Parent Involvement
At Hawker Primary we enjoy high levels of parent involvement. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s education and are always welcome in the school. The P&C is very active in both fundraising and participation in decision making. The P&C run an Autumn Fair which is a great fundraiser as well as a wonderful community event. The School Board is a group of elected parent and staff representatives who oversee the governance of the school. The school also runs an active volunteer program. Parent and community volunteers contribute to the school in many ways, particularly in the junior home reading program. In addition to these formal avenues for participation, parents are invited to attend functions and special occasions at the school, or just to drop in and be part of our program.
Transitions
Hawker Primary runs effective orientation programs for children entering Kindergarten from our local preschool and other preschool and childcare facilities, and for children entering Year 7 at Belconnen High School. Children and parents have a structured orientation program which enables them to spend time in these settings to familiarise themselves with the environment. Staff ensures that relevant information about student progress and needs is communicated to the new setting.
After School Care
Before and After School Care are available at Hawker Primary School and run by the YMCA for children from Kindergarten to year 6. (The program follows the guidelines set out by the ACT Government's Children's Day Care Service.)
The program operates from 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm on school days. Children may attend from one to five days during the week. If you would like your child to participate in the program please pick up an enrolment form from the front office or for further information contact the YMCA on 62511683.
Chess Club
The Belconnen Chess Club operates in the school hall on Friday afternoons from 4:00.
Banking
School banking is conducted at Hawker Primary School on Thursdays. It is arranged through the Commonwealth Bank and run by parent volunteers.
Book Club
The Book Club operates twice a term when students can order quality books, CD's and games at competitive rates.
Canteen
The school canteen operates for recess and lunch three days per week – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Special Lunch Days are held usually once each term. A manager and voluntary helpers staff the canteen.
Class Requirements
At the beginning of each year the school supplies each child with a student book pack which includes their basic stationery requirements for the year. A voluntary payment is requested to contribute to the cost of the book pack.
P &C Music Tutor Scheme and Speech and Drama Program
The Music Tutor Scheme and the Speech and Drama Program is run by a sub-committee of the P & C.
The Music Tutor Scheme operates to enrich the music program at Hawker Primary School by providing tuition in piano, keyboard, guitar, violin, recorder and flute. The Speech and Drama Program operates to give students the opportunity to improve their performance skills. All students enrolled at Hawker Primary School may take advantage of this scheme. Lessons are held in school hours and parents are billed by the P&C.
Instrumental Music Program
Hawker Primary School participates in the ACT Government school system's Instrumental Music Program. This is a fee paying program and instruments are provided. There are two woodwind bands - a year 5 beginners’ band and a year 6 band.
Each band has two 3/4 hour lessons and one practice session per week under the baton of an itinerant band teacher and a Hawker Primary School teacher.
Criteria for selection include the results of a music perception test, reading skills, classroom achievement, work habits, hand/eye coordination, commitment and perceived parental support.
Further information on school band participation is available from the school.
Newsletter
The Hawker Primary School newsletter is sent home every second Wednesday with the youngest family member. It contains information on educational issues and activities of the school, the P & C Association, the Board and general community. It is an important avenue of communication between the school and home and is essential reading for all parents.
The School Day
9:00 Classes commence
10:30-11:00 Morning recess (canteen Wed, Thurs & Fri)
12:30-12:40 Children supervised for lunch
12:40-1:30 Children in playground
1:05 Library open for reading and games
3:00 Classes finish
ACT DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING: POLICIES
Hawker Primary School is part of the ACT Department of Education and Training and as such operates within a range of government policies. Parents can access these policies and other information about ACT Government schooling on the Department website at:
