Morrinsville Primary School

ABSENTEEISM AND NON ATTENDANCE

Absenteeism affects your child's progress at school. If a child is not attending, parents are required to phone the school before 9 a.m.  Should the school not hear from a family it will contact the home before 10 a.m.  Parents may text the school on 0274616585 in respect of an absence.  This phone is only for absentees not messages to children.  A note following the absence is required explaining the reason why your child was absent. Repeated and unexplained absences will be referred to the Morrinsville Truancy Service for follow up.  Planned absences from school during school term require the permission of the Principal. 

ADDITIONAL LEARNER SUPPORT

The school provides remedial and extension learning support for children. The Board employs additional staff to target specific programmes in such areas as reading and language, special education, mathematics, art, computer, science and technology.

The school also provides for team sport outside regular class time. Coaching is provided in a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Children may also participate in the choir, Kapa Haka, recorder, ukelele, violin, instrumental and electronic keyboard  groups.

A variety of lunchtime activities are provided by staff including horticultural club, sports coaching, chess club, board games, library, gymnastics and dance.

AFTER-SCHOOL-ACTIVITIES CARE PROGRAMME

The school provides for afterschool care and holiday programmes through its CHILDSPLAY Programme.  Contact CHILDSPLAY Supervisor, Pam George, on 021557949.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

TThe school maintains a formal policy on school behaviour management, a copy of which is available through the school office. In principle, the policy reflects the view of the rights of persons to go about their legitimate and 'appropriate to school' activities without interference or harassment from others. It reflects the acceptance of individual personal responsibility for actions in relation to oneself, to others and to property. Hopefully basic good manners, courtesy and commonsense will prevail.

The school operates and supports a peer mediation programme for children, (Cool School's Programme), which aims at developing with and alongside children personal strategies and skills for dealing with conflict or any incident of harassment on the school site.  The school is committed to the principles and practices of restoration justice in conflict resolution.

Inappropriate behaviours of pupils are followed up by teaching staff. Serious offences (behaviour causing concern) are dealt with at senior management and parent level.  Offences deemed to be more serious (risk to welfare, safety, incorrigible misbehaviour, repeated disobedience or deliberate vandalism or theft of property), ie. behaviour causing serious concern, will be dealt with at Board of Trustees and parent level. Parents are always welcome to discuss any aspect of a child's inappropriate behavioural responses which they are uncomfortable with.  No parent is permitted to reproach/reprimand or threaten children while under the control of the school.  Any concerns must be directed to Senior Management staff or the classroom teacher.

BUSES

Please remind children to observe bus rules while travelling to/from school.  They must remain in their seats until the bus stops.  No shouting or yelling on the bus. No eating food etc.  Miss Anderson, Mr Pilkinton-Brodie and Mr Fraser are responsible for school buses and bus rolls. Children who normally travel on the afternoon school buses must inform Miss Anderson, Mr Pilkinton-Brodie or Mr Fraser if they are not going on the bus on a particular afternoon. Children who repeatedly disregard bus rules will not be permitted to travel on the bus. (Safety issue).  School staff monitor road crossings at 3 p.m. on Lincoln Street and Moorhouse Street entrances.  Teachers supervise the Road Patrol Wardens daily and teachers load the 3 p.m. buses. 

COMPUTERS

The school operates a Library : Infotech Centre.   The centre houses 30 state of the art computers and related Information Technology.  The computer system is networked and has a highly secure cyber safety filter.

CURRICULUM

The school curriculum covers the National Curriculum Framework strands. Key subject areas timetabled are: English - reading, writing, listening and speaking; Mathematics; Science; Technology; Physical Education; Health Education; Music; Art & Craft; Social Studies. A wide and varied range of extra curricular and extension activities and programmes are also provided for in the school timetable, e.g. the School Musical Production. Children also have curriculum electives such as: Gymnastics, Kapa Haka, Choir, Maths Club, Instrumental Music, Science & Horticultural Club, Drama, Te Reo me nga Tikanga Maori and Extension Sports Programmes.

CYCLING

Children riding bikes to school must wear safety helmets. Children should walk their bikes in the school ground at arrival and departure times. Bikes should be padlocked at the bike stands. For safety reasons the school recommends that young children, S1 and below, not ride to/from school.

DENTAL CLINIC
The Dental Therapist can be contacted at 889 6988.  The therapists work at our Clinic for two terms of the school year.

HOMEWORK
The school has an expectation that children complete some class/school related learning activities and tasks at home. A home reading programme is included as part of these homework tasks.

INFORMATION SHEET
In an effort to maintain an up-to-date file on our children, families are requested to complete annually an information sheet.  The school computer records are amended accordingly. Your co-operation in returning this form to the school would be appreciated. Please read additional details re this school's policy on the provision of information and the Privacy Act.

LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Permission and approval from either the Principal or Associate Principals is required (health/family reasons) if a child is leaving during school hours.  Please sign the book prior to departure and upon return - the book is at the office.  Late arrivals (a.m.) must sign the book.  Parent's permission (note/phone) is required if a child is to go to town for lunch or for any other reason. If there is any change to the homeward journey (going to a friend's place, not going on the bus etc) a note/message to the office to that effect is required, otherwise the duty teacher will ignore the child's word on the matter. 

Children are not permitted, while at school, to arrange for friends to accompany them home from school.  Such arrangements must be made by parents and the school notified in advance.  These procedures are in place so that we can exercise reasonable care for the welfare and safety of your child.  Your co-operation is essential.

LOST PROPERTY

Miss Emma Noonan is responsible for managing the lost property.  Please name items of clothing, shoes, socks etc.  Named items will be returned to owners.  Lost property is stored in Wheelie Bins in Room 9.  All items are displayed at assemblies during term.  Unclaimed items are donated to recognised Charitable Organisations.

LUNCHES
Our school canteen is open Tuesday to Friday (closed Mondays).  Prices are regularly listed under separate cover.

Procedure for ordering a school lunch:
*Enclose lunch money in sealed envelope (one envelope per family).

*Write on envelope - Name, Room No, Amount enclosed $________, Order ______________.

*Place lunch order in "Lunch Box" at school office (preferably as soon as child arrives at school)

Lunches will be prepared and sent to classrooms by 12.15 p.m. The canteen is also open at 10.30am. No lunches are sold at lunchtime.

LIBRARY
Children are encouraged to take library books home. A Book bag is required to protect school books. Children are not permitted to eat or drink in the library. Shoes are removed. Failure to return books may incur a fine. Repeated failures will incur a loss of borrowing privileges.

MEDICATION
The school operates a formal policy on Medications at School. A copy may be obtained from the school office. In summary, children are not permitted to carry medicines on their person or in schoolbags. Medication must be left at the office. If the school is to administer medication a note is required to the office. Personal inhalers are stored at the office. Parents are informed when children have accidents or are ill while at school. Supervision is provided while children are in the sickbay.

NEWSLETTERS AND NOTICES
School newsletters are usually issued on Mondays to the youngest in the family. These are numbered so that parents can check on missed issues. The current newsletter is on display at the entrance noticeboard. Classroom and teacher notices relating to the specifics of particular programmes are issued frequently to maintain communication between the child's teacher and parent.  Parents may have a copy of the newsletter emailed if they wish.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
As part of the school's compliance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, persons entering on the school site for the purpose of carrying out employment related work or work of a voluntary nature, (e.g. parent helpers), are required to follow the schools safety procedures. All visitors must upon arrival report to the school office and sign the visitors’ log book.

PARENT AND FAMILY HELPERS

The school encourages families to get involved with their children and assist and support programmes and activities at school.  We have an open door policy and welcome parent participation and involvement in the life of the school.  Parents should approach classroom teachers with offers of help.  Parents are required to abide by the school’s Policies and Procedures and follow the direction given by the classroom teacher while in the classroom.  Parents are requested not to enter classrooms or gather around exit doors at the end of the day prior to departure time.

PARKING
Please keep the bus bays clear of cars etc during designated times. Please keep clear of the designated road crossing areas as well. Parents are asked in the interest of safety not to call children to cross the road to waiting cars. Parents are asked to accompany children to and from cars, using road crossing areas. A car drop off operates on Lincoln St 8 a.m.- 9 a.m.

PAYMENT BY CHEQUE
Cheques crossed "not transferable" or "a/c payee only" should be written to the payee's correct cheque account or they will not be able to be banked. All cheques to school must be written: Morrinsville Primary School Board of Trustees.

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION

During intervals the children in the playground and environs are supervised by at least two teachers on duty. Before and after school, teachers and/or teacher aides supervise arrivals and departures and the loading of school buses.  For visibility duty teachers wear fluro coloured waistcoats.  Staff also provide for organised and supervised games during lunch breaks.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Parents may elect to include their children in a Religious Instruction programme run by the local church groups. The classes are usually held on Fridays from 12 noon to 12.30 p.m.  Groups are clustered around class levels.  The children not involved continue with other supervised class activities.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

The school operates both a formal and informal programme of consultation and reporting. There are a number of opportunities when parents and friends may visit during open days, parent evenings and school happenings.  The Principal and teaching staff are available at times other than during formal reporting to discuss children's learning needs. Appointments for such meetings should be made through the school office.

The Formal Reporting Programme this year comprises:

Term 1 Wk 5: 28 Feb & 1 March:  Parent/Teacher consultation.

Term 2 Wk 6: 23 & 24 May: Interim Reports Evening.

Term 4 Wk 5: Consultation on following year’s placements. 

Term 4 Wk 9: Final written Reports issued & Interviews.

ROAD CROSSINGS
The Lincoln Street and the Moorhouse Street entrance crossings have supervised kea crossings from 8.30 - 9.00 a.m. and 2.55 - 3.10 p.m. daily. S4 children are selected as Road Wardens and trained by the Police Education Officer to operate the crossings and are accompanied by a duty teacher or teacher aide for the day. Parents and children are asked to use these designated areas when crossing, waiting until the wardens and duty teacher indicate that it is safe to cross.

SCHOOL CAMPS AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Children in the S1-S4 of the school are usually provided with some school camping experience annually. The location and duration of these camps depends on the school's current annual organisation and circumstance. In addition all teachers aim at providing at least one curriculum related fieldtrip, bushwalk or excursion during the school year. The school has detailed guidelines for the operation of its outdoor education programmes which includes a risk management plan for each trip.

The 2011 school camps programme is: 

Rms 3/4  (S4/Y6 children) - Port Waikato: March 12 to 18

Rms 1/2 (S3/Y5 children) - Waitawheta: March 28 to 31

Rms 5 (S2/Y4 children)   - Waitomo:  November 15 to 18

Rms 7/8/16  (S1/Y3 chn)   - Waharau: November 2 to 4

Junior Classes children   - Beach Trip: 9 March 

Rms 3/4 (S4/Y6 children)  - Waimarino: December 2

SCHOOL FEES
The Board has set an Amenities Fee for the 2010 school year. The Amenities Fee is $30 per child for the first two children and $15 per child thereafter.

SCHOOL HOURS
Staff are present from 8 a.m. - 8.10 a.m. onwards. The bell rings at 8.55 a.m. for children to go to class. Children arriving after 9.05 a.m. are deemed to be late and must sign in at the office. Please advise if your child will normally be arriving before 8 a.m.

Morning Tea: 10.30 a.m. - 10.48 a.m.

Lunch: 12.30 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.  (The bell rings at 1.25 for children to put gear away and head to

           class)

End of Day: Bell rings at 2.50 p.m. for mat time.

Final bell for bus loading - 2.57 p.m.  Usually last buses have departed by 3.20 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. 

Any changes to the School routines are always notified well in advance. We do not operate a short lunch hour on wet days and therefore do not finish early.

SCHOOL UNIFORM AND DRESS

The school does not operate a formal school uniform, other than as required for sporting and other cultural activities at which the school is represented. The school maintains an expectation of appropriate standards of dress for pupils. Children should be dressed comfortably and tidily. Hats (not beanies) are worn in summer. No baggy shorts, baggy shirts, baggy jackets, hooded jackets or hooded sweatshirts are permitted, nor logos advertising alcohol.  General common sense prevails.

Children playing in school team sport are required to have a school poloshirt and other appropriately related gear, e.g. black shorts for rugby. Some parts of the uniform may be provided by the school. e.g. sponsored T'shirts for cricket. Children must wear the protective equipment as required by the sportscode e.g. mouthguards, shin pads.

All children should have a school poloshirt.  Poloshirts are available from the school office.

SMOKEFREE ENVIRONMENT
The school buildings and grounds are smokefree at all times. Parents and visitors are requested not to smoke when on the school site. This policy extends to school trips in the company of children in buses, cars and sites.

STATIONERY ORDER

Please note stationery lists for 2011 were sent home with each child with the last newsletter of the 2010 year.  You may purchase your stationery as per the coded list from any retailer.  We have an arrangement with Paper Plus Morrinsville who will have prepackaged class packs available for purchase.  The school will not be selling stationery until 15th February.

It is more convenient for teachers to have their class using similar exercise books. Parents are requested to ensure exercise books purchased are the correct ones required by their child's teacher. (ref Code provided)

During the school term stationery may be purchased 

SUN SENSE
Children are expected to wear a sunhat (not beanie or hood) and upperbody cover during peak UV exposure times, ie during playtimes and when at outdoor activities. Teachers will direct children to sit out of the sun during playtimes if they have inadequate cover — under sportsdome or oak trees.

SWIMMING PROGRAMME

The swimming programme is part of the school's aquatic curriculum.   The school employs a qualified swim coach during the summer swim season.  All children are expected to participate.  Togs and towels, (named in plastic bags), are required daily during the swimming.  Kayaking and junior waterpolo also feature as part of the aquatic curriculum.  The school also arranges ‘Learn to Swim’ classes outside school hours.  Refer to office.

TE REO ME NGA TIKANGA MAORI

The school provides a bilingual class programme and formal Te Reo language learning for all students across the school.  The school also provides and encourages children to be part of either the Senior (Y4-6) or Junior (Y1-3) kapahaka groups.  Children may visit and spend time on local marae, Rukumoana and Kai-a-te-mata Marae and Marae in the Waitomo area.  These programmes are supported by the school’s Whanau Roopu.  

TERM DATES 2011