Strong communication amongst and between teaching and support staff, parents and students forms the basis of 'Pastoral Care' at Glengarry Primary School. parents are encouraged to discuss any problems pertaining to their children with the children's teachers. Similarly, teachers will contact parents with regards any behaviour problems, social or emotional problems or learning difficulties children may be experiencing as soon as these problems become apparent. These problems then may be addressed by teachers and parents working collaboratively. Pastoral care at Glengarry Primary School is encapsulated in the charter on student, parent and teacher 'Responsibilities and Rights'.

(Please refer to our policy on Responsibilities and Rights
in our School Policies section.)

The school's pastoral care program is strongly supported by our Glengarry Primary School House System.

Glengarry Primary School House System

Glengarry Primary School has four houses named after the historical identities Banks, Dampier, Forrest and Sturt. The House emblems and colours have been adopted from the associated native flora of the Banksia (Yellow), the Dampiera (Blue), the Eucalyptus tree (Green) and the Sturt Pea (Red).

So Why a House System?

The system is designed to develop a more caring, family oriented school community which acknowledges the achievements of students in their individual areas of endeavour.

How Is It Organized?

Children are placed in a House at the beginning of the school year and remain in that House with their siblings for the duration of their time at Glengarry Primary School. Each year eight student representatives are elected from the year 7 classes as boy and girl captains as of their respective Houses.

Each House has its own area within the school. Two meetings a term take place in "homes" for all students from years 1 to 7. Agendas and activities for these meetings allow maximum interaction between the different age groups and are specially planned to develop a House identity and an opportunity to celebrate and share personal successes with their House in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. All houses also get together to participate in wind-up activities to each term. These activities have included picnics, sausage sizzles, a bush dance, games, Technology and Enterprise activities and Christmas celebrations - activities enjoyed by the whole school community.

Students' good behaviour, hard work, cooperation, participation and initiative are recognized and rewarded by tokens which are totalled and points allocated on a fortnightly basis to the House with the highest tally. A House shield is presented to the winning House for the year at the final assembly in December.

Individual recognition for good behaviour and work is given as children tally their tokens earned and are awarded certificates and ribbons for their efforts.

House sporting events are highlights of the school year. In term one there is the House Swimming Carnival and in term three the House Cross Country Events and the House Athletics Carnival are hotly contested.