Information about Temuka Primary School

Adventure Playgrounds: 

The school has three separate adventure playground areas, each designated for a Syndicate group.

Ashton Scholastic Book Club:

The Ashton Scholastic Book Club is available through the school approximately twice per year (Terms 1 & 3).  This gives you the opportunity to purchase books at a competitive rate for your children.  Order forms are sent home with the children, but please remember there is no obligation to buy.

Banking:     The school provides a service for children to do banking.  Each Friday there is the opportunity to bank through the ASB.  Details are available on enrolment, or through the school office. 

Bullying:      Temuka Primary School has a zero tolerance attitude to any form of bullying.  All issues bought to our attention are dealt with and investigated to ensure all relevant facts are known.  Action varies depending on the severity and type of each case.  School Council members act as pupil mentors in the playground or a back-up to teacher supervision.   Programmes to assist pupil self esteem also form part of each year’s programme and this includes the Kiwi Can programme.

Clothing and Private Property:    

Please note that neither the teachers nor the Board of Trustees are responsible for the loss of a child’s valuables and/or clothing - Please name all clothing clearly.   We strongly discourage children from bringing valuable items to school.    Unclaimed clothing is put in the lost property box which is situated in the Medical Room in the Administration area.

Code of Behaviour:     "Treat others as you expect to be treated” 

• Pupils are expected to act with discipline and in a safe manner at all times
• Respect for people and property is expected
• A positive approach to discipline is taken – positives rewarded, negatives discouraged
• Bullying of any form is not tolerated
• Class rules are drawn up to ensure fairness and consistency to all
• Pupils causing major concern will be dealt with by the Principal or Senior Management
• Where necessary, parents will be involved in discipline matters
• Outside agencies e.g. Police, SES, CYF, CYPS  etc will be involved if necessary
• At intervals two teachers are on playground supervision assisted by the members of the School Council and at lunch time from 1 p.m. onwards three teachers are on playground duty.

There is an expectation on parents to instil sound social habits and behaviour in their children

Complaints:

From time to time unfortunate situations arise.  If you have a complaint the accepted procedure is –

(1)       Contact the person concerned to discuss issue

(2)       Contact the Principal – fill in a Concern Referral Form.

(3)       Your concern will be fully investigated by the Principal

To ensure issues are dealt with fairly this procedure needs to be worked through in order.

Please Note – Issues pertaining to a particular child will only be discussed with the parents/caregivers (Privacy).

Contact with Teachers/Principal:    

Teachers are always willing to talk to parents about their children, but this is best done at a suitable time.  If you have a question, or a concern to discuss with a teacher, please phone and arrange a mutually acceptable time.  If you wish to discuss any matter with the Principal please check with the office staff for an appointment.

Curriculum:    

The Curriculum at Temuka Primary School incorporates all the requirements of the National Standards.

The school is well resourced with equipment and aids to assist with the various class and school programmes.  These resources are regularly up-dated and replaced as required.

All teachers are encouraged to regularly update their curriculum knowledge and techniques so that they can assist the pupils to gain optimum value from the programmes provided.   All classes participate in opportunities for education outside the classroom.  

A special feature for Year 5-6 pupils is the biennial camping experience and an annual ski trip.  Year 3-4 classes participate in skating.  The local environment is used as much as possible to assist in the education of the pupils.

Hall:    

The school hall is used for a variety of school activities (e.g. gymnastics, musicals, assemblies etc.)

Head Lice:

If your child has head lice, we require you to treat this before they return to school.  If head lice are found while children are at school you will be contacted by our staff and asked to treat them before returning to school.  Please do not be offended if we ask that you do this.

Illness/Accident:    

Should a child become ill or have an accident at school the child will be made comfortable in the school sick bay.  Where necessary contact will be made with the parents or the listed emergency contact person.  Medical attention will be obtained, if necessary, in an emergency. The school needs to keep an accurate list of emergency contact numbers - please advise the School Office if your circumstances change.

Internet Safety Guidelines and Rules Procedure:   

All students will;

Only have access to ‘kid safe’ search engines (like Google) and use bookmarks approved by the teacher.

Be required to sign a class based ‘Student Use Agreement’ at the beginning of each year which says they understand the responsibility of using the internet.

Use the network and internet in a legitimate and acceptable manner.

Not use the network and internet in an unacceptable manner by -

• Purchasing products
• Register for competitions not authorised by the school
• Download or copy software, graphics, or files owned by others or

which is in violation of copyright laws.

• Join or using unauthorised chat rooms and use personal web mail accounts without teacher supervision.

Follow the safety rules set out below

• Do not damage or delete other students work.
• Be polite, considerate and respectful in all communications.
• Do not access, send or display obscene, offensive or vulgar messages or graphic images.
• Never reveal you own our other’s full name, address or phone number.
• Be aware of others who are waiting or who also need to use ICT equipment.
• Always check with the teacher before sending or opening e-mails.

All Parents/Caregivers will;  (upon enrolment)

• Read and agree to the Internet Safety Guidelines and Rules Procedure of Temuka Primary School.  Sign their agreement on the enrolment forms.
• Indicate (on enrolment forms) their consent to their child’s first and last name, photograph or work being published on the internet or in school publications.

All staff will;

• Use the network, internet and equipment in a legitimate and acceptable manner
• Know that the school has the right to audit at any time any material or equipment that is owned or leased by the school.  The school may also request permission to audit privately owned ICT devices/equipment used on the school site or any other school related activity
• Explicitly plan and teach cyber safety in relevant contexts
• Ensure that children understand these guidelines and sign the class agreement at the start of each year (or upon enrolment).

Library:    

A well equipped library provides a valuable asset for the school. 

It includes a computer information section and is connected to the Internet.

Lunches:    

Children may purchase lunches through the school.  Mondays - lunches are supplied by Subway - order bags are available from the foyer of the Library area. Tuesday to Friday, lunches are supplied by the O'Reilly's Food Centre.   Orders with money will be collected from school at 9:15 am daily.  Price lists are available on this website under the link for school lunches.

Medicines:    

Some personal medication is held in the Medical Room for children (e.g. for asthmatics, Bee stings etc.)    The administering of these will be overseen by our office staff. If a medical condition necessitates it, the School Office will administer medication to your child. You must, however, complete a Consent Form.

Newsletter:    

School newsletters are sent home with each the eldest child in the family, fortnightly. .  From time to time other newsletters (e.g. Syndicate, Board of Trustees are also sent home.)  Fortnightly newsletters are published on this website.

Pupil Absences:    

The school is responsible for ensuring the safety of all pupils.  When your child is absent for any reason we need to know.  Please advise the School Office, giving the reason for the absence.

You may phone 615 7178, text 027 322 2935 or email the school office at office@temukaprimary.school.nz and advise of any absences.  If desired, direct contact with the class teacher can also be made.   From time to time children contract contagious illnesses which require time away from school.  Check with your doctor or the school office to confirm the time required.

Reporting to Parents:    

Regular reporting to parents on pupil progress is carried out during Learning Conferences and in written report form.  These are formal occasions, but should you wish to discuss your child’s progress with the class teacher at any time, refer to the section above for the best procedure.

School Council:    

Each year a School Council consisting of Year 6 pupils is selected.  There are generally six councillors who meet monthly with the Principal to work through issues relating to the pupils and for enhancing the school.  School councillors carry a major leadership role and their input has proven extremely valuable for the school.

School Costs:

School Fees:

1 child $55 (reducible to $50 if paid by end of Term 1).

2+ children $70 (reducible to $65 if paid by end of Term 1).

School Fees help to subsidise the many activities which happen in and around the school and for which there is little or no Government funding.

Stationery:

$15-$20 per pupil approximately.

Beginning of the year purchases can be made through local businesses. 

The school has small stocks for additional purchases through-out the year.

New Entrants:

Document carrier (available from the School Office), $6.00 approximately

Junior Classes:

Junior Dictionary (available from book stores and School Office), $5.00 approximately

Class Trips/Sport: 

$20 per year approximately. To cover the cost of transport.

Year 5/6 swimming – approximately $20 per year

Visiting Performances/Cultural:

$15 per child, per year, approximately.

Year 5/6 Camp:

$80 per child approximately.

The Year 5/6 camp is held every second year.                 

Year 5/6 Skiing: 

$65 per child approximately.

This is an annual trip to Roundhill Ski Field.

Year 3/4

$30 per child approximately.

School Hours:    

Classes are in action from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm.     Morning interval is from 10.00 am to 10.20 am.    Fit ‘n Fruit break 11.30 – 11.45 a.m. The school grounds open for the pupils at 8.25 am and all pupils are expected to vacate the grounds by 3.30 pm.  

School Office:    

The school office and reception area is located inside the front door of the two-storeyed section of the main block.  The office is staffed daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

School Physical Environment:     The grounds of the school are most attractive.  Featuring well designed play areas and surrounded by trees, shrubs and garden plots.  The pupils and staff have a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment in which to work.  The Temuka Domain, camping ground, swimming pool and sports fields are adjacent to the school and are made good use of by the school.

Specialist Services available to the School:    

Health Nurse - Visits the school each Wednesday.  During her visits she

regularly checks the New Entrant pupils and assesses any other health referrals.

Dental Nurse - Is situated in the school grounds.  The Dental Nurses have a programme of regular dental checks for all pupils and pre-school children.  In an emergency the Dental Nurse can be contacted through the school office.

Speech Therapist -  The Speech Therapist’s room is situated next to the school hall.  Children can be referred to the therapist by class teachers or parents. Should you have a concern about your child’s speech please do not hesitate to discuss it with the class teacher or speech therapist.

Special Education Service - Through this Timaru based service we have access to psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and itinerant teachers for special needs pupils.

Swimming Pool:    

A heated learners pool, fully equipped with swimming aids is situated adjacent to the main grass playing field.  Full use is made of this pool, for all pupils, during the warmer months. 

Travel to and from School:    

(a) Ritchie’s operate a service to the Waitohi area.  For further information contact the school bus co-ordinator, Jane Fuller.

(b)      If your child rides a bike to school please ensure:-

            1)         The bike is roadworthy

            2)         The child fully understands the road code

            3)         An approved cycle helmet and safety vest is worn

The school recommends that children below Year 4 should not ride a bike to school.

Tutoring for Pupils With Specific Needs:    

Pupils who are identified as having needs requiring one-to-one tutoring in curriculum areas are assisted by a Teachers’ Aide who works in conjunction with the Class Teacher.  Assistance is provided in reading, writing, spelling, mathematics and other areas as required.    Arrangements are also made to provide suitable programmes for children who are very able and need to be extended.

Uniforms: 

The uniform is a red sweatshirt with navy shorts or trousers, girls also have the option of a blue checked skirt or culottes.  All items are available from the school office.   Sunhats are to be worn through-out the summer months and can be purchased from the school office for $17.00.  Beanies are $8 each. Other prices are - red sweatshirt with motif $31.00 or $33.00 (depending on size) or red polar fleece sweatshirt $42.00 or $44.00    Navy trackpants with motif $29.00 or $31.00 or navy taslon pants $40.00 (all sizes).    Navy knit shorts with motif $25.00 or $27.00   Short sleeve polo top $25.00 or $27.00 Checked skirt or culottes $45.00