General Information A-Z
ABSENCES
We request a note or phone call or text, stating the reason for the absence of your child/children. We ask that you contact us (if possible)
prior to, or on the day, so that we can be assured that nothing untoward has happened to your child/children on the way to school.
ACCIDENTS
If your child is involved in an accident, we will attempt to contact you. If a doctor or further medical treatment is required,
arrangements will then be made at the discretion of the Principal and Staff. Please let us know if you change your doctor.
B.O.T. MEETINGS
Monthly meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of each month. All members of the School’s community are most welcome to attend.
BUS TRANSPORT
In the interest of safety, children must sit quietly in the bus, and not move around, while the bus is in motion. No eating or drinking
is allowed. On alighting, children who cross the road must wait until the bus is out of sight. If transport is required by non-regular
passengers, please check with Principal or Bus Controller, Sarah Jilesen, first. (Also refer Transport)
CLOTHING
Please ensure that all clothing is clearly named. Unnamed clothing causes us problems, and wastes time.
DENTAL TREATMENT
All children will receive an appointment to attend the clinic at Turaki School once during the year. It is the caregiver’s responsibility
to ensure children attend the appointment or make arrangements to change. For emergencies only contact Tarrangower School Dental Clinic on 895-8526.
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
Refer to the discipline guidelines.
Click here for discipline guidelines...
HEALTH
If your child has a medical problem, please advise the teacher. Also keep the teacher up to date with the child’s condition, and treatment.
MEDICATION
If your child requires medication for Asthma or Bee Stings etc. please advise the school, and endeavour to have current medication at school.
We prefer not to be responsible for administering medication, such as cough medicine or disprin – but are prepared to do so in special circumstances
and in consultation with the parents.
HEARING/VISION
All New Entrant children are tested in their first year at school. Year 7’s are also tested . If you
suspect your child has a problem with their hearing or vision please advise us.
HEAD LICE / SCHOOL SORES
From time to time we have outbreaks of these conditions. In the case of school sores – your doctor’s
advice needs to be sought, and children kept home until infection is under control. Medication to
treat head lice can be purchased from the chemist. We need to be informed when either of these conditions appear.
HOMEWORK
Refer policy section at back of booklet.
Homework Policy
INTERVIEWS & REPORTS
If at any stage you wish to discuss your child/children’s progress or welfare, please contact us for
an interview. It is always better to resolve something immediately if you feel there is a problem.
Remember a problem shared is a problem halved. Likewise, if we have concerns we will do the same.
LIBRARY
We have a well-stocked Library and pupils are encouraged to make independent use of it. The children are
asked to carry their library books in a plastic bag within their school bag to safeguard against damage
resulting from spilt drinks etc. Books that are damaged or lost through carelessness will be charged for.
We appreciate your co-operation in encouraging your child(ren) to look after library books and other reading
material taken home.
LUNCHES
Pies, Pizzas and Health Bars can be purchased from the school canteen on a daily basis. Burgers etc can be ordered on a Wednesday only. Lunch orders are to be put in an old envelope or small plastic bag along with the correct
money if possible and put into lunch containers in each room before the 9.00 a.m. bell.
NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters are sent home regularly to keep parents informed about school affairs. The latest newsletters can
be downloaded from our website.
Click here for newsletters...
PARENT HELPERS
Assistance is required from time to time for transport, making equipment, training sports teams, hearing children
read and various other activities. If you are able to assist please let us know.
PHYS ED/SPORT
Children are encourage to participate in a variety of activities. Please inform the school if your child can not
take part. Daily fitness lessons are part of the school curriculum.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION (non-denominational)
This is taken on alternate Thursdays between 9-05 a.m. and 9-35 a.m. The school is officially closed during this
time. You have the right to withdraw your child from the programme if you wish. This must be in writing.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Orders can be placed through school, for books from ABC, Lucky, Arrow, and Star Book Clubs. Closing dates for
each monthly order will be stamped on the order forms.
SPORTS
We have school teams for miniball, netball, and rugby. Assistance with coaching, and transport, supervision etc.
is always appreciated. If this support is not forthcoming teams will not be entered.
INTERSCHOOL SPORTS
The school participates in Interschool swimming, winter games, cross-country, athletics and summer games.
STATIONERY
All stationery required by the pupils can be purchased through the school.
SUNSMART POLICY
During the first and last term of each year, children are expected to wear suitable sun hats and apply sunscreen.
Those that don’t will be confined to the shady areas of the school.
SWIMMING
We operate a Swimming Programme, in which children learn swimming and water safety skills. All children are
expected to take part in swimming lessons, and a phone call or note is required if they are not able to participate.
Children with sores or open cuts/sores are not allowed in the pool.
COMMUNITY USE OF THE POOL
As in the past the baths will be open to the public out of school hours. Children under 14 must be supervised by a parent.
MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY (Manual Training)
This has now been taken over by the Taumarunui High School. Staff are now employed by the High School and they follow
the Technology Curriculum Document. Our children travel to the High School every Tuesday afternoon for instruction.
Cost to the parents is $6.50 per term. Transport to the Taumarunui High School is by bus.
TRANSPORT
If there is to be any change to transport arrangements for children travelling home after school,
or if they are to be picked up by another party please inform the school either in writing or with a phone call or text.
TRIPS
We have interschool competitions, cultural activities with neighbouring schools. Visits to places of interest,
plus other outdoor education activities. We are always grateful for offers of transport and assistance.
TOYS
Walkmans, game boys etc. and toys are not needed at school. We will take no responsibility if they are damaged or go missing.