General Information

Absences

As a safety issue the school needs to be informed when children are away. The earlier you can advise the school of an absence the better for it saves us the time consuming task of ringing caregivers to find out a child’s whereabouts.

The school has a dedicated line for absences which means you can leave a message at any time advising us of a child’s non-attendance. Messages can also be texted to our school cell phone. The number is 027 4475901 or messages can be sent by using our school APP.

Caregivers must inform a staff member if they remove their child or children during the day. If a child should go missing during school time without explanation, caregivers will be called, and if unable to be contacted, the police will be advised.

Assemblies

Syndicate assemblies are held on a regular weekly basis.  Whole school assemblies are held on Fridays at 2pm in the school hall. Caregivers are welcome to attend.
Special assemblies are advised through the school newsletter.

Attendance

Once enrolled children are legally required to attend school each day the school is open, unless a genuine reason prevents them from doing so. Occasionally a child’s poor attendance causes concern and the principal will approach caregivers to find out the cause of the infrequent attendance and what action could improve the situation.

Once children have arrived at school for the day, they must not leave the school grounds under any circumstances without the permission of their teacher or the duty teacher.

Bicycles

The Traffic Department has suggested that children do not use bicycles as transport to school until they thoroughly understand the required Road Safety Rules. Riding bikes on the road requires understanding of road rules.

We suggest 9/10 years of age as a suitable age to start riding a bicycle to school. Bicycles must not be ridden in the school grounds when arriving or leaving school.

Caregiver Help

There are many ways that you can become involved in your school. Below are just some of the ways.  Other opportunities are advised through the newsletters.

If you can help in some other way not included in this list please feel free to make contact with your child’s teacher or ring the office.

Class Trips and Visits

On occasions, as part of school programmes, caregivers are called upon to assist with supervision and/or transport for visits outside the classroom. Our policies require each child to be fully seat belted. The school also requires vehicles that are used to be fully warranted, registered and in all ways roadworthy and safe.

For safety purpose the school adheres to strict caregiver/pupil ratios. Should not enough help be available, trips or visits may be postponed or cancelled.

Drivers must not smoke while transporting pupils.

Clothing

Please try to ensure all clothing is named as we often get large amounts of unclaimed lost property. This is usually kept for a term, and, any still unclaimed clothing is given to charitable causes.

Children need to be dressed appropriately for the weather ie warm clothing and shoes in winter and lighter clothing in summer. Pupils should have shorts at school for sports and physical education lessons.

Friends of the School

All caregivers and teachers are members. Its main objective is to promote links between home and school.  There is an Annual General Meeting held in March to form a committee and throughout the year various functions are held.

The Friends of the School do fundraising throughout the year. Regular open meetings are held at school and these are advised through newsletters.

Homework

All children are expected to do some homework approximately four nights per week (Monday – Thursday).  Junior School children take home a reading book most nights. Book bags are available through the school for $4.00.  Positive encouragement from caregivers with regard to homework is appreciated.

Maoritanga

The Maori dimension is given recognition through regular teaching of elementary greetings and conversation in Maori language. A Maori language tutor is employed who takes classes for Te Reo and kapa haka. Our performing group attends various huis and festivals during the year and voluntary participation in this group is open to all pupils.

Special studies concentrating on Maori aspects are part of our curriculum from time to time.

Messages to School

The best time to leave messages with the school is during school hours but an answer phone operates for after hours use.  Messages can also be made to the school cell phone 027 4475901 .

Messages for children need to be of an urgent nature. Children are not permitted to ring home for minor matters eg “May I play with so and so after school today?” To contact teachers, it is sometimes best to give a number and time for a call back unless the matter is urgent.

Parents –Teacher evening is held in term 3 each year allowing parents and caregivers the opportunity to discuss learning goals for their child and ways they can help at home for children to meet the National Standards. In addition staff are available to meet caregivers before and after school when necessary.

Playground Supervision

Two teachers are rostered for before and after school duty as well as recess duty each day. A teacher supervises the Chambers Street crossing from 8.30am – 8.45am and from 2.45pm – 3.00pm. As well, a teacher supervises the Te Awa Avenue road patrol which is on duty each afternoon 2.45pm – 3.00pm.

School Rules

These are kept to a minimum and all focus on the positive:

• Knowledgeable
• Enthusiastic
• Empathetic
• Nurturing

Being a Te Awa Kid (TAK) means that you are always Keen and always know what is expected of you

Sun Protection

The school has adopted a Safe Sun Practice policy. It requires pupils to wear a hat outside during school hours in the 1st and 4th terms of the year, when the danger from the sun’s rays is greatest. Each child is issued with their own hat and if it becomes misplaced they will be directed to play in the school’s shade area.

Special Abilities

The school has in place programmes for accelerant children. We believe children with special abilities need extension and this is a focus of our school.

Special Needs

We are fortunate to be able to call on specialist teachers for Reading Assistance for some children. Others benefit from the help of Itinerant Teachers of Special Needs.

Valuables

Please discourage children from bringing valuable items or toys to school. Money meant for after school use should be given to a teacher for safekeeping.

Use of School Grounds and Buildings

The School Hall is available for hire. Enquiries may be made through Mrs Woods in the school office.  The Board of Trustees controls the use of the facilities.
Caregivers and the wider community are asked to keep a watchful eye on the school grounds and buildings.  Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.

Wet Days

There is no change to school hours on wet days.