A Caring, Christian
Based Environment
For Preschoolers…
Last updated: April 2017
... to our preschool . We know you, your child, and family,
will enjoy your time with us.
The St John’s College Pre-school was established in 1983
initially as a part-time crèche to provide care for pre-school
aged children whose parents were studying and working on
this site. It soon developed into a fully licensed public preschool facility open to the wider community.
Today we have very experienced qualified and registered
teaching staff and a part- time Administrator.
Although the majority of sessions are used by the wider
community the pre-school’s primary purpose remains to
provide quality early childhood education and care for the St John’s Theological College Community. Several
College families with young children live on site. In the interest of all our children drive slowly and carefully in
the College grounds.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact the Director or one of the Committee members.
There are copies of our Policies and Philosophy on the Parent noticeboard by the kitchen.
Please ensure all parents, grandparents, friends, caregivers and nannies who take or collect your child read this
enrolment pack so they are fully aware of the preschool requirements.
ORIENTATION:
We provide a programme that offers each child the opportunity to experience and develop their creative,
intellectual, physical and social skills in a caring environment. We recognise the Treaty of Waitangi and as
such have our Bi-Cultural Policy. Cultural diversity is recognised in our curriculum.
HOURS:
Morning sessions:
Afternoon sessions:
All Day:
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 12:30pm, or
8:30am to 12:30pm by arrangement
Monday to Friday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4:00pm, or
8:30am to 4:00pm by arrangement
It is a requirement of the Ministry of Education, who provide the majority of funds to educate your child, that
you attend the sessions and the times that you are enrolled for. The invoicing and funding system keeps track of
hours and days attended. Please be here before either 9.30 or 1.30 and we request that your child does not
leave before the last ½ hour in the session. It is disruptive for your child, other children and the staff if you
continually arrive late.
Session times must be strictly adhered to. Enrolled time is time on the premises. We cannot accept children for
morning sessions before 9.00am (or 8:30am by arrangement) because teachers are setting up for sessions and
completing administration requirements. We cannot accept children before 1.00pm as children are
resting/sleeping and teachers are taking lunch breaks. Any early drop offs will be charged for.
Please allow plenty of time to get through Auckland traffic, find a car park, collect your child’s belongings, check
the art box, speak to a staff member, sign out and have left the building by 12.30 or 4.00pm. The late collection
fee is charged for time after 12.30 or 4.00pm.
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Enrolment: The minimum attendance is two sessions or days a week.
WHAT TO BRING:
Each day, your child needs to bring to preschool:
- A piece of fruit for shared morning or afternoon tea. Please place fruit in the bowl at the entrance of the
building.
- Children attending morning and all day sessions must bring a healthy and nut-free lunch in a named lunchbox
and a named drink bottle filled with water only.
- A change of clothing, as water play means children can get wet.
-Disposable nappies for children if they are not toilet trained.
- A named sun hat is required from October - April. We also advise application of sun block during the summer
months.
All items need to be named, especially clothing. You can either handwrite the name on the labels or
alternatively purchase labels to sew in or iron on.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW:
Any medical conditions or allergies your child may have. If your child is on any medication.
An immunisation certificate must be sighted and copied at enrolment.
If your child contracts an infectious disease. Please keep them at home.
If anybody other than yourself will be picking up your child from preschool. Please write in the communications
book by the sign in folder.
We would appreciate being informed by phone on the morning of an absence if your child is not attending a
session. If you are going to be on holiday, an email advising of the dates in advance would be appreciated.
PORTFOLIOS: PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS:
Each child has their own portfolio when they come to St John’s College Preschool. In this portfolio their learning
and development is documented. This documentation is sometimes individual based learning and at other times
demonstrate learning that has been happening amongst the wider group. As well as the hard copy kept in the
main room you will also be invited to join Educa, a secure online portfolio system where your child’s stories will
also be uploaded to. Educa offers the benefits of you being able access the portfolio at any time with your child
at home etc. Or for other relatives to sign up for the notifications and be able to join in watching your child’s
learning progress. We love the interaction and parent feedback we are able to engage with through this medium
and are sure you will too. We also welcome discussing your child’s progress and learning face to face, simply just
book a time with the Director or appropriate teacher to do so.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT:
Please check the notice boards for important announcements. Your involvement is encouraged and valued.
More detailed information on the Policies and Procedures of the Preschool are available from the Director.
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POSITIVE GUIDANCE:
1. Staff will endeavour to create a rich environment that will minimise the need for behavioural management.
2. Staff will discuss simple rules with the children, emphasising the need for everyone to be safe and to have
their rights respected.
3. Staff will always endeavour to use positive management e.g. “Isn’t it lovely to see how well (name) is sitting.”
“What lovely manners (name) has.”
4. If a child persists in behaviour that is likely to hurt him or herself or others, staff will withdraw the child and
discuss with him/her ways to rectify the situation. Rather than “What have you done?” “What will you need to
do?” Staff will discuss positive behaviour management and socialisation skills with parents.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
We cannot take care of sick children due to the risk of infection.
We must stress the importance of keeping your child at home if they are unwell for your child’s sake and the risk
of infection to other children and staff.
You will need to make other arrangements for your child when they have a:
- high temperature
- upset stomach or diarrhoea
(Please allow 24 hrs clearance of the symptoms stopping before returning to preschool. This is to allow your child
time to recuperate and decrease the risk of infecting other children and the staff.)
- cough or cold or are unwell
- unidentified rash conjunctivitis
- or are generally listless and unhappy
The Preschool staff should be notified if your child has contracted an infectious disease.
If your child becomes unwell when at the Preschool you will be notified and we will isolate the child where he or
she can be supervised until collected.
In the event of an emergency we will make every effort to contact parents or the emergency contact person on
your enrolment form. If unsuccessful we will seek medical attention as we see fit for the child’s best interest. For
this reason it is important you complete the medical permissions section of the enrolment form. We are not able
to act on your behalf if this is not completed.
Please inform staff if your child is on medication. A form must be signed authorising staff to administer
medication.
In accordance with Ministry of Health regulations we keep an immunisation register of children attending the
Preschool. Please ensure you enclose a copy of your certificate on enrolment.
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FEE POLICY SCHEDULE:
Wider Community:
College Students:
(Children of College students are subsidised by
the College)
Standard Fee (under 2’s):
$8.40 per hour
$6.70 per hour
(20.2% discount)
$7.90 per hour
$6.20 per hour
(21.5% discount)
$2.60 per hour
$1.10 per hour
(This is calculated from $2.60 Optional
Charge less $1.50 College Discount.)
(WINZ Subsidy can also be applied for, (highest
rate $3.98hr) see below.)
Standard Fee (over 2’s):
(WINZ Subsidy can also be applied for, (highest
rate $3.98hr) see below.)
20 Hours ECE:
(From age 3 until the day they leave. $4.60/hour
is not charged. This is applicable for no more than
6 hours/day, and 20 hours/week.)
Administration Fee:
Casual Fee:
$20.00 upon submitting an application
½ day session $30.00 full day $50.00
Late Collection Fee/ Early Drop Off $5.00 per 5 minutes or part thereof
Fee:
N/A
½ day session $20.00 full day
$40.00
$5.00 per 5 minutes or part thereof
Fee Invoices:
Fees are invoiced four times per year in advance and must be paid in full by the 20th of the following month or as
arranged and in consultation with the Administrator.
Our preferred method of payment is directly into our bank account; 12 3086 0055400 00. (Details are also on
the invoice.) Fees can be paid by cheque; these must be given to the Director.
A receipt will be issued on request.
Fees are payable if your child is sick or on holiday. Swaps and replacement days are not available for absences due
to illness or vacations.
Fees after three weeks of continuous absence will be re-invoiced at the full hourly rate due to loss of funding
from the Ministry of Education. Information regarding the amount and details of the expenditure of the MoE
funding received is available on the audited financial statements on the noticeboard.
WINZ Income Support Subsidy will also discontinue after three weeks of continuous absence.
No fees are charged if the Preschool is closed. We close for Statutory Holidays, Easter Tuesday and
approximately 4 -5 weeks over Xmas New Year.
Non-payment of fees can result in termination of enrolment. We reserve the right to appoint a debt collector and
if appropriate advise the Head of College if fees remain unpaid.
Changes in enrolled sessions:
All changes in sessions attended must be recorded and signed on a change of enrolment form. This includes
extra sessions and deleted sessions. WINZ also needs to be notified immediately if you add or delete sessions.
Two weeks’ notice is required for both permanent termination and the deletion of sessions. One months notice
is required for children turning 5 and leaving for school in order that replacement sessions can be planned.
Casual Fees:
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Casual fees were introduced as part of fundraising. They are a one off payment and are not linked to 20 Hours
ECE or Ministry funding. Please advise the Director as early as possible if your child will be absent from a session
either due to illness or holiday in order that another child can have a casual session if required.
Childcare Subsidy:
Parents are able to apply for Childcare Subsidy from WINZ. The rate of subsidy depends on parents income,
whether one or both parents are studying/ working and number of dependent children. The guide and
application form can be collected from the WINZ office in Glen Innes. It is advisable to contact WINZ
immediately you have been allocated sessions in order that the subsidy is backdated to the day your child starts.
Sessions are to be paid in full until approval for the subsidy has been approved and your invoice re-calculated.
Fee increase:
One months notice will be given for any increase in fees. For further information regarding fees please
contact the Administrator.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Contacting us: Please phone us for day to day messages in the first instance on (09) 521 2704. The office is not
always manned therefore please use email for non-urgent matters. For information specific to your child, do not
hesitate to contact the administrator by email or call. You will be given secure access to your own child’s
learning stories on our Educa website after enrolment. You can invite other families members to view as
required.
Parking: Entry to the College is via the top entrance. Parking is provided in the main car parking area of the
College by the Administration block. However, if you continue around the drive there is a 5 minute parking area.
These parks are for a quick drop off or collection only. The College advises that the area around the General
Synod office, dining hall and kitchen are designated as no parking areas.
Speed limit: The speed limit throughout the grounds of the college is 5 kph which is walking pace. Please keep
your speed at this low level at all times. The College is a private institution into which we, the public, are
welcome. Several College families with young children live on site. In the interest of all our children please
drive slowly and carefully.
Signing roll: The sign-in folder is located in the main room. Please sign your child in and out at each session time,
putting the exact time on our clock. The Ministry of Education requires verification of your child’s attendance for
the Government Grant to be paid to the preschool. Also they monitor attendance that is ½ an hour under either
side of the session start and finish time, as well as absences for over ½ the month. After 3 months of continued
patterns funding is stopped. Signing in and out is also for safety reasons in case of an emergency as the staff use
it to do a head count.
Gates and doors: When departing the preschool, only let your own child or those you are collecting through the
stable door and the outside gate.
Art work: Your child’s artwork, once dry, will either be put in their portfolio or by their bag for you to take home.
ERO: The Education Review Office completed their last review in October 2013. This is displayed in the black
policy folder at the entrance way. You may request a copy or check the ERO web site: www.ero.govt.nz.
Operating Documents: The preschool’s philosophy, policies and procedures are displayed in the black policy
folder on the parent noticeboard. These are reviewed regularly by the staff and committee. Your feedback is
encouraged and invited.
AGM: In March the Preschool holds its Annual General Meeting. All parents are notified four weeks prior and
are invited to attend. Election of the committee takes place.
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STAFF:
Director and Teacher – Pauline
Throughout my working life I have been involved in Early Childhood, beginning as a kindergarten teacher and at
the moment working in a Children’s Centre in Green Lane. During my career I have worked in a variety of
positions including practice, leading teams, professional development facilitator and managing centres.
The cornerstone of my philosophy is that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and develop to their
potential.
In my personal life, my family give me much joy and I always look forward to
spending time with them. I attend and am involved in life at Holy Trinity
Cathedral and also enjoy a Sunday afternoon yoga class. I make the most of the
outdoors and beach and am excited by the prospect of exploring the bush
beside the centre.
I am delighted to have been asked to join the team at St Johns Preschool and
hope my understanding of and knowledge in working with children, whanau and
management will complement that of the other teachers.
Teacher - Nancy
Hi, I have had a lot of fun over the years teaching dance, drama, music, Pilates and
kindergarten children. I am committed to keeping up to date with the latest educational
research and have recently upgraded my qualifications to a Bachelor of Teaching. With a
keen interest in encouraging and supporting children’s learning through exploration of
our Natural World, what better environment to use my skills and knowledge than in the
delightful enriching bush environment here at SJCP.
Teacher - Caroline
Hi I'm Caroline and I feel so lucky to be working in such a wonderful centre. I am
passionate about providing an environment where your child feels safe and happy to
explore the world around them, and there is no better place to do so than the SJCP
grounds!
Administrator - Claire
Hello, my name is Claire Richards. I have joined the Preschool as administrator after
holding similar positions in Auckland. I hold a BCom(Hons) in Management Science and
Information Systems, as well as being a Level 3 Playcentre educator. I have two sons at
school and am looking forward to assisting you and your children.
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Teacher - Emma
Kia ora! I am so happy to be part of the small community feel here at St John’s College
Preschool. I am from the beautiful South Island, and moved to Auckland after living
overseas. I studied Art & Education, graduating with a Bachelor of Education 0-8 years. I
have been teaching infants and toddlers for 6 years in Reggio Emilia centre’s, which is
reflected in my creative flair and passion for natural holistic learning. I was drawn to the
natural surrounds here and I am excited to continue implementing nature in our daily
program!
Teacher – Joyce
I am a primary trained teacher and have been practicing my profession for the last 10
years in the Primary and Early Childhood sectors.
I love working with children, sharing their discoveries and being a part of their everyday
learning. I believe that each child is unique and capable to succeed, thus, they deserve to
be in a secure, warm and rich environment where they feel safe to explore, initiate
learning and feel free to express themselves.
Teacher – Desiree
I was born in Belize, Central America. I’ve been living in New Zealand for 17 years. I am
married with an 18 year old son who has just graduated from Glendowie College. Before
teaching, I was an Office Administrative/Sale Assistant in the USA. I gained a bachelor of
teaching through AUT (Montessori Specialty). I’ve been employed as a Montessori
Preschool teacher for over 10 years, and have been teaching for over 20 years’ which gives
me a practical and theoretical knowledge of working with children. I’ve worked in a mixed
age environment 2 – 6 years and have seen how well the children thrive and grow to
respect each other.
I believe all children have a natural love of learning and desire to discover the world
around them. My role as a teacher is to help to empower the young child to support their
learning and development through their natural desire and interaction with them.
Teacher – Prue
Hi Preschool whanau. My family and I have moved up from Christchurch for 3 years
while my husband studies here at St John's Theological College. My children, Twyla who
is 14 attends Selwyn College and our son Toby who is 11 attends St Thomas's School. I
recently joined the wonderful team at the preschool and am thoroughly enjoying getting
to know your children, interacting with them and watching them grow.
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