One Tree Point School 2013 Staff List
Senior Management Team:
Acting Principal:
Deputy Principal:
Assistant Principal:
Tineke Giddy
Michelle Reeve
Bev Courtney
Staff in alphabetical order:
Anderson
Ansell
Bell
Bradburn
Chandralatha
Currie
Courtney
Cowell
Riley
Gadd
Giddy
Henderson
Kramer
Klink
Mackey
McCulloch
McCulloch
Morunga
O’Brien
Platt
Reeve
Robson
Smith
Thompson
Weir
West
White
Tim
Jill
Jan
Gemma
Rohini
Sandra
Bev
Stacey
Donna
Jackie
Tineke
Lyn
Linda
Val
Lynda
Colleen
Angus
Charlene
Kim
Marian
Michelle
Leanne
Adrian
Angela
Pam
Keryn
Rick
Room 11, Year 1 Students
Finance Officer
RTLB
SENCO/Reading Recovery Release (Maternity Leave)
Cleaner
Teacher Aide
Room 7, Year 2 Students
Room 4, Year 3 / 4 Students
Room 9, Yr 1 / 2
Room 2, Year 5 / 6 Students
Acting Principal
Library Assistant – part-time
Room 12, Foundation Students – job-share
Office Administrator
Room 6, Year 3 Students
Room 8, Year 2
SENCO
Te Reo Teacher
Teacher Aide
Teacher Aide
Room 1, Yr 5 / 6
Room 5
Principal
Teacher Aide
Room 3, Year 4 / 5 Students
Room 12, Foundation Students – job-share
Caretaker
Board of Trustees
Smith
Tuhoro
Heiwari
Garner
Weir
Pascoe
Klink
Adrian
Manu
Fiona
Denis
Pam
Meagan
Val
Principal/Health & Safety/Personnel/Property/Review
Liaison/Maori Representative
Chairperson/Review/Personnel
Personnel/Property
Staff representative
Treasurer
Secretary
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PTA Committee
Chairperson:
Secretary
Treasurer
Leigh Dackers
Keri McNamara
Christine Moodie
Statement of School Philosophy
The central focus of our school is the child. We are working to develop each child as an individual. We are part of a
team that seeks, in a co-operative way, to enable each child to develop their potential to take their place in society.
We acknowledge that parents expect their children to reach acceptable standards of achievement. We must therefore
set goals, which address the experiences, knowledge and skills which all children need before they leave our school.
We are committed, where appropriate, to practising shared decision-making involving our school, community, staff
and children.
The school’s curriculum is designed so the children enjoy learning and experience success through learning. The
children will be challenged, extended and encouraged to achieve their personal best as individuals and as members of
a group.
Children will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their learning. A balanced education for each child
will be provided for in a caring and stimulating environment.
Mission / Vision
One Tree Point School will provide a learning environment that will equip our children to be the best
people they can be.
Motto
Ma te mahi ka ora - From hard work comes success
Values and Beliefs
We believe in a learning environment where:
Children receive high quality, child centred teaching and learning
programmes that cater for their current and future learning needs.
Children experience success and enjoyment in learning and are
driven by this to become life long learners.
Children are encouraged, challenged and extended to achieve
their personal best as individuals and members of a group.
Creativity in all areas is fostered.
Children are culturally aware and accept the responsibility of
being part of a bicultural community.
Caring for others, respect and responsibility is fostered.
Positive partnerships exist between Board, Staff and Parent
/ Caregivers that use honesty, integrity, trust and respect
as its cornerstones.
Cultural Diversity and Maori Dimension
Our School will:
Nurture our multi-cultural heritage within the school and
community.
Be accepting and value others’ cultures, heritage and differences.
Reflect the nature of biculturalism in classroom activities.
Communicate regularly and appropriately with our Maori
community.
Be involved in the teaching of Te Reo at a level as seen as
appropriate by our Parents and Board of Trustees.
Run a quality Kapa Haka group.
Tohua nga whatatipuranga ki te inu I te puna o te
matauranga.
Kia hora ai te whakaruuru hau o te ora, ki ranga ki te iwi.
Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui
Show the young how to drink from the spring of
knowledge
So the sheltering mantle of well-being may spread
over the nation
Be strong, be courageous, be resolute.
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One Tree Point School - General Information
One Tree Point School was established in 1972 on a wonderful site just 100 metres from the shores of Whangarei
Harbour. There are eleven classrooms and an administration block with offices, staffroom, library and sickbay.
Other facilities include a special needs room, a swimming pool, courts, a junior play area and various storage and
resource areas. In 1998 a school hall was built as our 25 th Jubilee Project. All buildings are well maintained and in
excellent condition.
The school grounds include sizeable flat, quick-draining grassed areas with four playing fields marked out for
hockey, soccer and rugby. There are two hard court areas. A native tree plantation has been established as have
shelter belts around the perimeter of the grounds.
One Tree Point has a staff of committed and able teachers and support staff with relieving teachers being generally
available from within the district. The school is very well equipped with a wide range of up-to-date resources and
audio-visual equipment. Computers are available in every classroom and an on-going replacement scheme is in
place.
The involvement of the community has always been encouraged and a core of parents is always ready to help in a
variety of ways. Because of the school’s location, calls are often made for help with transport. Parents also help
with the library, making classroom resources, assistance on sports and cultural days and helping in the classrooms.
An active Home and School Committee is involved in fund raising. The Committee is always ready to assist with
school activities and operates a successful lunch scheme.
The school is in a wonderful position in the harbourside community of One Tree Point with students also coming
from in and near the “Marsden Village” and the Takahiwai community. Our school has regular contact with the
Takahiwai Marae for educational purposes and support.
Other local schools are Bream Bay College (Years 7-13), Ruakaka Primary and Waipu Primary.
The current school roll is approximately 249 and expected to continue to rise with the development of several nearby
housing subdivisions well under way. About 42% of our students come from a Maori background with most of the
remainder being New Zealand European.
Absences and Lateness
All students are expected to attend school every day unless they are unwell or there is a family emergency. The
school is required by law to ensure student attendance. If a child is absent or late a note or telephone call is required
from parents or caregivers. An early phone call, text or email is appreciated.
The Bream Bay Schools’ Attendance Officer will assist the Board when there are cases of poor attendance or regular
lateness.
Extra holidays: By law we cannot give approval for children to be withdrawn from school for family holidays during
the school term.
Lateness: Children should be at school and ready to start work by 8.25am when the bell rings. Children arriving on
the bell or late cause disruptions to morning programmes, which we aim to avoid. A notice will be sent home in
cases of repeated lateness.
Adults Having Access to Students
No adults are to have access to children while at school without the approval of the Principal. This includes CYPFS
staff and the Police. If Police Officers wish to interview a student, the student’s parents or caregivers must be
informed and must be permitted to attend if they wish. Parents and caregivers are expected to call in and sign the
visitor’s book at the office before seeing their children.
Ashton Scholastic Book Club
Twice a term students are given the opportunity to purchase books from Ashton’s Lucky and Arrow Book Clubs. To
order books, place the order form with the required money in a named, sealed envelope. Cheques should be made out
to Scholastic NZ. Envelopes are to be put in the box on the office counter.
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Assemblies
School assemblies are held once a fortnight on odd weeds at 1.45pm on Fridays. Family members are always
welcome to attend. Assemblies are run by children from the senior classes and usually include a song, notices and
awards.
Bell Times (See School Hours)
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is a group of people elected by parents and caregivers of the school once every three years.
The Board has responsibility for setting school policy and ensuring that all statutory requirements are carried out. .
Buses and School Transport Assistance
1. Criteria for Transport Assistance
Those entitled to school transport assistance are students under 10 who live more than 3.2 kilometres from the nearest
school, and students 10 and over who live more than 4.8 kilometres from the nearest school where no suitable public
passenger services are available. Eligible students are required to make their own way, or be taken by parents, up to
1.6 kilometres to a school bus service.
If a student meets the eligibility criteria for distance from the nearest school, he or she will have an entitlement to
assistance even if they do not attend the nearest school.
Transport assistance does not necessarily mean use of a school bus service. The different forms of transport assistance
available are:

the school bus service

private conveyance allowance

public transport allowance

taxi service for special education students
School transports network may allow ineligible students to travel on the bus as long as eligible students are not
disadvantaged. School bus operators may charge ineligible students a fare. Students are not eligible to catch a bus
from where the bus stop is over the halfway point between schools. They must find their own way to the half way
point.
2. Safe Use of Buses

Students must always get on or off the bus through the passenger door on the left side of the bus. They must
never use the door on the right hand side of the bus (the emergency exit) unless there is an emergency.

Students must not get on or off a bus when it is moving.

After getting off a bus, students must wait on the side of the road until the bus has moved at least two power
poles away, so that they have a clear view of the road before crossing.

Students must keep well clear of the bus while it is being turned or reversed. A driver reversing a bus in an
area close to students must post a teacher or senior student to keep children away from the reversing bus.
The driver must signal when it is safe to board the bus.

Bus monitors should be instructed to keep the children in a safe place, while they wait to board the bus.
Whenever possible, students should get on the bus before it has turned or reversed, or get off after it has
turned or reversed.

If there is a breakdown that requires students to leave the bus (eg a flat tyre) they must stand clear of the bus
and off the road.

Except in an emergency or breakdown, students must not leave the bus between their normal pick up or drop
off point and the school. The school must provide permission in advance if students are to get off at any
other point.
Daily Buses

Children move in orderly class lines to bus areas and line up in order for roll call.

Children mark rolls and teachers supervise and check before loading.

See School Transport Toolkit for ministry bus policy.

On the bus children should carry only the items they need for school use.

Children with seats should remain seated at all times until the bus has stopped at their bus stop.
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3.
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Children must behave in a calm and quiet manner on the bus.
If children break bus rules after a formal warning, their parents or caregivers will be asked to arrange
alternative transport for them for a period of time.
No food or drink to be consumed on the bus.
Bus complaints follow a strict procedure –the driver fills out a form (Bream Bay Bus Network Schools
comply) and the school follows up complaints and notifies parents where necessary.
How parents/caregivers can assist with safety:
Go with the children to the bus stop.
When collecting children from the bus stop by car, get out of the car and meet them as they get off the bus,
on the same side of the road that the bus has stopped and go with them to the car.
Young children are not capable of judging traffic speed and distance accurately. They should always be
supervised, by a parent or caregiver, when crossing the road to or from the bus stop.
To promote bus safety children and parents are expected to sign a yearly bus contract.
Cycling to School
The responsibility for the safety of your child if riding to and from school belongs exclusively to parents and not the
school. Many of you are riding with your kids and doing the training in this way. The NZ Police, Bike Wise and
ITSA recommend that cyclists be a minimum of 10 years old before they ride independently. We are not cut and dry
about this and insist that as you, the parents are responsible for your child’s safety at this part of a child’s day, the
decision is yours.
 It is important that children are at an age and sensible enough to ride take this big step.

It is also important that they have been coached by you to a point where you are comfortable with their
levels of ability and maturity to take this big step.
 We will call you when we hear of unsafe riding and will endeavour to organise bike training with the police.
 We no longer issue bike licences as this process was linked to a police programme that doesn’t run anymore.
There is also an implication that by doing so, the school takes responsibility for the bike safety of children,
when this belongs to parents.
Camps and Trips
From time to time school trips within school hours will be made with the approval of the Principal.
Applications for camps and overnight stays, will be submitted by the Principal to the Board of Trustees, in time to be
discussed with the Health and Safety NAG group and at a Board meeting prior to the trip taking place. The process of
planning and documentation is to take place as stipulated in the EOTC planning folder.
If children are travelling in private vehicles:

A current vehicle registration’

A current Warrant of Fitness and the vehicle must be legally roadworthy

Both of the above must be clearly displayed in the vehicle

A safety belt must be provided and worn by each passenger. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for
ensuring all his/her passengers are wearing their safety belts correctly

The driver of the vehicle must hold a current, full New Zealand drivers licence

Parents are required to complete current vehicle transport safety details.
The ratio of adults to children will be as follows:
For water activities or bush walks 1: 4
For trips near water, but with no swimming, boating etc 1:6
Other trips 1: 8
Overnight stays for Year 3 children: 1:4
Overnight stays for Year 4-6 children: 1:6
Permission for trips outside the vicinity of the school or immediate school environment will be obtained from parents
and caregivers.
Cash Books: (See: Money Matters)
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Clothing
We expect children to be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and for the activities in which they will be
involved. Clothing must be clean and tidy. Children will be asked to wear the school sports uniform when
representing our school. In Terms 1 and 4, a swimming costume and towel are essential requirements as swimming is
an integral part of our Physical Education programme. Sun hats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4, these are on sale at
the office at $12.00. We encourage appropriate dress such as shorts and tee shirts for Physical Education.
Please ensure that all clothing is the correct size for the child and preserves modesty.
No inappropriate slogans on hats, bags or clothes, please.
Jewellery and other ornamentation, with the exception of small ear studs and watches, is not permitted. If families
wish their children to wear other items for religious or cultural reasons, a note to this effect is required and, for safety
reasons, the items (e.g. pendants, crucifixes) should be worn under their outer clothing wherever possible and a letter
must be written with a waiver. (See also Lost Property)
Concerns or Queries
 Formal complaints must be written.
 Procedure will follow the guidelines agreed to in the school Complaints Policy.
 The Board may decide at any step that a complaint has been satisfactorily dealt with and no further action is to be
taken.
 Board/Principal should aim to, where possible, give a definite statement of the conduct or performance that is in
question and try to provide employees with an opportunity to correct behaviour or improve performance.
 Every effort should be made by Board/Principal to reconcile the differences involved and achieve an outcome
that is fair to the employee and the complainant.
 Nothing in the above prevents the Board from initiating disciplinary procedures.
 All documents and discussion are confidential to the parties involved.
Parents and caregivers who have concerns or queries are asked to approach the school at an early stage. All matters
will be dealt with promptly and confidentially. Constructive concerns and suggestions are always welcome.
Where the concern involves a teacher or the Principal, that staff member should be approached first. Matters
concerning non-teaching staff members, should be directed to the Principal in the first instance. Any concerns or
complaints relating to a staff member directed first to the Board will be re-directed to the Principal. Should the
matter not be settled satisfactorily, the final step is to approach the Board in writing. The best approach , however, is
to voice your concern early and constructively and the majority of problems will be quickly sorted out.
Speak to the teacher first. 
Then, if necessary, see the Assistant Principal
for Junior School matters or the Deputy
Principal for Senior School matters.

If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily
you should then approach the Principal.
Finally, if necessary, approach
the Board of Trustees in writing.

Conferences
Staff are available for formal or informal conferences concerning students’ progress. If you wish to have a special
interview over and above the Term 2, 3-way conferences, please contact the teacher concerned to set an appropriate
time. This must be outside teaching hours. Staff must not be held back from their class by informal “chats”. (See
also Reports and Conferences)
Dental Therapist
If the Dental Therapist is not on duty at our school she can be contacted and visited at other nearby schools. Ring
0800 698 3384 to find out where the closest clinic is.
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Early Closure
The school will close early only in a genuine emergency situation which forces an evacuation of the school site or
threatens the normal running of the buses. The Principal will make the decision in conjunction with the Board
Chairperson.

Announcements will be made on local radio.

If necessary, parents of individual students will be notified.

Other local schools will be notified if the change in bus run times affects them.

Children will return by bus, by bike (if deemed safe) or on foot (if deemed safe) to their own homes or to
another home if specified by their parents/caregivers in advance.

The Ministry of Education will be notified.
Every family must nominate a safe house where their child(ren) could go if their parents are not home when the
school is to be evacuated during an emergency.
If circumstances change, families must inform the school of the address of their new safe house.
Enrolment
New Entrants and their parents or caregivers are encouraged to visit the school before the child’s fifth birthday.
Days and times can be arranged by contacting Mrs Weir or Mrs Kramer from the Foundation Room. For enrolment
please bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate or NZ Passport to verify their date of birth and the child’s
immunisation certificate. At enrolment time the formalities to be completed include:

an enrolment form for school records

a record of immunisations

details of relevant medical conditions and medication

an asthma plan if required

bus travel arrangements if your child is eligible
You will be given:

a stationery list

a School Information booklet

a school magnet
We prefer to enrol new children before 8.25am to reduce interruptions to class programmes. If you enrol your child
later in the day, it may be preferable for the child to commence at the start of the following day.
Children may be enrolled when they turn five and must be enrolled by the age of six years unless granted special
dispensation by the Ministry of Education. We will not admit short-stay students who remain on the roll of another
school.
Enrolment of Children with High Special Needs
Procedures:
1.
A meeting is held with parents before the child enrolls.
2.
Board of Trustees/Parents/Principal/Ministry of Education negotiate:
 Appropriate levels of resourcing (personal/equipment/environment/support hours)
 Appropriate number of hours of attendance.
3.
When negotiations are completed to the parties’ satisfaction, the pupil will be enrolled.
4.
It is noted that all children have the right to attend school provided they meet Ministry of Education
requirements. However, it is in the interests of both child and school that conditions are appropriate prior to
enrolment.
Equity and Equal Opportunities
We endeavour to ensure that all students have access to physical and educational resources no matter what their
background by addressing any disadvantages which may become apparent insofar as this is possible. Resources are
monitored to ensure suitability. Racism or sexism in any form will not be tolerated.
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Fire and Emergency Evacuation
Evacuation drills will be held once a term. Evacuation drill notices will be displayed in all classrooms and other
areas such as the staffroom, offices and library. The emergency assembly point for staff, students and all visitors is
the rugby field.
Headlice
If there are signs of lice or nits, a note is sent home and children must be treated before returning to school.
Tips:
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While there is a headlice problem, check the hair of the whole family every day.
When the problem has cleared, check once a week.
Brush hair daily, thoroughly. Brushing can kill or injure lice and stop them laying eggs. Pay particular
attention to the areas behind the ears and the back of the neck. Daily thorough hair brushing is a very
effective preventative measure.
Lice do not lay eggs on bed linen and do not survive for long off the human head, but it may be a good idea
to wash bed linen and vacuum carpets, chairs etc to remove any hairs with eggs on them before they hatch.
Headlice shampoo treatment should be repeated after a number of days. Check the instructions on the
packet.
Discourage your children from sharing their hats, hair ties, brushes etc.
2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner stops lice shampoo from working properly. You will need to use a special
stripping shampoo (available from the chemist) before you use lice shampoo.
Health and Safety
This school has Health and Safety procedures in place to ensure the safety of employees, students and visitors to the
school. Hazards are identified and eliminated, isolated or minimised. A register of accidents and near-accidents is
kept. A record is kept of treatment of students in the sick bay.
Health Nurse
The Public Health Nurse is a regular visitor to the school. Children can be seen following a referral by staff or
families.
Staff: Referrals for the Public Health Nurse are to be written in the notebook kept in the office.
Parent and Teacher Assocition
This group was set up to support the school and organise fund-raising. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of
the month at 7.30pm. A loyal group of parents, caregivers and staff perform excellent service for the school. An
important fund-raiser involves the ordering and distribution of school lunches. Each lunch helper is usually roistered
on at intervals dependent on the number of volunteers. If you are available to support this vital group in any way,
please enquire at the office.
Home and School Communication
If parents or caregivers have any concerns or queries, we genuinely wish to hear them. Contact the relevant staff
member at school outside teaching hours, or, if you prefer, send us a note or make a phone call.
A newsletter is issued every Thursday. Our newsletter provides important school notices, dates for coming events and
occasionally forms to be returned. Ask your eldest child at this school for the newsletter every Thursday. A copy of
the newsletter is available on our website, if you would prefer not to receive a hard copy please let the office know. If
it is necessary for us to send out other notices (e.g. for class camps), we make every effort to send these out only on
Thursdays with the newsletter.
(See also Reports and Interviews)
Homework
As a consequence to a comprehensive homework review in 2009 OTP School has an amended homework policy. The
new policy takes into account children needing time to be children after school and the other external commitments
many families face. In the junior rooms (Year1-3), students are expected to take part in home reading four nights a
week. In addition you may be asked to assist your children in practicing concepts linked to their understanding of
concepts taught in reading and maths. Some classes will have a poem on the fifth night to work on. The seniors are
encouraged to read from a variety of sources on a regular basis and record their reading on a reading log. Selected
reading groups may have more specialised reading material and responses supplied.
Our website also has site links where additional homework can be obtained in numeracy and literacy. Students in the
senior school spend time at school learning their basic facts. Children are encouraged to continue this learning at
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home and one of the links listed on the website is very good for this. Special tasks may occur on occasion,
dependent on the class programme. Senior students have a clearfile that they bring home which will contain all
important dates and messages.
Infectious Diseases and Unclean Children
Naturally it is expected that parents will take the necessary action before the school needs to step in, however, under
Section 19 of the Education Act the Principal may exclude a student who either has an infectious disease or who is
not clean enough. The Principal must inform the Board of Trustees, the child’s parents or caregivers and (in the case
of an infectious disease) the Medical Officer of Health. The Board must investigate each exclusion and either cancel
it or confirm it. Where a child has been excluded from school for not being clean enough, the child should stay
excluded until the Principal is satisfied that the child is clean enough to return to school. In the case of an infectious
disease, the child must not return until the infectious period is passed. A doctor’s certificate is preferable. Without
this, the school may need to contact the family GP to ensure that the child is well enough to return to school.
Children will be treated fairly and sensitively.
Note: Under the Health Act, headlice and lice eggs (nits) constitute a communicable disease.
Jewellery (See Clothing)
Library Books
Children may borrow two books for 21 days. Books taken home must be transported in a book bag for protection.
Lost or Damaged Books
If a schoolbook such as a library book or home reader is lost or damaged, the school will expect the family to pay for
the replacement.
Lost Property
Parents are asked to name all items of clothing including footwear, togs and towels.
Lost property is stored at a central point. Currently this point is a container is behind the gate at the back of Room 4.
Periodically lost property will be put on display for children and parents to view. Items unclaimed at the end of the
term will be given to the Maunu Health Camp.
Maori Language and Tikanga Maori
This school aims to provide all students with varied opportunities and experiences that will encourage understanding
of and respect for tikanga Maori (traditional Maori values, attitudes and behaviour). Depending on the availability of
a qualified teacher and speaker of Maori, students will be given the opportunity to learn to pronounce Maori correctly
and learn some of the basics of the language.
Maori protocols are incorporated, where appropriate, into school life with a view to developing student and staff
awareness of tikanga Maori. The best example of this is the formal powhiri or welcome ceremony held near the start
of term 1 and 3and spending time at our local marae. The format is the basic traditional powhiri. Proceedings will be
explained in English either in advance with the letter of invitation or during the powhiri.
Medication at School
If a child requires medication at school for treatment of allergies or any other purpose, this should be made clear
when the child is first enrolled. For safety reasons we do not allow children to keep medication in their desks or
school bags except under exceptional circumstances. Medication will be held at the office or kept in the medical
room. Health professionals have advised us that there is no need for a child to bring antibiotic medicine to school.
The second dose of the day can be taken when the child gets home from school. If the office staff are asked to
administer medication to students during the day, they will take all care to do so, but can accept no responsibility if,
for whatever reason, they fail to do so. A note signed by a parent/caregiver or a phone call is required to explain the
times and dosage to be given. A signed note is needed from the child’s parent/caregiver with dosages and time
needed.
9
Money Matters
Money for stationery purchased during the year should be taken directly to the office in the morning and stationery
requirements purchased.
Money for all other payments and purchases should be placed in a sealed envelope with the name of the child(ren)
and the amount written on the envelope.
(a) Envelopes with Lucky Book Club orders should be placed in the
box on the office counter.
(b) All other payments are made through the cash books held in every classroom.
This must be given to the teacher or cash book monitor (senior school only) before 8.25am. The amount is
checked and the data entered in the class cashbook. Cashbooks are sent to the office for processing.
For security reasons, we ask that all money is presented before 8.25am. If, despite all the reminders given, a student
forgets to hand in his/her money before 8.25am, it must be taken straight to the office, not left in the classroom or
school bag.
Newsletters (See Home and School Communication)
Parents In School
Research indicates that parental involvement is a key factor in successful schools. Parental involvement has a
positive influence on children’s progress and development. Many parents are happy to act as regular helpers at
school, helping out in classrooms, in the library or on the lunch roster to give a few examples. However, others are
unable to assist the school in this way due to work commitments and their support is offered in other areas such as the
Board of Trustees, the Home and School Committee or in fundraising activities.
The school asks parents and caregivers who are happy to assist in classrooms to sign a code of conduct agreement.
This may seem overly formal, but it is not intended to be. It serves a two-fold purpose:
(a) Our school families will have the confidence of knowing that their children are
supported by helpers who are fully aware of their responsibilities.
(b) Parent helpers will be protected from the possibility of unpleasant repercussions
should a problem arise in the classroom.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Code of Conduct for Visitors and Parent Helpers
Be loyal to the school and reflect the spirit and objectives of the school.
Respect the integrity of the staff, students, trustees and parents.
Work co-operatively with the staff and trustees.
Respect the confidentiality of information on students.
Respect as confidential classroom matters that relate to the children or teachers by not discussing them
outside the classroom or school.
Perform only the duties requested by the teacher.
Leave matters of student discipline to the classroom teacher.
Be in the classroom only when the teacher is present.
Always have the teacher present or nearby when working with a group of children.
Support the authority of the teacher.
Abide by statutory obligations, school policies and by-laws. If in doubt, check with the teacher.
Picking Up Children by Car
We ask parents to leave their vehicles and collect their children from the path alongside the swimming pool where
they will be lined up in front of the cyclists. On wet days children will be waiting under the covered in quad between
the blocks of classrooms. We do not want unaccompanied children to cross the car park area or the road.
Positive Role Models
Research shows that schools can be effective in promoting positive role models. Children deal with situations in
ways that reflect what they have seen others do in similar situations.
Teachers, ancillary staff, Board of Trustee members, parents, and visitors and, in many cases; fellow students can act
as role models to students.
Roles to be encouraged include interacting positively with others.
(a) Using effective communication skills
 Using constructive problem solving and conflict resolution
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 Showing respect and caring
 Showing forgiveness
 Encouraging others
(b) Showing commitment to a job or task
 Tasks are completed effectively
 “Personal best” is a consistent aim
 Deadlines are met
(c) A healthy lifestyle
(d) Modeling behaviour in accordance with ethical and legal standards
Powhiri (Welcome Ceremonies)
At the beginning of term 1 and 3, there is a powhiri ceremony to welcome new students, families as well as new staff
members. Invitations will be sent to the families of new students. All newcomers who have arrived since the
previous powhiri are welcomed.
Powhiri format: Our welcome ceremony involves a simple version of the traditional Māori powhiri with our own
add-ons. Those to be welcomed are called into the hall with a karanga. A hymn and a prayer are followed by one or
two speeches of welcome. These speeches will start in Māori and conclude in English. Each speech is followed by a
song of support (waiata). The guests (manuhiri) then respond with one or two speeches followed by waiata, if parents
are comfortable doing this. This is followed by the hariru (handshake or hongi) and we end up with the national
Anthem in Māori and English. The adults then have a cup of tea in the staffroom. (See also: Māori Language and
Tikanga)
Promotion of Students
Responsibility for classifying and promoting children lies with the Principal in consultation with the relevant staff.
Flexibility is necessary in some circumstances, but children generally spend approximately three years in the junior
school. (See also Classification of Students) Children commence their school life at different stages of the year and,
for this reason, the point at which they are promoted to the next class level varies. For example a child who starts
school in January will have a full year’s schooling in the first calendar year. This child will almost certainly be
promoted to Year 2 at the start of the next year. However, a child who starts school in May or later will complete less
than a years schooling in that first calendar year and will be classified as Year 1 again at the start of the following
year.
Promotion of children who are first enrolled in April depends on individual circumstances and many factors are taken
into consideration such as academic progress, social and physical development and special needs. In certain
exceptional circumstances, even children enrolled near the start of the year and completing that year as a Year 1 may
require a further year as a Year 1 student. Changes in classification may be made at any stage up to Year 6, although
it is preferable to make such changes during the early school years.
Our aim is to move children through the classes at a pace which is appropriate to the needs of individual students,
keeping in mind rushing the schooling process is far more of a risk than that of extending it.
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery is an effective early intervention programme designed to reduce dramatically the number of
children who have difficulties with reading and writing. Children are assessed on or soon after their sixth birthday.
Some children who demonstrate difficulties are placed onto the Reading Recovery programme and receive, in
addition to the classroom programme, specialised, daily individual instruction designed to bring them up to the
average level for their class. Others may receive extra tuition in other ways including additional support in a junior
literacy programme.
Literacy programmes are strongly supported at this school.
If your child has reading and writing difficulties and is fortunate enough to be placed on one of our reading support
programmes, it is very important to ensure that he/she attends school every day. If not, the programme ceases to be
effective and time and money are wasted. Parents of children who are put on Reading Recovery are asked to sign a
contract to ensure the regular attendance of their child.
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Religious Instruction
Religious instruction takes place on Tuesdays from 8.30 - 9.00am. The programme has been approved by the Board
and is non-denominational. The number of classes involved depends on the availability of instructors. Under the
Education Act, the school is deemed to be officially closed during the period of religious instruction. Parents who do
not wish their children to take part must advise the Principal in writing.
Non-participating children will be in the library.
Reports and Conferences
The reporting programme is as follows:

Early in Term 1
Parent / Teacher class meetings

End of Term 2
Formal mid-year reports on student progress, followed by formal 3-way
conferences involving teacher, parent/s and child. Approximately a week prior to 3-way conferences a
portfolio of children’s work/evaluations and assessments will come home with children. We have an
expectation that parents/caregivers spend time with their children going through and discussing the entries.
In preparation for the conferences parents/caregivers, teachers and children are expected to prepare for the
conferences by completing the evaluation forms. The parents one is located at the end of the portfolio.

End of Term 4
Formal end of year summative reports including details of class and teacher for
the following year. These are issued in time for parents/caregivers to discuss any areas of concern with teachers
that may arise as a consequence of the reports.
(See also Home and School Communication)
NB: as from 2010 it has become mandatory to report on a child’s achievement and progress against the National
Standards twice yearly in reading, writing and maths. This is done after 3-Way Conferences and during summative
reports.
Resource Teacher, Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)
The Bream Bay RTLB based at our school to provide advice and support to meet the needs of students at risk of low
achievement due to learning, behavioral or social difficulties. A referral to the RTLB can be made at the request of
the child’s family or school.
Pedestrians
Children must walk on the footpath where one is available
Children must use pedestrian crossings and school road patrols where available
Police Education Officers will be utilised wherever possible in the teaching of road safety education units
Students in Junior Classes are given regular classroom instruction on the correct way to cross the road.
Road Patrols
The school patrols comprise of Year 6 students with a supervising adult
The school patrols will be trained yearly by a Police Education Officer
A student must have written permission from their parent/caregiver prior to joining the school patrol team
School patrols operate once daily during school terms 7.55am to 8.15am. An adult /member of staff is always present
Recording illegal or dangerous driving behaviour is noted by the adult supervisor at the crossing. Cycle and
pedestrian complaints are also recorded in a notebook monitored by the D.P. and parents notified where necessary.
These monitors are on duty at 7.55am until 8.15am. Needless to say early arrivals (which we discourage) must wait
for the monitors to arrive before crossing the road.
Careparks/Carparking
Cars to enter court carpark from the swimming pool end and angle park when dropping children off.
Students should alight and enter a vehicle from the footpath side door when stopping on the side of the road.
Students, parents/caregivers must use the pedestrian crossing/road patrols if they need to cross the road
Students are not allowed to walk through the carpark
The carpark is for the sole use of members of staff and official school visitors
Parents/caregivers must not park and wait for students on any yellow line or within 5 metres of the crossing patrol
site.
Skateboards/rollerblades and scooters
No student is allowed to bring the above into school during term time, except on a designated ‘Wheels Day’, which
has been approved by the Principal.
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School Funds – School Support Voluntary Donations
The amount set by the Board of Trustees appears on your child’s stationery list. By law we cannot make these
compulsory, although we rely on this money to contribute towards the cost of some of the extras we provide such as
computers and computer programs. Our support donations are much lower than those requested by most schools.
We hope all families support our school by paying these donations. Other costs on the stationery lists cover items
such as felt pens for class use. If a child is enrolled part way through the year, the donation requested will be reduced
accordingly.
School Hours
8.25am Start of school (No children before 7.55am, please.)
10.25am Interval
10.55am End of interval
12.25pm Lunchtime
1.15pm End of lunchtime
2.20pm School finishes.
We expect that no children will arrive before 7.55am as morning duty for teachers starts at that time. If this cannot be
avoided, early arrivals are expected to wait on the path alongside the swimming pool, or, if wet, under the shaded area
between the classrooms.
Our road patrollers go off duty at 8.15am. By this time we expect all students to be at school preparing to start work
on the bell at 8.25 a.m.
School Lunches
A school lunch system is organised by the Home and School Committee and run by volunteer parent helpers. Bought
lunches are available Monday, Wednesday and Fridays only. Lunch orders should be written on a sealed envelope
with the correct money inside (no change is given) and given to the person responsible in your child’s classroom.
Please do not include money for other purchases such as stationery in lunch order envelopes. It is the responsibility
of the children to ensure that they remember to put in their lunch orders.
Prices: (As prices change, we will publish them in the newsletter.)
Thai Chicken Wrap
Mince & Cheese Wrap
Pies (mince or Minch & Cheese)
Pizza
Apple pie (small)
Juicees
Cookies
$2.50
$2.50
$2.50
$2.50
$1.50
$1.00
$1.00
School Photographs
A professional photographer is engaged every year (usually in Term 1) to take class, individual and family photos.
The purchase of photographs is, of course, optional and the responsibility of families.
School Rules and Behaviour Management
(a) Playground Rules
1.
Speak to people in polite and friendly ways.
2.
Act and play in positive and friendly ways.
3.
Treat all buildings, trees, plants and equipment with care.
4.
Please walk around buildings. You may run on the courts and playing fields.
5.
Permission is needed before leaving the school grounds.
6.
Do not play in or around the toilets.
7.
The seats outside classrooms are only for sitting on. Do not stand or play on them.
8.
A flag on a stick means: “Please stay away from this area”.
9.
Come inside when you hear the rain bell (2 rings).
10.
Stay outside at interval and lunchtimes unless your teacher supervises you.
11.
The front of the school is out of bounds except during bus assembly.
12.
Do not ask for someone else’s food or drink. Do not give anyone your food or drink.
13.
Have a drink and go to the toilet before the end of interval and lunchtime. Don’t wait for the bell.
14.
Go back to class as soon as the bell rings after interval and lunchtime.
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15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Bell times (as above).
Stay seated while you are eating your lunch. Leave when the duty teacher tells you.
Wear a hat outside during Term 1 and Term 4. Children without hats must sit in the shade at the end of the
hall.
The library is a place for quiet reading and sharing during lunch times.
During wet lunchtimes find a calm, quiet activity to do, for example: jigsaw puzzles, maths games, finish
off some work, read a book.
All children have the right to play without being annoyed or hurt. If you are being annoyed or hurt, say:
“Stop it please, I don’t like ………..” (Explain exactly what it is that they are doing which you don’t like.)
Wet lunchtimes: Sit at your own desk or table to eat your lunch. Stay there until a duty teacher releases you
after the 12.40 bell. If it is still too wet to play outside, the bell will ring three times at 12.40.
(b) General Class rules (classes may have other specific rules as well)

Follow your teacher’s instructions.

Start your work straight away.

Finish your work.

Speak in a quiet and polite way at all times.

Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
(c)
Behaviour Management
Corporal punishment is not used. Staff uses positive behaviour management techniques to reward and encourage
positive behaviour. Staff will treat students with dignity and respect and expect the same in return. Each classroom
will display the school rules and their class rules and a code of conduct agreed to at the beginning of the school year.
If a rule is broken, the following consequences will occur:
(Steps 2 onwards are recorded in the Behaviour Management Book.)
Step 1
Warning and appropriate in-class/playground behaviour management strategies.
The following steps occur after repeated classroom misbehaviour:
Step 2
Counseling with the Deputy Principal or the Assistant Principal. Name recorded in management
book. Apology.
Step 3
Counselling with AP/DP and time out. Parents notified (pink slip) and Principal advised and
parents notified.
Step 4
Parents notified. Time out in Team Leader’s classroom. Parent/teacher interview for in-class
misbehaviour.
Step 5
Principal becomes involved. Interview with parents/caregivers.
Step 6
Formal stand-down from school unless school and family agree to a valid alternative.
Step 7
Repeated stand-down or formal suspensions from school unless school and family agree to a valid
alternative.
The Board of Trustees becomes involved.
The school reserves the right to refer directly to any step.
For a relatively minor misbehaviour, if there is no recurrence within two months, the student will return to a “clean
slate”. Consequences will accumulate for misbehaviours involving violence or abuse of people or property or
misbehaviours, which occur within two months of the previous problem.
Sickness or Accidents at School
Essential information relating to student health will be obtained on enrolment and will be updated at the beginning of
every school year or as new information is passed on by parents/caregivers. Summaries will be available in the sick
bay for access by staff that treats sick or injured students.
If a child becomes ill or has an accident at school a teacher or teacher’s aide will admit them to the sickbay and
inform the Administration Officer or the Principal. Medical records will be checked in cases of allergic reactions or
known medical conditions. If the problem is minor, the child will return to class or play after a time. If the injury or
illness is more serious the parents/caregivers will be contacted. If contact is not possible, the emergency contact(s)
will be tried. Failing this the child will remain in the sick bay with supervision as required from the office staff. If
the child is taken home by the parents or contact person, the “Sign Out Book “in the office foyer must be filled in.
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No child will receive medication without the consent of a parent or caregiver. An exception to this would occur in a
relatively serious case and where none of the contacts is available. Advice would be sought from a medical
professional, the family G.P. if possible. In some cases (if no contact person is available) the child may be taken
directly to the doctor by school staff or an ambulance called.
Details will be recorded in the sick bay record book. In the case of injuries caused by an accident, the staff member
who attends the accident will complete an injury report form. The report will contain recommended action to prevent
a repetition of the accident. This may involve such action as physical alterations to property or equipment, student
training etc. The report is to be given to the Principal. An accident report summary will be presented to the Board
once a year.
Each second year all fulltime teaching staff and some support staff members will be trained (or their training updated)
in First Aid procedures.
(See also: Allergies and Medication at School)
Smoke-Free Policy
Smoking by staff and visitors is not allowed within the school grounds. The school is smoke-free by law. Notices
are displayed in strategic areas as a reminder.
Special Needs and Equity
The Principal and staff each year assess the special requirements of students for the purpose of presenting
programmes and resources to cater for them wherever possible and within budget constraints. There will be
consultation with the families of special needs children and also with support agencies. We rely on close liaison with
the families of our special needs students in order to ensure the best possible educational outcomes. Strong support
from the home is very important.
(See also Reading Recovery)
Stationery
A list with the required stationery and costs is issued at the start of the year. We appreciate it if the children buy their
books and other requirements immediately at the start of the year. Stationery is sold at the school, but if you choose
to buy elsewhere, please ensure that the books are identical to ours. Check the code number on the book. It might
pay to check the number of pages, too. Some “bargains” might be false economy.
Voluntary Donations
$100 per child for up to 2 children (3 rd child free), $25 per term per child. 20% discount if paid by the end of March
e.g. $80 for 1 child and $160 for 2 children and will go into a prize draw at the end of the first term.
If you cannot pay the full amount straight away, payment over several weeks can be arranged. Simply contact your
child’s teacher or Jill our Finance Officer.
If a student is enrolled during the year from another school, we try to use the stationery they bring with them.
Sometimes it may be necessary to buy one or two new items.
Other stationery items may be bought from the office before 8.25am during the year.
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
A “right” is something, which belongs to you and cannot be taken away by anyone. Your classmates and teachers
have the same rights.
1.
You have the right to be an individual at school
This means you should not be treated unfairly because you are tall or short, boy or girl, or because it takes
you a little longer to get the right answer.
2.
You have the right to be respected and treated with kindness at school
This means that others should not laugh at you, make fun of you, or hurt your feelings. No one is to
embarrass you in front of the class.
3.
You have a right to express yourself.
This means that you may talk freely about your ideas and feelings when appropriate.
4.
You have a right to a safe school.
This means that your school should provide safe classrooms, equipment and rules to ensure your safety at
school.
5.
You have a right to tell your side of the story.
This means that you may tell your side of the story when accused of breaking a rule.
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Students’ responsibilities
Here are some things you should do without being told. Some of these things you do for others and some of these
things you do for yourself. Here are your important responsibilities.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
You have a responsibility to allow others to work without being bothered.
This means that you quietly make good use of your time and do not bother others.
You have a responsibility to complete your classroom assignments.
This means that you do your best with your class assignments and homework, being sure to hand them in on
time.
You have a responsibility to help make school a good place to be.
This means being thoughtful, respectful and courteous to others.
You have a responsibility to take care of property.
This means that you take care of school property and respect the property of others.
You have a responsibility to come to school.
This means that you come to school every day, on time, unless you are sick or have a special reason to be
absent.
You have a responsibility to obey school rules.
This means observing all safety, playground and classroom rules.
You have a responsibility to take school messages home.
This means that it is important for you to take all school messages to your parents.
You have a responsibility to practice good personal cleanliness.
Sun Safety
We do our best to ensure that children and staff are, wherever possible, protected from skin damage caused by the
harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun, which can lead to skin cancer.

Programmes on sun safety are incorporated into the health curriculum.

Children and staff must wear sun hats when outside at playtimes and lunchtimes in the summer terms (Terms
1 and 4).

Children without sun hats must stay in shade areas within the school.

The Board will maintain a planting programme to ensure that there is adequate shade available.

The use of sunscreen is encouraged.

The school provides hats for sale at $12.00 each child to wear at school.
Support Services Available
* Indicates: based at this school.
Adviser for the Hearing Impaired
Adviser for the Visually Impaired
Child Health Clinic
Children, Young Persons and Their Families Service
Dental Therapist and Dental Assistant
Educational Advisers (Auckland College of Education)
Educational psychologists (SES)
Epilepsy Society
Hearing and Vision Testing
Mobile Ear Clinic
National Library Service
Public Health Nurse

Reading Recovery Teachers (several of the current staff)

Resource Teacher of Reading
*
Resource Teacher, Learning and Behaviour
Ruakaka Recreation Centre
Special Needs Adviser (SES)
*
Special Needs Support Teacher and Teachers’ Aides
Speech-language Therapist
Sport Northland
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Swimming
Our pool is open for school use for the whole of Term 1 and for part of November until the end of the school year.
Swimming is a compulsory part of our Physical Education programme and children are expected to bring togs and
towel (named, please) every day during these months. If parents wish their children to be excused from swimming
due to sickness, a note is required. We recommend bathing caps for all children as a hygiene aid.
Taking Children from School Early
If there are exceptional circumstances and parents wish to take their child(ren) from school early this must be done
through the office. Please sign the child out before collecting him/her from the classroom. Please do not take your
child out of school without going through this procedure, as you will cause staff a lot of concern over the
whereabouts of your child.
Trips and Entertainment
The local district is regularly used for educational purposes. Visits and visitors relevant to current programmes are
encouraged. As far as transport goes, children will walk locally (within reason). For trips further afield, parents may
be asked to supply vehicles or buses will be hired. In the case of using parents’ vehicles, children will usually be
asked to pay a small sum towards the costs of running the vehicles.
Occasionally presentations from visiting entertainers are offered to the school. These are accepted only when we are
sure of the educational merit of the performance. One performance a term is paid for by the Home and School as a
way of making them available to all our students.
(See also: Camps and Trips)
Valuables
Children should not have sums of money or valuables (other than watches) at school. If, however a student does have
valuables or money for whatever reason, the teacher should take charge of the item for the day and return it to the
student at home time.
Vision and Hearing Testing
A qualified person from Northland Health carries vision and Hearing Testing out twice a year. All new entrants are
tested together with children who have a history of vision or hearing problems. If you are concerned about your
child’s eyesight or hearing, make a point of informing the school so your child can be tested. If a problem is
discovered, there will usually be a referral for further assessment and treatment.
Visitors to the School
All visitors to the school including parents and caregivers are asked to come to the office. Firstly, for safety reasons,
we need to know who is on our school grounds at all times and, secondly, we aim to reduce classroom interruptions
to a minimum.
(See also: Taking Children from School Early.
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