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The Orana crest is circular, indicating wholeness. It incorporates the shape of a dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit who guides us in the fulfillment of our goals and leads us in the attainment of peace.

Orana is an Aboriginal word meaning welcome. The cross in the centre of the crest reminds us that we are the followers of Christ. The symbol of children with joined hands at the base of the cross shows that we support each other in our life journey.

To Give is to Receive

O God, guide our school in the way of truth and goodness.
Help us to live in such a way as to bring honour to ourselves, our family and our school.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us.

Orana is a vibrant learning culture where the days are filled with exciting opportunities to explore learning and discover new ways of thinking. Our school prides itself on being an innovative workplace and our teachers are encouraged to continually explore the ways that students learn best. A positive, effective and socially supportive learning environment is actively promoted.

New Day, New Adventure is based on the belief that successful learning is intrinsically linked to student well-being within a culture of high expectation.

NEW DAY: We understand that relationships are important. A restorative approach to behavior enables students to reflect on their actions, make amends and restore relationships. Each day there are opportunities for a new start within this community of care. We give a high level of support to students by connecting with them wholeheartedly and by actively showing concern for their wellbeing.

NEW ADVENTURE: We contribute to a learning culture in which learners are challenged to explore new ways of thinking in a supportive environment of mutual respect.

We are committed to a student-centred approach and know the importance of engaging students in authentic, reflective and collaborative learning experiences. New technologies are heavily embedded in the learning activities of the school. We believe that learning environments should be inclusive and equitable. We promote and value the energy and effort given by students of all abilities and provide clear opportunities for success and excellence.

At our school, each person is an integral part of a vibrant learning culture where everyone gives generously, shows respect and practices excellence.
We take responsibility for contributing to a just and harmonious community by living the values of Generosity, Respect and Excellence.

GENEROSITY: We value an attitude of freely sharing our ideas and talents and giving of our time generously. Generosity is evident when we are welcoming, inclusive and promote a sense of belonging.

RESPECT: We value an attitude of caring deeply about people and treating them with dignity. We care about ourselves and the world around us. Respect is evident when we bring honour to ourselves, our families and our school.

EXCELLENCE: We value an attitude of giving persistent energy and effort to our relationships and our learning. Excellence is evident when we do our best to develop our talents and share them with others.

Each day we are challenged to make meaningful connections and become engaged with our learning.

CHALLENGE: The Challenge principle inspires learners to question their own thinking, extend their capabilities and deepen their passion for learning.

ENGAGE: The Engage principle empowers learners to actively participate in safe and stimulating learning environments that provide multiple and diverse opportunities for success.

CONNECT: The Connect principle fosters positive and supportive relationships that value diversity, recognize uniqueness and sustain authentic learning.

FIRST VERSE

As we stand together, through each and every day

We seek the Spirit's guidance in all we do and say.

As we give we shall receive the blessings of God's love.

For teachers, family and our friends,

We thank God above.

CHORUS

Welcome to Orana. Welcome to Orana.

Oh Lord we turn and pray,

Guide us through each day.

Bless our efforts Lord

In the classroom and at play,

At Orana.

SECOND VERSE

Into our lives come many things

That beckon us to grow.

And as we learn here in our school

God wants us all to know,

In what we do and what we say

He wants us all to care,

As we build our road of learning

Through the things we give and share.

Orana uses a computerised attendance register for recording absences as well as students arriving late and leaving early. Absences: If your child is/children are going to be absent from school on any given day parents must send an email to admin@orana.wa.edu.au or contact the school through the Orana Pocket Schools App before 9.15am. Your child's absence will then be considered an "explained absence". Parents/Carers who phone the school to advise of a student's absence will still be required to send either an email or a written, signed note to the school office.

Late Arrivals: Any child arriving at school after 9.10am must sign in through the office so that the time of their arrival can be recorded on the system. If a child arrives late at the classroom without signing in they will be sent back to the office to do so.

Early Pick Up: Any child needing to be picked up prior to the end of the school day must be signed out through the office so that the time of their departure can be recorded. The parent/carer must sign themselves in and will be issued with a visitor's pass and early release pass before collecting their child/children from the classroom. Students will not be released without the pass. No child is to leave the school grounds without a parent/carer signing them out.

Assemblies are held in the school hall every on Friday morning commencing at 9.00am. Parents/Carers and extended family are most welcome to attend.

Honour awards are distributed to students at assemblies in accordance with the way school values are demonstrated in class and in the playground.

Only children aged 10 years and above are permitted to ride to school. It is compulsory to wear approved safety helmets. Bikes should be parked in the bicycle racks provided and are to be walked in and out of the school grounds through the pedestrian gates.

The school has the service of a canteen three days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) from which the children can order their lunches and other items. Lunch orders should be written on lunch bags, which may be purchased from the canteen. Menus are sent home periodically through the Orana Pocket Schools App. Parent/Carer help is encouraged in the canteen.

It is important for parents/carers to advise the school office of any changed home addresses, telephone numbers or email addresses as this information is necessary in case of emergencies.

Orana Catholic primary School has a stringent process for allocating students to classes. Considerations are taken to ensure an appropriate balance based on several criteria.

The criteria may include, but are  not limited to;

• academic needs
• special needs
• gender balance
• pastoral care and welfare needs
• social and emotional concerns and relationships

Professional judgements, regarding student allocations, are made with the students needs and best interests in mind. This is at the forefront of all decisions. The new class lists are then reviewed by the school Principal and Assistant Principals before final approval. Please note, that students are never allocated to a "teacher" but always to a class. Our teaching staff is highly trained and take part in ongoing professional development to ensure we deliver high quality teaching and learning programs throughout the school.

Correspondence is sent home with the children, through classroom FreshGrade Apps and via the Orana Pocket Schools App.   If you have a note for the office, please send it with your child in the morning so that they may place it in the class note basket.

The School is serviced by the Dental Clinic at Riverton Primary School, Corinthian Road, Riverton. The telephone number is 9457 5262.

The following priorities are given to enrolment applications:

• Catholic students from the Willetton Parish with a Parish Priest reference
• Catholic students from outside the Willetton Parish with a Parish Priest reference
• Other Catholic students
• Siblings of non-Catholic students.
• Non-Catholic students from other Christian denominations.
• Other non-Catholic students.

The Principal has the discretion to order these priorities to take into account the circumstances of particular children and their families.

During the year, classes will attend excursions that support the classroom educational programme.

Annual accounts will be issued in February and sent home with the eldest child in each family. Fee accounts must be paid within 21 days or a direct debit for 8 monthly or 16 fortnightly payments set in place. Fee accounts can be paid by B-pay, credit card, eftpos, cheque or cash.

Occasionally (usually to raise funds for Missions and the like) a free dress day is held. The following guidelines are intended to assist students and parents to make appropriate choices on these days. All clothing must be suitable for normal class and playground activities.

• Shoe/sandals with flat heels must be worn (suitable for safe play)
• Skirts/shorts must be of a modest length
• Midriffs must be covered completely (no gaps)
• T-shirts/singlet tops must cover the shoulders and back
• Clothing should not present inappropriate logos, images, words, etc.
• Earrings must be sleepers or studs. One earring in each ear
• Hair must be tied up
• No make-up or nail polish is to be worn
• Wherever possible, the day will have a special theme

These guidelines reinforce the values of our school community and ensure that no unnecessary attention is drawn to a student.

A student should not attract unwarranted attention as a result of their clothing or grooming (including style of haircut).

Hairstyles

Girls and Boys hair which is longer than collar length needs to be tied back and off the face using blue or white hair ties. No extreme hairstyles are permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, mohawks, part or complete head shaving, dyed hair, rats tails.

• Hair shaving is permitted, but no shorter than a #3
• Hair colouring, hair gel, make-up and nail polish are not acceptable

Jewellery

Boys and girls are permitted to wear:

• a watch, a chain with a Holy medal.
• plain studs (3-4mm) or sleepers (10-11mm) in each ear lobe (one pair maximum).
• a Medic Alert bracelet (this is the only bracelet permitted).

The school office is closed during school holiday time unless otherwise stated in the newsletter. If a family is planning a holiday during the school term, they must first meet with the Principal.

At Orana, we see homework as having many functions. Some of these are:

• Reviewing the concepts already taught. e.g. Tables, Spelling processes, etc.
• Extension work
• Remediation
• Reading for pleasure
• Developing Reading/Writing skills.
• Developing private study skills - children learning to manage their own time to become independent learners.
• Parents and children spending time together by engaging in activities. e.g. Mathematics, games, reading, etc.

Children in Years 1 and 2 are required to share a reading activity with their parents each evening, Monday to Thursday inclusive. These activities may include oral reading, word study, phonics and spelling.

• Year 3: 15 minutes
• Year 4: 20 minutes
• Year 5: 30 minutes
• Year 6: 30 minutes

Children should spend the suggested allocated time engaged in one or more of the above functions. They should be encouraged to organise their own time as part of the process of becoming independent learners.

Homework folders should be purchased from the school uniform shop.

Orana Catholic Primary School has been selected as an Apple Distinguished School for 2016–2017, a two-year designation. This is the school's fourth time being recognised as an ADS.

The school has 1:1 laptops for learners in Year  6; 1:1 iPads for learners in Year 4 and 5 and a shared model of iPads in the junior grades for use in their daily work. All classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards and projection systems.

All children should be immunised against measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council recommended schedule before entry into a day-care centre, kindergarten, pre-school or school.

Children are required to remain at home for the following time periods:

Our library has a well-stocked collection of fiction and non-fiction resources. The Library is also the venue for ICT services to staff and students. Students are provided with a stimulating learning environment with access to up-to-date resources in a variety of formats to meet their academic and creative needs. Resource-based learning and reading for pleasure are promoted during weekly class visits.

The school office is open from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.

The school newsletter is published each FRIDAY through our school app during school terms and contains important information regarding school activities. Parents/Carers are asked to download the app onto their phone as it is the main means of communication from the school. Newsletters are also available on the school website.

The Out of School Hours Care Programme operates at Orana from 6.45am to 8.30am for Years 1-6; to 8.45am for Pre-Primary and until 9.00am for Kindergarten. In the afternoons the centre operates from 3pm to 6pm for Pre-Primary to Year 6 students and from 2.45pm to 6pm for Kindergarten students. Days of operation are Monday to Friday during the school term and from 7.30am to 6pm during school holidays and pupil free days. To contact the OSHC Centre please phone 0429 193 283 or 6406 5984.

The school has an active P & F Association that elects its office bearers annually at the Annual General Meeting. The committee comprises:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Class Representatives

This committee meets monthly and meetings are open to all parents/carers. Class representatives should adhere to the aims and objectives of the Orana P & F Association. Representatives should attend the monthly meetings and take part in the management and decision making of the Association. They work with other committee members, forming sub-committees to provide additional resources for the children. At the teacher's request, representatives can assist with class functions or outings especially those requiring parental involvement e.g. morning teas, suppers, meetings, etc. The P & F has a minimum of two revenue-raising functions a year, plus an annual family levy (as seen on the school fees' account).

Saints John & Paul Church is the parish church for our school.

CONTACT DETAILS

Parish Website: http://www.willettoncatholicparish.org.au

Location: Pinetree Gully Road, Willetton

Willetton Parish: 9332 5992

Parish Priest: Father Thai:  pp@willettoncatholicparish.org.au and Father Christian: ap@willettoncatholicparish.org.au

Parish Secretary:admin@willettoncatholicparish.org.au

MASS TIMES

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 9.30 - 10.00am and 5.30 - 6.00pm

Orana implements the Religious Education Curriculum from the Archdiocese of Perth. Students attend whole school masses which are held once a term in the school hall or at Saints John and Paul Church. Throughout the year, each class will take part in leading a prayer assembly. Prior notification is given of any celebration and parents/carers are encouraged to attend.

The Sacramental Programmes occur in Year Three – Reconciliation, Year Four – Eucharist and Year Six – Confirmation. Parent/Carer meetings are held for each Sacrament to inform parents about the sacrament, important dates for the programme, retreat information and how parents are able to assist. The Sacraments are celebrated as part of the parish community liturgies. Parents/Carers are required to enrol their children directly with the Parish for Sacraments.

The school board is responsible for the financial management of the school. Members of the Board are:

• The Parish Priest (ex-officio)
• The School Principal (ex-officio)
• The President of the School P & F Association, or nominated committee member
• A representative of the Parish Council
• Four to six parents from the school community.

The parents are elected for a two-year term with the maximum tenure 6 years. Elections are held at the Annual General Meeting, which takes place each year usually during the month of November. Board meetings are held on a monthly basis.

The School Nurse visits the school regularly. The Nurse is available to assist parents if required. Contact phone number: 9313 5418.

Years 1 to 6

8.45am - First Bell
8.50am - Classes commence
10.40am - Morning recess
11.00am - Classes resume
12.40pm - Lunch
1.20pm - Classes resume
3.10pm - Classes finish

Pre-Primary

8.50am - Classes commence
3.00pm - Classes finish

Kindergarten
(Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

9.00am - Classes commence
2.45pm - Classes finish

Pre-Kindergarten
(Friday)

9.00am - Classes commence
2.45pm - Classes finish

Children should be enrolled at the Catholic Secondary School of your choice as early as possible. There is no automatic entry into a Catholic Secondary School.

There are four factions in the school (Pre Primary to Year 6). Faction names and colours are as follows:

FRANCIS: Gold Faction
WARD: Green Faction
SALVADO: Red Faction
MACKILLOP: Blue Faction

Your child will be allocated one of these factions and he/she will be expected to wear the specific coloured school sports shirt on the sports days designated to his/her class. Siblings will be in the same faction.

A staff meeting takes place weekly on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30 pm. Please refrain from delaying staff members at this time.

Early in the fourth term each year, the class teachers, after consultation with the Principal, will decide upon the placement of each child in class groups for the following year. Teachers will consider individual differences, friendship groups and generally try to discern the best placement for each child. Individual requests must be put in writing, to the Principal, for consideration.

SCHOOL STAFF CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN BEFORE 8.30 AM OR AFTER 3.30 PM

Swimming lessons for Years 1 – 6 are held each year. The dates for these lessons will vary, and parents/carers will be notified as soon as the dates become available from the pool centre.

The uniform shop opening hours are published weekly through the Orana Pocket Schools App.

Special opening hours will be published in the newsletter.

Order forms are available from the school office if you are unable to visit personally and items ordered and paid for will be sent home via the student's class.

• All uniform requirements, apart from shoes, are available from the Uniform Shop.
• Please take care in labeling all uniform items clearly.
• School bags in Orana colours and bearing the Orana crest are available at the uniform shop. These bags are a compulsory part of the school uniform.
• School uniforms and sports uniforms should not be mixed - e.g. tracksuit tops are part of the sports uniform not the winter school uniform.
• Girls may wear the navy blue tights with winter uniform instead of socks. These tights are available at the uniform shop.
• White t-shirts with the Orana crest are worn by interschool competitors e.g. swimming, athletic, cross-country.
• A navy blue parka (without the school crest) may worn on cold days, other colours are discouraged.

EARLY CHILDHOOD UNIFORM

YEAR 1 - 6 UNIFORM

All visitors to the school, during the day, are required to sign in at administration and to collect a visitor's pass. The visitor is required to sign out before leaving.