"To be the best that we can be"
Lower Moutere School
2010
Handbook
Welcome to Lower Moutere School
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY
Lower Moutere School draws its student population from the closely populated rural Moutere valley and Mariri coastal region, the Lower Moutere settlement, as well as from some families in the Motueka Township.
The area has a horticultural, agricultural, forestry, fisheries and tourism economic base with many families engaged directly in these activities and their related servicing. Consequently seasonal factors influence work patterns.
Within the community there exist a diverse range of identifiable groups. These include:
Although there is a diversity of lifestyles and broad spectrum of socio-economic statuses within the school's catchment area, a positive relationship between the school and community exists.
Our core value is RESPECT
Respect for Self
Respect for Others
Respect for Authority and Rules
Respect for Property
Respect for the Environment
Respect is taught in our Health and Social Studies programmes and modelled through all that we do at Lower Moutere School
School-Wide Programmes which reinforce Respect include:-
School Organisation
2010
|
Position |
Name |
Level |
Room |
|
Principal |
Barbara Bowen |
||
|
Deputy Principal / Student Success Teacher |
Shelley Gibson |
||
|
Assistant Principal |
Ann-Maree Parfitt |
Yr 7-8 |
8 |
|
Teacher |
Vickie Cameron |
Yr 6-7 |
7 |
|
Teacher |
Ross Fitzsimmons |
Yr 5-6 |
5 |
|
Teacher |
Leath Armstrong |
Yr 3-4 |
4 |
|
Teacher |
Nicky Taylor |
Yr 2-3 |
3 |
|
Teacher |
Jenna Maher |
Yr 1-2 |
2 |
|
Teacher |
Maureen Wilkinson |
Yr 0/1 |
1 |
|
Reading Recovery Teacher |
Rachel Perry |
||
|
Part-Time Teacher |
Linda Milsom |
||
|
Part-Time Teacher |
Carol Duffy |
||
|
Teacher Aide |
Karen Carmody |
||
|
Teacher Aide |
Van Delany |
||
|
Teacher Aide |
Heather McKenzie |
||
|
Teacher Aide |
Lynley Belle’ |
||
|
Teacher Aide / Admin |
Jo O’Connor |
||
|
Executive Officer |
Sharon Ferguson |
||
|
Cleaners |
Max & Ben North |
||
|
Caretaker |
Ken Nicholls |
||
|
Board Members |
Delegations |
||
|
Desiree Heywood |
Chairperson |
||
|
Jenny Harris-McKay |
Curriculum/Personnel |
||
|
John Wilkins |
Property |
||
|
Ross Carter |
Property/Friends |
||
|
Heidi Willers |
Personnel/Health/Friends |
||
|
Nicky Taylor |
Staff Rep/EEO |
||
|
Barbara Bowen |
Principal |
||
|
Sharon Ferguson |
Board Secretary/Finance |
Accident/Illness
Should a child become ill or suffer an accident at school, in or out of school hours, the parents/caregivers will be contacted.
A list of students with medical conditions, e.g. allergy to bee stings, asthma, is kept on the wall in the sick bay. Please notify the school of any medical conditions we should be aware of.
Absences
Regulations state that no child shall be absent from school without sufficient reason. Parents are asked to notify the school by 9.30am on any day that their child/children are not attending school. The office person notes absentees in a book, makes daily classroom checks and absentees (Not notified) are phoned.
Should a child feel unwell whilst at school, parents/caregivers are contacted to request that they collect their child from school. No child is sent home unless there is someone to receive them.
When children are taken from school during the day, because of illness, dental or doctors' appointments, parents are asked to advise the school secretary when the child is leaving to avoid confusion about the child's whereabouts during school and at bus time.
The Principal is advised if any patterns of absence or lateness are observed.
Annual Donation
The school asks parents for a donation of $30 per child.
There is also an activities fee to cover events such as school trips and shows (but not MOTEC, camp and skiing).
The activities fee for 2009 is $40 per child ($10 per term).
Assemblies
Full school assemblies are held weekly on Monday at 2.30pm.
Bell Times
Classes Commence 8.50 am
Morning Interval 10.30 - 11.00 am
Lunch Break 12.40 - 1.20pm
School Finishes 2.50 pm
Board of Trustees
The Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm in the Staffroom. A copy of Board minutes and reports is available at the school office.
Book Club
Scholastic Books Book Club operates in the school and is issued once a term. Students are supplied with an illustrated list and order form. Parents are
asked that order forms are correctly completed and returned to school by the due date in a named, sealed envelope. Books arrive approximately two weeks later.
Bus/Cycle Safety
Parents are asked to ensure that students are not only proficient cyclists but they also have an adequate understanding of basic road rules before allowing them to ride to school. Police recommend that students below 10 years of age are not to cycle to school without adult supervision.
Parents/caregivers are requested not to park in the bus bay. If picking up children by car, parents must walk to far entrance and collect them there. Children are not allowed to cross the road unsupervised.
Cycle Train
A newly developed Cycle Train will operate before and after school from February 2010 for children 8 years and over.
Children meet adult supervisors at Thomason Ave and Riverside Community and travel by bike along the shared footpath/cycle way. – returning by approx 3.15pm.
All participating children must have a safe bike and helmet, suitable footwear and be reasonably proficient cyclists. Children under 10 years should be met by an adult at the start/end of the cycle train.
For further information, please contact the office.
Bus Students
All bus students are checked from a daily roll. Children outside our zone are required to pay a bus fee.
Concerns and Complaints
There is a Concerns and complaints policy which allows parents to air concerns they may have.
Damage to Property
Children are expected to pay for replacements or repairs (or a donation towards costs) unless it was a genuine accident.
Dental Clinic
The School Clinic provides treatment for pupils at Lower Moutere School and for pre-schoolers in the area. The Dental Therapist is in attendance for approximately 6 weeks per year.
Dress Code
From 2010, Lower Moutere School students are required to wear school uniform.
Duty
Teachers are rostered to supervise the playground areas at morning tea and lunchtimes. Student Peer Mediators assist with minor playground conflict.
The school’s email address is secretary@lowermoutere.school.nz
EOTC
The school and Board promote learning taking place outside the classroom. Teachers will notify parents of any trips outside of the school grounds. These trips can only take place with parent support to ensure adult:child ratios are maintained.
Ratios
The recommended minimum ratios for EOTC are:
1:8 Where the level of risk would be no greater than in the school grounds. eg Within Marahau Outdoor Education Centre site, field trips in local environment.
1:6 Where the level of risk is greater than in the school grounds but not dangerously so e.g. near water, cooking on the riverbank, seashore study at Stephens Bay, skiing at Rainbow, orienteering in Motueka, day tramp to Apple Tree Bay.
1:4 For hazardous activities where the degree of risk is high
eg. Kayaking, mountainbiking to Gridiron, day tramping to
Mt Arthur Hut, swimming at the beach/river
1:5 For all Junior School activities or 1:4 for more hazardous activities
These ratios could vary depending on the degree of risk involved. Factors to be taken into consideration when determining ratios include:
- teacher/instructor competence and experience
- the age, ability and experience of students
- site and locality features
- climate and time of year
- nature and availability of emergency support
- the level of control and supervision required
Please Note: High Needs children and Caregiver cannot be included as part of the ratio.
Emergency Drills
A prolonged ringing of the bell means there is a fire. Classes file out to the back field where the roll is called. Earthquake and fire drills are practiced once a term.
Fax and Phone Numbers
The school’s phone number is 03 526 7775 Fax 03 526 7082
Friends of Lower Moutere School
This newly formed Parent Group organizes social events, fundraising and new family get-togethers. Meetings are held about once a month on Mondays after school in the Library. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.
Homework
Homework is set by the individual class teacher at their discretion. We advise parents that any homework causing frustration should be left and returned to school with an accompanying note.
Library
A library timetable is drawn up at the beginning of each school year. All children may borrow two books at a time, for up to two weeks. A Teacher Aide and Pupil librarians assist in running the library.
Lost Property
Lost property is located in the bin outside Room 4.
Lunch
Children are expected to be seated in and around the Quad for 10 minutes, when eating their lunch and to remain seated until the bell rings.
During the hotter months, duty teachers will ensure children are shaded as much as possible whilst eating.
Newsletters
The school issues regular newsletters. We regard this form of communication with school families and the community as extremely important. The newsletter is published every second Thursday and is distributed via the youngest member of each family.
Phones
Students are only given permission to use the phone at the teacher’s discretion.
Student use of Cell Phones is not permitted during school time. We encourage children to keep cell phones at home but if unable to do so they must not be seen or heard. If a phone is confiscated, it is sent to the office and can be collected at the end of the day.
Photocopying
Private photocopying is charged as per schedule displayed above the copier. Students are not to use the photocopier without permission of the office staff.
Teacher aides and the school secretary are available to assist with photocopying by arrangement.
Physical Education/Sports/Fitness
Children are expected to take part in all aspects of the school programme. If children are unable to participate in physical activities, through illness or injury, parents are requested to provide a note.
At present inter-school sport is only at tournaments. The emphasis is always on skill development, participation, sportsmanship and social interaction. Parent/caregiver support and involvement is encouraged.
Playing Areas
Children should not play behind buildings or classrooms without permission. On wet days a red flag is erected on the front lawn and the Senior Adventure playground to signal students to keep off the area.
The Junior Playground is for students in Rooms 1 and 2 only.
Policies
There are five Key Policies that guide our school. Parents may view these or request a copy from the office.
Pupil Leave
Parents are requested to inform the Principal if children will be on leave.
School Charter
The Charter is an understanding between the Trustees and the Ministry of Education. It sets out a framework for the work of the school and is compiled by Staff, Trustees and Parents.
A copy of our most recent charter can be obtained from the office.
School Rules & Behaviour Guidelines
Caring, courteous and tolerant behaviour and a positive attitude towards others is expected from all members of the school community.
Everyone's co-operation will help encourage and support our students in meeting the following:
Sick Children
Sick children are cared for in the sick bay. Parents and caregivers are contacted if necessary.
Smoking
Lower Moutere School is a designated smokefree area.
Sports Uniforms
The school T-Shirt plus suitable black shorts should be worn for all sports events.
Staff Meetings
Staff meetings are held after school on Mondays.
Stationery Purchases
Some types of exercise books and stationery requirements are stocked at the school and may be purchased from the office
Children may purchase stationery between 8.30 and 8.50am daily.
Student Records
On enrolment, a student has an individual Folio file made up. Relevant information and test results are kept in the folio. All records are confidential to parents/caregivers and their child, teachers and officers of the Ministries of Education and of Health.
Student Welfare
The School is visited regularly by the Public Health Nurse and other advisory services. If you have any concerns re sight, hearing, speech or welfare, please inform the Principal. The school maintains contact with and utilises, where necessary, specialist services in the fields of health and education. These services include:
Sun Safety
Lower Moutere School has a Sunsmart Policy. Children are expected to wear a hat at all times when outdoors in Terms 1 and 4.
Swimming Instruction
Classes are timetabled for daily instruction.
Students not swimming require a note. If there are any problems arising from this requirement, please inform the Principal. Non swimmers accompany the class to the pool with an activity to carry on with.
The swimming pool is available for hire during out-of school hours. Keys may be purchased through the office.
Technology Centre
Year 7 and 8 students travel to Parklands School by bus on Thursdays from 10.45 – 12.15 to attend Technology classes. Students are required to wear suitable footwear when attending these classes. Parents/caregivers are required to pay material costs at the beginning of the school year.
Term Dates
Term 1 February 2 – April 1 (
Good Friday 2nd April)Term 2 April 19 – July 2
Term 3 July 19 – September 24
Term 4 October 11 – December 15
Uniforms
The school uniform became compulsory in 2010. All students are required to wear the uniform, with the exception of the year 8 students in 2010 only.
Uniform Items:
Recommended styles available from Whitwells, Motueka
OR any other suitable plain black "bottoms" from other outlets.
Green Bucket Hat with school logo (only available at School Office)
You may be interested in contacting WINZ to enquire about the Uniform Subsidy!
Use of School Grounds
School hours are 8.30am - 3.30pm. Children can use the grounds to play in out of school hours, within the hours of daylight, providing that all school property is treated with respect.
Vandalism
Children and parents will be expected to meet costs incurred as a result of damage through lack of care.
Visitors
All visitors to the school should sign in and out of the office.
Wet Days
Children eat their lunch and choose quiet indoor games during intervals on wet days.