'In Partnership We Educate'
School Information » A - Z of Templeton Primary School
Absences: If your child is going to be absent from school it is important that you contact the school before 9:00 am by phone 3497045 or mobile 0277279753. If you don't contact us (a message service is available), you will be contacted. This exercise is carried out for safety reasons. Your cooperation in this regard will save us a significant amount of time and money.
Accidents: If your child has an accident at school, she/he will receive immediate attention to determine the extent of the injury. If the injury is considered to be minor (eg cuts, abrasions) it will be treated. If the injury is more serious and requires specialist help you will be contacted. If we are unable to contact you or your nominated emergency person, we will access the closest medical centre in Kirk Road. We will notify parents asap and keep you informed.
Activity Fee: This fee of $30 is charged per child, and covers the cost of
additional consumable resources, subsidises some of our class trips, assists in paying for visiting speakers (should a charge be necessary), helps fund additional curriculum initiatives, assists in paying for photography, subsidises the cost of swimming (mainly paid for by the Board of Trustees) and generally assists in helping us to provide the many extras that are part of Templeton Primary School. Accounts will be sent home early in the third term.
Appointments: From time to time you may need to speak to teachers about progress of your child etc. We would prefer you make an appointment, as arriving in a classroom when teachers are busy can cause supervision difficulties, and unnecessary misunderstandings.
Art Classes: Additional art classes are provided at various times during the year. These classes are funded by the Ministry of Education
Assemblies: Assemblies are held each Friday at 8:55 am. The venues alternate between the area outside the junior classrooms and either the auditorium or Community Centre. The community are welcome to share these occasions with us. We like to foster this community time as a time for recognition of children's efforts.
Assessment: Assessment at Templeton Primary School is on going. Parents are
informed of the progress being made by your child at various times during the year. We have a structured programme that is followed by all staff (note reports and learning logs).
Behaviour: Information on behaviour is contained in the school policy. Consistent reinforcement of the behaviour management plan is followed. A high standard of behaviour is expected - children are expected to accept responsibility for appropriate behaviour.
Bell Times:
Bible in Schools: Opportunity is provided for Y1/2 – Y6 children to participate in these classes from 8:55 am - 9:25 am on Wednesday mornings from March – June or from August – start of December. School is technically closed during Bible in Schools. Consent is obtained to participate in Bible in Schools via the enrolment form. Exemption from Bible in Schools is notified when filling in the enrolment form. Children who do not participate in the programme are provided with appropriate supervision and support.
Bicycles: If your child is biking to school please check that:
Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees meets monthly. Meeting dates are
published in the school newsletter. Minutes are posted on the notice board in the foyer. Board meetings are open to the community.
Book Club: Reasonably priced books are available through the Ashton Scholastic Book Club. Children will bring order forms home approximately twice a term; there is no compulsion to purchase.
Buses: On occasions children will be required to travel by bus eg manual, school trips. Children are expected to be seated and behave appropriately. Bus operators have the right to request that children be removed from travelling on buses for inappropriate behaviour. Some children use the local bus service. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that children use appropriate behaviour on the bus and catching the bus in the mornings. The school cannot take responsibility for variance in arrival and departure times. If a child misses the bus in the afternoons he/she is expected to come to the office so that parents can be contacted.
Cell Phones: We do not encourage children to bring cell phones to school. Your cooperation in ensuring that cell phones are left at home would be appreciated. If cell phones are brought to school they must be handed into the class teacher before school. There is a policy on cell phones that is available from the office.
Class Camps: It is a school policy that education outside the classroom includes aspects of camping. To this end we endeavour to offer all children the chance to attend a residential school camp once every two years in Year 4 - Year 8.
Charter: Our school charter which details our aims and objectives is available from the school office.
Choir: Opportunities are provided for children at various times to participate in the school choir. Choir training is generally taken during lunchtimes
Concerns: If you wish to express a concern about school please go to the correct source. Concerns can often be solved quickly. We have a set procedure to follow so that you can be heard and your issue discussed.
Consultation: We are committed to an ongoing process of consultation, at an individual level, class level and on school wide issues. This may involve class meetings, interviews, phone calls and at least once every three years to the wider school community, a formal questionnaire, seeking the views of parents on issues relevant at the time.
Cultural Visits: Approximately three times a year we engage the services of
groups involved in Performing Arts. There is generally a small cost involved. On occasions the whole school may choose to travel to town to view particular performances.
Dance Groups: There are various dance groups at various levels and staff coordinate tuition and performances. Practices are generally held during lunchtime.
Dental Therapist: Access to Dental Services is available at Hornby School on the corner of Hei Hei Road and Waterloo Road. We also have access once a year, via a mobile dental treatment unit which will park at the back of Room 11 near Banks Street. If your child requires immediate dental treatment, contact the Hornby Community Dental Service on 0800 846983.
Education Review Office Report: a copy of this document is available from the school office. You are most welcome to request a copy. This can also be accessed through the Education Review Office website (www.ero.govt.nz)
Enrolment: We welcome contact visits before your child's fifth birthday and
this can be done through the school or your child's pre school institution.
Please don't hesitate to contact the school for enrolment details. An enrolment form accompanies this information. We are required to verify each child's date of birth so please bring the birth certificate or other such documentation with you.
Enrolment Scheme: Currently the Board of Trustees is required to operate an enrolment scheme. This is reviewed annually. Dates for applications for enrolment for out of zone children are published in ‘The Press’ and in our own newsletter.
Fund raising: Government grants are insufficient upon which to run a school. Additional fund raising is needed. Please assist us in the quest to raise the additional funding required for your child's education.
Gifted and Talented: We believe that the most important aspect of our current Gifted and Talented programme is the in-class curriculum differentiation that takes place. This provision is supported by a withdrawal programme that optimises learning experiences for groups of children in particular areas of need.
We maintain a database of students with identified giftings, and priority for involvement in withdrawal activities is given to these children.
Our programme is inclusive and children who demonstrate above-average ability or a high degree of interest in a specific area are included in programmes where possible.
If you wish to discuss your child’s ability, your first point of call remains his or her classroom teacher.
Guitar, Drums and Keyboard Classes: Classes are held during school time. Private tutors take these classes for which parents are billed accordingly. Please ask for information re these classes.
Health: The good health and well being of your child while at Templeton School is important to us. There is little sense in children coming to school with heavy colds, influenza etc. We do not have long term care available at school.
Head lice are often a problem and they are easily spread because children are in situations playing and working together in close proximity. If you detect head lice please let us know promptly - we will do the same for you.
Homework: Homework takes many forms and is an opportunity for you to share in your child's education in a really positive way. If there is a difficulty with homework being completed in the allotted time, please make contact with the teacher promptly.
House Groups: We have four house groups, Bailey (Blue), Templer (Red), Maddison (Yellow) and Kissell (Green). Various inter-house competitions are held and points awarded for a range of initiatives and achievements.
Kapa Haka: A Kapa Haka group is operative. Every effort is made to ensure that children who wish to participate are able to. Kapa Haka generally operates in Term 3 and 4
Learning Conferences This is part of our parent consultation process – held generally in the first week of the second term. Individual times are allocated - arranged so parents can meet with the teachers of all their children. School finishes at 2:00 pm during these consultations. We expect that children will attend the learning conference with their parents or caregivers.
Illness: If your child becomes ill at school you or your nominated emergency contact will be contacted. Limited, short-term care facilities are available.
Jewellery: For safety reasons jewellery is not to be worn. Sleepers may be worn in ear lobes. Jewellery of cultural significance may be worn – please discuss this with your child's teacher or the principal. Jewellery such as this is to be removed during sport and Physical Education. There is risk of losing jewellery - the school will not be responsible for such loss.
Learning Logs: This is an individual personal record of achievement that is sent home at mid year (returned to school for updating) and at the end of the year.
Learning Support. Children requiring additional teacher time are identified early in each year: all possible steps to gain additional instructional time are taken. Parents of children entering learning support and abilities programmes are consulted and invited to participate in the formation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Templeton School is committed to providing the best possible educational experiences for all students, based on their individual needs.
The school’s Learning Support Programme encompasses both remediation and extension for children who have been identified as having learning needs at either end of the academic spectrum.
Library: Templeton School has a well-stocked, fully computerised library, from which children are encouraged to borrow books. The library is open at lunchtimes. The mobile library comes to school once a fortnight - children may use this service as well.
Lunches: Lunches can be ordered through the Kirk Road Dairy before school;
monitors bring these lunches to school at 12:30 pm.
Medication: It is crucial that strict guidelines and procedures are followed if medication is to be administered at school. The school must be contacted if medication of any kind is to be administered during school time. A consent form must be signed by the parents/caregivers, should it be necessary to administer any medicine or medication.
Money: Payment of money to school: All monies owing to Templeton School are
accounted for through the school office. Apart from separate fund raising ventures by the Parent Support Group, all finance is handled through the school office. Monetary transactions must be contained in an envelope and marked with
The envelope must be placed in the box on the reception desk. Prompt payment of all monies owing to the school would be appreciated. A 'time payment' system is offered; please contact the Executive Officer or Principal to arrange the necessary details. EFTPOS and Credit Card facilities are available. Internet banking facilities are available. Please contact the school for details.
Newsletters: A newsletter is sent home every Thursday with the oldest child
in each family. We regard the newsletter as an important contact between school and the community, and this is reflected in the content. The newsletter is also published on our website www.templeton.school.nz The option to receive the newsletter by email is also available; please ask at the office.
Open Door Policy: At Templeton Primary School we have an open door policy.
This means that we welcome parental interest and concern. If you would like to visit your child's classroom, teachers would appreciate it if you could let them know beforehand. When in the classroom please respect the fact that the teacher requires the children's attention. If you would like to spend significant periods of time in the classroom, please discuss this with the principal. Please express your concerns to the correct source or make contact with the principal to discuss any sensitive issues that may arise. Parents are welcome to visit the school and families are welcome to use the playground and facilities. We do expect that the property will be respected.
Parent Involvement: We enjoy seeing parents/care givers at school and so do your children. You are most welcome at assemblies, sports events, special occasions etc. However prolonged visits to classrooms can have an unsettling effect on children. Please be sensitive to the needs of all children if a visit to the classroom is necessary. If you have a particular skill or wish to help in any way we would love to hear from you.
Parent Support Group: Our Parent Support Group plays an important role in the life of the school, assisting in various ways, welcoming new families and arranging social events and educational evenings. The PSG meets at least once a month.
Peer Support: A group of senior children are identified as Peer Support Leaders and will provide assistance to children if a duty teacher is not in the immediate vicinity.
Perceptual Motor Programme: This programme is provided for children in the first two years of their education. The programme is aimed at improving balance, coordination, listening to and following instructions, spatial awareness and hand eye coordination. The programme relies significantly on parent assistance and involvement.
Photographs: we endeavour to publish a range of photographs in the school newsletter. Class/photographs are taken each year. Individual/Family Groups are taken every two years. We will notify you of the date.
Policies: A full list of policies is available for your perusal at the school office.
Positive Playground: We make a conscious and visible effort to promote and
recognise positive and appropriate behaviour - to this end teachers may issue children with 'tickets' for appropriate playground behaviour/fair play etc. These are called ‘WISE” awards. At the end of each week a ticket is drawn from the 'pool' and the child who is fortunate enough to have his/her name drawn out will be rewarded with an appropriate award.
Reporting to Parents: This is done at regular intervals during the year.
February: Meet the teacher and/or class meetings
May: 3 way consultations – Teacher/Student/Parent
June/July: Learning Logs sent home
November: Written summaries and learning logs sent home
February - December Teachers available for consultation
Road Patrol: The Kirk Road crossing is patrolled by senior children and as law requires, an adult supervisor from 8:30 am - 8:55 am and from 3:00 pm - 3:15 pm. It is expected that if children have to cross the road they will use the crossing. If any parent/caregiver would like to be trained as a supervisor please contact the school office. We can always do with more assistance.
Safety: Your child's safety is paramount. This is very much a shared responsibility. We will ensure that a teacher is on duty in the school grounds during interval and lunchtimes and while we cannot assume responsibility for children once they leave the school grounds, we will provide a programme about 'Keeping Ourselves Safe', and raise the children's awareness of dangers that exist going to and from school. This is very much a partnership issue based on common sense and practical advice. There are extensive risk management practices in place and all staff are required to hold a current First Aid Certificate.
School Leaders: Children from Year 8 are selected each year to provide leadership and demonstrate responsibility throughout the school. Specific training is provided; we place significant emphasis on this role. School Leaders will be expected to lead the assembly each week and take on extra duties as required. A high level of responsibility and trust is expected of all year 8 children. House Leaders and Peer Support Leaders are also expected to lead by example.
School Payments: These are set annually by the Board of Trustees. The current amount set is $30 for one child families and $50 for families where there is more than one child. Our school subscriptions are very reasonable and early payment would be appreciated. The finance generated by school subscriptions is budgeted for, and is utilised to enhance the learning opportunities provided at Templeton Primary School.
Scooters
If your child is scooting to school please check that:
Secondary Schools: Parents of Year 8 children make individual decisions regarding secondary education. Prospectuses of neighbouring secondary schools are distributed in terms 2/3.
Sport: All children are expected and encouraged to take part. We have regular Senior (Y7/8) and Junior (Y4/5/6) sport times where a variety of skills and wide range of sports are taught and played. Sports offered include Gymnastics, Triathlon, Swimming, Athletics, Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Soccer and a variety of Kiwi Sport options.
Stationery: The school maintains a small supply of stationery which may be
purchased from reception between 8:30 and 8:55 am.
Swimming: Swimming is taken at the local pool. All classes are rostered to swim every day during the swimming season. This is an official part of the school curriculum and all children are expected to participate. Please provide a written note to excuse your child from swimming. We are required to pay for the use of the pool - this cost is covered from the activity fee, school subscriptions and operational funding that the Board of Trustees administers.
Technicraft: Year 7-8 children attend Branston Intermediate on Thursday
mornings. Children who are unable to travel by bus are expected to make their own way to Branston Intermediate. Templeton School is required to pay a levy for each student and all students are charged a fee by Branston Intermediate for materials.
Transition to School: A meeting for parents is held at least twice a year to provide additional explanation and details about expectations and routines, and to ensure that a smooth transition is made to school. Significant emphasis is placed on this and several school visits, prior to your child starting school are arranged. If your child is starting at the start of a school year we arrange a morning visit where all children who will be in the class in the New Year will spend a morning at school together.
Uniforms. The uniform is basically the same for all. This can be purchased from retail stores (eg Postie +, The Warehouse), in Hornby and Riccarton and also Mainland Uniforms 511 Wairakei Rd.
Guidelines:
Children are required to wear their school uniform.
· red or black sweatshirt – plain colour only, no other markings except for the optional Templeton Primary School logo
· black trackpants – may be an appropriate fashion item excluding denim
· black shorts / skirts / culottes - may be an appropriate fashion item excluding denim
· red, white or black shirt (polo type or skivvy)
· footwear - appropriate footwear to be worn
· cycle helmets – compulsory
· sunhats – wide brimmed or legionnaire style (caps are not acceptable)
Options:
· A red or black polar fleece
· The school monogram is optional
Sports Uniform: The school will provide sports tops and netball skirts; black shorts are to be worn with the sports tops.
Year 7/8 Additional Uniform: The Board of Trustees subsidises an optional all weather recreational jacket that may be purchased from the school. This is not compulsory. It is offered as an option to maintain the profile of our senior students.
Website www.templeton.school.nz the website is easily accessed and contains a range of information, the weekly newsletter, children’s work, photographs and items of local interest.