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Reviewed May 2015

INFORMATION BOOKLET

54A Matai Road

RAUMATI SOUTH

Phone 04 2994579

E-Mails: office@raumatisouth.school.nz

accounts@raumatisouth.school.nz

Website: www.raumatisouth.school.nz

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INDEX

PAGE CONTENTS Raumati South School’s :-

3 History / Future

3 Vision Statement

4 Graduate Profile

4 Values

5 Staff

6 School Code of Behaviour

7 Golden Rules

8 Farm Rules, Bike Rules, Skateboards, Scooters, Skate Rules

9 Buddy Systems

9 Duty Teacher – Peer Mediators

10 Incident Reports, Individual Behaviour Plan

10 Phone Calls and Email Communication

11 Procedures for Raising and Resolving Matters of Concern or Complaint

12 Resource Teachers of Learning & Behaviour (RTLB)

12 Regional Officers Special Education (ROSE)

12 Counselling

12 Child Youth Family Services (CYFS)

12 Police

13-14 Information for New Entrants

15 School Organisation & Progression Through School

15 Curriculum Delivery

16 Curriculum Statements

17 Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC)

17 Board of Trustees

17 PTA

18 Term Dates 2015

18 School Hours/Absences

19 Emergency Procedures

20 Reporting to Parents

20 School Donation

20 Newsletter/Communication

21 Homework

22 Stationery

22 Medical/Public Health Nurse/Dental Nurse

22 Parent Help

23 Lost Property/Clothing

23 Bicycles

24 Road Safety/Car Parking

24 School Pool

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RAUMATI SOUTH SCHOOL HISTORY / FUTURE Raumati South School opened on the 3rd February 1970 with a first day intake of 134 pupils.

At the end of 2014 the roll was 443. Since 2007 we have seen strong growth in our junior

intakes therefore we expect the schools roll to continue to rise slowly. The school

comprises of 19 classrooms (including 6 relocatables), hall, administration block, library,

resource room, store rooms and caretaker’s workshop.

We are very proud of our large attractive grounds. In 2003 the “farm” area was purchased

by the Ministry of Education as school area. In 2007 the school pool reopened. In 2011 our

new senior playground opened. Also in 2011 we opened two new classrooms.

There are three major property projects to be completed in the next 3 to 5 years.

Permanent classroom and cloakroom refurbishment in Rooms 13 to 17

Further playground work.

Continued planting

The school reviews its charter annually. Our strategic plan, based on our Mission

Statement and the new 2008 New Zealand Curriculum, is reviewed annually. As well as

setting our vision, we produced a graduate profile.

RAUMATI SOUTH SCHOOL’S

VISION

Raumati South School students are resilient connected

learners who live well with themselves, others, their

environment and the changing world.

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RAUMATI SOUTH SCHOOL

GRADUATE PROFILE

We want our students to graduate able to:

Be confident that they belong and can contribute in the community

Make informed choices

Believe in themselves and their abilities

Be leaders

Problem solve and bounce back

Have knowledge, awareness and skills to succeed

Be passionate, flexible and creative

Communicate effectively, question and challenge

Have a bank of stories and experiences to take with them

VALUES

At Raumati South School we value

Respect for ourselves, others and the environment

Passion, creativity and innovation

Striving for personal excellence

Resilience – being able to problem solve

Community – everyone taking responsibility for learning

The diversity of our community

Whakatauki/proverb

“Mā tē hūruhūru tē mānu kā rēre”

With the feathers of knowledge the bird will fly

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STAFF 2015

Principal Mr Graham McDonald

Deputy Principal Ms Jillian Carberry

Assistant Principal Mr Stefan Knap

Kahikatea Syndicate Year 7 & 8

Room 3 Mr Clayton Schimanski Year 7 & 8

Room 4 Mr Stefan Knap & Mrs Charlotte Kerrigan Year 7 & 8

Room 18 Ms Di Puati Year 7 & 8

Room 19 Ms Kath Bradley Year 7 & 8

Kowhai Syndicate Year 5 & 6

Room 1 Ms Ruth Thomas Year 5 & 6

Room 2 Mrs Allie Law & Mrs Natasha Nilsson Year 5 & 6

Room 16 Mrs Bek Winter Year 5 & 6

Room 17 Mr Steve Aiken Year 5 & 6

Tawa Syndicate

Room 7 Ms Hillary Houston Year 3 & 4

Room 8 Ms Lynley Gould Year 3 & 4

Room 9 Ms Rebecca Wakelin & Mrs Anne Goodwin Year 3 & 4

Room 10 Ms Kris Bolton Year 3 & 4

Nga Tipuranga Syndicate New Entrants, Year 1 & 2

Room 5 Ms Sheelah Stevens Year 1

Room 11 Mrs Sarah Saunders Year 1

Room 12 Mrs Deb Neal Year 1

Room 13 Mrs Angela Hungerford Year 1 & 2

Room 14 Mrs Tanya Vliss Year 2

Room 15 Ms Cristie Gray Year 2

Office Administrators Reading Recovery

Mrs Julie Sayer Madaline Belcher

Mrs Wendy Quy

Librarian / ICT Caretaker / Cleaners

Ms Colleen Bax Mr Terry Wilson

Crest Clean

Kapa Haka Te Reo

Mr Matiu Te Huki

Teacher Aides

Mrs Tracey O’Connor Mrs Diane Turner

Ms Mary Lynch Ms Dana Petrie

Mrs Lynley Bolland Mrs Marion Pol

Mrs Beth Robertson Mrs Jo Roach

Ms Awhina Andrew

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SCHOOL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

It is expected that members of the school community will show:

Care

For others

For the school environment

Respect

For others and their property

For school rules

Courtesy

By acknowledging others

By speaking politely

By using good manners

Responsibility

Be well presented

Be punctual and prepared

Do your best

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RAUMATI SOUTH SCHOOL

5 GOLDEN RULES

1. We are gentle, kind and helpful.

This means we don’t hurt others or their feelings.

2. We stop, look and listen.

This means we don’t interrupt, we follow instructions and we are safe.

3. We are honest.

This means we don’t cover up the truth.

4. We work hard.

This means we don’t waste ours or others time. We do our best.

5. We look after property.

This means we don’t waste or damage things. We return things.

To support our rules we acknowledge children with positive pupil draws in

assemblies.

Children having committed serious behavioural or safety breaches may lose the right

to represent our school or attend EOTC activities such as camps or Syndicate Trips.

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Within the Golden Rules are some specific rules for the Farm Area and for the use of Bikes,

Scooters and Skateboards. These rules have been written in consultation with the children (2008).

Reviewed 2013.

FARM RULES

I am part of a team in the base.

We negotiate the rules together.

All members of the base have the same rights and responsibilities.

I use tyres and sand appropriately when on the farm.

I ask the teacher if I can dig a hole.

We wait at the gate for the duty teacher and leave when the teacher blows the whistle.

I wear footwear at all times on the farm.

We respect others bases and the environment.

We use tyres and sticks only for building and we keep bases within the boundaries.

I respect the Golden Rules and use appropriate language etc.

BIKE RULES

I only touch and ride my own bike at school

I can ride bikes around the edge of the farm.

I walk my bike in the base pit, on the bottom court or in the driveway.

I walk my bike in and out of the school grounds and across the pedestrian crossing.

I am mindful of other riders, people and bases.

I wear a helmet whenever I am on my bike.

I ride safely at all times

SCATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, SKATE RULES

I am mindful and take care of others and the school property when using skateboards,

scooters and skates.

Must have wheels to use the ramps.

I only go up and down the ramps one at a time.

I only go when the ramp is clear.

I use appropriate language.

I always wear a helmet when on the school grounds.

I ride safely at all times.

I ride on the concrete courts.

I know where to skate and keep within the boundaries when using skateboards, scooters

and skates.

I use the ramps away from the buildings.

I walk my skateboard or scooter up and down the drive and in the middle court.

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BUDDY SYSTEMS Big Buddies

When five year old children start at Raumati South School they are paired with one of

our Year Eight senior students. The big buddy visits in the junior classroom and

checks to see that the new child settles in to school and is ok in the playground.

Buddy Classes

Senior classes are matched with a junior room. Buddy classes often do paired

reading, occasionally go on outings together and can be used if children need time

out from their own classroom.

Buddy Days

Each term the whole school works for part of a day in Buddy Groups. Children are all

organised into teams in mixed age groups. Year eight students are our leaders and

there is a theme for the Buddy Day. Recent themes have included Water Relays,

Olympic Games, Maths, Celebrations and Civil Defence. Activities on Buddy Day

provide a chance for children to meet and work with children and teachers from

other rooms. We use these days to reinforce our “Golden Rules” and to have fun.

DUTY TEACHER – PEER MEDIATORS Positive playground behaviour will be acknowledged by a positive comment of praise, by

the duty teacher. Positive Pupil Awards will also be issued to children for a range of

positive playground “behaviours”.

There are two teachers on duty at morning tea and lunchtime. There is also an extra

teacher on duty on the farm at lunchtime. Duty teachers wear yellow fluorescent vests so

children can see them easily in a busy playground.

If there is an incident in the playground the duty teacher will give information to the class

teacher for follow up. If issues are serious follow-up will be by Ms Carberry, Mr Knap or Mr

McDonald.

The school also runs a Peer Mediation programme where senior students are trained to

provide extra assistance to other students at break times.

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INCIDENT REPORTS Children involved in serious issues will receive an incident notice which will come home for

parents to read and sign. Children receiving a notice need to post it into the incident box

outside Mr Knap’s office.

INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR PLAN Children with ongoing behaviour management difficulties will be given an individual

behaviour plan which will help them to manage their behaviour. The plan will be agreed

between school, home, the child and agencies if they are involved.

PHONE CALLS AND EMAIL COMMUNICATION Early contact between teachers and parents helps resolve issues quickly. Teachers will often make

contact by phone. Increasing use is being made of emails to keep the communication going.

Parents can contact the office and ask for your child’s teacher to make contact with you.

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RAUMATI SOUTH SCHOOL

PROCEDURES FOR RAISING AND RESOLVING MATTERS OF CONCERN OR COMPLAINTS

It is recognised that a partnership with parents, caregivers, children, staff, Board of Trustees and the wider

community is an integral part of Raumati South School. This partnership requires procedures for

identifying the difference between concerns and complaints and for resolving matters of

concern/complaint.

1. To establish processes whereby parties to the partnership may effectively communicate and raise

and resolve concerns.

2. To ensure that established processes set out in the Collective Employment Contract are followed

when complaints are made.

PROCEDURES

Parents will take matters of concern/complaint to the person most directly involved, allowing for

quick resolution. This will usually be the classroom teacher, but may involve other staff, senior staff

or the Principal.

If the matter is not resolved with the staff member it will be raised with a syndicate leader, the

Assistant Principal or the Deputy Principal.

If the matter is not resolved in the case of the staff member it will be raised with the Principal to

seek to resolve with the persons concerned.

If the matter is not resolved in discussion with the Principal the matter should be raised with the

Board Chairperson. If this becomes an employment issue with the staff refer to the Collective

Employment Contract.

In the case of the Principal the matter should be raised with the Board of Trustees Chairperson. If

this becomes an employment issue with the Principal refer to the Collective Employment Contract.

In the case of a Board of Trustee member, the concern/complaint should be raised with the Board

Chairperson, or a board member acting on the Chairpersons behalf.

All complaints to the Principal or Board of Trustees Chairperson are to be in writing, dated and

signed by the complainant. To avoid mischief no emailed complaints will be actioned. Complaints

will be discussed “in committee” by the Board of Trustees and need to be received at least 48 hours

before a meeting.

Advice from the New Zealand School Trustees Association and/or NZEI will be sought as required.

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RESOURCE TEACHERS OF LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR (RTLB) The RTLB’s are the first agency we use for children where we have on-going concerns about

learning or behaviour. They are specialist teachers who work with children, teachers and parents.

REGIONAL OFFICERS SPECIAL EDUCATION (ROSE) We refer severe behaviour cases to ROSE after working with the RTLB service. Special Education

are also involved in cases where students are in danger of being excluded from our school, or need

support to be placed in our school. For children with special learning conditions or with very high

health needs ROSE are involved.

COUNSELLING If for home, school or personal reasons a student needs to access counselling we can help parents

to make a referral. Counselling is available from The Kapiti Safer Community Trust or Child and

Adolescent Family Health Service.

CHILD YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (CYFS) We work with CYFS when they contact us because they are working with or investigating children

and or families. We also refer cases of suspected abuse to them. Some children receive on-going

support from CYFS to meet their needs.

POLICE Where an offence such as an assault, theft or wilful damage occurs Raumati South School

has in place a partnership with Paraparaumu Police where these concerns and cases are

referred to Community Constable John Stewart. John can be contacted directly by parents

on 04 296 6823 or e-mail John.Stewart@police.govt.nz

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INFORMATION FOR NEW ENTRANTS Welcome – we hope these guidelines will prove useful for you.

Pre-school visits are arranged by kindergartens/play centres etc. on alternate Wednesdays

(even weeks, eg wk 2, 4,...) from 9.00am to 10.00am.

Extra visits may be arranged by parents but should be made after the kindy/playcentre visit

to the school. Parent(s) and child would be welcome to sit in on the session, but teachers

will not be available for interviews at this time. Appointments should be made through the

school office – phone 04 299 4579.

Parents whose children have significant problems/needs may feel they need a special

interview – this should be booked through the office or you can call in to see the teacher

before or after school to make a time – not during class.

The school aims to hold parent information mornings/evenings as necessary throughout the

year. New parent morning teas hosted by our PTA are held once each term.

If your child’s birthdate is in Term 1 of the school year they will enter school as a Year 1 and

be a Year 2 the following school year.

If your child’s birthdate is in Term 2, 3 or 4 of the school year they will enter school as a

New Entrant and then be a Year 1 the following school year.

To discuss exceptions or seek clarification, please make an appointment through the school

office to see the Principal, Assistant Principal or the Deputy Principal.

Enrolment should be made at the school office.

This may be done prior to the actual birthday. You will need to bring

The child’s birth certificate or passport

Proof of your residence eg power account

The child’s plunket book

These are required to verify details. They will be sighted, copied and returned immediately to you.

You will be given:

An information booklet (for new parents)

Stationery requirements

Fees account

The Public Health Nurse will contact you if you do not complete the Health

Information requested on enrolment. Completed forms should be dropped off at

the school office.

The Junior Syndicate is called NGA TIPURANGA – The Seedlings.

For new and existing parents our students and teachers love to talk about and show you our

school. Make an appointment for a tour with our School Student Ambassadors through the office.

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COSTS/EOTC – (Education Outside the Classroom)

In Nga Tipuranga Syndicate we try to do one EOTC event each term. In the past this has included Gymnastics, trips

to the zoo, a bus trip to the local community etc. It will depend on the long term plan and the context for learning of

the term. We try to keep costs to a minimum and it is hoped charges for these activities won’t exceed $50.00 per

year. Please let your child’s teacher know if money is an issue so we can put relevant processes in place.

The Monday to Thursday programme for the newest children is

9.00am – 9.15am Administration

9.15am – 10.00am Literacy

10.00am – 10.10am Fruit and water break

10.10am – 11.00am Literacy

11.00am – 11.25am Morning Tea

11.25am – 1.00pm Classroom Programme – Numeracy

1.00pm – 1.50pm Lunchtime

1.50pm – 3.00pm Listen to a story

Social Studies/Science/Health/Language Unit Studies

PE/Art/Music/Drama

The Friday programme is much less structured due to assemblies, Maori Language, Library visits and activity based

learning. (A lot of individual conferencing and testing is done at this time).

Although the school day finishes at 3.00pm, we are able to be flexible about this in order to best meet your child’s

needs.

We suggest if you don’t know the school you come up in the weekends or after school and look around – bring all

the family.

HELPFUL STARTERS

ALL money for trips, swimming etc can come to school in a SEALED ENVELOPE with your child’s name, room

number and what the payment is for, written on it. We encourage payments via internet banking. Please

use your childs name and reason as a reference.

Please NAME clothes, lunch boxes, drink bottles etc.

Check school bag size for ease of opening/closing.

Suitable footwear for school activities is required. Children need to practise how to do buckles, laces and

velcro fastenings.

Can your child put on clothes/shoes, open lunch boxes, get into oranges/bananas/yoghurt? – (did you

provide a spoon?).

We would love to have you as a parent helper once your child is settled but we are unable to accommodate

pre-schoolers.

You will be asked to help with home reading and associated activities which are sent home daily in

KIWIPACS.

Does your child know how to use handkerchief/tissues properly?

Hats must be provided every day in Terms 1 and 4

Trained first aid personnel and special facilities are provided in case of accidents

Please do not use videos or still cameras in the classrooms without asking first.

It is great to be able to share the Kindy profile.

If your child soils themselves we will contact you.

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SCHOOL ORGANISATION &

PROGRESSION THROUGH SCHOOL Currently the school is organised into four syndicates:

Nga Tipuranga Syndicate (Young Seedlings) New Entrants, Years 1 & 2

Tawa Syndicate Syndicate Years 3 & 4

Kowhai Syndicate Years 5 & 6

Kahikatea Syndicate Years 7 & 8

CURRICULUM DELIVERY Our school follows the National Curriculum guidelines as set by the Ministry of Education.

The following subjects make up the compulsory school curriculum:

English

Maths

Health/Physical Education

Technology

Science

Te Reo and Taha Maori

The Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Aids)

Social Science

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CURRICULUM STATEMENTS ENGLISH: To enable students to continue life learning and making meaning of the world by

being competent and confident communicators.

MATHS: Mathematics is a group of concepts using specified language and skills to help

children understand their world. Children develop these concepts sequentially. One

studies maths by doing maths.

SCIENCE: To enable every student to develop knowledge and understanding of the living,

physical, material and planet earth and beyond components of their environment.

SOCIAL SCIENCE: Social Science education aims to enable students to participate in a

changing society as informed, confident and responsible citizens.

TE REO MAORI: Maori is the language of the Tangata Whenua of New Zealand. It is a

taonga under the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi and is the official language of New

Zealand (Maori Language Act, 1987).

TECHNOLOGY: Technology education will enable children to achieve technological literacy

through the development of technological knowledge and understanding, technological

capability and the awareness of the relationship between technology and society.

ARTS: Art and Craft education aims at providing the conditions and opportunities for pupils

to explore both art and craft, as a means of self-expression.

HEALTH AND PE: A state of well-being (physical, mental and social) is necessary for

effective learning. Attitudes and practices that contribute to a healthy lifestyle support

children in developing the understandings, skills and motivation to act in a responsible way

for their own health and the health of others.

SOCIAL NEEDS: Children are entitled within the school resources, to receive instruction

appropriate to their ability. They are also entitled to receive extra instruction to readdress

matters of inequality, lack of opportunity and a lack of previous access and receive

instruction conducive to reaching their full academic potential. If your child has recognised

needs she/he will be able to access help through school from the Resource Teacher of

Learning and Behaviour Service or through Specialists from Group Special Education. Actual

support will be organised through an “Individual Education Plan” for learning, an “Individual

Behaviour Plan” for behaviour or a “Care Plan” for high health needs.

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EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM (EOTC) Education outside the classroom involves a wide range of activities which include

class visits, field trips, camping, tramping, visiting local shops etc. These outings

actively support and enhance the curriculum, which involve extra cost. We believe

this is an essential part of our curriculum and there is an expectation that all children

will participate. If there should be any financial difficulties please contact the

Principal. Since 1990 Kahikatea Syndicate has held an annual camp at the beginning

of the year. Kowhai Syndicate has a biannual camp. We also make use of local

attractions such as QEII Park, Marine Gardens, Whareroa Farm, Kapiti Island and

Wharemakau Stream.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Raumati South School. The Board comprises

of elected parent Representatives, a staff representative and the Principal. The Board has

the responsibility for administering the school, which includes finances, buildings, grounds

and appointment of staff and welfare and care of pupils. The first board was elected in

1989.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS:

Rachel Mackay – Chairperson

Andrew Hosking

Glen O’Connor

Monique Lepionka

Deb Neal – Staff Representative

Graham McDonald – Principal

RAUMATI SOUTH SCHOOL PTA There is a very active, supportive and enthusiastic Parent Teacher Association. One of its

functions is to raise funds for specific projects in and around the school. The PTA has raised

funds for our library, lighting and sound in the hall and much needed ICT equipment

including data projectors and digital cameras. The PTA is also interested in arranging school

community functions. In 2010 our new senior playground was built using PTA funds and

community grants. 2011 Gala funds have been put towards our new shade sails. 2012

funds have been allocated to ICT equipment. 2013 and 2014 funds are going towards

playground development.

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TERM DATES FOR 2015 Term 1 – Tuesday 3 February to Thursday 2 April

Term 2 - Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July

Term 3 - Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September

Term 4 - Monday 12 October to Thursday 17 December

SCHOOL HOURS / ABSENCES Office Hours

8.00 am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday

School Hours

Children are not encouraged to be at school until 8.30am. At this time the school patrols and a teacher are

on duty.

8.55am First bell 9.00am – 11.00am First learning session 10.00am Fruit and water break in class 11.00am – 11.25am Morning interval 11.25am – 1.00pm Second learning session 1.00pm – 1.50pm Lunch 1.50pm – 3.00pm Third learning session

Absences

Please let the office know if your child/children will be absent from school as soon as possible. If your

child is going to be late please call the office and leave a recorded message on the absence line. It is

important that you phone to advise any absences as it is extremely time consuming to contact

unexplained absentees.

If you suspect your child is unwell, please do not send him/her to school. The medical room is for

emergencies only and it is very difficult to supervise sick children for long periods.

Please remember it is VERY important to keep your emergency contact phone numbers up to date.

Note: The school DOES NOT close early on wet days.

Cancellations and Notices

Please phone the school on 04 299 4579 to hear recorded messages on the answerphone regarding

cancellations and notices.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the event of a Civil Defence emergency we will be required to keep your children safe and happy until

they can be collected. Therefore every year we will send home a plastic zip lock bag which we ask you to

fill with non- perishable food items eg tinned food, dry fruit, muesli bars. Also if you have any blankets you

no longer use/require we would appreciate these to use in the classrooms at school.

Our aim in any emergency procedure is the safety of all of our pupils. At least once a term, emergency

evacuation procedures will be practised. Our aim during these exercises will be to safely evacuate the

school ............children’s lives are more important than buildings and equipment.

PROCEDURES:

1. Children will be evacuated to the top field (by the safest route – this will depend on various

hazards, weather etc.

2. Children will initially be kept in class groups to check off all pupils.

3. Children will be regrouped in family/friendship groups.

4. Children will be kept at school, until a parent or an individual designated by the parent comes

for him/her.

5. No child will be able to leave with another person, even a relative or baby sitter unless that

person is listed on the pupil’s emergency card or we have written permission to that effect.

6. If the drive is not open, children will be evacuated through private property and down William

Ave or Leinster Ave via the farm.

7. All parents or designated parties who come for students must have signed out at the office or at

the temporary pupil release station.

8. We are prepared to care for your child/children in times of critical situations. If you are not able

to reach the school, we will care for your child here. The majority of staff members have first

aid certificates and we will be in communication with various local emergency services.

We do ask for your help in the following areas:

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL – We must have lines open for emergency calls.

Following an earthquake or other emergency, DO NOT DRIVE TO THE SCHOOL – streets and access to our

school may be cluttered with debris.

The school access route and street entrance areas must remain clear for emergency vehicles.

DO TURN YOUR RADIO TO THE LOCAL RADIO STATION as information and

directions about the extent of the emergency will be given over the radio.

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REPORTING TO PARENTS

YEAR 0 – 3

Reports will go home in week 7 of each term except for in term 1 when they will go home in week 9 as this will give new teachers more time to complete testing and get to know new students.

The system will be as follows:- Children who start school in Term 1 will get reports in Terms 3 and 1 Children who start school in Term 2 will get reports in Terms 4 and 2 Children who start school in Term 3 will get reports in Terms 1 and 3 Children who start school in Term 4 will get reports in Terms 2 and 4 The 20, 60 and 100 week progress reports will not need to be followed by a parent interview unless there are concerns. The 40, 80 and 120 week reports are full reports and will require a parent interview. Letters will be sent home with these reports requesting parents make a time to meet with teachers for an interview.

New entrants will have School Entry Assessment (SEA) testing completed within 3 weeks of starting school, followed by a parent interview and 6 year net information will be reported on to parents at their child’s 40 week interview.

YEAR 4 – YEAR 8

TERM ONE: Goal Setting Parent Meeting present standards base report

TERM TWO: We will provide a written report. The report will include a written general comment and achievement

levels in reading, written language and numeracy (Mathematics) from the class teacher. This will be accompanied by

child/parent/teacher interviews.

TERM THREE: A follow-up interview will be conducted if required.

TERM FOUR: An end of year report is issued for Year 4 – Year 8 students. Interviews will only be conducted if

requested by parent or teacher.

SCHOOL DONATION

The Board of Trustees have set the donation at $80.00 per year for one child and $100.00 per year for two or more

children. Around 80% of our parents make this voluntary payment which supports school activities and purchases

much needed equipment. Receipts are given so a tax deduction can be claimed.

NEWSLETTER/COMMUNICATION

Newsletters are issued every fortnight on a Tuesday on odd weeks (eg 1, 3, 5) and sent home via email unless

specifically requested in a paper base version. They can also be accessed through our school website.

As this is our major form of communication with our parents, it is very important to ensure everyone receives it.

If you would like to contribute to the Newsletter please pass this on to the school office.

SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.raumatisouth.school.nz. On our website you can access our calendar,

newsletters and other items of interest. We will be able to develop pass worded access to class work and

pictures as we continue to develop the site.

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HOMEWORK We have changed our homework expectations to link closely with the key competencies in the New

Zealand Curriculum. These are managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing, using

language, symbols and texts and thinking.

Homework time will vary according to syndicate requirements.

Kahikatea Syndicate Homework: In Kahikatea regular weekly homework is set by each classroom teacher.

Homework will mainly consist of finishing work which has not been completed in class and finding

information from home for specific topics to be used in class, plus some reading. When a Science Fair

investigation is to be presented some of the experimentation and presentation may need to be completed

at home. Support will be available throughout this from the class teacher, with time available for

presenting the work given at school, if required. On occasions there may be homework from the

Technology Centre which needs to be completed before the next Technology class. .

Kowhai Syndicate Homework: The purpose of Kowhai syndicate homework is to encourage purposeful

communication at home and to provide a positive link between home and school which enhances a child’s

learning. To assist children in developing an independent attitude and to study the effective use of time

organisation. To broaden knowledge of current events. To reinforce knowledge of skills previously taught

in the classroom. To gather ideas and information to bring back to the classroom. The importance of

recreational reading at home is a priority for all students. Homework tasks will be set by individual

teachers and may differ between classes.

Nga Tipuranga/Tawa Homework: All children in these syndicates will usually have regular homework.

Most homework has an emphasis on daily reading. Numeracy and other activities are occasionally

included. The purpose of homework is to provide the children with an opportunity to practice skills and

knowledge being introduced in the classroom and to enable you, the parents to be involved in this

important phase of your childs learning. It is up to each teacher to develop a homework programme which

best suits the student’s needs. Teachers will communicate clearly with parents as to what is expected of

them and their children.

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STATIONERY Stationery packs are purchased from the school office for New Entrant and Year 1 pupils

only throughout the year. Limited stationery items will be available for all students from

the school office throughout the year.

MEDICAL The school has a well-equipped medical room to assist with carrying out first aid or

providing a place for upset children to go. Teachers and teacher aides hold current first aid

(First Aid Supply Team - Pro+ Med) certificates which are renewed regularly. We are strong

believers in giving children first aid and then contacting parents or emergency contacts. We

will not hesitate to contact an ambulance whenever we feel it is necessary so we can get

expert help. One area we are particularly vigilant is in relation to head injuries and in the

majority of cases prefer children to be taken home and checked out by a doctor.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE Hearing and vision testing, MMR and polio immunisation programmes are some of the

other duties of the Public Health Nurse in our school. We have limited access to a shared

nurse for other health concerns. To access other health services such as counselling or

specialist advice either go through your family doctor or ask at school and we will assist

with a referral if we can.

DENTAL NURSE The Dental Nurse spends some of her time here but is based at Raumati Beach Clinic.

(phone 299 4659) If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth, the child may come to

the clinic at school or phone the clinic and your call will be re-directed.

(Raumati South Dental Clinic – phone 04 299 5934)

(Raumati Beach Dental Clinic – phone 04 299 4659)

PARENT HELP We welcome and appreciate help from parents in the library, with resources for school

activities, supervising the road crossing and in the classrooms. Many activities depend on

your help.

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LOST PROPERTY Any clothing, bags etc. which are left around the school are placed in lost property in the

shed on the bottom court which you are welcome to view during school hours. Please see

the school office. The lost property will be on display on ‘Assembly’ Wednesdays in the

shelter of the middle court by Room 1. On the Friday of that week, any items of clothing

which are not claimed are given to a worthy charity.

CLOTHING As part of the schools procedures to promote sun smart practices we remind parents and

pupils that the dress code for Terms 1 and 4 include the wearing of sunhats and

appropriate clothing and sensible footwear. Although we do not have a school uniform, it

is expected that children wear clean, tidy clothes which are appropriate to the wide range

of activities undertaken during the school day, such as physical education activities, drama,

dance, outdoor games and sport. The following items are NOT suitable for use at school:

Best clothes

Revealing clothes

Make up and dangling earrings, piercings

Sunhats must be a brimmed hat, bucket style hat with a brim or a legionnaire’s style

cap with side and back flaps. Our rule is “no hat, no play in the sun”.

BICYCLES For safety reasons, the Ministry of Transport recommend children are 9 years of age before

they cycle on the road. It is compulsory for pupils to wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet to

and from school when riding their bikes. This also applies to class trips for senior pupils

where bicycles are used. We encourage pupils to wear helmets if they are skateboarding to

and from school.

No valuable accessories should be left on the bicycle

Bicycles insurance is recommeded

Bicycles must not be lent

Pupils who do not obey these instructions or ride dangerously on the road will be

prohibited from bringing their bikes to school.

ALL CLOTHING SHOULD BE NAMED

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ROAD SAFETY Raumati South School students in Year 5 – Year 8 are trained by the police to be our Road

Patrol Monitors for the year. They attend the crossing outside the school on Matai Road

from 8.25am – 8.55am and also from 3.00pm to 3.15pm. Please use the pedestrian

crossing. There is a second pedestrian crossing further north opposite Tiromoana Road.

This is a Kea Crossing and only has Patrol Monitors attending 3.00pm – 3.15pm

CAR PARKING If parents transport their children to school they are requested to park safely, clear of the

school gates. Please DO NOT BRING CARS INTO THE SCHOOL GROUNDS OR PARK ON THE

YELLOW LINES ALONG MATAI ROAD as the school patrols have difficulty seeing traffic if

cars are parked too close to the crossing.

It is permissible for cars to drive carefully into the school grounds to drop off and pick

up pupils for medical reasons. Please see the Principal, Deputy Principal or Assistant

Principal concerning this.

SCHOOL POOL Our swimming pool has been upgraded and reopened. We are one of a very small number

of schools to still have a school pool. The pool opens in Term 4 around Labour Day and

closes at the end of Term 1 in April. Classes are rostered times to use the pool and you will

be advised by your class teacher or the syndicate leader what days your child will be

swimming. In Term 1 the emphasis is on confidence and swimming lessons. In Term 4 the

emphasis is on water safety, confidence and swimming sports. Families can use the pool

outside school hours by purchasing a pool key and signing a contract, available at the school

office.