SOUTH END PARENT HANDBOOK

CONTENTS (in following order)

WELCOME

SCHOOL MISSION, VISION and VALUES

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

ENROLMENT

PRIOR TO ENROLMENT

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FRIENDS OF SOUTH END SCHOOL

WHANAU SUPPORT GROUP

SCHOOL CHARTER

WAIRARAPA MONTESSORI CHARITABLE TRUST

SCHOOL DONATION

CLOTHING/UNIFORM

OPEN DOOR POLICY

SCHOOL HOURS

ABSENCES

CHANGE OF ADDRESS or PHONE NUMBERS

HEALTH

CLASS STATIONERY

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMMES

P.E. and SPORTS

SWIMMING

REPORTING to PARENTS

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING

HOMEWORK

LIBRARY BOOKS and HOME READERS

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

ROAD SAFETY

LOST PROPERTY

NEWSLETTERS

HEALTHY EATING

MONEY

CELLPHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES

ASSEMBLIES

AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TRANSPORT

PARENT HELPERS

CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION

WELCOME TO SOUTH END SCHOOL

We trust that your children will enjoy their education at our school. We are a school with two strands or learning pathways. Our “original” classes are taught through the pedagogy which will be found in most New Zealand schools. Our “Montessori” strand classes are taught through the Montessori pedagogy. This booklet is designed to give parents some important information about the school, and we suggest you use it as a reference point.

Of course there are many points that cannot be covered in such a booklet, and we are always pleased to answer any further queries that may arise.

Phone: (06) 379 4000

Fax: (06) 379 4005

Email:

Mission Statement

We strive to develop students who are:
Respectful Responsible Resourceful Resilient
to themselves, others and the environment.

Vision

South End School students will be confident, resourceful, and resilient learners. They will develop respectful and responsible relationships with themselves, others and the environment.

Developed in consultation with the school’s community, our school’s vision and values are expressed in the following ways:

In the area of PERSONAL GROWTH

  • Ensuring that students are happy at school
  • Supporting our students to develop positive self- esteem and self- confidence
  • Supporting our students in being resilient
  • Providing opportunities for our students to challenge themselves
  • Enabling our students to become independent thinkers and learners
  • Encouraging our students to be proud of themselves and their school

In the area of ACADEMIC LEARNING

  • Fostering a love of learning
  • Celebrating and respecting the different philosophies which underpin the Original and Montessori learning pathways
  • Ensuring that teaching and learning programmes in both learning pathways are based on, and connected with, the New Zealand Curriculum
  • Recognising that the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills is essential in enabling all students to access the curriculum
  • Recognising the importance of physical and health education
  • Providing programmes which motivate and excite our students about learning, and which encourage them to explore their curiosity and creativity.

In the area of SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Developing social skills to be able to interact effectively and respectfully with others
  • Celebrating difference and individuality
  • Demonstrating tolerance, kindness, and caring for each other
  • Valuing integrity and honesty

In the area of CULTURAL AWARENESS

  • Valuing, respecting and celebrating our bicultural heritage and multicultural diversity
  • Valuing and respecting Tikanga Maori and Te Reo Maori, and providing teaching programmes in Te Reo Maori
  • Valuing that Maori students enjoy success as Maori
  • Discovering, valuing and celebrating the cultural identities of all students and whanau

In the area of ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

  • Valuing, and caring for, the environment (Kaitiakitanga)
  • Showing commitment to the Enviroschools programme

OUR SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

As teachers we always try to provide high quality learning and a caring attitude for all children by:

  • Building up each child’s self esteem.
  • Praising good aspects of behaviour and good performance.
  • Encouraging children to help and care for each other and their environment.
  • Establishing clear routines and expectations so children have security and know where they stand.
  • Taking time to speak and listen to individual children in our class.
  • Encouraging independence and self-evaluation.
  • Emphasising co-operation, tolerance, participation and enjoyment in school activities.
  • Recognising and allowing for individual differences in learning pace.
  • Promoting a climate of high expectations.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

Students are classified by year levels, from Year 1 to Year 8, as determined by the Ministry of Education.

Due to the number of students from different year levels in each class in each strand, most of our classes are multi-level classes.

The school follows the New Zealand Curriculum as published by the Ministry of Education.

ENROLMENT

For the child’s first admission to a school it is

necessary to provide the following:

  • Birth Certificate/Passport – as proof of age & citizenship
  • Immunisation Certificate.
  • Address and phone number.
  • Alternative phone number of friend or relatives for

emergencies only.

  • Doctor’s name.

PRIOR TO ENROLMENT

Prior to enrolment, it is recommended that at least one pre-entry visit occurs so that your child can start to become familiar with the school and the school environment. This is particularly important when a child begins schooling at age 5.

Such visits are generally made in the term just prior to a child starting school.

These visits should be arranged after a discussion about enrolment with the Principal, and then in liaison with the classroom teacher.

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL

Being at school does require a level of independence.

As parents, what can you do to help?

Some suggestions include:

• Talking to your child frequently about starting school.

• Arranging school visits prior to starting school.

• Letting us know of any extra assistance your child may need to ensure a smooth start to schooling.

• Encouraging your child to develop independent behaviours.

• Ensuring that all possessions that your child will bring to school are CLEARLY NAMED. (Note: it is not wise to send valued toys to school).

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees is made up of elected parents, the Principal, and an elected Staff Representative. Additional Board of Trustees members may be co-opted by the Board should the Board feel it necessary.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance and the control of the management of the school. The Board is the employer of all staff in the school, is responsible for setting the school's strategic direction in consultation with parents, staff and students, and ensuring that the school provides a safe environment and a quality education for all students.

The Board is also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.

Trustees are happy to talk to you about the school, including any suggestions you may have.

FRIENDS OF SOUTH END SCHOOL

This is a group of parents and members of the community committed to supporting South End School through fundraising activities for specific needs.

The mission is to strengthen and enrich the educational and the social environment of South End School through the organisation of social and fundraising events that encourage community involvement and create a feeling of unity while promoting South End School in the broader community.

If you have a fund raising idea, the FOSES would love to hear it. If you would like any further information on the FOSES please feel free to leave a message at the school office or come along to a FOSES meeting (these are advertised in the school newsletter).

WHANAU SUPPORT GROUP

Nga Whanau o te Moana Nui-a-Kiwa, the bi-cultural whanau roopu, was established in 2008. South End School acknowledges the ethnic cultural values and diversity throughout the school and its community.

Nga Whanau supports and assists South End School parents, staff and pupils to encourage, promote and establish the learning of Te Reo Māori, Tikanga and Cultural Arts. Through informal hui we are able to put together ideas and programmes that enable students to have an understanding of New Zealand’s unique cultural diversity.

Whanau members have links into the wider community which enhances learning opportunities and maintains the school’s relationships with local Iwi and Hapu.

Nga Whanau is supported by the Ministry of Education and is acknowledged as being valuable to the success of Māori and Pasifika students.

SCHOOL CHARTER A copy of the school Charter may be viewed on request and it is available on the school website.

WAIRARAPA MONTESSORI CHARITABLE TRUST (WMCT)

The objectives of the Wairarapa Montessori Charitable Trust (WMCT) are to:

1. Enhance the knowledge and skills of the Montessori teachers;

2. Provide specialised Montessori educational resources for the Montessori students; and

3. Establish and maintain a trust fund in order to implement the above objectives. This is funded through the donations of parents of Montessori students.

The Trust consists of the Montessori teachers and parents of students attending the Montessori classes.

SCHOOL DONATION

The school asks for a donation per child each year to provide additional resources for classroom programmes.

The school donation is a voluntary donation. However, the school does depend on your donation to assist with the purchase of classroom equipment, sports gear, photocopying for class use and additional classroom resources.

We seek your support by contributing the following:

$ 50.00 per child per year

$100.00 maximum per family

If enrolling during the year

$35.00 per child enrolled in Term 2

$23.00 per child enrolled in Term 3

$12.00 per child enrolled in Term 4

Your contributions are appreciated and receipts will be issued.

CLOTHING/UNIFORM

The school has had a school uniform for some time. However, in Term One, 2016, the Board of Trustees decided to make the wearing of the school uniform optional for all students. It is intended to review this decision at the end of 2016. For those who choose to wear the school uniform, it can be purchased from the local Warehouse store.

Please name all clothing and shoes, and, in the swimming season, underclothes as well. We can only trace owners of lost clothing items when the items are named. Jewellery and dangling earrings are not appropriate for school.

A neat and tidy appearance is required of all students in both strands at the school.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

At South End School we have an “open door” policy - parents are encouraged to keep in contact with the class teacher to discuss any questions regarding the education of their children. Early intervention, and prompt action, can prevent small problems from becoming major issues. If necessary, parents are welcome to see the Principal about any school matter, either by making an appointment (by email or through the School Secretary), or just by dropping by.

SCHOOL HOURS: The day begins at 9:00am and finishes at 3.00pm.

Interval is from 10.30 - 10.50am

Lunch break is 12.30 - 1:25pm.

Children may enter the grounds at 8.20 a.m. and must go home at 3:00 p.m. It is important that children do go straight home and not detour without parents’ knowledge.

Parents are encouraged to discuss, with their child, the importance of safe travel to and from school.

ABSENCES

Please advise us of your child’s absence either by phone before school starts or by written message. Our school phone has a facility on which you can leave a voice message. The school secretary will follow up on unexplained absences, but it saves us time if you are able to advise us of the reason for your child’s absence. Please phone

before 9.00am. Note that we are required to record the reason for a child’s absence.

No child is permitted to leave the grounds during the day without written permission, unless they are picked up and accompanied by an adult. The school office must be notified in these cases, prior to the child being picked up.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBERS

Please notify us immediately if there is a change of parent/guardian, address, phone number, emergency number or doctor.

In cases of sickness or accident, we need to contact parents immediately and this information is of vital importance.

HEALTH

Please advise us of any changes in medical circumstances that we should be aware of.

Good health is essential for school progress and in partnership with parents we address any health issues.

1.Hearing and Vision tests are carried out in the first year of school. The technician visits us once a term.

2.Immunisation Five-year-olds entering school are expected to have their immunisation programme up to date. Please check with your family doctor or public health nurse to ensure this is done.

3.Information about infectious diseases, treatment of headlice etc is held at the school office.

CLASS STATIONERY

Students may obtain a stationery list at the start of the school year. They are encouraged to purchase their stationery requirements through Warehouse Stationery in Masterton, as they offer special deals and support for many schools. Five year olds enrolling for the first time are given free stationery as a gesture of goodwill from the Friends of South End School.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

South End School follows the National Curriculum Guidelines, providing instruction in the eight essential learning areas:

EnglishMathematics and Statistics

ScienceHealth and Physical Education

Social Sciences The Arts

Technology Learning Languages

These learning areas are broad categories of knowledge and understanding that the school clarifies more specifically in curriculum delivery policies and procedures.

Further information about the curriculum for all New Zealand schools can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website.

We belong to the Enviroschools network which is a nationwide network of schools which aims to foster a generation of people who instinctively think and act sustainably.The Enviroschools programme supports children and young people to plan, design and implement sustainability actions that are important to them and their communities.

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMMES

The South End School Leadership team is responsible for the organisation and coordination of programmes for children identified as having learning difficulties in various areas. Such programmes include

-Reading Recovery

-Targeted plans for priority learners in an effort to raise their educational achievement

-Specific Individual Education Plans for those students whose educational needs are assisted by ORS funding or other specific funding provisions.

The school also provides additional programmes to promote the learning of students who have needs in literacy. Such programmes include

-Granny Reading

-Oral Language “Talk to Learn”

P.E. and SPORTS

A note from home is required if a child is to be excused from physical education lessons.

We have a wide range of sports equipment available for the children’s use at morning interval and lunchtime.

The school encourages all children to participate in a range of organised sports. As a school we field teams in local cluster schools sports competitions, including swimming, cross country, athletics, rugby, mini ball, soccer and hockey events. Saturday competition in rugby, soccer, netball and cricket is organised by local clubs.

SWIMMING

During Term One, the teaching of swimming is taken in our school pool, as the weather permits. This is part of the normal school Health and Physical Education programme, and we expect all children to take part. They need to bring named togs and towels in a swimming bag or plastic bag.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

There are two occasions during the year when the school formally reports to parents. These occasions are at mid-year and at the end of the school year. These reports are mainly in the context of progress in relation to National Standards in Reading, Writing and Mathematics, as well as other learning areas.

Parents are always welcome to contact the school for an appointment with the class teacher should they wish to discuss their child’s achievement and progress.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING

  • Ensure that your child attends school, on time, each and every day.
  • Encourage your child to bring their work home to share with you.
  • Select interesting and colourful stories and books which you read to them daily.
  • When reading or talking to your children, encourage them to be good listeners.
  • Keep in close contact with the teachers about your child’s progress.
  • Ensure your child gets adequate sleep. Children who do not get adequate sleep and nutrition will find it difficult to concentrate at school and so their learning may be affected.
  • Be prudent about the extent of your child’s access to electronic media such as watching television programmes, and use of computers. Current research suggests that such access is excessive in many New Zealand families.

HOMEWORK

Homework is viewed as an extension of school activities and a means of reinforcing learning, and developing and practising independent study skills. It should be a positive experience between parent and student. While homework is not compulsory, the school views it as good preparation for later schooling. Homework may be set regularly, especially for older students.