Parent Participation

At Heathcote P.S. parent participation assists greatly in the smooth running of the school. Many parents help out on a regular basis with activities such as reading, maths groups, sport, Library and excursions. Parent involvement with the school helps build a greater understanding and bond between home and school.

Tutor Programs have been implemented to improve literacy skills of individual students. These programs have been coordinated by Mrs Darby, our Support Teacher Learning Difficulties.

P & C Association

The Parents and Citizens Association represents parents from the whole school and all parents are welcome to attend the meetings held at school on Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm, Week 3 and Week 8 of each Term.

The P & C provides an opportunity for parents to assist in fund-raising activities and events, and in making decisions about school issues.

Fund Raising Committee

The Fund Raising Committee is a very active and  enthusiastic  committee within  the P & C Association. It organises many activities throughout the year to raise much needed funds for the school.

Communication

Communicating to parents is a key feature of the school. This includes:

*fortnightly newsletters published on Mondays;

*'Parent Information Evenings';

*parent/teacher interviews at the end of Term 1;

*interviews at any time upon request; and

*written reports on student progress issued twice a year.

*fortnightly news items in Engadine News;

*school changeable sign on corner of Oliver and Rosebery St.

Before and After School Care

Heathcote Before and After School Care (T.A HABASC INCORPORATED) is a centre which provides high quality, out of school hours care, employing empathetic staff.

The centre is situated in the Heathcote Anglican Church Hall on the corner of Oliver and Rosebery Streets Heathcote. During term 1 of 2006 the centre is meeting in a classroom at Heathcote Public School. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 7-9a.m in the morning, and 3-6pm in the afternoon. The centre is open on school development days if sufficient children register.

An annual registration fee is charged at $35 per family. Before school fees are $6 per session or $7 for casual use and after school fees are $9 per session per child or $10 for casual use. Childcare benefit is available.

The centre provides a range of activities for outdoor and indoor play. These include ball games, team games, gardening, cooking, craft, board games, imaginary games, play station video competitions as well as occasional excursions for years 4-6. A nutritious afternoon tea is provided.

Two members of staff are always on duty at the centre with at least three staff in the afternoons. The co-ordinator, Vicki Normand has been working at the centre for 15 years and has an early childhood diploma. Jenny Tucker, the assistant co-ordinator has been working at the centre for 10 years.

The centre does not have a Vacation Care Service, but provides enrolment forms for the council holiday programme and Engadine Uniting Church holiday programme.