TAPORA SCHOOL - MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES MANUAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY Tapora School is situated in a supportive rural community on the Okahukura Peninsula which juts into the Kaipara Harbour . The area was originally settled by Ngati Whatua and then, more recently by returned servicemen after the war. There are still farms run by the descendents of these settlers. The district has two distinct geographical areas: the low lying western end of the peninsula taken up largely by dairy farms; the more rugged and hilly central and eastern regions of mainly sheep and cattle farms. There is a settlement of holiday and retirement homes near the beach. The closest town, Wellsford, is 33 kilometres away. It acts as a service town for a large rural area that stretches from the east coast to the west. Warkworth is another fifteen minutes drive south from Wellsford and offers a greater range of services and employment opportunities. It takes and hour and thirty minutes to drive to central Auckland from Tapora so members of community enjoy a beautiful rural setting while having access to city facilities if needed. The school draws students from the Tapora district, as well as from Wellsford and the Wharehine and Port Albert areas. Between 55-60 year 1 – year 8 students attend Tapora School . The school is strongly bi-cultural rather than multi-cultural. Approximately 20% are Maori and most of the other children are European. Staff aim to deliver an exciting programme to students and are passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and learning. The school is staffed by three full time teachers and a fourth part time teacher who offers a programme for students with special learning needs and releases the principal for administrative tasks. MISSION STATEMENT: To equip children to be informed, confident, life long learners. EDUCATIONAL VISION: ‘Yearn to learn' Our Values We see our school as a Learning Community based on simple shared values and expectations where students, staff and parents work together to realize our goal ‘to equip children to be informed, confident, life long learners'. We want our students to respect, both themselves and others, take responsibility for their own learning and their actions and have the willingness and confidence to pursue their dreams with integrity and generosity of spirit. We want our students to gain a passion and enthusiasm for learning and hope that they can feel Pride in themselves and the place where they have come from and wherever they may be in the future. We want our students to Strive to do their Best and show Loyalty and Friendship to others. Our Teaching Beliefs We believe that teaching is most effective when children;
“See it! Hear it! Do it!” CONTENTS • Absences/attendance • Agriculture Day • Alcohol on school property • Ancillary staff • Animal Welfare • Appointments with teachers • Behaviour management • Board of Trustees • Book Clubs • Budgets and finance • Calendar of events • Call back days • Child Abuse* • Classroom • Classroom consumables • Classroom routines • Classroom trips and visits • Collection, storage and access to personal information • Common diseases • Community consultation • Computer user agreement for staff • Computer user agreement for Tapora School • Concerns & complaints* • Contacting teachers • Corporate life of the school • Cultural activities • Curriculum coverage • Dental care • Description of the class • Discipline of pupils • Dress code • Educational and related services • Enrollment requirements • EOTC • Emergencies & drills • First aid treatment • Fundraising • Historical records • Homework • Illness and administration of medicines • Immunisation records and procedures • Internet safety • Keys • Litter control • Lost Property • Lunches • Manual training • Money • Parent helpers • Parent/Teacher evenings • Planning of programmes • Plant and machinery safety • Poisons and chemicals • Police vetting • Protection from the sun • Religious instruction • Reporting to parents • School hours • School log book • School resources • School rules • School transport/bus • Smoking • Special Needs • Sports wear • Stationary • Suspensions and stand downs • Swimming • Taha Maori • Taking children from school • Telephones • Term dates • Trade Unions • Traumatic incidents • Valuables • Visitors to the school * Indicate Board Policy that will be reviewed under the Board cycle of review. SCHOOL ORGANISATION: • ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE • Pupils • Parents will be expected to contact the school to explain absences of their children on the day of absence. • A note from parents will be expected from the parents when the child returns to school. • Attendance at school will be monitored daily. • The Principal will provide a truancy status report to the BOT on any current or possible cases of truancy and any actions taken by the school. • The school will liaise with other agencies to follow up consistent unexplained absences. • Staff • Ancillary staff who, because of illness or other reason, are unable to attend work, are to notify the principal as soon as possible. • Leave • Staff Leave for a period of 1-2 days must be discussed with the Principal/Chairperson. • It is at the Principal/Chairpersons' discretion as to whether or not the leave is granted with pay. • If the leave is for a longer period, then the applicant must request the leave in writing to the Principal/Chairperson, to be presented for the BOT's consideration. • Attendance Register • Marking Code: Registers must be kept daily and marked as follows: x = present aa = absent • Weekly: Details of admissions will be kept up to date. Details of age and time since entering school will be kept up to date. The weekly tally of half days attended will be up to date. At the end of each term a total attendance is entered. • AGRICULTURE DAY This is a livestock day held in the third term, in which children are encouraged to rear an animal and then bring it along and show their animals or pets on Agriculture Day. • ALCOHOL ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Alcohol is banned from all school organized functions and activities. At no time is alcohol to be brought onto school property during school hours. Anyone deemed to be drunk while attending school functions may be asked to leave at the discretion of the Principal/Board of Trustees. • ANCILLARY STAFF The Principal directs the schedule of work and priorities for all ancillary staff. All ancillary will have an agreed and signed job description. It is the Principal's responsibility to fill vacant positions according to school policy. The BOT must ratify the appointment before it becomes valid. • ANIMAL WELFARE All resident animals/pets will be provided with good housing. This must be kept clean. Animals/pets must have food and water as per their requirement. All visiting animals e.g. agriculture day must be provided with shade, food and water. All dogs will be on a leash during school hours. The grounds will be kept free of dropping etc. • APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS Teachers are happy to discuss pupils' progress at any time during the year. However, in order that a suitable time can be arranged, parents are asked to give reasonable notice. • BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT Stage 1 • Up to 3 verbal warnings. • Temporary exclusion for a set timeframe – within/outside of class. • Discussion with parent/caregiver about concern and a letter home to confirm concerning behaviour. • Data collection – actions specified, timeframe, involvement of other children, dates and times. Stage 2 A referral to Special Education Committee (teaching staff) with supporting data and interventions to date. • Look at in school support i.e. peer support, in school suspension for all or part of play breaks, listening to and counseling the student, student phoning their parents to report misdemeanor, parents invited to sit in on class time. • IEP for student – reviewed 2-3 weekly. • State behaviours of greatest concern. State goals for short term – state 3 strategies per goal that are realistic for the teacher within the constraints or classroom teaching. • Involving and obtaining parental support of the IEP process. • Evaluation/review reveals little to no change. Stage 3 • Consultation with parents. • Referral to outside agencies with supporting data. • RTLB. • GSE. • Report to BOT – action to date and possible future action, however ensuring privacy (discretion). Stage 4 • Exploring options – residential school, school for part of the day. • Escalation of student's behaviour despite intervention. • Consultation with parents. • No positive change in behaviour. Stand down. • Suspension. • BOARD OF TRUSTEES The school board consists of 5-8 members elected every three years. The board meets every month. These meetings cover all areas of school business and are open to the community. Dates will be published in the newsletter. The current Board members are listed below. Bridget Rika Principal Clare Hayward Chairperson Adrianne Coombe Secretary Annie Calder Treasurer Janine Stubbs Parent Rep Cara Brittliff Staff Rep • BOOK CLUBS Wheelers book club is a means of obtaining good quality books at substantially reduced cost. Twice a term children are supplied with an illustrated brochure to take home where you requirements can be marked on the order form and returned to the school with the payment for the requested books. Delivery takes approximately three weeks from the closing date for orders. Purchasing of these books is voluntary. • BUDGETS AND FINANCE The Principal has delegated authority to spend within the budget. BOT authority is required to spend over a budgeted amount. All staff are required to follow the Tapora School Financial Procedures Manual. All expenditure outside of the required operational costs will cease by the last day of October each year. • CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Principal will keep this up to date. It is situated on the wall in the Principal's Office and on the wall outside the front office. • CALL BACK DAYS The board may require teaching staff to attend school for up to ten days in each school year for any of the following purposes – school administration, school preparation and co-ordination, pre-term planning, curriculum and or technical refreshment and professional development as per clause 2.9.3 in the Primary Teachers Collective Agreement. • CHILD ABUSE Refer to Tapora School Child Abuse Policy. (Attached) • CLASSROOM Know where things are and there is a good sense of order. The Teacher is asked to avoid clutter and seriously question keeping items that have not been used for years. The Teacher's desk should be tidy and clutter free. • Display The classroom display should be attractive and interesting. Children's work should be displayed and the display changed regularly. The Teacher is asked to give a good deal of thought to display techniques and draw on successful models. • Furniture The furniture should be suitable to the age and stage of students. Students are required to be responsible for the reasonable care of furniture and will be asked to remove markings they might be party to. Writing on desks and other markings should be removed as soon as possible. The school will provide repair materials. The Teacher is asked to take a positive lead in monitoring and grooming of furniture. Learning stations are encouraged and staff is asked to consider the best options rather than simply use old desks. • Floors The school cleaners are required to clean thoroughly and maintain a high polish on hard surfaces. Staff are asked to assist by preventing any dragging of furniture across floor surfaces, not allowing soiled footwear to be worn inside the class and by requiring students to clear litter from the floor at the end of the day. Paint spillage etc., resulting from class activities should be cleaned up by the pupils. • Print work Chalkboard/whiteboard work, charts, etc., should be an example to the class. Pupils are likely to model the standards of work their teacher presents. • CLASSROOM CONSUMABLES The school will supply all classroom consumables, planning materials and reasonable classroom teaching aids. • CLASSROOM ROUTINES • Classroom Rules Principles or ‘respect, honesty and acceptance and understanding of others' are to be nurtured. All teachers are asked to have domestic rules covering the following; • Pupils going out of the classroom (toilet etc.) • Distributing and collecting books/materials. • Movement about the classroom. • Talking during work time. • Storage and return of resources. • Acceptable ways of getting the teachers attention. • Responding to adult visitors to the classroom. • Acceptable noise levels. • Lunch routines. • Pupil strategies for seeking help. • Positive Reinforcement ‘Catch them when they're good!' Reinforce good behaviour by acknowledgement and reward. Our aim should be to modify the behaviour of pupils to achieve harmony within our classroom/working/learning environments. For each child it is expected that this will require a different and distinct input. • CLASSROOM TRIPS AND VISITS From time to time classes will undertake trips and visits to places of interest. These are usually closely related to the class programme and as such are very valuable. Notice of such trips is usually given well in advance and costs are kept to a minimum. Parental help on such trips is usually required. Because of high costs we rarely use a bus on our trips. Parental assistance with transport is essential for class trips to be successful/possible. • COLLECTION, STORAGE AND ACESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION The Principal and Teaching staff will ensure that personal information is kept in a discreet place within the school. Only persons directly involved with the student/staff member or situation will be shown personal records. The Principal will use his/her discretion about what personal records/documentation relating to students is passed on to their new schools. • COMMON DISEASES Period of exclusion from school Measles For at least 4 days after the onset of the rash. Chicken Pox Until vesicles (small blisters) have crusted. Mumps For a minimum of 10 days after the glands enlarge. Ringworm Nil. If under treatment. Head Lice Nil. If under treatment. School Sores Nil. If under treatment. Doctor's advice should be sought in all these matters, with the exception of head lice where information is available from the school, or Public Health Nurse. The Public Health Nurse visits the school regularly. Please let teachers know of any inquiries which can be made or if you would like hearing or sight tested. • COMMUNITY CONSULTATION • General Contacts • The Principal is encouraged to communicate with parents/caregivers. Positive exchange of knowledge amidst regular contact usually lessens the risk of sudden crisis and is in the best interests of the child. • The methods of community consultation may vary depending on the information needing to be related to the community. Methods used should include newsletters, notices, questionnaires, community meeting and operation of an ‘open door' policy. • The Principal is requested to maintain a diary of any contacts where issues of concern or specific requests are involved and to follow privacy procedures. If the Principal feels that conflict or contention is likely to arise it is best to discuss the matter with the Board of Trustees Chairperson. • Newsletters • A school newsletter is sent home once each week, usually on a Tuesday. Community newsletters are sent with the post on Wednesdays. There is one per family and it goes home with the eldest child. The newsletter contains information on up-coming events, policy changes and matters concerning the every day running of the school. • The newsletter is available to individuals, local clubs and organizations as a means of conveying messages. Any notices for the newsletter should be handed to the school secretary or phoned through before 10:30 am on Monday mornings. • Notes Sent Home • Any notes sent home relating to discipline will be followed up by a phone call. • Letters From Parents • Letters from parents are to be carefully filed. All letters of complaint are to be handled according to the school's Concerns/Complaints Policy & Procedures. A summary of any telephone conversations where a complaint is presented is to be written and filed. • Reporting to the Community on Student Achievement • The Principal will regularly include in community newsletters summaries of his/her reports on Student Achievement that he/she has made to the BOT. • COMPUTER USER AGREEMENT FOR STAFF • COMPUTER USER AGREEMENT FOR TAPORA SCHOOL • CONCERNS & COMPLAINTS Children often cause unnecessary concern at home with stories about situations at school. They may concern other children or a situation they have found themselves in with their teachers. On the occasion of suspected trouble, please contact the Principal before taking any further action. We have a complaints policy with a procedure to follow. It is available through the office. a. Concerns Procedures • Privacy must be respected at all times. • Concerns must be expressed to the person involved. • Concern is to be documented, dated and signed by all parties. • Both parties should agree upon steps to be taken so problem will no recur. These agreed steps should be signed and dated by both parties. • Every effort should be made to rectify the problem within two weeks. • Concerns of a more serious nature (e.g. sexual harassment, suspected child abuse) will automatically become a COMPLAINT and be dealt with according to the appropriate policy. b. Complaints Procedures • Privacy must be respected at all times • Complaint must be in written form and dated and signed. A copy is to be kept by the complainant and a copy given to the person involved and their superior (e.g. Principal or Chairperson). • Complaints should be investigated in accordance with the appropriate employment contract and the schools complaints policy. • Action for any complaint must begin immediately. An individual time frame for action must be set. • In a case where the principal is dealing with a complaint the chairperson or Secretary. If necessary an emergency meeting will be called to ensure immediate action. • If the complaint is between the Chairperson, the letter of complaint shall be given to another Board member. • Either party can choose to have a third party present during discussions. • Board/Principal will notify parties involved of steps to be taken to rectify the problem ASAP. • The complainant and the person dealing with the complaint must agree to and sign the proposed action. • If action cannot be agreed upon outside mediation will be sought from STA, NZEI or school advisors. • Where mediators are contacted and agreement reached by both parties, agreed steps will come into effect immediately. • If the problem recurs and the Board is not directly involved the Principal, after informing the Board, will begin disciplinary action in accordance with the appropriate employment contract. If dismissal is the appropriate action the Board must deal with the matter. • In the event of a complaint not being satisfactorily resolved the complainant shall have the right of appeal to the Board of Trustees. • All complaints or disciplinary action dealt with at Board meetings must be held ‘In Committee'. • CONTACTING TEACHERS Unless the reason for contacting the Principal or Teacher is urgent we ask that you phone or call before school, during play or lunch interval or immediately after school. • CORPORATE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL All staff is expected to make specific contribution to the corporate life of the school, which should have an impact on the pupils. This is likely to come into effect on the sports/playground dynamics, the cultural/activity clubs and thus maintain a dimension of extra-curricular opportunity at Tapora School . • CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Interaction with other schools involving: • Visiting drama/music/dance groups. • Concerts. • Performance by pupils e.g. plays • School wide themes • CURRICULUM COVERAGE a. Time Allocations Within the 25 school hours of each week it is expected that the class will experience a balance across the curriculum. The following approximations clearly indicate the National Curriculum requirement that each of the curriculum areas be properly presented. • Language: Written, Oral, Spelling, Reading. 10.45 hr • Handwriting: regular lessons. 40 min • Mathematics: a daily programme expected. 3.45 min • Themes: Science, Health, Social Studies RE. 4.00 hr • Health & P.E.: regular lessons and sport. 2.00 hr • Cultural, The Arts, Maori. Integrated across curriculum • Timetables A copy of the current class timetable is to be displayed on a notice board within the classroom. • DENTAL NURSE The school Dental Nurse caters for Tapora children once yearly through the school clinic. Should you need her services other than at this time you should contact the clinic at Wellsford School . • DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASS Early in the school year each teacher is to write a description of the class, commenting on the following: • Range of age, number of boys/girls. • Physical, social, emotional and other learning needs. • Patterns of behaviour in the class. • Seating plan and room layout. (optional) • Goals for the class and special activities planned. • Details for managing pupils whose behaviour is demanding. Some system of private pupil notes is necessary to record behaviour, events, discussions and thoughts/concerns relating to individuals within the class. These written records are to be professionally worded and discretely stored. • DISCIPLINE OF PUPILS The staff are asked to be professional in deciding consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Our aim is to change both the behaviour and thinking of the child without aggravating the situation by own actions. Tapora School will not tolerate defiance, destruction of property, rebellion, bullying or intimidation, or any act of rudeness. The staff will be supported in their moves to maintain good order. Each problem is regarded as a school situation and we expect to resolve more major issues as a team. Refer to behaviour management. • Options not available • Use of corporal punishment. • Degrading of pupils by undue embarrassment before the class. • Menacing interrogation or accusation. • Ridicule or sarcasm before the class or in private. • Options available • Move the child to a ‘time out' desk. • Pupils may be required to write letters of apology. • A child may be re-located in another area for a period. • Arrangements for parents to be interviewed may be made by the Principal. • Chronic misbehaviour Serious breaches of behaviour are to be recorded. The Principal is not to act in isolation. If the matter is not resolved, the Principal may involve the BOT Chairperson. • DRESS CODE It is important that children be brought up to realize the value of a tidy and clean appearance. Parents have an obligation to use their own discretion in deciding what is appropriate clothing for school. Children are permitted to wear trousers to school but we ask that they bring a change for P.E. / Fitness lessons or if trousers get wet or muddy. • EDUCATIONAL AND RELATED SERVICES The school maintains contact with, and utilizes where necessary, a variety of outside specialist agencies. These include:- • Public Health Nurse. Robyn Dodds Ph 09 423 9370 Ext 1570 Visits school monthly and by arrangement Free service available to staff, parents and students on any health related matters. Services contracted by Waitemata Health Ltd. • Group Specialist Education • National Library Service • Advisors in all subjects • Speech Therapists • Correspondence School If you feel that you would like to refer your child to one of the above agencies please contact the Principal or class teacher. Should any child be referred to the above services by the school, parents are informed as permission is required. All information is entirely confidential. • ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS A birth certificate must be produced. (5 year olds.) There is an enrollment form at school to be filled in at school. The school must also see a copy of your child vaccination certificate. BE READY FOR SCHOOL The following is a list of skills we would hope as many children as possible could master before coming to school. Remember this list is an optimum list and all children learn these skills when they are ready. DOES YOUR CHILD • Recognise his/her own name when written down? • Know how to accept direction and discipline from the person in charge without causing major disruptions? • Take off and put on outer garments without help? • Know how to use a handkerchief? • Put away play things when not using them? • Tie his/her own shoe laces? • Know how to wash and dry hands and remember to flush the toilet without assistance? • Know how to hold and use scissors? • Know his/her basic colours? • Know how to count from one to ten? • Know how to sit and listen to a story? • Know the days of the week? • Look after his/her own belongings? • Know his/her birth date and month? • Know not to interrupt if the adult they wish to speak to is talking? • Can toilet independently. • EOTC • Planning for EOTC • Programmes and outdoor education must be based on the development needs of the students. They must have a clear set of aims and objectives stated in the planning. • Any planned EOTC activity involving possible risk will require the use of risk management strategies. Refer to EOTC School Curriculum Plan. • All EOTC must be appropriate to the age level of the students. • Approval Permission slips are required from parents for all school trips, visits or camps. All trips or camps that involve staying away overnight must have prior BOT approval. • Supervision • All pupils moving in groups outside the classroom must be under the supervision of the classroom teacher. • Ratio of parent helpers in non-water activities is 1:6. Ratio of parent helpers in water related activities are 1:3. • All outdoors overnight education must have a ratio of at least 1:6 non inclusive of teaching staff. • Transport • The Principal will make any transportation arrangements necessary and will set the mileage reimbursement rate, which would not exceed 35c per kilometre. • All vehicles used for EOTC must have seatbelts, current registration and WOF. • All drivers must have a current drivers licence. • Pupil Behaviour • The school requires excellent behaviour from its pupils when on trips, visits or camps. Pupils who are unwilling to co-operate will not be taken on such activities. In the event of a child been excluded from a trip, the classroom teacher will provide a programme of learning for the child to complete at home. • Misbehaviour and discourtesy on activities outside the classroom will not be tolerated. Consequences for such behaviour will ultimately lead to exclusion. • EMERGENCIES & DRILLS
• Fire Drill This will be held four times per year. The bell will be rung continuously and all children will assemble on the school field. • Earthquake In the event of an earthquake the children will move away from the windows and shelter under a desk. If no damage is caused, work will resume as per usual. If an earthquake occurs while children are outside, the children will move onto school field. They are to remain sitting until such time as the Principal deems safe. If normal work cannot be resumed, the Principal is to follow the procedures set out in the emergency plan. • Other Disasters The school's emergency plan covers any disasters that are likely to occur in our region. In the event of a disaster the plan is to be followed at all times. The Principal will remain in charge of the pupils at all times in the event of any emergency, until such a time as a parent/caregiver has collected or directly given instructions for their child's care. The Principal and staff are required to familiarize themselves with Tapora School 's Emergency Plan. At the Principal's discretion and in consultation with the Chairperson, she/he may declare an Emergency Closure. In the event of this happening, the Tapora School Emergency Closure Policy must be followed. • FIRST AID TREATMENT TO PUPILS Should a child suffer an accident at school, they will be attended to and, if it is felt that a Doctor's advice is necessary, the parents will be contacted immediately. Please advise the class teacher if pupils need to take any form of medical prescription during the school day. In an emergency an ambulance will be called. • FUNDRAISING The Ministry does not provide enough money to meet all the requirements needed to run our school in the best way for our children. Because of this the school does some fundraising in various ways during the year. This is usually targeted to a specific objective. We do not have a fee system. • HISTORICAL RECORDS Registers of Attendance, Enrolment Books, and Minute Books etc are safely stored for future reference. It is important that such archives be treated with respect and that security and privacy provisions as per the Privacy Act are met. • HOMEWORK All children will get some homework during each week. The homework will be work that your child can share with you and not be too demanding on you or them. If your child is struggling with their homework or isn't bringing any home please contact their class teacher. • Expectations Some form of homework activity is expected to be set four nights of the week. The Teaching Staff are asked to set suitable tasks which are relevant to classroom programmes, enjoyable and interesting. Homework will be regular and will be acknowledged by marking or other. • Requirements The Teaching Staff are required to set reasonable tasks for students on a regular basis. However, the completion of homework cannot be enforced and a parent's explanation for homework tasks not completed will be accepted, and no undue pressure will be applied to the child as a consequence. • Junior Pupils Junior pupils will take home readers, poetry and library books regularly; complete work sheets and some may commence spelling and basic facts lists. • Senior School Pupils The use of a specific exercise book for homework tasks is mandatory. It is expected that senior pupils demonstrate mastery in basic numeracy and literacy areas in completing their set homework. • ILLNESS AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES • First Aid Treatment • A reasonable stock of first aid items is available in the first aid kit. This will include a list of pupil conditions. The Principal or staff will attend to first aid treatment. Pupils are not to treat themselves or other pupils. • Staff is encouraged to update their first aid knowledge by attending recognized courses from time to time. • Any first aid treatments must be recorded in the Injury/First Aid Register. b. Storage/administration of medicines • Medications for specific conditions or illnesses will be stored on the top shelf of the lock up cupboards together with a list of pupil conditions. Staff is to be aware of the contents of this list. • Personal medications must have been prescribed by a doctor and have a label which clearly states the recommended dose. • A signed letter from the parent/caregiver explaining their child's condition, the administering of the medicines and giving the school's staff authority to administer medication, must accompany the medicine. • Any medicines administered must be recorded in the Injury/first Aid Register. c. Communicable Diseases • In the event of the Principal becoming aware that child has a communicable disease she/he will contact the parent/caregiver to ensure that they are aware of the child's condition. • Depending on the severity of the condition, the Principal may advise that the parents/caregivers seek medical treatment for their child. In some extreme cases the Principal at his/her discretion may seek advice from a health professional about the child's condition. • In the event that a child has a contagious condition – parents/caregivers will be requested by the Principal for the child to remain at home for the duration of the contagious period. • In the event that a parent/caregiver realizes that their child has a contagious condition the must notify the Principal. • IMMUNISATION RECORDS AND PROCEDURES The Principal will ensure that upon enrolment all new entrants' parents will provide the immunization form from their health and development booklets. If immunizations are to be carried out through the school it must be at the instigation of the Health Department. Parents will be informed and must sign consent forms. • INTERNET SAFETY Student's use of the Internet will be closely monitored at all times. Students will not be permitted to be connected to the Internet without adult supervision. At the Principals discretion, students may be instructed to enter the net via a child safe web site or a programme may be purchased and installed to ensure the safety of students while on the internet. • KEYS Keys are a mater of security and should not be left lying around. All staff will have a full set of keys. BOT Chair will be issued keys if necessary. • LITTER CONTROL All persons within the school should be concerned to keep our school tidy. The pupils will be encouraged and praised for keeping the school litter free. On occasion the school may engage in a large scale clean up to share the need to take pride in our surroundings • LOST PROPERTY The school has a lost property box. We endeavour to return misplaced articles as they are found. To assist us please ensure that all clothing, including footwear, is named At the end of each term any unclaimed items will be washed and given to charity. • LUNCHES On Friday's lunches will be sold. The menu will vary form term to term and menus will be sent home via the newsletter. The lunches are subject to changes of type and price. Where possible notice will be given of days where lunches will not be sold as usual. • MANUAL TRAINING The Year 7 and Year 8 (Form 1 & 2) children travel to Rodney College for Manual Training 7-8 times per term. Notification of dates will be in the newsletter. Shoes need to be worn for Manual. All Year 7 and 8 students are expected to attend. Fees are paid directly to Rodney College . The Year 6 (Std. 4) children receive instruction as usual on this day. • MONEY Money is collected from pupils for a variety of reasons. Money is to be handed to administrator. In each case the amount and purpose should be carefully noted and a receipt given. The money is to be immediately put into the secured cash box and locked away in the cupboard. Pupils may request staff to take care of money or valuables but such care is conditional and staff will not be held liable for any loss. • PARENT HELPERS There are many occasions where parents are able to help with school activities and teachers recognize and are grateful for the support they receive at these times. Please remember that no comparisons child to child are to be made, all interactions with the children are to be of a positive nature and that no child or their work is to be discussed outside the classroom. We guard all parents' right of privacy. Parents will also be asked from time to time to assist with working bees and ground maintenance. • PARENT/TEACHER EVENINGS Meetings are held on an as needs basis, and the activities include guest speakers, workshops and social events. The aim of such meetings is to foster understanding and co-operation between the home and the school. It is also to provide an important contact time between staff and parents. • PLANNING OF PROGRAMMES Once the School Scheme has been updated it will reflect the requirements for Tapora School . It will be consistent with the new New Zealand Curriculum Document and will be an important resource for the Principal to use when planning programmes. The Teaching Staff are expected to prepare a long-term statement for each school term. This plan should include the type of programmes, which will be implemented. A copy of the plan should be displayed on the parent's notice board. Work plans for daily and weekly planning may follow teacher preference to style. The Teaching Staff are accountable for the programme and written planning is evidence of proper preparation. Planning is expected to consider desired learning outcomes and should record evaluation strategy. Theme work and other programmes, may relate to Unit Plans, which are used each year and updated as required. These should be filed in a manner, which allows them to be readily available. • PLANT AND MACHINERY SAFETY Protective clothing and equipment will be provided for staff use when using dangerous plant and machinery. The Principal/Board will seek advice from OSH about safety issues where it is unclear of the correct procedure. The advice from OSH will be followed at all times. Plant and machinery will be stored away and locked. Students are not to have access to this area. All servicing of plant and machinery will be kept up to date and any repairs made as soon as possible. Plant or machinery in need of repair is not to be used at all until the repairs have been made. • POISONS AND CHEMICALS The Board will ensure that a log is kept of all poisons and chemicals kept on the school grounds. The staff will ensure that the pool shed and mower shed, where chemicals and poisons are kept, are locked at ALL times. • POLICE VETTING All non-teaching and support staff is to have a police vet carried out following the MOE Circular 2002 guidelines. Contractors doing work at the school will be vetted also if necessary. Teaching staff is vetted when obtaining their teacher registration. The Principal will treat the resulting information as confidential and only information relating to the safety of the school's staff, students and property will be passed to the Board. • PROTECTION FROM THE SUN The Board will plan to provide shade areas around the school grounds. The staff will ensure that all students wear a hat and use sunscreen where appropriate during the summer months. Pupils will also be encouraged and have access to plenty of water to avoid dehydration. The wearing of a school hat is compulsory. • RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Room 3 has religious instruction once a week for 30 minutes. Parents should realize that school is closed for normal instruction. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious instruction and can do so by contacting the Principal or Teacher. • REPORTING TO PARENTS Formal reporting is carried out twice a year. A portfolio is compiled for both occasions. There is a time for interviews in term two. Being a small school, staff are fortunate in knowing most parents and will be able to contact parents at any time during the year should problems or areas of concern arise. • SCHOOL HOURS 8.30 a.m. School bus arrives 1 st bus 8.55 a.m. 2 nd bus 9.00 a.m. Lessons begin 10.00 a.m. 10.10 a.m. Brainfood break 10.10 a.m. Lessons resume 11.00 a.m. 11.20 a.m. Interval 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. Lunch 1.20 p.m. Lessons resume 2.55 p.m. Lessons end 3.00 p.m. School bus departs 1 st bus 3.30 p.m. 2nd bus • SCHOOL LOG BOOK The Principal will maintain a school log that records school events and achievements. • SCHOOL RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY USE The photocopier is available to the community at a cost of 20c a copy to help with running costs. Faxes to toll destinations can be sent for $1.00. Laminating can also be arranged at reasonable prices. • SCHOOL RULES The school sees self-discipline in children as the ideal and the general rules of the school try to reflect this aim. It is hoped that children will grow in self awareness of their faults and shortcomings, and will develop tolerance and respect towards others. To this end, the rules are brief and are designed with safety and the above factors in mind. • Out of bounds areas: Behind the school buildings. Inside on sunny days without prior permission from a teacher during lunch times. • Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds without the prior permission of the teacher on duty. • Pupils are to remain seated during the lunch eating period. • Playing chasing games on the Adventure playground and attempting to walk up the slide and climbing over the sides of the tower are not permitted. • SCHOOL TRANSPORT/BUS Children are eligible to travel on the bus if the are:- • Under 10 years and more than 3.2 kms from school. • 10 years and over and more than 4.8 kms from school. • Children have transferred eligibility if they are further from their nearest school using the criteria above and make their own way to our bus stop. Other children (ineligible) living on the route may be permitted transportation on the bus if room is available. However, if there are insufficient places the ineligible 10 – 13 year old pupils will be required to make their own way to school on the basis of the closest pupil off first. If this doesn't provide sufficient seats then the ineligible pupils between the ages of 7 – 9 will be required to make their own way on the same basis. A set of Bus Rules is operative and pupils are reminded of these regularly, in particular:- • On leaving the bus, pupils must step back two paces and wait until the bus has moved off, so that they have a clear view before attempting to cross the road. • Pupils who travel to school by bus must not return home by other means without first providing a note of permission from parents. (A phone call will also suffice.) • If a child is to miss the morning bus please phone the Chris or Jenny Heath on 422 1816 before 7:10 am. • A phone call or written note by the parent is required by the duty teacher if a child is to use alternate transport or be dropped off at a different stop. BUS RULES • DO NOT push or run to get on the bus. • Talk QUIETLY in the bus. • DO NOT eat on the bus. • DO NOT talk to the bus driver while the bus is moving. • DO NOT get off your seat while the bus is moving. • DO NOT cross the road until the bus has moved away. • LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE BUS DRIVER. • SMOKING The school has a No Smoking Policy. Signs are displayed and we ask our staff and parents to abide by this. We are a smoke free school and all smoking should be done outside school grounds. • SPECIAL NEEDS Refer to Tapora School Special Needs Policy. • SPORTS WEAR We ask that children wear sensible clothing to school to avoid the need to change for physical education. Tapora School t-shirts are available for purchase at $25 each. • STATIONERY School packs are purchased at the beginning of the school year; costs vary depending on year level. A minimal supply of essential stationery is held at the school should children require new items. The school administrator keeps a record of these and an account is sent home at time of purchase. • SUSPENSIONS AND STAND DOWNS In ALL cases of persistent misbehaviour the Tapora School Stages in Behaviour Management Policy must have been followed. All recommendations for a suspension or stand-down will be made to the BOT. The BOT will decide on the actions to be taken and will ensure that all planned actions are within the MOE's guidelines for suspension/stand-downs. • SWIMMING While weather permits, each class uses the pool daily. The school aims to teach the children to swim adequately, be conscious of water safety and know how to get themselves out of difficulties in the water should the need arise. Swimming is part of the class programme so if a pupil is not to take part in the swimming lesson, a note to this effect should be provided. Keys are available from the school at a cost of $50 (subject to review) to enable families to use the pool out of school hours. The Board insists that parents supervise the children in their charge. No child under 16 is to swim unsupervised. • TAHA MAORI N.Z. is multi-cultural in composition. We believe that our school must provide an anti-racist perspective. This attitude will be taught in out Taha Maori and Social Studies programme, but will also permeate in our daily interaction with each other. • TAKING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL It is sometimes necessary for parents to take children from school during school hours. Please advise the Principal and/or classroom teacher when the child is leaving. No child will be released into the custody of any person other than the parents without the prior consent of the parents. • TELEPHONES Pupils must have a staff member's permission to use the telephone. All toll calls are to be recorded in the toll book kept on the Principal's desk. Staff are asked to pay for their personal toll calls. • TERM DATES These vary from year to year and are published early in term 1. We ask that you mark these dates on you calendar to avoid conflicts over booking holidays etc. • TRADE UNIONS The school recognizes the Education Sector Union and the Award document as an important reference and resource. Provision will be made for union discussions and reception of officials to meet with staff. This is expected to take place during non-contact time although exceptions may be made. Staff is expected to give the Board of Trustees notice if they require time off to attend union meetings. The Tapora School Board of Trustees recognizes the current negotiated award contract booklet as a valid point of reference and staff are advised to make themselves familiar with the contents. Membership of a union is voluntary. • TRAUMATIC EVENTS Serious Illness/Injury • In some cases of serious injury the child must not be moved. • Children will not be left alone. A staff member will remain with the child at all times. The Principal must delegate a staff member to contact the parent/caregiver or emergency contact as per the child's enrolment records. • Emergency health services will be contacted as the Principal has determined as necessary. Until such a time as a parent/caregiver arrives, the Principal will act in the child's best interest following health professional's advice. • Details of the child's injuries and actions taken and treatment will be recorded in the school's Injury/First Aid Register. • VALUABLES Children are not to bring anything to school that is not necessary for their every day work. Jewellery, watches, calculators, toys, etc. are brought at the child's risk. Staff will not be held responsible for losses. Children should be discouraged from wearing any valuables or jewellery to school. • VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL The Principal must be made aware of any visitors to the school. Visitors to the school will be allowed at the Principal's discretion. Any persons that the Principal feels will interrupt the student's progress or make any student/staff feel threatened will be denied access to the school but may be asked to visit after school hours. Preferably people will schedule their visits to the school with the Principal. Visitors will be welcomed and treated by the staff and students in a polite and courteous manner. |
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