Sacred Heart School Excursion PolicySchool camps and excursions are a part of school life that enhances the educational program offered by Sacred Heart School. Thorough planning and preparation is essential to ensure the safety of students and staff during the course of such activities. Teachers are responsible for planning and organising the excursion/camp, but all details MUST be discussed and endorsed by the Principal. Proposals for excursion destinations and activities must be submitted to the Principal (on the attached submission form), at least two weeks prior to the proposed date. Teachers are encouraged to hold excursions towards the end of term. By Week 9 of Term 1, it is expected that teachers give the Principal an idea of proposed excursions for the year. Maximum Excursion Days: Years K-4 – 4 days Eligibility: Students in Years K-4 must have an 80% school attendance record for the 10 weeks prior to the proposed excursion, to participate in the excursion. Financing Excursions: As school fees are not payed by parents at Sacred Heart School, parents are asked to contribute to the cost of excursions. All classes must fundraise to contribute the major portion of the excursion costs. ASSPA will provide 9% of its grant to excursion costs. Educational Justification: * Every excursion must have an acceptable level of educational worth. The students must gain some educational benefit from the experience. There must be some value, be it academic, social or spiritual ie. having educational value rather than just going on an excursion for an excursion’s sake. * The excursion must have clear links with the classroom curriculum and the Curriculum Guidelines. * The excursion should involve active learning on the part of the student rather than passive experience. * The objectives of the excursion must be clearly stated on the submission form for the information of administration, parents, students and other staff. Pre Camp Planning and Responsibilities: The teaching staff attending the camp will share planning and responsibilities for organising the excursion. The designated ‘responsible’ teacher must discuss the submission with the Principal and inform him of any changes made. A copy of the itinerary must be given to the Principal, including departure and return times. Staff may be requested to attend a post excursion meeting with the Principal to discuss the excursion. Planning of the camp must take the following into consideration: 1. Adult/child ratio: At least two adults – one teacher and one ATA for every 10 children should be present on the excursion for supervisory purposes. 2. Medical requirements of students must be collected, written down and signed by parents prior to the excursion. 3. Parental consent notes must be given out, signed by parents and returned prior to the excursion. These notes should include parental consent for medical attention in case of an emergency and should be retained by the teacher. Parental monetary contributions should be made prior to the excursion unless otherwise organised with Administration. 4. First Aid Kit assembled and taken on excursion. 5. Security considerations should be fully examined and adequately resolved. Students should be allocated groups and group leaders. Name tags if appropriate. All groups going on excursion in mobile phone range should take a mobile phone. 6. All attending staff to discuss strict supervision requirements prior to the excursion. Whilst on an excursion or camp, all teachers have a duty of care to be supervising students at ALL TIMES. Students must be briefed on expectations regarding behaviour and leaving the group at any time. 7. Safety requirements should be fully examined and adequately resolved. If any swimming activities are to occur, there must be an accompanying adult with a current Royal Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion accreditation. It is recommended that teachers hold a current St John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate, or an attending adult holds this certificate. 8. All food, equipment, staffing, organisation of activities and discipline needs should be addressed prior to the excursion. 9. School vehicles are booked.
Parent/Guardian Information and Communication All aspects of the impending excursion should be given to the parents/guardians in writing and such areas as cost, sleeping arrangements, excursion itinerary, activities etc should be outlined in full. Parents/Guardians should have a clear idea on how willing parents/guardians might help and this support should be encouraged by the teacher. Washing School Vehicles All groups that use the school vehicles are responsible for washing the outside and cleaning the inside of the vehicles used upon returning from the trip. Home page To about us |