Danebank

Danebank is an Anglican girls' school founded in 1933. It is situated on Park Road, Hurstville, south of Sydney. The current Principal is R.J Bird. The school upholds a strong Christian ethos that infiltrates most parts of school life.

Most of the school population (K-12) are from South Sydney's Sutherland Shire, and many travel by train on the CityRail network to get to school, Hurstville Station being only 7 minutes' walk to the school.

Danebank's achievements include its placing of 33rd in the state in the 2003 Higher School Certificate.

History

The school's founder, Miss Edith Roseby Ball, is remembered each year on Founder's Day. She established a small Kindergarten of five students in 1933. Miss Roseby Ball based the ethos of the school on 'Ut Prosim', "That I May Serve". She believed that this motto described a key element of the Christian life. 'Ut Prosim' has come to symbolise the school's Christian foundations and intention, that every student shall be introduced to the Christian faith through the practical experience of Christian care.

From small beginnings in 1933, Danebank has developed in size, experience and goals. The campus has expanded remarkably as many nearby and adjoining properties have been purchased and developed. The school is an impressive environment spanning Park Road and The Avenue, Hurstville. At Danebank, innovation and development are on-going.

Location

Hurstville is centrally located in Sydney's south and the school draws its population from a wide geographical area.

Danebank is easily accessible by train and bus transport.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 may access the school's bus service.

Administration

-Taken from [www.danebank.nsw.edu.au]- Danebank is a member of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation which supports Anglican education and ensures Danebank's strong financial position. The school is administered by a School Council which numbers amongst its members representatives of the Corporation, the Anglican Synod, highly qualified educators and experienced members of the business community.

Ut Prosim

Ut Prosim was the basis on which Roseby Ball based the overall ethos of Danebank on. It is latin for "That I May Serve" and this notion is throughly impressed upon the school's population in recent times. It is thought by the school management to be the foundation for which every Danebank student bases her life, in school and out.

Mission Statement

Danebank is a Christian School which aims to provide quality, affordable education that will equip girls for all aspects of life.

Facilities

Danebank is an impressive environment spanning between Park Road and The Avenue, Hurstville. Innovation and development of the site are on-going. Students describe the facilities as modern, spacious and attractive.

Facilities include:

The Terraces - contains state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for Design & Technology, Visual Arts, Hospitality and Computing. Stage 2 will add new facilities for Drama and Music.

K-12 Resources Centre - contains the JC Cowell Library, the Careers Reference Area, AudioVisual Control Room and the Independent Learning Centre.

Heslop Hall - Stage facilities, Drama Studio, Japanese Room, Catering facilities.

Prep Cottage - Home of the Prep Class and Outside School Hours Care.

Music Centre - an attractive federation building with a large classroom and tutorial rooms.

Wingara Senior Studies Centre - Study rooms, classrooms, common room and kitchen for Year 12.

Secondary School Building - a three storey building designed around an attractive central courtyard. For administration, classroom teaching, science laboratories, mathematics laboratory, staff rooms.

Langdon Wing - Junior School administration and classrooms, Design and Technology, Visual Arts and Computer Laboratories.

Sporting facilities - Danebank's sporting complex consists of the Aquatic Centre plus a multi purpose court. The indoor Aquatic Centre contains a 25 metre water polo pool plus a beginners pool. Other sporting facilities include a mini gymnasium and multi purpose court. Uniform Shop & Clothing Pool Cottage.

School Policies

Privacy

1. The school collects personal information, including sensitive information about pupils and parents or guardians before and during the course of a pupil's enrolment at the school. The primary purpose of collecting this information is to enable the school to provide effective schooling.

2. Some of the information collected is to satisfy legal obligations, particularly to enable the school to discharge its duty of care.

3. Certain laws governing or relating to the operation of schools require that certain information be collected. These include Public Health and Child Protection Laws.

4. Health information about pupils is sensitive information within the terms of the National Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act. Parents are regularly asked to provide medical reports about pupils.

5. The school, from time to time, discloses personal and sensitive information to others for administrative and educational purposes. This includes to other schools, government departments, medical practitioners and people providing services to the school, including specialist visiting teachers, coaches and volunteers.

6. If we do not obtain the information referred to above, we may not be able to enrol or continue to enrol your child.

7. Personal information collected from pupils is regularly disclosed to their parents or guardians. On occasions information such as academic and sporting achievements, pupil activities and other news is published in the School's newsletter, magazine and, where applicable, the school's website.

8. Parents may seek access to personal information collected about them and their daughter by contacting the school. Pupils may also seek access to personal information about them. However, there will be occasions when access is denied. Such occasions would include where access would have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others, where access may result in breach of the school's duty of care to the student, or where students have provided information in confidence.

9. The school, from time to time, engages in fundraising activities. Information received from parents may be used to make an appeal to them. It may also be disclosed to organizations that assist in the school's fundraising activities solely for that purpose. The school will not disclose personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes without consent.

10. The school may include families' contact details in a class list and School Directory. Parents should advise the school if they do not wish for this to happen.

11. If parents provide the school with the personal information of others, such as doctors or emergency contacts, we encourage parents to inform those parties that you have disclosed that information and why, that they can have access to that information if they wish and that the school does not usually disclose the information to third parties.

Anti-Bullying / Harassment Policy Secondary School

A Caring Environment Danebank School seeks to provide a safe and just environment for all its members. It is important to respect the rights of others in our community.

What is Bullying? Bullying is repeated oppression, psychological or physical, of a less powerful person by a more powerful person or group of persons. (Rigby, 1996)

It is behaviour which stops an individual from feeling comfortable in the school's shared environment. It may take the form of verbal or physical harassment, teasing, rumour spreading, exclusion or pressure to do things of which the individual does not approve. It may involve the use of technology.

The Right to be Respected

Students have the right to say what they think, provided it is not offensive to others Students' rights to privacy, with possessions, or time, should be respected. Students have the right to feel safe at all times at school. No-one will be liked by everyone, but everyone can respect each other's personality differences and be polite and kind. There is need and room for all the different personalities we have in the school. Goals The school will seek to be pro-active in promoting an environment in which the students understand that bullying is wrong and that individuals have responsibility to report bullying if they become aware of it.

Strategies 1. Reported cases of bullying will always be investigated by the school. There are a range of consequences which the school will apply in the event of bullying.

2. The school will provide reporting methods for students, staff & parents to support the policy.

3. The school will conduct anonymous surveys within the school community from time to time to assess where bullying may be occurring, the kinds of bullying which may be taking place, and who may be responsible for it.

4. All people concerned (victim, bully & witnesses) will be supported with the aim of resolving the issues involved in the particular case of bullying.

5. The school affirms the expectation that adults will model appropriate anti-bullying behaviour.

Examples of Bullying

Physical: pushing or pulling or otherwise intimidating another person hitting or otherwise physically attacking someone damaging, removing or hiding another person's possessions without their permission Verbal: spreading rumours demanding money or possessions 'putting down' name-calling, teasing, ridiculing others or belittling their achievements verbally attacking someone about their race, religion, culture, appearance or individual

traits making physical threats expressing sexual comments about another person

Social and/or Psychological: purposely excluding someone from an activity,making inappropriate gestures at another person in some contexts the obvious and deliberate ignoring of someone, as if they do not exist, can be a form of psychological bullying causing someone to feel afraid through intimidation by an individual or group.

Always Remember...

'Bullying is never a joke'

The bully may believe it is amusing to ridicule or hurt someone, make them uncomfortable or push them around. e.g. "I was just mucking around. Can't she take a joke?

'You are standing up for yourself when you report bullying'

Sometimes the victim may think she is causing the problem. e.g. "I don't want to cause trouble" but everyone has the right to feel safe at school.

'Bullying is not part of growing up'

Adults may sometimes say bullying is a natural part of growing up. This is WRONG.

'The school is committed to dealing with issues of bullying'

Most cases of bullying are sorted out very simply, especially if the bully is reported sooner rather than later. Do not believe "nothing can be done about it". If students communicate with staff, action will be taken.

Tell the Truth

It is a good thing to "DOB" on a bully. By telling the truth you are standing up for your rights, and this is what bullies are afraid of. Bullies try to intimidate people into a code of silence. Bullying will continue when people fail to report what is happening.

What Students Can Do

If you have been bullied, in the first instance you may:

Ignore the bullying. Avoid an argument and simply walk away. Just because someone is 'hassling' you does not mean that you must respond to their negativity. Ignoring works best on the first occasion that bullying occurs.

Talk with the person. With people you know, such as a classmate, talk about the problem in an assertive, but non-hostile, manner. Let the person know that you do not like being treated unfairly. You must speak in a calm, clear voice and name the behaviour that you dislike. For example, "I want you to stop making fun of my name."

Cool the situation down. Sometimes you can make the situation better by asking a question, such as, "Why are you trying to give me a hard time" or "Tell me what I did wrong. Maybe I'll apologise and we'll be friends again," or make a joke that does not insult the other person. These responses are unexpected and bullies often back down because they have not received the response that they hoped for. If you are being bullied and the bullying has become repetitious, then you must: Tell someone as soon as possible. e.g. Your class teacher Pastoral Care teacher Counsellor Chaplain Prefect, Peer Support Leader Parent Friend

What the School will do:

The school promises that someone will listen to you and help you. If you wish the situation will be investigated The bully will be spoken to and in some cases may be punished and warned about re-offending You will be contacted in the weeks and months following to check that the bullying has stopped Procedures (What Staff can do) Danebank has a three-stage procedure to deal with bullying. The various stages take into account the range of bullying in the school. The stages escalate to deal with a situation where a student has become habitual in their bullying behaviour.

First evidence of bullying behaviour At the first stage any teacher may deal directly with an incident of suspected bullying through simple admonishment if the bullying is deemed relatively minor and a one-off occurrence. Staff are required to inform the Form Patron of both the bully and the victim.

If the incident is more serious, the Form Patron involved will investigate the incident, interview the respective students and decide on an appropriate course of action. If the incident involves students from more than one year, the relevant Form Patrons will consult and come to an agreement on a course of action. At this initial stage, the school goal is to counsel and proceed, if at all possible, without recourse to punishments. Parents of both the bully and the victim will be advised by telephone or letter by the Form Patron/s.

After a short period of time, the Form Patron will check with the victim to ensure that further incidents have not taken place.

Repeated evidence of bullying behaviour At the second stage, after investigations by the Form Patron, the Deputy Principal, for Pastoral Care, will be informed. Parents will be contacted. Once the facts of the bullying have been confirmed the re-offending student will be counselled and receive any of the following:

a Saturday detention an in-school suspension, and/or counselling outside the school. The parents of the offending student will be notified by letter and put on notice that their child's behaviour must change if she is to stay at the school. Continued evidence of bullying behaviour At the third stage after investigations have concluded that the student responsible for the bullying has not responded to counselling and/or punishment, the Principal will be notified. The Principal will interview the student and her parents, and may decide that the student will be withdrawn from the school.

Pro-active support for an anti-bullying policy will come from

1. Awareness Raising for Students Within the Curriculum, directly and indirectly, arising out of issues discussed in subjects such as English, Christian studies, and particularly in PD/H/PE, 7-10, there will be opportunity for students to understand what bullying is, why it is wrong and how it may be dealt with.

Special programs

Peer Support Training of all students in Year 10 Peer Support Program for Years 7 and 11 Camping Programs in years 7 and 9 This will strengthen the culture against bullying in the school. Pastoral Care Program Appointment of Form Patrons to each year group. Pastoral Care time, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday in a vertical structure 8-12.

2. Staff Professional Development Ongoing development of pastoral skills and awareness of the need to promote a positive mental health program in the school in accord with the school's Christian ethos.

3. Outreach to Parents and Support for Parents At Parent/Teacher meetings, through the newsletter, special parent meetings e.g. Introduction to Year 7, Drug Information Evening, accessibility of key people in pastoral roles to the parent body.

Anti-Bullying Junior School

A Caring Environment Danebank School seeks to provide a safe and just environment for all its members. It is important to respect the rights of others in the community.

What is Bullying? Bullying is behaviour which stops an individual from feeling comfortable in this shared environment. It may take the form of verbal or physical harassment, teasing, rumour spreading, exclusion or pressure to do things of which the individual does not approve.

The Right to be Respected

Students have the right to say what they think, provided it is not offensive to others Students' right to privacy, with possessions, or time, should be respected Students have the right to feel safe at all times at school No-one will be liked by everyone, but everyone can respect each other's personality differences and be polite and kind. There is need and room for all the different personalities we have in the school How Will Bullying be Dealt with in the School? Appropriate to the age and stages of development of children in the Junior School the Personal Development/Health/Physical Education Syllabus aims to develop in each student the knowledge and understanding, skills, values and attitudes needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. In doing so, the syllabus will form the basis for students to adopt a responsible and productive role in society.

Children's development can be viewed on a continuum. Random incidents that may have the appearance of bullying can be skilfully treated by parents and educators. This enables the child to learn the appropriate way to deal with bullying and non-bullying situations rather than resort to aggressive behaviours.

As a school community we will not allow cases of bullying to go unreported but will be responsive.

This requires staff to: Be role models in word and action at all times Be observant of signs of distress or suspected incidents of bullying Make efforts to remove occasions for bullying Report suspected incidents to the appropriate staff member such as the classroom teacher, co-ordinators, Head of the Junior School or Principal. This requires students to: refuse to be involved in any bullying situation report the incident or suspected incident be accepting of differences This requires parents to: Primarily act as role models, modelling appropriate conflict resolution strategies Advise your daughter to tell a staff member personally about the incident. If possible, allow her to report and deal with the problem herself. She can gain much respect through taking the initiative and dealing with the problem without parental involvement Communicate to your daughter that your involvement, if necessary, will be helpful for the situation Inform the School if bullying is suspected Be willing to attend interviews at the School if your daughter is involved in any bullying incident Any situations reported will be treated individually and confidentially.

Drugs Policy The Federal Government has issued a National Framework for Protocols for Drugs in Schools. Danebank has developed the following Drugs Policy to provide a safe environment for all students.

1) Danebank supports the view that total abstinence from illegal drugs is both the safest and desired option for all it students. (Prep - Year 12).

2) The possession, use and/or distribution of illicit and other unsanctioned drugs is not acceptable at Danebank School. Unsanctioned drugs include the following: tobacco, herbal cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceutical prescription medications, image and performance enhancing drugs and inhalants. (Note: Students who require prescribed pharmaceutical medications, and are under the supervision of a treating medical practitioner for that pharmaceutical, must have written permission from parent or guardian).

3) The School gives a priority to the development and maintenance of a safe and supportive School environment at Danebank for all students.

4) In relation to Danebank's Drug Education Program,

The Drug Education Program is intended to be proactive rather than reactive and punitive. Danebank School will build students' knowledge skills values and attitudes, so that responsible decisions about drugs can be made. The School aims to educate the School community about the consequences of possession, use and/or distribution of illicit and other unsanctioned drugs at school. The School recognises that provision of drug education must begin in the early years of schooling. The School will therefore develop its Drug Education Program as a whole-school program, and will include opportunities for peer support programs and student involvement. Programs will be seen as developmental and sequential. Students, staff, parents and the wider community are able to be involved in the Drug policies and procedures of the School. The School recognises the need for appropriate professional development for staff. The School will regularly review its Drug Education Program. 5) Since the attitude and behaviour of parents and the community significantly influence the health choices of young people, a part of the School's Drug Education Program will be the provision of information, education and advice to parents.

6) Students may not possess, use or be under the influence of cigarettes, alcohol or any other drugs, illicit or unsanctioned, whilst at the School, or when representing or identifiable with the School.

7) Students may not use, offer for sale or distribute to other students illicit drugs whilst at the School, or when representing or identifiable with the School.

8) Danebank will apply its responses to the possession, use and/or distribution of illicit and other unsanctioned drugs at school fairly and consistently, and will clearly communicate policy and procedures for managing drug related incidents at school. Danebank's Drug Policy is freely available to all members of the school community.

9) The School recognises that a range of responses to drug related incidents may be appropriate. Factors to be taken into consideration by the Principal in determining appropriate action would include age, the circumstances of the student(s) concerned, the needs and safety of others in the School, and the legality of any incident under New South Wales Law and as a Christian school, consideration for the ongoing welfare of the student and provision for the welfare of the family be taken into account.

10) The range of responses available to the Principal, at her discretion, include:

counselling and warnings detentions suspension probation required professional counselling removal from the School referral to the Police arrangement for integration into an alternative educational environment 11) Without limiting the ability or desire of the School to consider a range of responses, as outlined in No. 10.

The School regards these matters as a very serious breach of the School's rules and expectations. It is anticipated that a student in possession of an illicit drug whilst at the School or when representing or identifiable with the School would be suspended, and may well be required to be withdrawn from the School. It is anticipated that a student using, or offering for sale or distribution to other students an illicit drug would be required to be withdrawn from the School. Definitions

i. The term 'drug' is used generically to refer to a substance, which produces a psychoactive effect, and includes tobacco, herbal cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, illicit drugs, usage and performance enhancing drugs and inhalants.

ii. Pharmaceutical agents are medications available through a pharmacy, and may include over the counter or prescription medications.

iii. Illicit drugs are drugs for which the production, sale, possession or use is prohibited.

iv. Image and performance enhancing drugs include steroids and amphetamines.

v. Inhalants include many commercial and domestic products such as glue, aerosol sprays, paints, solvents, thinners, petrol and cleaning fluids.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Educational Purpose The Danebank Internet service is for educational use only, not a public access service or public forum. The school has a right to restrict your use of material you access or post through the system. The Danebank Internet service is not to be used for private or commercial purposes. This means that you cannot offer, provide or purchase products or services.

Access to Internet All students will have access to World Wide Web information through the Resources Centre or computer Laboratories. The school will determine the level of access available to students.

The following policy sets out the terms of acceptable use of the Internet for students at Danebank: Personal Safety

I will not post personal contact information about myself or other people including my surname, address, telephone number, credit card number, school address or private information I will not agree to meet someone in person I have met on line I will notify a teacher if I receive any message that is illegal, dangerous or offensive. Illegal Activities

I will not attempt to gain unauthorised access to any account. This includes attempting to log on without teacher's approval. I will not disrupt the computer through viruses or programs or download software onto any school computer unless I have the permission of a teacher. I will not use Danebank access to engage in any illegal activities such as dealing with drugs, manufacture of weapons, threatening others or software piracy. Inappropriate Language and Material

I will not use obscene, lewd, profane, vulgar, rude, discriminatory or disrespectful language. I will not post messages that could lead to disruption or damage. I will not use Danebank Internet access to view profane, obscene (pornographic) violent or discriminating material. I will not access "chat" sites unless supervised by a teacher. I will not use e-mail without a teacher's permission. Your parent/guardian should instruct you if there is any additional material that you should not access. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

I will not plagiarise work from the Internet (copy another person's words or ideas and use it as my own). I will respect the right of copyright owners. If I am unsure, I will request permission from the copyright owner. All sources will be correctly acknowledged. Section 85ZE of the Commonwealth Crimes Act, states that a person shall not knowingly or recklessly:

Use a telecommunications service supplied by a carrier to menace or harass another person; or Use a telecommunication service supplied by a carrier in such a way as would be regarded by reasonable persons as being in all circumstances, offensive.

Peanuts We are aware of the need to minimize any possible harmful situations for children with allergies, especially those suffering from anaphylaxis. We have instituted a policy of:

No peanut products to be sold by the school canteens. We have asked our parent body not to send peanut butter, Nutella or other peanut products to school with their daughters.

Mobile Phones

There is a growing concern in the Australian, and in fact worldwide community, about the improper use of mobile phones by young people. Cyber bullying is a reality to which we need to respond. To protect Danebank students and to assist parents with regard to potential problems, it has been decided to strengthen our control over student access to mobile phones whilst at school. The following rules apply:

Senior School

We already state in the Danebank diary: “Mobile phones are to be switched off in classrooms”.

From the beginning of Term 4 this year:

1. Students who bring mobile phones to school will be required to lock them in their locker from the beginning to the end of each school day. If any student is seen using a mobile phone during the school day the following consequences will apply:

2. First offence:

Confiscation of the mobile until the end of that school day

3. Second offence:

Confiscation of the mobile phone for 24 hours [parents will be contacted by the Deputy Principal- Pastoral Care].

4. Third offence:

Confiscation of the mobile phone for a week [parents will be contacted and may retrieve the phone from Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care].

5. If mobile phones are taken to Camp, they must be handed in to staff for the duration of the Camp. For excursions, mobile phones are only to be brought if specified on the excursion note.

Junior School

Similar restriction applies as the senior school, in that girls are not permitted to access mobile phones during the school day.

1. The Head of Junior School is responsible for dealing with any misuse of a mobile phone by a Junior School student.

2. We understand that some parents see the necessity to issue their primary age students with mobile phones for safety and communication when using public transport. However, while the students are in the care of the school and their class teachers, any outside communication must be through the Junior School Office so that we can monitor the impact on the child concerned and any consequential arrangements.

3. Therefore any mobile phone must be handed into the front office each morning. If any student is seen with a mobile phone it will be confiscated, and only returned after communication with the child's parents.

Christian Environment

Danebank wishes to introduce girls to the Christian faith from a balanced Biblical / Anglican perspective, through intelligent teaching and the practical experience of Christian care.

Every student takes part in the Christian studies and Chapel program, so that she might have the opportunity to assess the validity or otherwise of the Christian faith on the basis of accurate knowledge.

Students attend Chapel and Christian education classes each week.

School Chaplain, Mrs Christine Olliffe says "What I appreciate about our school is that students have the freedom plus the information to make informed decisions about how Jesus impacts on their lives".

Youthforce Christian Rock Eisteddfod Danebank participates annually in the Youthforce Christian Rock Eisteddfod in May.

Students prepare a choreographed depiction of a chosen portion of the Scriptures.

Clubs and Activities Christian teaching is both formal and informal.

Christian clubs include:

ATF (Against the Flow) For Primary students Focus, Years 7-10 SIC (Sisters in Christ) Years 11-12. An annual weekend camp is organised offsite where students are encouraged to relax, enjoy, participate and reflect on God's word.

Staff

High academic standards results from building enthusiasm in students and from the strong individual commitment of staff members. Danebank Staff members are:

Hard working and highly qualified. Leaders in their teaching fields. A number are HSC markers, some are senior HSC markers. Co-operative, working collaboratively to ensure the smooth progress of students through the various learning stages. Generous in taking time to assist students and in rewarding achievement. Dedicated to pastoral care of students.

Prep class

The pre-school years are very active ones and ripe for enrichment at a high standard. DANEBANK wishes to provide parents with a Prep Class offering a quality introduction to school

The Program Students are taught an accredited pre-school program. Students also benefit from distinctly Danebank components:

A Library lesson once a week. Christian Education lessons A lesson with sports specialists. Learn to swim Preparation for school through attendance at Junior School Chapel and Assemblies. Prep Class students have access to other Danebank facilities - Hall, pool, gym, Library, play equipment, etc. Staff The class of 20 students is taught by a fully qualified and experienced early childhood teacher and an assistant teacher.

Accommodation The Prep class has its own "home", an air conditioned centre which is located beside the Junior School.

Uniform Students wear Danebank track suits in winter and Danebank sports skirt (or shorts) in summer plus the Danebank sports cap. These are available from the school's Uniform Shop.

Enrolment in the Prep Students must turn 4 years old during their time in Prep. Priority is given to older students. Boys are also accepted for the Prep year only.

Outside School Hours Care & Vacation Care Parents may book their children into Outside School Hours Care. Morning sessions run from 7am and after school sessions run till 6pm.

Hours Prep students attend from 9.15am - 3pm. Parents may nominate the number of days that they wish their children to attend - 2, 3 or 5 days.

Junior School

We aim to provide an education which integrates sound Christian values, the belief in the uniqueness of each child, and a balanced program of activities designed to give our students the best possible start in developing the life skills, the confidence and the ability to succeed in their chosen path.

We offer a diverse and stimulating curriculum comprising:

English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Studies of Human Society and Environment, Christian Education, Physical Education and Health Creative activities including Drama. Information Technology is integrated across all areas of learning and a large library supports all areas of the curriculum. Japanese is taught from Kindergarten. Specialist Teachers provide tuition in Sport, Library, Japanese, Music and Christian Education. Private tuition in piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, acoustic or electric guitar, drums, voice and tennis is available through the School's Extra Subjects Program. Literacy and numeracy skills are emphasised at all year levels. Classroom Support

Gifted and Talented A special education teacher provides extension work for those students with particular talents and high potential. Special Needs Students with special needs are identified early and additional help is provided for those who require it to reach their potential. ESL (English as a Second Language) A specialist teacher provides assistance for students for whose second language is English. An experienced Staff

Staff are fully qualified. Danebank is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW and the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation. The Head of Junior School is a member of the Junior School Heads' Association of Australia Inc. The achievements of students in both curricular and extra-curricular fields are recognised on a continual basis and at the annual Speech Night, prizes and scholarships are awarded for outstanding achievement. Opportunities for Achievement Co-curricular activities These activities are an integral part of planned teaching and learning programs designed to enhance students' understanding and knowledge.

Excursions to museums, the theatre and other places of educational significance. Presentations by visiting speakers. The camping program commences at Year 3 and is hosted by Anglican Youthworks at their four different sites. A developmentally challenging program is designed in conjunction with teachers and is run by qualified instructors. School Choirs offer opportunities for students to express their vocal talents and experience a variety of performances. The bi-annual School Concerts are enjoyed by all students. A Musical Production is presented each year offering the opportunity for students interested in drama and music to participate. Students may join the School Band. Middle School aged students take part in inter-school Debating, Tournament of Minds Competitions and Leadership training. Students can participate in various sporting competitions including Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Netball, Soccer, Softball, Tee-ball and Tennis.

Middle Schooling

Years 5 to 8 students have special educational needs because they are at the early adolescent stage of development. Danebank's Middle School program is designed to ensure that students have a well-supported transition from Primary to Secondary school. Some activities, for example the Science Club, 'Slime', are specifically for students in the middle school years. Other activities include ArtBox, the Gifted and Talented Art group that meets after school, Middle School Chapel Services and the Middle School Public Speaking competition. Students in Year 7 are actively encouraged to participate in these programs as well as sports, music and debating activities so as to work with older students who can begin to act as mentors.

The middle school years are also a time when strong pastoral care helps students make the transition from primary to secondary school. Year 7 classes are allocated a Form Patron, a home room, peer support and other helpful orientation and ongoing support programs. The school's Middle School Staff Committee has introduced a range of changes to improve the educational outcomes of these students and the Middle School Innovator has been appointed to introduce further educational changes.

Senior School

The Secondary School, Years 7-12 High academic standards result from building enthusiasm in students and from the strong individual commitment of staff. Staff members work in a co-operative environment to ensure the smooth progress of students through the various learning stages. Curriculum emphasis changes to reflect changes in students' needs.

Our students are positively motivated and rewards for achievement are plentiful. Staff are highly qualified and liaise through a network of caring to promote the best interests of each girl.

We aim to give the best educational experiences providing students with a strong foundation to grow in knowledge, establish self-confidence and succeed. We focus on individual and co-operative learning as well as mastering study and research techniques. Strong communication and presentation skills, together with an awareness of the world around them, give students the best possible preparation for an independent, achieving future.

Year 7 Year 7 is a special time in a student's life. The challenges of high school are numerous, especially the challenge of developing effective organization skills. We provide strong support mechanisms so that students can effect these changes smoothly (see Pastoral Care). For Year 7, we increase the number of classes to 4 with a total of 95 students. A Grading Test determines at which level each girl will commence her secondary years. We also provide a home room and consistent class grouping for much of the Year 7 timetable.

Year 11 New enrolments are accepted to commence Year 11. We have especially strong HSC results and offer a number of extra programs which assist Year 12 students (see HSC). Subject choices are listed below.

Pastoral Care

Danebank prides itself on the pastoral care network it has established. The network ensures that staff liaise and promote the best interests of each student.

The concern for individual needs of students is shared by all staff. Occasionally, students need the help of specialists because of problems they experience. Specialists include:

The School Chaplain The School Counsellor The Careers Counsellor Form Patrons, Years 7-12. Class Teachers, Years K-6 Other elements of individual care are provided by:

Pastoral Care time is provided for secondary students. Small groups of 18 students from 8-12 meet three times a week to discuss important issues and offer each other support. Year 12 students are offered additional assistance within Mentor Groups. They focus on study skills, stress management and other issues. Positive reinforcement of responsible behaviour and outstanding achievement through Merit Card, Honour Badges, and House Point systems. Leadership skills are developed as girls work as House Officials, Prefects, Monitors and Student Representative Council members. Other Leadership roles exist for Music and Sports activities. A community service program that aims to give students opportunities to care for others. Peer support training, encouraging students to be sensitive to the needs of others and to respect the needs of others. Educational research indicates that girls perform best in an all-girls environment.

Creative Arts

Music Many students participate in the school's music programs. Staff have extensive musical expertise and students participate in a range of musical pursuits.

Private tuition in various musical instruments is also available through the Extra Subjects program.

Danebank encourages musical expertise by offering an annual Music Scholarship to a promising musician.

Bands Choirs Recorders Bellringing Drama The Drama Club, Stages Unlimited, presents productions of outstanding calibre. Students participate co-operatively as performers, stage crew, lighting operators, audio experts, stage managers etc.

Recent productions have included 'Dinkum Assorted', 'Annie', 'Wind in the Willows' and 'Into the Woods', 2005's spectacular musical, tipped to have been the best show Danebank has ever produced. This is consistent with the growing trend of outstanding dramatic talent in the Danebank student body.

Drama is also taught in the secondary school and offered as an elective subject from Year 9 to Year 12.

Visual Arts Students are given opportunities to express and develop their creative flair. Our aim is for students to develop their own artistic style through the study of historical and contemporary art forms in a wide variety of two and three dimensional media and techniques.

Opportunities are given to students to learn from visiting artists and mentors.

HSC results are outstanding with some students' works being included in the prestigious ArtExpress exhibition.

Painting Drawing Ceramics Screen Printing

Sports

Energy, enthusiasm and outstanding results characterise the Danebank approach to Sports.

The school's competitive reputation is outstanding with students attaining the state and national levels of competition.

Specialist coaches are employed and elite sportswomen programs provide unique opportunities for students who are gifted at sports.

Personal Development / Health / Physical Education courses are taught from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Sports played at Danebank include:

Athletics Basketball Cricket Cross Country Field Hockey Gymnastics Indoor Hockey Minkey Netball Netta Netball Softball Swimming Tennis Waterpolo

Technology

Technological change is a challenge that has been embraced at Danebank. The school is served by a comprehensive network of more than 300 modern computers as well as printers, scanners and digital and audio visual equipment. Internet facilities are available to all workstations via the latest ADSL technology.

The school's Resources Centre is a central information resource for printed and electronically transmitted research information. This information is accessible from all school outlets. Today, classes go to Computer Labs in order to access research information.

All Junior School classrooms have at least 2 computers. Classes are timetabled into the Computer Labs from Kindergarten. Junior School students are taught research information skills (through technology and other sources) in their weekly Library lessons.

In the secondary school, Multimedia Technology is taught as a full elective subject from Year 9 (from 2005). All secondary departments teach units of Information & Computer Technology (ICT). Years 7 and 8 receive computing training through their Design and Technology lessons. Years 11 & 12 can study one of two Computing courses for the Higher School Certificate, Information Processes & Technology (IPT) and Information Technology (IT) VET.

Prefects

Prefects undertake important school leadership positions. Prefects are voted for by their peers and by staff members. The positions are for both senior and junior schools:

School Captain Vice Captain Sports Captain Senior Prefect Other Prefects who undertake a variety of responsibilities e.g. Music Prefects. Drama Prefects Public Relations Prefects Prefects are role models who influence other students. Their work is a service to the school, a reflection of the school motto, 'Ut Prosim', That I May Serve.

Governors and Staff dirrectory

Danebank School Council

Chairman: Dr Don Anderson MA(Hons) Th Schol DipRE DipPStud PhD

Reverend Rocco Scarcella BA (Hons) DipEd BTh DipMin

Dr Richard Sharp BSc BE PhD MAICD

Mrs Marion Smith

Mrs Allyson Stutsel BA

Mr Len Thewlis

Dr Alan Watson BA MA PhD DipRE MCDB

Mrs Sonia Whitehall DipTeach BEd

Mrs Robyn Williams

Principal: Miss Rosalyn Bird

Academic Staff

Principal :

Miss Rosalyn Bird BA MEd TC FACE MACEL

Deputy Principals:

Mrs Linda Chiba (Pastoral Care) BA DipEd

Mr Warwick Fogden (Administration) MEd(Admin) BA DipEd MACEL

Head of Junior School:

Mrs Laraine Lucas MEd(Admin) DipTeach GradDipEducStudies(Facilitating Learning)

Chaplain: Mrs Valerie Williams DipTeach, BTh

Assistant to the Chaplain: Miss Louise Levick BTeach BeD M Div

Senior School Christian Studies

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Valerie Williams DipTeach, BTh

Mrs Jocelyn Hartley BEd (Hons)

Mrs Susan McGrath BA DipEd

Mrs Marion Stalder BA DipEd

Mrs Sue de Beuzeville BSc DipEd GradCert

English

Co-ordinator:

Ms Fran Lovell MA BA DipEd

Ms Mina Angelopoulos BA DipEd

Mrs Daniela Clark MA DipEd

Ms Gina Cohen BA(Hons) BMus, GradDipEd

Mrs Robyn Cross BA DipEd CertGifted Ed

Ms Lucy Kritikos BA(Hons) MTeach

Mrs Susan McGrath BA DipEd

Ms Lisa Peric BA DipEd TESOL

Ms Lisa Hansford BA DipEd CertGiftedEd

Ms Kristine Smith BA DipEd

Mathematics

Co-ordinator:

Mr David Mitchell BA DipTeach GradDipEdStud MACE

Mrs Janene Dunn BA DipEd

Mrs Mary Ann Flick BEd ATCL

Mrs Helen Hannaford BA DipEd

Mrs Elizabeth Modellino TC BEd

Mrs Wendy Trotter BSc DipEd

Mrs Alison Underwood BSc DipEd

Mrs Cheryl Whyte TCert

Science

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Carolyn Little MSc DipEd ThA MACEL

Mrs Christine Gallagher BSc DipEd(Sec) DipEd(Inf/Prim)

Miss Marilyn Marsh MSc DipEd

Mrs Elizabeth Modellino TC BEd

Mrs Christine Pasley BSc DipEd

Mrs Lynette Rootham BSc DipEd

Mrs Jennifer Solomon BSc DipEd

L.O.T.E. (Languages Other Than English)

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Clare Schwartz BA DipEd (Japanese, French, German, Open High School)

Mrs Jennifer Alfonso MA DipEd TC

Mrs Yumi Flynn BA DipEd

Ms Vicki Maddock BA DipEd

H.S.I.E.

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Jeanette Baker BComm DipEd (Ancient History, Business Studies, Commerce, Geography, Economics, Legal Studies, Modern History)

Mrs Angela Cofini DipTeach BEd JP

Mrs Robyn Davis BA DipEd

Mr Warwick Fogden MEd(Admin) BA DipEd MACEL

Mrs Kerry Horder BA DipTeach

Ms Lisa Hansford BA DipEd CertGiftedEd

Mrs Nerida Platup BA DipEd

Ms Lisa Peric BA DipEd TESOL

Mr Michael Rabbitt BA(Hons) PostGradCertEd

Mr Michael Wotton BA DipEd

Creative Arts

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Diane Emans DipArtEd (Drama, Music, Visual Arts)

Director of Drama:

Ms Tara Nandi BA BEd

Ms Gina Cohen BA(Hons) BMus GradDipEd

Director of Music:

Mrs Julia Wan GTCL LTCL ARCM DipEd

Mrs Sarah Matthews BA ArtEd DipArt(Fine Arts)

Mrs Diane Higgins B Mus Ed M Ed CA ATCC

Mrs Cathy Sampson B Mus Ed

Mrs Angela Vercoe BA DipEd

TAS (Technical & Applied Studies)

Co-ordinator:

Mr Andrew Sip BEd(Ind Arts)

Mrs Jayne Barratta BEd (Technical & Applied Studies)

Mrs Michele Hatton BEd(HomeEcon)

Mrs Florence Lee BSc DipEd PostGradDipComEd

Ms Sarah Rodgers BA ArtEd DipArt(FineArts)

Mrs Sue Samuels (ICT Facilitator) BSc DipEd GradDipEd (Computer Education)

PD/Health/PE

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Cathy Parkes OAM BA DipEd(PhysEd/Health)

Mrs Adrienne Lees DipEd(PE/Health)

Ms Kerry Banfield BEd(PhysEd/Health)

Mrs Kate Hoare BEd(PhysEd/Health)

Mrs Helen Mall BA DipEd (PhysEd/Health)

Mrs Lisa Money BEd(HMov)

Junior School

Head of Junior School:

Mrs Laraine Lucas MEd(Admin) GradDipEducStudies(Facilitating Learning) DipTeach TC CertLeadership&Management

Primary Co-ordinators:

Ms Judith Leece BEd MEd MACE

Mrs Janelle Menear MEd(Maths) DipNSTC DipTeach BEd

Curriculum Co-ordinator:

Mrs Denise Smith MEd BEd TC DipTeach MACEL MACE

Mrs Debbie Bourke DipTeach GradCertChildren'sArt

Mrs Melinda Buckley BEd

Mrs Jennie Carswell-Dawson DipTeach GradCertChildren'sArt

Mrs Kelly Emans B Teach BEd

Ms Elizabeth Errington BTch(Primary) BEd(Special Needs)

Mrs Janet Everingham-Ho DipTeach TESOLCert

Mrs Denise Gaylard DipTeach

Mrs Simone Glendinning BTeach

Mrs K Shannon-Duhigg DipTeach BEd

Ms Karen Springstub BTeach

Mrs Alice Taylor MEd(Admin) BEd DipTeach PostGradCert TESOL

Christian Education Mrs Sandra Goodwin BTh TC

Prep School Mrs Elizabeth Stuart DipTeach(Early Childhood)

Gifted & Talented Mrs Robyn Cross BA DipEd CertGiftedEd

E.S.L. Mrs Kim Phillips DipTeach BEd

Special Needs Ms Chris Avard DipTeach CertTransition CertIntegration

Music Mrs Nerelle Fraser MEd BME LMusA AmusA ATCL

Middle School

Innovator of Teaching & Learning Ms Lisa Hansford BA DipEd CertGiftedEd

Gifted & Talented Mrs Robyn Cross BA DipEd CertGiftedLearning

E.S.L. Mrs Julie Tralaggan BA DipEd

Resources Centre

Head of Information Services Mrs Henny Tasker DipTeach GradDip(Facilitating Learning)

Junior School Librarian Mrs Lyn McFarlane BA BEd

Special Education / Learning Support:

Ms Bianca Jervis BA Nursing BA Ed (special Education)

Mrs Sue de Beuzeville BSc DipEd GradCert

Mrs Mary Johnson BEd GradDipEd PastGuid PostGradCertLD

Mrs Christine Goddard DipTeach GradDipEdStud(ESL) CertIntegration Studies

Counselling: School Counsellor Mrs Anntoinette Allen BA DipEd Registered Psychologist MAPS

Careers Counsellor Mrs Gwen Cartwright GDSE MACE JP

Visiting Extra Subjects Tutors

Speech & Singing Mrs Barbara Gall LTCL AMA ASDA LSDFA

Piano Mrs Eva Kroslakova TMusA LmusA AmusA (piano), Mrs Barbara Rouse AICL MMTA (piano)

Brass Mr Neville Cluff AMEB

Flute Ms Ginette Carrard

Junior Band Mr Rae Forrester

Dance Rogersons Dance Academy

Tennis Ms Jan Dalton

Gymnastics Mrs Lisa Money BEd(HMov), Mrs Donna Wilkinson.

Administration

Administrative Officer:

Mr Adrian Jackson CPA AASA

(Budget Management, Non Teaching Staff, Maintenance, Building Projects, Minute Secretary School Council)

Director of Development:

Ms Jane Rees BA DipEd DipMktg

(Marketing, Fundraising, Events, Publications)

Registrar

Mrs Louise Hambridge BA CertFinancialMarkets JP

(Enrolments, Scholarships, Overseas Students)

Office Assistant

Mrs Denise Crittenden

Director of Information Technology:

Mr John Tuffs BAppSc MBCI(London) Cert IVAssessment and Workplace Training

Technology Support:

Mr Derek Jackson CNE ASE

Mrs Maria Christoforatos DipComOp

School Archivist

Mrs Dian Rickards BA DipEd

Senior Office:

P.A. to the Principal & Office Manager Mrs Sue Witham JP

Accounts Mrs Martha Blacker

Senior School Office Assistants:

Reception:

Mrs Robyn Gasiliauskas

Mrs Elizabeth Moxey

Mrs Phillippa Watts

Junior School Office Assistants Mrs Anne Petith, Mrs Amanda Browning, Mrs Denise Crittenden

Science Laboratory Assistant Mrs Nerida Cooper

Visual Art / TAS Assistant Ms Jenny Clarke

Library Assistants Mrs Ruth Jones, Ms Laurella Whelan

PD/H/PE Clerical Assistant Ms Alison Pitt

Audio Visual: Mr Colin Lamb DipElectronics BVET DipAdultEd

Mr Peter Harding

Teachers'Aides:

Mrs Carolyn Cotter (Life Skills)

Mrs Debbie Brown DipEd

Mrs Evelyn Collins DipEd

Mrs Karen Cooke

Mrs Kim Johnson

Maintenance Staff:

Mr Rod McGuinness, Mr Les Lambert, Mr Tony Ashby, Mr Brian Stewart

Services:

Mini Bus Fleet Drivers Mr George Harb, Mr Paul Donsworth, Mrs Mary Nelson, Mr John Stojanovski

O.S.H.C. / Vacation Care Mrs Rachel Dirks, Mrs Kim Johnson

Aquatic Centre:

Manager Mr Andrew Fanning

Programs Manager Ms Alison Pitt

Clerical Mrs Liane Simpson

Uniform Shop:

Manager Mrs Elizabeth Brown

Assistant Mrs Susan Melville

Clothing Pool Mrs Anne Carson, Mrs Liane Simpson

Canteen (S.S.L.):

Manager Mrs Robin Conroy

© 2003 Danebank 80-98 Park Road Hurstville NSW 2220 AUSTRALIA | Telephone: +61 2 9580 1415 - Fax: +61 2 9579 3450