniform policy assists in creating a suitable educational environment at Mother Teresa.
Uniforms also promote equity in that individuals are not distinguished in terms of their economic or social status – all are valued for who they are rather than what they have. Besides obvious safety issues in some learning activities (e.g. HPE and sports), the wearing of jewellery is discouraged for similar reasons of equity.
Mother Teresa’s school uniform provides the students with a sense of unity and pride and plays an integral part in participating in the life of the school. It enables parents to avoid discussions about clothing suitability. Uniforms can be purchased from the school. The school has a policy that school hats are worn by children whenever they are outdoors, with a strict ‘No Hat, No Play’ understanding.
School Hat
All students are required to wear their school hat throughout the year at break times and when participating in outdoor activities. The school hat should be worn to and from school. The school has a “No Hat – No Play ” Policy during recess and lunch breaks meaning if a student does not have their hat at school, they are required to be in an allocated shaded location as directed by a staff member.
Jewellery
A wrist watch may be worn and a thin gold or silver chain with a cross, but no other form of jewellery is acceptable. Students who have pierced ears may wear one pair of ‘sleepers’ or ‘studs’ only.
Hair
Hair on any student (male or female), that falls below the collar line, is to be tied back at all times whilst at school. This is a safety issue as well as a health issue.
- Hairstyles should not attract undue attention or be extreme in presentation. If hair is short it should be neat, clean and off the face, particularly out of eyes. Hair longer than the bottom of the collar must be tied back and secured. No shaved heads (or parts of head) will be permitted (for example, ‘Mohawk’ style).
- Hair colour must be in natural tones. Brightly coloured hair or extreme highlights are not acceptable. Individual clumps or patches of colour in the hair are not acceptable.
- Students will be instructed to correct hair colouring that does not fall within these guidelines.
- Hair needs to be neat and tidy at all times. Blue and White ribbons are acceptable
Footwear
- Plain white socks that must cover the ankle
- Plain black shoes – no canvas shoes.
Nail Polish and tattoo stickers are not to be worn at school
NAMES WILL BE REQUIRED ON ALL CLOTHING – Especially hats, shoes and other clothing students might remove at school.
STUDENT ABSENCE
Absenteeism / Lateness
Parents will be required to phone the school office on 08 7969 5600 or submit an absentee form via the Audiri App before 9.30 am to advise the school of their child’s non-attendance or lateness for that day. Late students or those leaving early must sign in and out at the front office. Students will be issued with a ‘late’ slip to be given to the class teacher.
Leaving Early
No child will be allowed to leave the grounds during school hours, unless a written explanation is given to the front office, teacher or Principal, and the child is picked up by a parent or person designated by the parent through the front office.
Custody Agreements
This is important where court directed custody judgements affect students. The Principal should be advised in writing and the information will be treated confidentially and with sensitivity.
Appointments
Appointments with the Principal should be confirmed through the office prior to the intended meeting dates. However, in case of emergency, parents will be very welcome to meet with the Principal or in the Principal’s absence, the Deputy Principal, without prior arrangements depending on availability.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Every care will be taken of your child/children whilst they attend Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School.
Immunisation Records
A copy of a student’s immunisation record is to be supplied with Enrolment Form.
Medication
At times, it will be necessary for medication to be taken during school hours. When this occurs, please send the correct dosage, and signed written instruction from a doctor to the school office (dosage, time to be taken, etc).
Parents must notify the school if their child is on regular medication for a specific reason, for example: asthma, epilepsy, diabetes.
Allergies (Anaphylaxis):
If children at school have a severe allergic reaction to foods, a letter will be sent to the required year levels to inform at the beginning of each school year and periodic reminders will be included in the school newsletter. For some students, any exposure to certain foods may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment. To reduce the chance of this occurring, we ask that you do not send any products that contain these foods to school with your child that will be eaten in the classroom. If your child has eaten these particular foods before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before entering the school.
Head Lice
Please regularly check your child’s hair. Attached is a very informative link on head lice and their removal. If head lice are found in your child’s hair, you will be required to come and collect your child and treat their hair before they are able to return.
Sickness and Injury at School
Sick children should not be sent to school. They may pose a risk to the health of others and may increase the severity and length of their own illness.
The school will have a sick bay where children who are hurt or become ill at school may lie down quietly. If the child is too ill to be at school or a serious injury occurs, parents will be contacted.
Should we be unable to contact parents we reserve the right to have the child taken immediately to the hospital.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CURRENT EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER IS ON ALL SCHOOL RECORDS.
A staff member with a current First Aid Certificate will carry out the administration of first aid or be available to assist in an emergency.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Our school can be reached via BUS 236.
Please note – this is a public bus service and not run by the school. All inquiries, complaints or feedback need to be directed to the link below.
Darwin Bus Service runs public bus routes as well as school student-only buses, which service the School for students from various areas. Click on the link below to view various timetables and routes.
http://transport.nt.gov.au/public/school-bus-service/darwin
Students need to be reminded that while in uniform they are representatives of the school and should act accordingly. Polite and cooperative behavior is expected of students traveling to and from school.
PASTORAL CARE AND WELLBEING
Creating a safe, connected and caring community
At Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, every child’s safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging is at the heart of what we do. We believe students thrive when they feel known, valued and connected; when they have positive relationships with their peers and teachers; and when they are supported to develop the confidence, resilience and social and emotional skills they need to navigate life and learning.
Our approach to pastoral care recognises the whole child — spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. Wellbeing is not separate from learning; it is an essential part of creating the conditions in which students can engage, achieve and reach their potential.
Guided by our Catholic identity and Gospel values, we are committed to creating a school culture where Resilience, Respect and Responsibility are lived every day.
Our approach
We work in partnership with students, staff and families to:
- Build positive, respectful and trusting relationships.
- Provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels they belong.
- Develop students’ resilience, self-awareness, emotional regulation and confidence.
- Establish clear expectations for behaviour, learning and relationships.
- Teach students the skills to make positive choices, solve problems and navigate challenges.
- Use collaborative and restorative approaches to resolve conflict and strengthen relationships.
- Encourage students to take responsibility for themselves, others and their wider community.
- Foster a strong sense of school pride, connection and community.
- Live out our Catholic identity and Gospel values through the way we care for and support one another.
How we support student wellbeing
Our whole-school approach includes:
Resilience, Respect and Responsibility
Our School-Wide Expectations provide a consistent framework for how we learn, behave and interact with others across all areas of school life.
Routines for Learning
Consistent school-wide routines provide students with structure, predictability and the confidence to engage positively in their learning.
Social and Emotional Learning
Our MindUP program supports students to understand their emotions, develop self-awareness, build resilience and strengthen positive relationships.
Keeping Safe Curriculum
Students are explicitly taught skills and strategies to recognise unsafe situations, seek help, build healthy relationships and keep themselves and others safe.
Zones of Regulation
Students develop a shared language for recognising emotions and learn practical strategies to support self-regulation and emotional wellbeing.
Connection and belonging
Prayer circles, community circles, class activities and small-group experiences provide opportunities for students to connect, reflect, listen and support one another.
Lunchtime Clubs and activities
A range of structured lunchtime opportunities helps students develop friendships, explore interests and build positive connections beyond the classroom.
Student voice and community participation
Community service opportunities and student leadership encourage students to contribute to our school and wider community and recognise the difference they can make.
Strong partnerships with families
We value open and positive communication with parents and carers through Toddle, formal and informal conversations and regular opportunities to work together in support of each child.
Additional support
Students who require additional assistance can access targeted support from school staff and our school-based counsellor, ensuring wellbeing needs are identified and responded to early.
A culture of care
We want every child at Mother Teresa to know that they belong, their voice matters and they are surrounded by people who care about them. Through strong relationships, consistent expectations and a shared commitment to wellbeing, we create a community where students are supported to grow in confidence, develop resilience and flourish as learners and as people.
Inspired by Mother Teresa, we strive to “Do small things with great love” in the way we care for every member of our school community.