TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD A SOUND FUTURE FOR YOUR CHILD
WELCOME TO BEACHLANDS SCHOOL 2010
The purpose of this document is to give a quick outline of what this school has to offer you and your child. We as a school are always moving forward and we are on a journey of continual improvement in order to make sure we are able to deliver the best possible education for your child. We look forward to working in a partnership with you.
Contents
|
Message from the Principal |
23. |
Staff, Parent, Student Promises |
| 2. |
Vision Statement |
24. |
School Wide Programmes |
| 3. |
Comment from ERO |
25. |
Children With Special Needs |
| 4. |
A School Description |
26. |
Children With Special Abilities |
| 5. |
Board of Trustees |
27. |
Kowhai and Rimu Teams School Programme |
| 6. |
Support Services |
28. |
Pre School Visits |
| 7. |
School Uniform / Sports Uniform |
29. |
Class Organisation |
| 8. |
School Hours |
30. |
Swimming |
| 9. |
Activity Fees |
31. |
Houses |
| 10. |
School Donations |
32. |
Reporting to Parents |
| 11. |
Parent Teacher Association |
33. |
Care of School Property |
| 12. |
Lines of Communication |
34. |
Religious Instruction |
| 13. |
Newsletters |
35. |
Cycle Safety |
| 14. |
Homework |
36. |
Road Patrol |
| 15. |
Money at School |
37. |
Technology |
| 16. |
Absences |
38. |
Lost Property |
| 17. |
Jewellery |
39. |
Consultation Evenings |
| 18. |
Collecting Children |
40. |
Assembly |
| 19. |
Sun Protection |
41. |
Infectious Diseases |
| 20. |
Communication between home & school |
42. |
Animals at School |
| 21. |
School Calendar |
43. |
Telephones |
| 22. |
Oasis After School Care |
44. |
Website |
1.MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to Beachlands School.
The year 2010 will be an exciting year for everyone associated with this school. We have an exciting vision to fulfil and a number of projects to complete.
Beachlands School is a growing community school, reflecting the expectations and values of the community. We foster an environment of honesty, integrity, trust and respect using our FERN philosophy of Friendship, Encouragement, Respect and Nurture. In such an environment students will feel secure, enjoy learning and gain confidence in all that they do. We want the students to be happily involved in the learning programmes the school has to offer. You can expect your child to be well taught, well looked after and, in partnership with you, they will receive the best possible education.
We see the school as a vital part of the community and the active support and involvement of parents and caregivers is welcome. It is well documented that schools, which enjoy a high level of parent and community support, produce happier children, rich in experience and having a strong self-esteem.
Our open door policy means we are accessible to parents and caregivers. Please come and discuss matters relating to the academic and social development of your child. Concerns are often quickly resolved if you come to us directly and discuss them with us. Our staff are dedicated, highly skilled and a hardworking team – always ensuring that an excellence in programme delivery is maintained.
Your involvement with Beachlands School will be, I’m sure, an enjoyable time. I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to work with us in providing the best educational opportunities and experiences for your child(ren).
Brian Gower
2. VISION STATEMENT (Preparing for Tomorrow)
Our Learning community will be based on quality relationships which develop skills, knowledge and habits that will thrive and contribute effectively to the world
we live in.
3. COMMENTS FROM EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE
Please click on the link to the ERO 2008
Community Report
4. A SCHOOL DESCRIPTION
Beachlands School is located at 18 Bell Rd. We currently have a roll of 400 students. It has 19 classrooms and is staffed by 24 full time teachers, 8 part-time teachers, 4 administration staff, 6 teacher aides and a caretaker. We cater for students from Year 0 to Year 8.
We have a fantastic library, swimming pool, a hall, two playgrounds, an after School Care Programme, an Environmental area and a computer suite. We also have a Technology Suite which delivers the Technology Curriculum to Year 7-8 children.
5. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jane Winterman Chairperson 536-6868
Raechel Cummins Finance 536-6839
Konrad Heinemann 536-4676
Bill Sole Property 536-7273
Sheryl Witehira Maori and Pacifica Liaison 536-6042
6. SUPPORT SERVICES
Dental Therapist Robyn Parton 534-5682
Public Health Nurse Jan Hancock
Resource Teacher of Learning & Behaviour - Barbara Carr
7. SCHOOL UNIFORM
The school uniform is compulsory and every encouragement is given to pupils to wear it correctly. School uniform hats are compulsory. Sun hats can be purchased from the uniform shop. It is important that the wearing of the school uniform is supervised by teachers to ensure that children develop pride in both the wearing of the uniform and their personal appearance.
Sweaters and hats are to be worn correctly.
Objectives -
• To develop pupil pride in their appearance.
• To develop pupil pride in their school.
• To provide an attractive wearable uniform which enhances the appearance of children at school.
• To provide a practical comfortable set of garments.
• To provide a uniform appearance when interacting with other schools in cultural or sporting activities.
• To provide a range within the uniform to suit individual appearance.
• To provide high quality garments at a competitive price.
8. SCHOOL HOURS – Children are not supervised before 8.00am
8.00 am - Children may enter the grounds and assemble under the blue cover. On wet days they may go straight to their classrooms.
8.10 am - Bell to enter classrooms for teacher reception.
8.25 am - Preparation bell for start of school.
8.30 am - School commences.
8.30 am - Whole School Assembly Monday.
10.00 am - 10.40 am - Morning Interval.
12.20 pm - 1.00 pm Lunch.
2.30 pm - School finishes.
2.45 pm - Grounds cleared
NB: No children may return to the school grounds until 6.00pm
9. ACTIVITY FEE (Compulsory)
These will be $20.00 per term. At the beginning of term you will receive a newsletter from the Kowhai and Rimu Teams, which will outline the intended programme, and approximate costs. At the end of each term you will receive another newsletter with an evaluation of the term and what money was spent. If there is money left over from the $20.00 or your child did not attend an event, then this money will be rolled over for the following term as a credit against your child. If the $20.00 is not paid then your child will not be able to attend any future outings until the debt is paid in full.
10. SCHOOL DONATION (Voluntary)
Now that we are a Decile 10 school we rely more heavily on your donation to make up the shortfall in Government Funding. Donations have been set at $160.00 per child and a total of $400.00 for 3 or more children. These donations are used to enhance the learning opportunities that all children are given. They are an important part of the school funding. I can assure you every child directly benefits from school donations, from being able to buy additional resources to offering extra learning opportunities. If you are unable to pay the school donation, please come and discuss alternative arrangements with the office.
11. PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
We are constantly on the look out for new innovative ways of raising funds and for more parents to be part of the PTA. If you are interested in joining please contact the school and we can let you know when the next meeting is.
12. LINES OF COMMUNICATION
When you are concerned about something and require further information please see the classroom teacher first. If your concern is not addressed please see the senior teacher then the Principal. At Beachlands School we have an open door policy.
It is important for parents and teachers to communicate for the benefit of the child. These times need to be kept outside of the classroom time. The best times to communicate are from 8.10am – 8.30am or 2.30 pm – 2.45pm. If outside this time please arrange an interview. To arrange an interview please telephone the school (ph536 6757) and follow the prompts. You will be able to leave a message on the classroom phone.
13. NEWSLETTERS
These are sent home every Monday so please check your child’s bag. These newsletters are further supported by Team newsletters, which outline the coming programme for the term. Please read these carefully so you can be fully informed about what your child is learning at school.
14. HOME LEARNING
Home Learning is set in all classes and will be a follow up of further development of current work at school and children should understand what is set or expected of them before leaving school in the afternoon. Home Learning will be marked or checked on a specific set completion day.
15. MONEY AT SCHOOL
Money brought to school must be given to the classroom teacher first thing in the morning. Parents are to put the money in an envelope and write their child’s name, the amount and purpose of the money and to make sure it is handed to the teacher and not left on the desk.
16. ABSENCES
If your child is absent please phone the school before 8:30am and state the reason for their absence. Either a telephone message to the office or note to the classroom teacher should cover all absences. This is an important safety procedure. If your child has an unexplained absence after 9am you will be contacted. Please keep the school up to date with your phone number, address and emergency contact.
17. JEWELLERY
Students are permitted to wear small studs in their ears (one in each ear) but not earrings. This is for safety reasons. If any other jewellery is to be worn then a note from the parent is requested outlining a spiritual or cultural reason.
18. COLLECTING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL.
Parents needing to collect children from school for any reason e.g. dental appointments need to inform the teacher of the appointment. All vistors to the school must sign in at the office to obtain a visitors pass. All parents and visitors are to report to the office in order to collect their child. The office will phone for the child to come to the office. This is for Health and Safety reasons.
19. SUN PROTECTION
All children are to wear a school hat during Terms 1 and 4. If they do not wear a hat then they will be sent to a shaded area to play. The school uniform hat was specifically chosen to protect the wearer’s head completely and is available from the uniform shop. It has been discounted to ensure everyone is able to afford it and can always keep a hat at school. All children should use sun block when they are outside for long periods or on very sunny days.
20. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL
Ongoing clear communication between home and school is vital for the well being and progress of each child. Parents/Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to make contact with staff throughout the year at appropriate times.
Regular newsletters are sent home on the first day of each week as one means of informing parents/caregivers of the School’s many and varied activities. School and community notices are on display in the foyer at the school office and on the school notice board by the entrance to Bell Road.
In reporting orally and in written form to parents/caregivers the school will endeavour to be open and honest as well as encouraging. Each child will be looked at as a unique individual with varying talents and abilities. It is our aim to attempt to find each child’s potential in whatever field. To achieve this the home and school must work in close harmony and accord.
Our school appreciates and needs the assistance of parents/caregivers in all manner of ways. You are encouraged to come forward and offer your services. As we are a community school we encourage parents to share their skills and talents with the students. If you have a skill or talent please let us know.
21. SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2010
Terms and Holidays
Term 1: Monday 2nd February to Thursday 1st of April
Term 2: Monday 19th April to Friday 2nd July
Term 3: Monday 19th July to Friday 24th September
Term 4: Monday 11th October to Tuesday the 14th December
Good Friday 2nd April
Easter Monday 13 April
Anzac Day Sunday 25th April
Queen’s Birthday Monday 7th June
Labour Day Monday 25th October
22. OASIS AFTER SCHOOL CARE
The Oasis Programme operates from 2.30pm to 6.00pm daily and 8.30am – 3.00pm for 1 week at the end of term 1, 2 and 3 for 5 – 13 year olds. We are based at Beachlands School. Oasis is a recognised OSCAR programme and parents will be able to receive the OSCAR subsidy from WINZ. Our aim for Oasis is to provide a safe and stimulating environment which caters for the needs of children at all ages and stages of development, cultural background, disabilities and interests.
Programme Supervisors: Jane Foote & Debbie Barrie 021-214-1593
Booking line: 536-6751
23. THE STUDENT, PARENTS AND STAFF PROMISES
At Beachlands School we have five promises for parents, staff and students. These help us to play our own part in making sure we can deliver an effective education and work in partnership to make this happen.
STUDENTS
– Be FERN to all teachers, parents and students.
– Develop myself as a learner and work to my potential.
– Accept responsibility for my own actions.
– Be assertive and improve my social skills.
– Take care of the school environment.
PARENTS
– Be supportive of the school as a learning community.
– Prepare my child socially and emotionally.
– Through the FERN values work in partnership with my child’s teacher.
– Value education through actively supporting my child’s education.
– Learn about what the school is doing to prepare my child for the future.
STAFF
– Grow professionally through reflection and being innovative.
– Develop relationships with students, parents that encourage learning.
– Demonstrate FERN values with parents, students and staff at all times.
– Teach skills and habits which encourage students to learn how to learn.
– Know students learning needs and move them onto the next step.
QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS EQUALS QUALITY TEACHING AND LEARNING
24. SCHOOL WIDE PROGRAMMMES
Beachlands School offers a wide range of programmes, which is reflective of a wide range of abilities and interests of the students. Programmes are being constantly reviewed and up-dated due to Ministry of Education requirements and the changing needs of the students. At all times classroom programmes are aimed at meeting the learning needs of the students to ensure all students are making sound progress.
25. CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
At the beginning of each year children are identified who require extra assistance and programmes such as the Literacy Programme and Kauri Programme are available to ensure these children make the best possible progress. The Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour is also available as a liaison between the home and school.
26. CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL ABILITIES
Throughout the year a variety of programmes are offered in a wide range of activities in order to extend children. These are over and above the normal extension opportunities in the class programme. Children have the opportunity to extend their abilities they have through such programmes. The Totara Programme runs one day sessions for students who would benefit from extension work.
27. KOWHAI PROGRAMME
The Kowhai Team caters for Year 0 to Year 4 children. It has a strong emphasis upon developing literacy and numeracy. It is important to get such skills established at an early age. As the need occurs pre-school visits are arranged in order to ensure a smooth transition between pre-school and school.
RIMU PROGRAMME
The Rimu Team caters for Year 5 to Year 8. For Years 5 & 6 - in these years are a consolidation of the skills they have learnt in the Kowhai Team. They have an exciting programme in place, which caters for all students with a variety of abilities and interests. For Years 7 & 8 - in these years the children are exposed to a wide range of experiences, which encourage risk taking and making wise choices. They are well prepared for their time at college.
28. PRE SCHOOL VISITS
All children will be invited to attend three set sessions prior to their birthday. All children will have their first, second and third visits on the same day of the week. The day will usually be a Wednesday and the visit will last from 8.20am – 10.00am. The children will be able to stay and have morning tea in the playground. Parents must accompany their child and stay in the school grounds. No other pre-schoolers in the family may attend. Parents are asked to phone the school to confirm that they will be attending.
29. CLASS ORGANISATION
School organisation is decided on a yearly basis with due consideration being given to building availability, staff development needs, expertise and requests for change of teaching level. Students are placed into classes on the recommendation of their classroom teachers in consultation with the Team Leader and Principal. Placement is based upon their reports, academic achievement, and social development. The staffing ratios of 1:23, 1:29 are maintained where numbers allow. Parents are notified of their child’s placement at the beginning of the year, rather than at the end of the previous year, because of the changes that may occur over the holiday period. All children are given a two-week settle in period.
30. SWIMMING
This is a compulsory curriculum component and all children are to participate. If children do not participate a note is required to explain the reason for not swimming. If a student is to be permanently exempt a doctor’s certificate is required. Hair must be tied back. Non-swimmers are not left unsupervised and must use the time in meaningful activity.
31. HOUSES
Pupils are placed in one of the four houses when they are enrolled.
The houses are Arawa, Takitimu, Tokomaru, and Tainui. Each Term the winning house will be recognised. The winning house in each classroom will receive 4 points, 2nd 3 points, 3rd 2 points, 4th 1 point. The combined terms results give the winning house for the year, who receive the House Cup and special recognition.
32. REPORTING TO PARENTS
Reporting to parents occurs four times a year in the following format:-
End of Term 1: Student Reviews and Learning Conversations
End of Term 2: Written Report
End of Term 3: Student Reviews and Learning Conversations
End of Term 4: Written Report
33. CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
School property is to be properly cared for at all times. Damage caused by pupils is reported to their parent or caregiver with restitution being sought if the damage is malicious or intentionally done.
34. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Religious Instruction occurs every Thursday morning between 8.30am-9.00am. The school is officially closed during this time and teachers, unless taking their classes for Religious Instruction, are engaged in preparation or marking activities in their classrooms.
35. CYCLE SAFETY
Cycles may be ridden to school by children who have the permission of their parents to do so. Cycles must be in a safe roadworthy condition and helmets must be worn. It is a privilege to ride a bicycle to school and failure to ride in a safe sensible manner will mean the child’s parents will be contacted and permission withdrawn until behaviour is rectified. It is recommended by the Police and Board of Trustees those children 10 years and over should be the only children who ride bikes to school.
36. ROAD PATROL
The road patrol operates before school, 8.15 - 8.30 am, and after school 2.30 – 2.45 pm, on each day of the week. Road Patrol Monitors are trained by Police Education Officers.
37. TECHNOLOGY
Technology classes are run for Year 7 & 8 students. These classes cover the technology strands support the classroom topics for the term as well as provide extension in Visual Arts.
38. LOST PROPERTY
If your child has lost an item of clothing please check the lost property box, which is kept in the Hall. Children’s clothing which is named will be returned to the child. Please name all clothing and equipment and it will be returned if it goes missing.
39. CONSULTATION EVENINGS
Each term we run a consultation evening for parents to discuss changes that are occurring in education and how they impact upon their children. These evenings are also designed to give more knowledge to parents on the curriculum that is being taught to their children so they can play a more supportive role.
40. ASSEMBLY
Whole School Assembly is held on Mondays at 8:30 am. Monday assembly is an award assembly at which certificates are given out to those children who have performed to high levels of attainment. This assembly is for whole school communication and to develop the leadership capacity of students.
41. INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Below is a chart which shows when a child can return to school if they have one of the following
Disease Exclusion of child from Schools, Kindergartens etc.
Impetigo Advice given by Public Health Nurse
Conjunctivitis While there is a discharge from the eye
Chicken Pox For 1 week from date of appearance of rash
Giardia Until well with no further diarrhoea
Campylobacter Until well with no further diarrhoea
Gastroenteritis Until well with no further vomiting or diarrhoea
Glandular Fever Until well enough to return
Hepatitis A 7 days from onset of jaundice
Hepatitis B Until well or as advised by GP
Measles At least 4 days from onset of rash
Meningitis Until recovery
Mumps Until recovery
Ringworm Restrict contact activities e.g. swimming until clear
Rubella 7 days from appearance of rash
Salmonella Until well with no further diarrhoea
Scabies 24 hours after treatment is started
Streptococcal Until 24 hours after antibiotics started
Slapped Cheek Unnecessary unless child is unwell
Whooping Cough 21 days from onset of coughing, or after 5 days
42. ANIMALS AT SCHOOL
There are to be no animals at school unless the staff or the Board of Trustees gives permission. While on the school grounds due care will be taken of the animal’s welfare. The main purpose for student’s involvement with animals at school is for personal development by having responsibility for animal welfare, establishment of caring attitudes and an introduction to a potential life long interest involving animals.
43. TELEPHONES
Students are only allowed to use the phones for emergencies and not for requests to parents to bring them something they have forgotten. Arrangements for after school must be made outside of school hours with the full consent of the parents. Students phoning mobile phones will be charged.
44. WEBSITE
We also seek permission for your child’s first name and work to be published onto our web page/newspaper/other NZ web sites. Web site Address
Web: www.beachlands.school.nz
Email: info@beachlands.school.nz