2020 Parent Information Booklet - An A to Z of Useful Information - Contacts School Phone 07 829 7860 - Te Kowhai School
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2020 Parent
Information Booklet
An A to Z of Useful Information
Contacts
School Phone 07 829 7860
E-Mail – admin@tekowhai.school.nz - Office
principal@tekowhai.school.nz - Principal
www.tekowhai.school.nz - Website
From the Principal
Welcome to Te Kowhai School!
We are a thriving school in the heart of the community, catering
for the needs of many students.
At Te Kowhai, we want our learners to be ‘Empowered to be
Confident and Connected 21st Century Citizens’. Our school and
curriculum is designed to get the best out of every learner where
we want to see them engaging in their learning with passion and
enthusiasm, therefore achieving their very best.
Our Learning Communities provide vibrant learning environments and our teaching and
support staff have a genuine passion for teaching and learning. We value your children
as individuals, and cater for their strengths and needs. We are a close-knit school and
children feel they are known and supported by staff and each other.
Students at Te Kowhai feel safe and enjoy the friendly nature of our school.
Te Kowhai School is a great place for children to learn. We offer a wide range of
additional activities to enable students to experience new ideas and opportunities – in
leadership, academic, cultural, arts and sporting pursuits.
We value open, honest and clear communication with our students and their families and
welcome your involvement in the school community. For the sustained success of the
school it is essential that families are involved and participate in their children’s learning.
We have a great country school and we are pleased that your family has chosen to be
part of our school community.
Regards,
Juliet Dickinson
Welcome to our school!
About our School
OUR MOTTO
Te Kowhai School currently has a role of approximately 300 pupils and is
situated in Te Kowhai Village 7kms North West of Hamilton. We pride
ourselves on being a friendly school, family oriented with a high level of
community involvement. Our children enjoy school and are keen to learn
and achieve success.
Te Kowhai School is a decile 10, full primary school (years 0-8). Te Kowhai
School opened in 1890 and was one of the first schools in the region. Roll
growth is controlled by an enrolment scheme. We sometimes accept a small
number of students from outside the zone.
The Board, PTA and Staff enjoy working as a team to foster the success of
the school.
The school is attractive and well resourced with modern classrooms,
swimming pool, well-stocked library, pavilion, large playgrounds and well-
maintained grounds.
S CHOOL VISION
"A school's vision briefly describes the future the school community sees for itself, and what students will be
like when they are confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners"
~ Preparing to Lead Curriculum Change: Vision, Principles and Values, Ministry of Education (2007), p. 1 ~
Our vision was developed after extensive consultation with all stakeholders -staff, students,
board of trustees, parents, business sector and the wider community in order to ensure the
vision considered the views of all. This vision is regularly discussed and is an integral part
of our teaching and learning. After a review at the end of 2019, in 2020 we will be working
on some minor changes to this.
At Te Kowhai School we recognise that the world is undergoing rapid social, economic and
technological change and we need to prepare and equip our TK learners (including adults)
to be adaptable to meet these changes with confidence.
We recognise that there is a possible future, probable future & preferable future.
We want to prepare our learners for their future, and it is our view of the future that drives
current actions.
We want our TK learners to be empowered & at the centre of their learning.
We have developed a visual representation of our school vision & values to help ensure that
it is shared and understood by our community.
Through having our school
vision & values represented
in a visual way, we are
helping to ensure that it is
a living and breathing
component of our school
curriculum
V ALUES – TK PRIDE
"Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important or desirable. They are expressed through the ways
in which people think and act".
"Values are part of the everyday curriculum – encouraged, modelled, and explored."
~ The New Zealand Curriculum, Ministry of Education (2007) ~
The values we live by at Te Kowhai School are carefully woven into the everyday life of
the school; they are actively promoted and expected of all people within our school
community.
Our values reflect the “heart” of the school and are very much a part of who we are
and what we stand for. There is a strong sense of community & PRIDE in Te Kowhai.
TK PRIDE forms the acronym for our values:
Partnership
Respect
Integrity
Drive
Excellence
K EY COMPETENCIES & L EARNER QUALITIES
The New Zealand Curriculum identifies five key competencies. People use these competencies "to live, learn,
work and contribute as active members of their communities".
~ The New Zealand Curriculum, Ministry of Education (2007), p. 12 ~
The Key Competencies are:
➢ THINKING
➢ USING LANGUAGE, SYMBOLS AND TEXTS
➢ MANAGING SELF
➢ RELATING TO OTHERS
➢ PARTICIPATING AND CONTRIBUTING
Te Kowhai School integrates the Key Competencies through our Learner Qualities. The
learner qualities were developed after extensive professional learning and consultation as
a representation of our beliefs about powerful learning and our aspirations and vision for
our learners.
TK learners are…thinkers, collaborative, communicators, resilient, self-managers
2020 Team The Staff enjoy working with children and their parents. The team at Te Kowhai School is experienced and well qualified. In addition to the part and fulltime classroom teachers, we have an outstanding team of support staff – helping run special programmes, running the administrative aspects of the school, and cleaning & maintaining the facilities. Leadership Team Juliet Dickinson Principal Nikki Willis Deputy Principal Shirley Bailey Leader of Learning Linda McPhail Leader of Learning Learning Community 1 (Year 1/2) Nicki Grey Teacher Cherie Cutler Teacher Karen Peter Teacher Learning Community 2 (Year 2/3) Nikaela Smith Teacher Rachel Hall Teacher (Team Leader of LC1 and LC2) Learning Community 3 (Year 3/4) Lisa Crook Teacher Clare Tammik Teacher Learning Community 4 (Year 4/5) Hazel Dick Teacher Jef Souza Teacher Elisabeth Joseph Release Teacher Learning Community 5 (Year 5/6) Linda McPhail Teacher (Leader of Learning / Team Leader for LC3 and LC5) Amy Benton Teacher Juliet Kelly Release Teacher Learning Community 6 (Year 7/8) Shirley Bailey Teacher (Leader of Learning / Team Leader for LC4 and LC6) Madi Hughes Teacher Barb Shepp Release Teacher Specialist Teachers Marieke Nation Music Teacher Esther Wilson Art Teacher Support Team Lee Slomp Office Manager Kerry Crossland Receptionist Kerry Scott Librarian Lloyd Pratt Caretaker Des Chiles Caretaker
Support Team continued…
Carmen Jones IT Support
Cris Andrew Learning Assistant
Rebecca Gilberd Learning Assistant
Amber Bonham Learning Assistant
Bianca Denman Learning Assistant
Bevin Knight Learning Assistant
Maggie Webb Gardener
Ruiha Paki Tuck Shop
T HE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Today’s schools involve the Trustees, Principal, teachers, staff and community working
closely and cooperatively together to improve learning opportunities for all children. The
BoT provides governance of the school and members also work in the following sub
committees: Finance, Property, Communications and Health & Safety.
Parents and staff are welcome to attend any BoT meeting, held twice a term in the meeting
room. Information related to Board activities and notice of meeting dates is included in the
school newsletter.
Current members (Jan 2020) are:
Renae Smart (Board Chair)
Brent Cutler
Juliet Dickinson
Madi Hughes
Craig Scott
Graeme Salter
Catherine Darby
Kyla Kerby
P ARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION [P.T.A.]
The school is fortunate to be supported by an active parent group, who meet twice each
term.
The primary role of the PTA is to foster a strong bond between the community and the
school. Even though some fundraising does occur, this is not the only function of the PTA.
Funds will be raised where necessary to enhance the children’s learning and support the
strategic direction of the school. The quality of the school’s resources are a fitting tribute
to this group’s input over the years.
The meetings provide a forum for enjoyable parent interaction.
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Meeting dates and times will be advertised on Facebook and in
Newsletters.
Information in brief
School Hours
Term Dates
8.55 am 1st block begins
10:30am Morning break TERM DATES FOR 2020
11am 2nd block
12:40pm Lunch break Term One: 3 Feb – 9 April
1:25pm 3rd block Term Two: 28 April – 3 July
3pm School finishes
Pupils should not be at school before 8.15 am. Term Three: 20 July – 25 Sept
Having your child at school by 8.45am would be
appreciated. Term Four: 12 Oct – 15 Dec
Please collect your children promptly. Children must
be collected by 3:10pm as teachers are not on duty.
An After-School Care service is available. Teacher Only Days:
(School is closed for students)
• Friday 7th February
• Tuesday 2nd June
• Tuesday 27th October
A BSENCE:
If your child is going to be away from school, please ring the school office (829
7860) at your earliest convenience. This will ensure that a close liaison
between home and school is maintained, especially with regard to your
child's safety on the way to and from school. Teachers will be notified of
children who will be absent each day. All attendance information is shared
with you via Linc-Ed. Our Board of Trustees have set a 94% attendance
target for every student.
A CTIVITY FEE:
Te Kowhai School charges a one-off fee. This fee goes towards the school’s cost of
general activities such as apps for tablets, art consumables, general stationery for
classroom use, software licences, sports gear/clothing, shows and concerts e.g. Life
education in Term One. This charge has been set at $55.
A SSEMBLY:
We generally have an assembly every second Friday at 2:30pm. These assemblies are
quite informal and very much child oriented and child directed. Parents are always
welcome. These assemblies are led by our students and Learning Communities take turns
to do this. Our newsletters and other school communication will keep you informed as to
when assemblies are on.
PRIDE Huis are held on Monday mornings with just students and teachers and is an
opportunity to reinforce our PRIDE values, celebrate successes and discuss or reinforce our
school culture.
B ANKING:
Children are able to open a savings account with ASB Bank and First Credit Union, and are
able to make deposits at the school. Enquire at the office for further information.
B EFORE and AFTER SCHOOL CARE:
There is an After-School Care programme run by YMCA. This is an accredited
OSCAR (Official After School Care) programme that ensures your child’s safety
after school. Children are given a snack to eat and something to drink. The
service is available for 5-13 year olds and is operated independently of the school.
The hours of operation are from; 7:00-8:15 and 3pm-6:00pm. Any length of time
within this timeframe is fine. See their website for details as to how to register:
https://ymca-akl-ham-bop.aimyplus.com/Parent/Register
B EGINNING SCHOOL:
From Term 1, 2020 Te Kowhai School adopted
an informal Cohort Entry system. Cohort entry refers to children starting school
as a group, at the beginning or midpoint of a term, AFTER THEIR FIFTH
BIRTHDAY.
Why cohort entry?
• To allow students to settle quicker to school
• Evidence shows that starting school alongside others can help foster relationships
and supports a smoother transition to school
• Less disruption for class teachers as they can plan for groups of students, doing
both school visits and starting school
• Allow for a more beneficial and coherent transition to school ‘Kickstart’ programme
We have two cohort intakes (start dates) per term. Please contact Kerry
Crossland or Shirley Bailey for more information about our starting school
process.
Transition to School - Kickstart Programme:
Kickstart is a five-week transition to school programme designed to enable a
smooth and enjoyable transition from early childhood education to primary school
for parents and their children. Our Kickstart Programme will help equip your child
with a range of early literacy and numeracy skills, as well as provide a wonderful
environment to get to know other children that will be starting school with them at
the same time.
During Kickstart sessions teachers focus on developing many important social and
emotional skills such as how to learn collaboratively with others, how tocommunicate appropriately with their peers and how-to self-manage their
belongings and behaviour.
Kickstart sessions are held every Tuesday from 1.45pm - 2.45pm. We have two
Kickstart intakes (start dates) per term. Please contact Kerry Crossland
or Shirley Bailey for more information about our Kickstart Programme.
B EHAVIOUR
At the beginning of the year, all classes discuss appropriate
expectations regarding behaviour and attitude. This is based on
the following guidelines:
We encourage students to become responsible for their own good
behaviour by using a positive encouragement approach.
We expect parents/guardians to accept their responsibilities with regard to their child’s
behaviour so that the school can focus on its primary role of education.
We aim to provide a happy and secure environment where children develop
responsibility for their own actions and are able to learn and enjoy school without being
distracted or disrupted by others.
Should a child’s behaviour become a concern the parents will be contacted. When
parents and teachers work in a partnership most difficulties can be resolved with a
minimum of fuss.
Information will be available on our school website in relation to our procedures around
behaviour.
B ICYCLES
All children riding bikes to school should have a good knowledge of the road rules and are
legally required to wear cycle safety helmets. The school does not support children under
the age of nine, riding to school. Bicycle stands are provided at the front entrance to the
school and children are expected to keep away from this area during school time.
Students are not to ride their bikes through school.
B OOK CLUB
Students are able to buy reading books through the Scholastic Book Club.
Pamphlets will be issued regularly. Students bring their money and orders to
school in a named envelope or parents can order online. Books will be
delivered when they are received at school. If you want to order something
as a gift, then you can order under your own name and the office will contact
you to collect it.B us Bay Parking
The Bus area at the front of the school has also been
clearly marked due to ongoing safety concerns with cars
parking in this area, particularly at the peak 3pm time.
Please leave this area clear for the bus. Your cooperation
is appreciated.
C AR PARK COURTESY
The car park is very busy, especially at 3.00pm. To avoid an accident
the following guidelines should be followed:
Drop-off & Pick-up Zone Only: Please adhere to these guidelines and consider use of the ample parking
Please only use this area to across the road.
drop students off in the
morning, and to collect
students in the afternoon Main Car Park:
when they are already Please use
waiting. i.e. do not park in marked car
this lane when you are waiting parks.
for students, as it is blocking
other cars. Pick-ups are best
done after the 3pm bell when
cars can drive straight in, pick
up a child, and then drive out
No Parking on Yellow lines: Please keep the entry
clear. If the pick-up zone or main carpark area is full,
please utilise one of the many parks available across
the road at the Te Kowhai Hall. This eases congestion
and ensures you aren’t blocked in!
C LOTHING
PLEASE name all your child’s clothing as this helps us return clothing that is
found around the school grounds. Lost property can be viewed by the pavilion/tuckshop.
Lost property is donated to charity at the end of each term.C OMMUNICATION
We are constantly looking at ways of ensuring that parents are as informed as possible and
feel invited to be part of the school. To enable this, we are using a range of different tools.
Each of these has a different purpose. This is what we have to offer;
COMMUNICATION TOOL: PURPOSE:
WEBSITE The website in a central hub of information relating to
www.tekowhai.school.nz our school…
This is a detailed site which includes;
- Information about our school for new families
- Who is on our staff
- Parent information - general
- Enrolment information
- Photo galleries
This year we are updating our website, so you will
notice some changes here throughout the year.
FACEBOOK Facebook highlights and showcases school events and
activities that have taken place and anything that is
coming up.
At Te Kowhai we use Facebook to share news, photos
and videos relating to what has been happening at
school. (E.g. sports events, learning in Learning
Communities). These bite-sized highlights are
currently shared regularly to nearly 100 followers.
Note: you can see Te Kowhai School on Facebook
without having a Facebook profile
https://www.facebook.com/tekowhaischool/
PERSONALISED COMMUNICATION
As well as school-wide communication, your children and teachers want to communicate
with you personally as well. This is a two-way process, so we encourage you to email, visit
or message your child’s teacher at your earliest convenience if you have anything you want
to discuss. To ensure we can give you the time you need, it is better for you to book a
meeting time with the teacher/s.
Information might be shared to all parents of a particular Learning Community, or it might
be a personal sample of work, photo or ‘moment’ from the day relating specifically to your
child.
Linc-Ed is our main vehicle for delivering all school
information. This will contain the following school-wide
information;
• Notices / Newsletters
• Communication from staff / teachers (to your email).
Linc-Ed is also our main reporting tool for your children.They each have an individual page that you are linked into
which you will receive a link to when your child enrolls with
us. We will share regular snippets and updates in relation
to your child’s progress at school. This includes progress
against curriculum expectations (via learning goals),
samples of work and child/teacher feedback about learning.
NB - LC1 will continue to use Seesaw for sharing their
samples of work, Linc-Ed will be used by the teachers to
communicate their progress information with you.
Seesaw is an online portfolio used for our youngest students
(LC1) and keeps you up to date with the learning your
children are doing at school. This is a critical part of a
student’s overall “report”.
Seesaw will link you to learning your child has done in class.
Seesaw is kept up to date by your child and the class
teachers in LC1.
D ENTAL THERAPIST
Our Dental Therapist services for Te Kowhai School are carried out by The Frankton
Community Oral Health Clinic. Free dental care is available at any time at this clinic
based at Frankton School.
E DUCATION REVIEW OFFICE
E.R.O conducted a review of the school in May 2017 and are due for our next visit
sometime this year. The school was pleased with the positive nature of the 2017 report,
which stated:
The school has clearly defined the valued student outcomes as learner qualities of: thinking,
collaboration, resilience, self-management and communication. These are highly evident in the
curriculum, interactions and environments and clearly articulated by students, teachers and the
community.
Trustees are well informed about learning and achievement and are focused on improving outcomes
for children at risk of not achieving. The board has responded with significant increases in resourcing
of a range of initiatives to support children whose learning requires acceleration.
The collaborative leadership team is using their shared understanding of effective pedagogy and
practice to strengthen the focus on children who are at risk of underachieving.
Students participate and learn in caring, collaborative, inclusive learning communities.
Children with additional learning needs are well catered for in an inclusive school culture and with
appropriate support programmes.
Children are achieving well. The school demonstrates progress toward achieving equity in educational
outcomes, supported by effective, sustainable processes and practices.F IRST AID – MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Our office staff are trained first aiders. Depending on the circumstances or situation we
will:
give minor first aid
contact parents if child is injured or sick
phone family doctor where appropriate
take the child to emergency medical facility
Children should not be sent to school if they are unwell especially if they have anything
contagious ie, vomiting, diarrhoea, headlice etc. If a child becomes unwell at school, the
parents or caregivers will be contacted and asked to collect the child. We are not equipped
to keep them at school.
Please help us by ensuring we have up-to-date contact numbers, including work and cell phone
and ensure we are informed of any medical conditions that may affect your child. Please advise
the school promptly of any changes.
E NROLMENTS
How to enrol your child
For full details about enrolling a child turning 5, please pick up a “Kick Start”
pack from the office.
It is useful for the school to know well in advance any expected enrolments.
For new entrant children, when your child turns four, pre enrol so we know you
are coming.
When enrolling your child, we require the following documentation:
- birth certificate or passport
- immunisation record
- proof of address e.g. power bill, tenancy agreement etc
Enrolment Scheme
Te Kowhai School has an enrolment scheme to avoid overcrowding or the likelihood of
overcrowding.
All students who live within the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school.
The zone has the following boundaries:
Starting at the most northerly point – 393 Ngaruawahia Rd. Left onto Crawford Rd to Horotiu Rd to
RR Number 120. Returning along Horotiu Rd to Onion Rd (incl. Ridge Park Dr.) to Ruffell Rd to
State Highway One, returning to Te Kowhai Rd, left to Burbush Rd, right onto Exelby to Te
Kowhai Rd to Duck Rd, right onto Laxon Rd, right onto Horotiu Rd, left onto Blackett Rd which
becomes Collie Rd, left onto Bedford Rd to Ngaruawahia Rd. (NB both sides of the road and
any side roads are considered in zone.)
Out of Zone Enrolments
The number of places available (if any) will be determined by the number of in-zone
students scheduled to be enrolled. Further information regarding out of zone enrolments is
available from the office or Principal.H OUSE COMPETITION
All students are placed in “Houses” and earn points throughout the year for PRIDE Values,
academic, sporting, arts and other events. All siblings will be in the same house. Points are
also earned in class & the playground for great learning, effort, behaviour and attitude.
This provides great opportunities for leadership, team spirit across the school….and FUN!
The Houses are based on the 1st 4 PRIDE values (Maori names): Haere Kotahi
(Partnership), Mana (Respect), Whakapono (Integrity) & Ihi (Drive). Houses
compete for the Maungatuhaha Trophy (Excellence) House colours are as follows:
Haere Kotahi (yellow), Mana (green), Whakapono (black), Ihi (white).
8 Year 7/8 House Captains lead this within the school.
I TEMS THAT SHOULD NOT BE AT SCHOOL
Students are asked not to bring lollies, fizzy drinks, small toys/games, phones,
computer/hand-held games etc. to school. Any such item will be returned
either at the end of the day or parents requested to collect it.
I NTERNET: KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE
Te Kowhai School has a policy and set of procedures concerning the use of computers. We
make every effort to keep our children safe when using the Internet. Copies of this will
come home in the first week of school. In support of safe practices, Parents/Caregivers
can:-
• Talk with your child about online dangers.
• Put the computer in a family area of your home, so that you can keep an eye on
what is happening.
• Have a password only you know that must be entered before your child goes
online.
• Limit the time your child can spend on the Internet.
• Spend time online with your child exploring positive sites.
• Randomly check your child’s email.
L IBRARY
We are fortunate to have a well-stocked library. All students visit the library
once per week and are able to issue books. Please ensure that these books are cared
for and returned on time.
We will endeavour to return named items but urge children to be responsible for their own
gear.
L UNCHES
The school operates a tuck shop once a week on a Friday, there are sausages,
sauce and bread. On Mondays and Wednesdays you also have the
opportunity to order from our online service ‘Lunch Orders’. Visit their site to
register. https://lunchorders.co.nz/L UNCHTIME ACTIVITIES
Every lunchtime we offer a wide range of different activities for students to participate in.
These are run by teachers and aimed at exposing students to a variety of different
activities and experiences. Some of these include: Swimming, Stretch and Breathe,
Wheels Wednesday, Chess and Library. These activities change regularly depending on the
season and students are notified of these each week.
M OBILE PHONES AT SCHOOL
Mobile phones should not come to school, as they can be a target for theft or
damage. If a student becomes sick during the day, then the school office will
contact you. We appreciate that there may be infrequent occasions where the
student may need to contact a parent e.g. after a late sports practice, where a
mobile phone would be desirable. In such instances the student is asked to leave the
phone at the office or give to one of their teachers for safe keeping during the
school day. We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones (and
similar) brought to school.
M ONEY
All payments (for events or scholastic orders etc) should be brought to the
school office in an envelope with the child’s name, room number, and the
intended purpose clearly written on it.
M USIC
Students are offered tuition in a wide variety of instruments and singing. The
school facilitates this programme and lessons are taken during school. The
tutors are engaged privately and payment for their services is between the
parent and the tutor. Parents who are interested in their children participating
may contact the school office for further details. We also have a school music teacher who
provides a wide range of opportunities within the arts (e.g. choir, kapa haka, singing
groups etc) Some of these opportunities are school funded or partially funded. All details
will be communicated via the newsletter.
N EWSLETTER
Newsletters are our main means of communication with you, and as such
we consider them very important.
School newsletters are published every 2nd Wednesday and sent out via our email tree and
Facebook. The newsletter is also posted on the school website, the address is
www.tekowhai.school.nz.
This will keep you up to date with school activities as well as community events. We will
try not to send notices home on other days though this is sometimes unavoidable.O FFICE HOURS
The office is staffed between 8.15 am and 4pm each day. If the phone is not answered
please leave a message on the answer phone as this is checked regularly.
P ARENT HELPERS
Parental help is welcomed and very much valued. Talk with your classroom teacher and
make an offer if you can. Assistance with coaching or managing sports teams is also
appreciated.
R AISING CONCERNS
We endeavour to work in partnership with parents and are keen to create an
approachable atmosphere. If problems do arise, they are best dealt with sooner
rather than later. Should matters arise that concern you, you are invited to come
to the school to discuss them.
In the first instance, it is suggested that you discuss the matter with the
Teacher. If the issue is not resolved then feel free to contact a Leader of Learning, the
Deputy Principal or Principal. It is preferable that you arrange a time for an appointment
by phoning the school office on 8297860 or by emailing the person.
Parents are encouraged to keep in contact with their child’s teacher on a regular basis.
This provides quality support for your child and enhances the learning process.
S CHOOL BUS
We have a school bus service (operated by Go Bus and funded by the
Government) that runs along the following route (please note: this is
reviewed regularly and can be subject to change).
See our school website for the bus route and times.
Students who travel on the bus are listed on a bus register which is kept in
the office. This list is circulated each day to ensure those who are not set to travel on the
bus can indicate this. After school, the bus children line up on the courts in lines, they are
checked off and board the bus safely.
Students must meet the various eligibility criteria (related to distance) to receive free bus
transport. Other students wishing to catch the bus must purchase bus tickets from the
school office.
S CHOOL DONATION
The school donations are set by the Board each year and are very
important for the successful funding of a large number of activities at
school. The school donation makes activities possible that government
funding is not able to address (we receive approx. $275,000 less than a
decile 1 school of comparable size) Currently the fee is set at $125.00 forthe first child in a family, $220 for a family of two students and is capped at $250 for three
of more in a family. The donation can be paid in full at the beginning of the year or on a
term-by-term basis. This donation is tax deductible.
S PECIAL PROGRAMMES
We have a number of programmes planned specifically for students who have learning
needs, require a “boost”, or for extension.
Children may be part of the following programmes:
❖ IN CLASS SUPPORT AND LEARNING ASSISTANT SUPPORT
We are fortunate to have excellent Learning Assistants who work with
teachers in most classes, to help children and their learning. (Please
note that Learning Assistants work with children of all abilities in the
classroom).
We also have access to a number of specialist personnel to assist our teachers with pupils
with special needs. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your
child.
S TAFF MEETINGS
The teaching staff is involved in staff meetings 1-2 afternoons a week. Please keep this in
mind when phoning or trying to make appointments. It is not always easy for teachers to
free themselves.
S TATIONERY
We now have our stationery requirement lists loaded on to OfficeMax at
myschool.co.nz. We’ve found this is the easiest way for you to purchase your child’s
stationery. All you will need to do is simply search for our school, select your child's
class lists and follow the instructions on the website. Buying through OfficeMax
MySchool also earns Rewards for our school which we can redeem for much needed
educational supplies, equipment for our classrooms or for students in need.
S UN SAFE
During Terms 1 & 4 we operate a sun safe policy and children are required to
wear a hat if outside. We recommend full-brimmed hats. These must be named.
We do have some school hats for sale in the office.S WIMMING
During the summer, swimming at school is a major part of our PE
programme. All children are expected to take part unless there is a medical
reason for not doing so. A timetable of swimming days will be sent home
by class teachers. Pool keys are also for families. These are available for
purchase from the office.
School Swimming Sports take place in Term 1 for 8-13 year olds, this includes an
Interschool Competition as well. All dates will be posted in the school newsletter.
T EACHER RELEASE AND RELIEVERS
Classroom teachers are released from their classroom teaching responsibilities for a
number of reasons, including professional development, Community of Learning work, Sick
Leave and/or Personal Leave.
CRT (Classroom Release Time 10 hours per Term; an entitlement as part of conditions of
employment) takes place every fortnight for two blocks. This is when we currently provide
our specialist Music and Arts programmes for students.
We are most fortunate to have a number of high-quality day-to-day relievers available to us
for all other leave. Our first choice in selecting and appointing relievers is from our pool of
‘known’ relievers. From time to time however, there is a big demand on relievers, which
leaves us with little choice regarding whom we may appoint on such occasions.
T EACHER ONLY DAYS
As of 2020, schools across New Zealand are entitled to offer 2-3 Teacher Only Days per
year. The purpose of this is to reduce workload by allowing time for teachers to refresh
and deepen their knowledge and practice around the local curriculum, strengthen use of
assessment tools and familiarize themselves with current curriculum changes.
T ECHNOLOGY
Year 7 & 8 pupils currently travel to Hamilton Junior High School for technology classes
once each week. This programme involves the children in units relating to different
aspects of technology and the Arts. A charge is made to cover some of the ‘take-home’
costs of this programme. This will be notified via our Linc-Ed invoicing processes.
T OP SCHOOL GAMES
Each year we host the Top School Games at Te Kowhai. This is a huge
event involving 20 schools competing in a range of fun team challenges.
It also doubles as our major fundraiser for the year and is reliant upon
an enormous amount of parent support. This year’s Games will be held
on Sunday, 5th April. This is our 15th year of running the games and all
students and families are invited along to this event.Once again, we welcome you
❖ You are welcome to join in our classes through our Open-
Door policy
❖ You are welcome to join our merry band of volunteers
who assist with reading, sports coaching, making resources, and going
on trips.
❖ You are welcome to attend our sports days, musical and
cultural performances.
❖ You are welcome to join our “Kick Start” preschool
programme with your 4-year old.
❖ You are welcome to stay in touch through our newsletters
every 2nd Wednesday
❖ You are welcome to join with us in celebrating success
and achievement at assemblies on every 2nd Friday.
❖ You are welcome to contact the school at any time to
raise concerns (or provide positive feedback ☺)
❖ You are welcome to attend our Board of Trustees
meetings
❖ You are welcome to attend our Parent Teachers
Association meetings
Our aim is to make Te Kowhai School
the best one for your family.Keeping in touch
We have an Open-Door policy.
Teaching Staff
Teachers welcome discussion, whether it is
positive feedback or concerns regarding your
child. If you want to talk to the teacher, it is
best to make an appointment outside of
teaching time. If a concern is not resolved
consult a member of the leadership team.
Kick Start Programme.
The transition to school programme for
new entrants allows the opportunity to
visit the school and talk to the teacher
and Principal.
“New (to school) Parents” evening
These are held 1-2 times a year in order to meet
other parents and staff. An invitation will be sent to
you to advise when the next evening will be.
Assemblies
We have a weekly assembly each 2nd
Friday afternoon – a celebration of PTA meetings.
achievements New members are always welcome.
We welcome your attendance! Contact the school if you are
interested in joining or attending
meetings. This is a great way to meet
other parents, while also helping the
school.
The school newsletter
The newsletter comes out every 2nd
Wednesday. This details coming events,
messages from the principal, sporting news,
Parent assistance
children’s work and achievements and
Parent helpers are welcome in a variety of
community notices. Contact the office to join
areas and activities within the school. This
our email list: lee@tekowhai.school.nz
may involve transporting children to various
u
activities or classroom assistance, particularly
in the junior classes. Ask at the office or
your child’s teacher if you can assist in these
ways.You can also read
