Tauranga Adventist School

Information for Parents and Students

ATTENDANCE

The New Zealand Government requires all children from the ages of 6 through to 15 to attend school regularly. Because the School's Attendance Registers are legal documents, the school requires a written excuse for every absence. This written excuse should be presented to the classroom teacher on the first day back at school.

To ensure the safety of our children, care-givers are requested to phone the school before 9:00 am on any day that their child will be absent from school. When parents know in advance of an absence, it would be appreciated if this could be communicated to the School before the child is removed. The Office Administrator will attempt to contact any parent who has not given prior notification stating that their child will be absent from school on that particular day. The School will take all reasonable steps to trace any unaccounted for pupil to ensure their safety and well-being. Students who are late for class are required to check in at the office before going to class so the status of their attendance can be noted.

As far as possible, pupils are requested not to arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. and not be in the school grounds after 3:15 p.m. without special permission. To ensure a successful scholastic programme, students are expected to arrive at school in time to be ready to start classes at 8:45 a.m. Should a child be late for whatever reason, he/she will be expected to firstly notify the Office and give an explanation to the teacher concerning the late arrival.

By law, all children are under the control of the school from the time they leave home in the morning until they arrive home in the afternoon unless collected by their parents or their representative at the school.

CHAPLAIN

A School Chaplain is always available to attend to the needs of students and / or their families. (Please consult the current directory.) The school chaplain is a Proprietor's representative on the School Board of Trustees, and is also involved with the worship programme of the School.

CLASS PROMOTION

In general, children will be promoted to the next class each year based on age rather than ability. Children who commence at age 5 whose birthdays fall between January 1 and June 30 will be considered Year 1 on entry and will progress each year by one grade through the school accordingly. Children who commence at age 5 whose birthdays fall between July 1 and December 31 will be considered Year 0 on entry and will be considered Year 1 the following year, and then will progress a grade per year through the school accordingly.

COLD / WET WEATHER

During wet and / or extremely cold days, children will be permitted to enter the classrooms before school and at the recess and lunch breaks.

COMPUTERS / ICT

Information and communication technology (ICT) is now a basic tool within most work environments and is becoming commonplace in the home. As such, this school provides opportunities for all students to use learning technologies as an integral part of the school’s learning environment linking these technologies to school curricula and learning outcomes. Computers are available in each classroom as well as the computer suite. To ensure the smooth and safe operation of the computer suite by students, each student is required to read and sign a Computer / Cybersafe Use Agreement outlining the regulations and conditions under which computers and communication technologies may be used while at school or in any way which affects the safety of the school learning environment. This agreement must also be signed by a parent / caregiver. The School provides educational material on cybersafety to students and parents / caregivers. As well, additional safety education will be delivered, where relevant, through teaching programmes. The School provides an electronic security system which is able to monitor student internet usage. Parents / Caregivers are required to become familiar with the school’s cybersafety rules and to assist in the instruction of these rules to their children.

COURTESY & DEPORTMENT

As Christian values are considered paramount in this school, students are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and Christian-like manner at all times in accordance with the School Code of Conduct. This should be reflected in student attitudes towards God, other students, teachers and visitors to the School.

CURRICULUM

This school acknowledges that the New Zealand National Curriculum is the official policy for teaching, learning and assessment and it is through this curriculum, the school’s Special Character is integrated and delivered to students. The philosophy and objectives of this school are reflected at all levels of the curriculum. In addition to the national requirements, a core curriculum subject is Bible which specifically aims to acquaint students with God Himself in a personal and meaningful way. The broad areas of study include Bible, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health and Physical Education, Art and Music, and Technology.

The acquisition of Essential Skills also forms an important component of the school’s curriculum. These essential skills include: Communication Skills, Numeracy Skills, Information Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Self-Management and Competitive Skills, Social and Co-operative Skills, Physical Skills and Work and Study Skills. Underlying all of the above, the school recognizes the importance of the development and nurture of students forming positive Christian attitudes and values.

DAMAGES

It is the school’s policy to charge parents / caregivers for any damage caused by their child if it is considered by the school that such damage was the result of a deliberate action on the part of the child, or careless disregard to school rules which contributed to the damage occurring.

DENTAL TREATMENT

Children who attend our school are eligible to free dental care service provided by the New Zealand Government. The children of parents who accept this service, receive their treatment at the mobile clinic which is visits our school on a regular basis. If at any time you wish to discuss a dental problem with the school dental nurse, please feel free to make a direct contact.

DISCIPLINE

Students need to learn the important lesson of obedience, the object of which is self-government. As students render obedience to parents and teachers, so they, in turn are encouraged to render obedience to society’s laws and to God. The disciplinary system used in this school is intended that students and staff are provided with a safe, ordered, secure and caring environment within a Christian context, which is conducive to working and learning. Disciplinary methods therefore are designed to encourage positive behaviour and penalise negative behaviour. Such methods include:

Praising and affirming students orally as noticed by teachers both in and out of the classroom.

Issuing special awards in the areas of academic performance, courtesy and deportment, sportsmanship and community service.

Students being encouraged and challenged through school devotionals and Christian songs to think and act in a Christ-like way. Students are also encouraged to pray for help in this area.

Individual teachers operate their own reward systems in their own classrooms.

STEPS PROGRAMME

School rules are made clear to all students in the form known as the School Code of Conduct. These are displayed prominently for students to see. They are also verbalised to students at the commencement of the school year and students are reminded of them through the year as the need arises. Students will also be made aware of the purpose for having school rules. In the rare times when student behaviour is of continuing concern and in breach of the School Code of Conduct, the following steps are followed:

CONSEQUENCES

Offences will be given a rating 1 to 4. Four being the most serious offence. The numbers are tallied up.

When a student infringes a rule, the duty teacher may give a verbal warning or issue a detention ticket. This ticket is issued to the student and is placed on the detention board. A record is made in the discipline book. A detention notice is sent home advising the caregivers of the situation. The student is place on STEP ONE of the programme.

If a child receives 6 or more demerit points in one term, a meeting with parents / Caregivers will be called.

If the pupil fails to modify his / her behaviour patterns and further demerits are acquired within the term (or 10 week period), the student is placed on STEP TWO after five further demerits. After further consultation with parents / Caregivers, suspension from School will be a considered option.

In most cases, all demerits will be wiped at the end of each term (or at the end of 10 school weeks) if there has been a noticeable positive change in behaviour.

More Serious Offences

If a more serious offence has been committed, the principal will use his / her discretion in dealing with the situation. This will invariably involve the principal, student and parents. The student may be placed DIRECTLY onto any step under this provision.

Examples of such offences may include any of the following: extreme insolence or disobedience; serious fighting or bullying; serious misbehaviour on excursions or school visits; deliberate serious damage to school and other people’s property; verbal abuse to a teacher; dishonesty

FEES

1. Attendance Dues

The School’s Proprietors charge Attendance Dues. The levels that are set have Ministry of Education approval and payment of these are a condition of enrolment. These fees are collected by the School and are then forwarded to the Proprietor. (National Office) Fees are required to be paid in full before a child commences a new term.

2. Special Character Contribution

A Special character contribution is considered a “necessary donation” which is also forwarded to our National Office. The Special character contribution is considered a tax-deductible donation by the tax department. This contribution helps the proprietor to fund the special character aspect of our school system nationally.

3. Activity Fees

These fees are used directly by the school and go towards funding student activities. E.g.; excursions, camps etc.

4. Bus Charges

All students pay a bus usage fee which covers most trips and outings during the term.

LUNCHES / MORNING TEAS

Parents are encouraged to provide healthful lunches for their children. Each child is to eat his / her own lunch and is expected to eat all of it under normal circumstances. Children will be expected to remain seated in the lunch eating areas until their lunches are eaten. All are given 15 minutes minimum before any may leave for play. Children are not permitted to purchase lunches from the shops at any time during school time.

Parents / Caregivers are encouraged to provide nourishing breakfasts for their children to maximise learning whilst at school. To encourage healthy eating habits, children are not to eat cakes, sweets or junk foods for morning tea. Acceptable foods include fruit, Yoghurt, Muesli bars, sandwiches.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

From time to time school staff may be required to administer medication to children. The school should only be requested to administer medication during normal school hours when it is either not possible or impractical for a parent or caregiver to do so. Further, to protect the health and safety of all students, certain procedures need to be followed when any child is requiring medication.

The School must be informed if any child is requiring medication whilst at School.

The first dose of any medication must not be given at school.

All requests for staff to administer any medication should be on the appropriate parent request form and addressed to the Principal.

All medications will be kept in a locked place at the school office.

The exact dose of medication must be provided by the parent/caregiver to the school.

The delegated person/s will administer the medication as requested by the parent/caregiver.

Before medication is administered the school will require written confirmation by the parent/caregiver.

Staff will respect any confidentiality issues concerning children requiring medication.

NOT PERMITTED AT SCHOOL

Walkmans, MP3 players, fireworks, dangerous objects, electronic games, cell phones, and items which do not reflect the special character of the school.

HAIR CARE / HEADLICE

Unfortunately one of the aspects of school life is that on occasions, children's hair can become infested with head lice.

The following guidelines are given to parents in order to reduce the risks of infestation and to deal with the problem should an outbreak occur.

· Girls’ long hair should be plaited or tied back or put into a bun so that hair is not touching the collar.

· Boys’ hair should be kept short and tidy.

· Brushes, combs and hair accessories should not be shared with other children. This includes hats.

· If the school discovers that a child has live lice or nits, parents / guardians will be contacted and the child is to be removed from the school until the appropriate treatment has been given. (Usually up to three shampoos)

· Parents / caregivers are advised to check all other family members and to treat clothing, bedding, towels etc

The school can provide additional advice and help as necessary. Parents are requested to check their children's hair regularly. If treatment should be needed, please go to a chemist where the appropriate treatment can be obtained. Parents who discover that their children have infestations, are requested to contact the school office as soon as possible so an alert can be given to all parents.

HOMEWORK

As we want each pupil to strive towards academic excellence, homework will be assigned to children on a regular basis; the amount of which is indicated below. Usually homework will take the form of revision in Spelling, Reading, or Number facts that have been covered during the day, and for older children, some research work or application of principles taught during the day may be given.

The following is to serve as a guide to the amount of daily homework that your child / children could expect:

New-entrants to Year 3	15 minutes daily
Year 4 to Year 6	30 minutes daily
Year 7 to 8	45 minutes daily

SCHOOL SUPPORT GROUP

The school Support group is an opportunity for parents, caregivers and friends of the school in general, to work together for the good of the school. The group works in conjunction with the school and organizes social events and other activities for the whole school community, including fundraising. Membership is open to all and your involvement is welcome and encouraged.

JEWELLERY & ADORNMENT

Students are not permitted to wear make-up or jewellery at school. This includes earrings, decorative studs, rings and necklaces. Girls who have pierced ears may wear “Keepers” or plain miniature studs.

LEAVING GROUNDS

Children are to remain within the confines of the school grounds at all times until it is time to return home. For any other special departure, written parental permission must be given to the principal by the pupil, or be personally contacted by the parent or guardian.

LIBRARY

The library is a very important part of the school study program. Whole classes use the library on a regular basis for reading, studying and exchange of books. Books may be borrowed for one week and must be returned for renewal or return. Children may borrow two books at the one time.

No books can be taken from the library by a child without it being first checked out under his / her name. Reference books are not permitted to be issued. Any book damaged or lost will be charged for.

MUSIC TUITION

The School offers students the opportunity to learn keyboard / piano or guitar through private tutors who operate from our school during regular class time. Please enquire at the office should you wish to know more about privately funded lessons.

NEWSLETTERS

Newsletters and / or notes are given to the eldest child in the family attending the school to take home. This is to help you keep in touch with the school. Newsletters will normally be issued on Thursdays. We do accept a limited number of notices from the wider school community when space permits.

OFFICE

The School Office is staffed from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm each school day. Please make contact with the school within this time frame if at all possible so as to minimise interruptions to class teachers.

PARKING

In the interests of child safety and to aid traffic flow, parents are requested not to park in the “Drop Off” zone at the front of the school. This area (marked by the yellow lines) is solely for dropping off and picking up of students. Please use the car park at the rear of the School for actual parking.

PHOTOCOPY SERVICE

The school photocopier is available for private copying at very competitive rates. For the current copy rates, please check the information sheet.

REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS

Parent / teacher interviews are held formally twice each year. The first interviews are held near the end of Term One where pupils are encouraged to attend with their parents / caregivers. This gives an opportunity for collaborative goal setting to occur. The second interviews with parents / caregivers are scheduled at the end of Term Two. Written reports are issued in June and December. The school encourages parents / caregivers to come and discuss any problems or concerns with either class teachers or the principal at any time during the year. We value this communication.

SAFE KEEPING OF PERSONAL ITEMS

Students are discouraged from bringing to school money and personal valuables. If such items are brought out of necessity to school, students are advised to give these to their teacher as soon as possible in the morning for safe keeping during the day. The school cannot be held responsible for damage or loss to such valuables.

SCHOOL BAGS

Because bags are personal property, no student is permitted to interfere with any other person's school bag or personal property in any way. At school, bags are to be kept in the designated cloak bays.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE

The school health nurse visits the school on a regular basis. The nurse is available to assist with any child who is experiencing physical, mental, or emotional problems. Any parent wishing to make contact with the health nurse, please contact the school.

SMOKE-FREE POLICY

Parents and visitors to the school are advised that this school has a smoke-free policy and as such, there will be no smoking by any person on the school grounds or at any school activity off site.

STATIONERY

Stationery lists are distributed to parents before the end of the school year and parents are required to make their own arrangements to purchase the listed items. It is essential that children have their required stationery items for the first day of the school year. Limited stocks of stationery will be available from the school office through the year on a cash sale basis.

S.T.O.R.M.Co. SERVICE PROGRAMME

This school promotes the Christian virtue of serving others. To help develop this virtue in our students, all students are required to participate in at least one service project each year under our STORMCo. banner; (“Service to Others Really Matters Company”) Children choose their project within the guidelines set by the School, set their goals and participate in their chosen project. Though children are to receive no reward for any such project, they are however acknowledged through a merit sticker system which is cumulative through their years at this school. Children who really demonstrate outstanding service in any one year receive a special “Service Award” at the end of the year.

SUN SMART POLICY

As part of our sun smart policy, children are required to wear school regulation sun hats during the summer months. Children who do not wear their hats will be required to play in the shade during play times.

SCHOOL HOURS

8:40 am	1st bell. Children permitted to enter classrooms.
8:45 am	2nd bell. All children to be in classrooms ready for the teacher. Classes begin.
10:40 - 11:00	Recess
12:30 - 1:15 pm	Lunch/play
1:15 pm	Assembly (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
2:40 pm	End of school

SICKNESS & ACCIDENT

It is recognized that minor injuries and sickness occur from time to time with children, and these will be treated in the school's sick bay as appropriate. It is the school’s policy that in the event of a serious accident, parents will be contacted as soon as possible. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, the pupil may be taken directly to a medical facility and parents notified. Naturally all medical expenses are the responsibility of the parent. If on occasion a child becomes too sick to remain in class or travel home by bus, parents will be contacted and requested to arrange to have their child collected.

SWIMMING

Children will receive two time blocks of swimming each year in Terms 1 and 4. Costs are covered in the activity fees charged. Children will be transported to a local public swimming pool. (Greerton or Memorial Park) The Year 1 class will receive professional tutoring at the CCS Pool.

TECHNOLOGY: Year 7 - 8 PUPILS

Y7 and 8 pupils receive technology instruction at the Tauranga Technology Centre located at the Tauranga Primary School. Children receive free transport to and from the centre. A Technology fee is added to the Activity Fees for Year 7 and 8 for this purpose.

TELEPHONE / CELL PHONES

The telephone is not to be used for general student use. Pupils will only be given permission to dial out from the school in extreme situations. Cell phones are not permitted at school without a special exemption being granted by the principal.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks loaned to students should be returned in good condition. Where there is unnecessary damage to books, or books are mislaid and / or lost, it will be necessary to make a charge to the parents of that child to recover the cost of the book.

TRANSPORT

The School recognizes the necessity of providing a bus service to and from the school for children living on the city side of the School. The Ministry of Education provides a Conveyance Allowance to eligible students based on distance from the school combined with the age of the student. Additionally, as all students use the bus in the course of the year in relation to trips and outings, a charge will be made to cover this expense. This policy is designed to ensure a fair and equable method of charges being levied to parents / Caregivers and to ensure sufficient income is generated to cover operational and depreciation costs for operating the school bus.

Casual Bus Users: Any student may use the bus service on any day providing:

Sufficient room is available,

Pick up or drop off is within the existing routes.

The School has been advised by a parent or Caregiver.

A casual bus user is any child who uses the bus on an irregular basis.

All casual users of the bus must have a pre-purchased travel pass available at the school office. This must be produced at time of boarding each time a child either travels to school or travels back home.

The School and / Driver must be notified by the parent or caregiver should a child require casual trip or trips.

Regular Bus User

This is any student who uses the school bus on a regular basis to get to or from school, with or without Ministry Subsidy. This is charged to your fee account each term.

All students

All students will contribute a fee to cover incidental bus use through the term for school and class-related activities.

Other Claims for the Conveyance Allowance

Parents whose children qualify for the Conveyance Allowance but choose to find alternative methods to get children to or from school may select to do so. It would however be expected that if our school bus services your area, any Conveyance Allowance will be directed to the School and the pupil uses our bus service accordingly. All Conveyance Allowance Applications are required to be signed by the principal before being submitted to the Ministry for consideration.

TRIPS & EXCURSIONS

The school recognizes the value of education beyond the classroom and the school itself and as such, a number of class or school-wide activities will occur throughout the year. No child will be permitted to attend any trip or excursion unless specific parent / caregiver permission has been granted. This will be in the form of a permission consent form signed by a parent or caregiver. One permission form may cover several related trips, for example swimming, where one form may cover all swimming trips for the season. Notification of all such trips and excursions will be sent out to parents / caregivers by the School in advance of any such activity occurring.

UNIFORM

Children are encouraged to be neat and tidy in their personal appearances. The wearing of a school uniform is to assist students identify with the goals and aspirations of the school. It also serves as a witness of identity to others in the community. The wearing of the school uniform is therefore compulsory.

Girls’ Uniform: (Summer)
DRESS	Regulation material and pattern available at School. Alternatively, dress may be purchased made up; available through the school.
FOOTWEAR	Blue Roman sandals (Optional - shoes & socks as for Winter)
PULLOVER	Royal blue "V" necked pullover or Royal Blue cardigan "V" necked, buttoned with Royal Blue buttons. (Regulation sweatshirts may be worn as an alternative)
HAIR TIDIES	Royal Blue
JACKET	(Optional) Official style as available through the School.
SPORTS	White "T" shirt with School design available through the School, and navy blue shorts with school crest.
Girls’ Uniform: (Winter)
TUNIC (Years 1 to 6)	Blue tartan, Pattern "New Look" C2045. Material, patterns available through the School.

Boys' uniform (Summer)
SHORTS	Grey college regulation, polyester/cotton, side adjustment.
SHIRT	Mid - Blue short sleeve
PULLOVER	Plain Royal Blue, "V" necked. (Or regulation sweat shirt)
FOOTWEAR	Brown Roman sandals. (Optional Shoes and socks as for Winter)
JACKET	Flash Track Top (Branded) Dual purpose Sport and regular uniform. (Available through Logotech web site)
SPORTS	BIZCOOL Strike Polo shirt, white with School branding; BIZCOOL Shorts with School branding, Flash Track Bottoms (optional) (Available through Logotech web site)
HAT	Regulation sun hat, wide brimmed, navy. (Branded) Available through the School Office.
Boys' uniform (Winter) As for summer except:
SHORTS	Grey college regulation polyester / wool, side adjustment.
SHIRT	Mid Blue long sleeve
FOOTWEAR	Black leather lace-up shoes. Plain grey knee-length socks.
Please Note: In cold weather, students may wear scarves of the appropriate grey or blue colour. Outer garments for protection from cold and wet may be worn to and from School. Mufti jackets are not permitted.