MERRIWA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Principal Sue Waterhouse
Associate Principal Sandra Long
Associate Principal Kris Fenn
Associate Principal Naydene Duffill
Manager Corporate Services Nicole McGrath
School Officer Elaine Roke
School Officer Lauren McMillan
TERM DATES FOR STUDENTS 2026
Term One Monday 2 January – Thursday 2 April
Term Two Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July
Term Three Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
Term Four Monday 12 October - Thursday 17 December
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2026 (During School Term)
Labour Day Monday 2 March
Good Friday Friday 3 April
Anzac Day Monday 27 April
West Aust. Day Monday 1 June
PD DAYS 2025Term 2 Friday 29 May
Term 4 Monday 12 October, Tuesday 13 October
SCHOOL HOURS
Children are welcome from 8.00am. Staff supervision commences at this time in the undercover area and quadrangle.
First Bell 8.20am
Lessons Commence 8.30am
Lunch Play 10.55-11.20am
Eat Lunch 11.20 -11.35am
Afternoon Recess 1.25 - 1.45pm
Close of day 2.40pm
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
8.00am - 3.30pm
ACCIDENTS & INJURED CHILDREN
We will notify parents/carers of an injury to a student as required. In the case of a serious injury, and inability to contact the parent or carer, the Principal may arrange for a child to be treated by a medical professional which may include an ambulance being called. It is very important for the school to have your current contact details.
HEALTH PLANS
There are many and varied medical conditions that require specific handling, such as asthma, allergies, or epilepsy. Children with special health needs who require specific attention will require a health management plan. Forms are available which your doctor completes. This completed medical advice is used by school staff to create a health management plan in consultation with you.
MEDICATION
Staff are not permitted to administer medication without authorisation from parents or carers of the doctor. A form is available from the front office.
SICK CHILDREN
Illness can spread very quickly through a school and all members of our school community are asked to keep sick children at home. If a child is found to be ill at school, parents will be contacted to take them home.
ATTENDANCE
An explanation is required for all student absences. Parents/Carers can explain an absence directly to the teacher, ring the school or send a note. Merriwa PS uses SMS messaging and you will receive a text message if your child is not at school. Attendance checks are done regularly and standard letters are sent home for unexplained absences. Please note that the Department of Education requires prior permission from the Principal to take vacations during school time.
ASSEMBLIES
School assemblies are conducted on a fortnightly basis on Friday in the undercover area commencing at 8.30am.
CANTEEN
Children can order lunch via the online canteen system. (www.QuickCliq.com.au). Click here to access the menu.
CARS & PARKING
Parents and Carers are not permitted to use the staff car park or drive into the school grounds. The beginning and end of the school day is a very busy time and we ask that all drivers show care and consideration to avoid the risk of a child being injured. There is parking for Acrod Holders in the front and rear carpark. Students are not permitted to ride scooters or bicycles in the school grounds.
FACTIONS
School Factions are Akita, Baltimore, Palermo, and Calabar. Children are allocated a faction upon enrolment and siblings are placed in the same faction.
HATS
The school has a ‘NO HAT NO PLAY’ policy at all times. Hats are available from Lowes Clothing Store at Ocean Keys Shopping Centre.
KEEPING US INFORMED
When details such as address, telephone numbers, emergency contacts, custody arrangements or health issues change, please contact the front office to ensure our database is amended and your records are up to date.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without permission. Parents and Carers wishing to take their children from the school early must obtain an Exit Pass from the front office and present this to the class teacher.
LUNCH
Children can play in the designated areas from 10.55am to 11.20am. Then will remain seated and eat lunch under the supervision of their duty teacher from 11.20am to 11.35am.
MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
All mobile phones and electronic devices need to be given to the teacher for safe keeping during the day.
MONEY
Money for camp, excursions and school activities is to be paid to the child’s classroom teacher before school each morning. Printed money envelopes will be sent home with permission slips. Please ensure the correct amount is enclosed as no change can be given. You can also pay online.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
The School Psychologist visits the school to assist in the development of skills and programs to support student learning. Parents must sign referrals with full consent before their child is seen by the school psychologist.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
Parents will receive information on their child’s progress at parent interviews in term 1 and through a formal report at the end of each Semester. We also invite you to a Learning Journey open night in term 3.
UNIFORMS
Children are encouraged to wear the school uniform and show pride in our school. Uniforms must be worn on all school excursions, and are available from Lowes clothing store which is situated in the Ocean Keys Shopping Centre. All students must wear appropriate footwear and a school hat. Thongs are not appropriate for school because of safety issues when participating in physical education lessons and sport.
VISITING THE SCHOOL
It is essential that all visitors to school sign in at the office to receive a visitors badge. Any person not wearing a visitors badge will be asked to report to the office.
