PARENT
TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The P.T.A. works in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, organising
fundraising projects to provide the excellent facilities of our school,
ultimately for the children. It also organises events where parents,
teachers and children can meet and get to know each other in relaxed
social gatherings. P.T.A. members are also available to help the school
when called upon. There is an 'open' committee. If you would like to
support the PTA. please contact the Chairperson.
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SHARING
INFORMATION
The school is always open to parents but a number of opportunities are
arranged for dialogue to take place.
Parent/Teacher Conferences in March & August
Written reports to parents in December
Each child has a 'sharing
book' in which they record samples of their work throughout the year.
The books form part of our assessment programme and give the child, the
parents and teachers ready examples of progress being made across the
curriculum. The books go home three times a year for your observation
and comment. Parents are requested to give children all the encouragement
they can as they progress with their learning.
Monthly newsletters are sent home with the eldest in the family.
The newsletters will be supplemented with notices and information as necessary.
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PARENT/CAREGIVER
SUPPORT AT SCHOOL
We
are always delighted to have the support of parents/caregivers in a variety
of school programmes. Opportunities exist in the following areas, if you
are keen to participate please speak with your child’s class teacher
or a member of the senior management team.
1. Assisting with class trips and visits
If children are transported by private car they
must be seatbelted in. The children are expected to behave in a polite
and courteous manner at all times.
Please inform the class teacher if this is not so. Drivers must have a
current drivers licence and a registered car with current warrant of fitness.
2. Coaching/and or managing sports teams
Practices are generally held on the school fields/courts after school,
or in the lunch hour. It is important that the families of children are
kept informed of dates and times of practices, and any changes that may
occur.
There is an expectation that children will respond to
the adult in a polite and courteous manner. If there is a lack of sportsmanship,
or use of bad language please immediately inform the teacher in charge.
The child concerned may well be permanently ‘stood down’ from
the team.
3. Supporting the children who are on road patrol
The parent/caregiver stands at the crossing in support
of the ‘patrols’ 8.30 – 8.55 a.m. or 2.55 – 3.10
p.m. (In recognition of this support the Board of Trustees provides a
key to the school swimming pool, at no cost to the parent, for the swimming
season.)
4. Classroom support
There are many opportunities for parents to be involved
in classroom programmes. This may be on a regular basis to assist with
teaching and learning programmes. E.g. Art, Technology etc. Classroom
teachers or management staff will provide the necessary support prior
to involvement in these programmes. Parent involvement must be supportive
of quality teaching and learning. For parents helping on a regular basis
a voluntary helper form must be completed.
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A
SPECIAL INVITATION
Parents are always welcome. We invite parents to share in classroom programmes,
trips and visits. A particular invitation is extended to all parents to
come to sports days, cultural events, special programmes, and assemblies.
A school assembly is held in the school hall Tuesdays 9.00 - 9.25 a.m.
Parents are most welcome.
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FUNDRAISING
A number of fund raising activities will be organised throughout the year,
the funds raised enabling the Board of Trustees to meet the budget and
provide for additional items of equipment identified by the staff, Board
and the P.T.A.
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COMPLAINTS
If
there are any major concerns, a complaints policy sets out the procedure
for these to be attended to. Please feel free to contact the school principal,
or the administration office for further details.
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BEHAVIOUR
We make our school a safe and happy place by:- considering others, being
fair, respecting our environment, treating others as we would like them
to treat us.
A high standard of behaviour and good manners is expected of all children
both in the class room and in the playground. We request parents to support
us in this regard. Parents will be contacted if their child's behaviour
at school is inappropriate or if the child has been hurt by another. We
will work together with the family to remedy the situation.
The behaviour management
policy is available on request from the school office.
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DRESS CODE
Central
Normal does not have a school uniform as such, but it is important that
all children wear clothes appropriate for school. (The board is currently
preparing a school policy in this regard.)
For health and safety reasons the following may be worn
if approved by parents/caregivers:
Studs or small sleepers in ears, watch, taonga, medic alert bracelet or
chain. Shoes appropriate for school activities, togs suitable for school
swimming.
Children will wear their allocated school sun hat during
summer months and parents are strongly requested to ensure that ‘tops’
worn are suitable for school and will keep the sun off shoulders and backs.
When participating in outdoor education activities, guidelines
for clothing given to families must be followed.
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ACTIVITY
FEE
The Board of Trustees sets the fee which covers the costs of additional
sports and teaching equipment and assists with the cost of class visits.
Parents who have not paid their school fee need to pay the full cost for
subsidised school trips.
The current fee is set at $40.00 for one child or $55.00 per family.
This may be paid term by term. Receipts are marked Donation and may be
claimed as a tax exemption.
Paper fee for the school year: $10.00 per child
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ATTENDANCE
We expect children to be at school, unless unwell, or there is some family
emergency. School starts at 8.55 a.m. Please see that the children are
on time to start the school day. (Between 8.30 & 8.50 a.m. is the time
for arrival.)
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ABSENCE
Parents are requested to phone the school the first day their child is
absent and send a note to his/her teacher when the child returns stating
the reason. (The school must verify the reason for absence.)
If a child is not in their classroom by 9.05 and we have not heard from
a parent or caregiver it is our policy to phone the home and enquire as
to the child's where abouts.
Children are not allowed outside the grounds during school hours unless
a note from the parent is received, or they are senior school children
on school duty.
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ACCIDENT
OR SICKNESS
If a child has an accident or is sick at school, we contact the
parents or the emergency number as soon as possible, and take care of
the child in the best way possible.
We do not send children home unless a parent has been contacted and someone
is home.
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STATIONERY
The school has a full range of quality stationery available.
Children receive an itemised book list on arrival at school, and beginning
each school year.
Throughout the year any requests for stationery money will go home in
writing from the class teacher.
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TRAFFIC
PATROLS
These
operate on the crossings in Featherston Street, Aroha Street\Beresford
Street. Children are on duty
8.30 - 8.55 a.m.
2.55 - 3.10 p.m.
We appreciate parent support with supervision of the Featherston
Street crossing 8.30 -9.00 a.m. on a roster basis. Parents who help in
this way are given a key to the pool for the summer season at no cost.
Please contact the office if you are willing to assist
in this way.
SAFETY
Sunhat Policy
The school provides a sun hat for each child. The
hat is numbered and issued to the child. It becomes ‘their’
hat for the year. The hats are worn at play and lunch time, and for sports
and P.E. Every child will wear their hat when outside during school hours
in the summer months.
Note; the hat remains
at school.
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BICYCLES
All
children riding bicycles must wear an approved cycle helmet. Class teachers
will provide a suitable space for these to be stored during the school
day.
The following rules apply:
Aroha Street and Beresford Street entrances are to be used by cyclists.
Children are to walk their cycles across Aroha Street pedestrian crossing.
Bicycles are not to be ridden in the school grounds between
8.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
A secure area is set aside for bicycles during the school day.
ROAD
SAFETY
Children can be picked up and delivered in Aroha
Street, Beresford Street, or Featherston Street. As these streets quickly
become congested areas please help by not double parking or parking on
‘no parking areas’. We ask parents not to use our Featherston
Street entrance to pick up or drop off children.
If at all possible park so that your child does not need to cross the
road.
If needing to cross Aroha or Featherston Street in the
interest of safety please use the pedestrian crossings.
Please Note The police monitor Aroha Street periodically
and issue $40 fines if there is an infringement on no
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LUNCHES
Most children bring their lunch from home. Drinks should be in a plastic
container. Children may order lunches at school prior to 8.55 a.m. They
are delivered to the school for lunch time. Prices and details can be
obtained from the school office.
The school is litter free
Children will bring home all
their scraps and wrappers (apart from any food scraps kept for composting!)
Please ensure that your child/ren have a plastic bag or container with
them to put anything messy in to take home. e.g. yoghurt packets, banana
peels, core of fruit etc.
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LIBRARY
The library
is a vital resource centre for the school, with over 12,000 up
to date items on the data base to support and enrich the pupils' learning
experiences. Children have regular sessions in the library for recreational
reading and research.
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AN
ASSOCIATE SCHOOL OF MASSEY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (Normal School)
Central is one of three such schools in Palmerston North.
This means that the school is 'attached' to the College of Education and
is closely involved in the practical training of trainee teachers.
Although this commitment to teacher training brings with it extra work
it also adds a special character to the school and frequently provides
our children with additional teaching support and variety of programmes.
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PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
As an integral part of our programme all children will take part in physical
education, swimming, and sports activities. A written note is expected
if children are unable to participate.
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SPORTS
Children in the school are encouraged to take part in team games to further
develop their skills and sportsmanship. The school, with support from
parents provides sporting opportunities as follows:-
Summer Cricket for boys and girls, Tee ball and softball for boys
and girls, Touch for boys and girls.
Winter Netball for girls, Miniball (basketball) for boys and girls,
Hockey for boys and girls.
Other sports are organised and run by clubs in the city.
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SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool is a school and community facility. All children are
involved in swimming lessons during December, February and March.
A key to the pool can be purchased from the school office for weekend
and holiday swimming during the summer season. Contact the office for
details.
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AFTER
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
The school runs after school programmes for children through terms 2 and
3. The aim of this programme is to further enrich the learning opportunites
for the children of the school. A wide ranging programme offers new areas
of learning as well as extension opportunites.
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COMPUTER
ASSISTED LEARNING
Central Normal School uses ICT to enhance children's
learning in a flexible and challenging environment. Our
children continue to develop skills and knowledge in the use of a variety
of forms of technology, to enhance their learning of curriculum objectives.
They
develop skills of creativity, co-operation, sharing, presentation, communication
and problem solving.
All children
have access to the computer suite at least once a week to assist them
meet curriculum objectives.
Each class has one, or more, computers in their room, networked for general
classroom use.
We are continually developing the skills and knowledge of the staff in
the use of computers, and related ICT equipment to ensure their effective
use in the school.
Each class has its own e-mail address.
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DOGS
For health and safety dogs are not permitted on the school grounds |
SHOES/SLIPPERS
It is the policy of our Board of Trustees that children
do not wear their shoes in classrooms during the winter terms. We encourage
them to bring a pair of slippers. |
SCHOLASTIC
BOOK CLUB
Paper-backs
can be purchased through the school at reduced prices approximately 3 times
a year. Order lists are sent home for parent and child selection. |
LOST
PROPERTY
It is essential that all belongings are named. Location of the lost property
will be given at the office and parents are invited to view the lost property
and reclaim misplaced clothing.
No valuable or personal possessions should be brought to school and money
should be given to the child’s teacher for safe keeping. |
TOYS
AND OTHER ITEMS OF VALUE
Children bring such items to school at their own risk. If
bringing something of value for a ‘morning talk’ it should be
given directly to the class teacher for safe keeping.
Children are not to bring toy weapons, knives, matches or trading
cards to school. |
AFTER
SCHOOL
Parents are requested to wait in the foyer
until the children are dismissed.
No child will be detained at school after 3.00 p.m.
without contact first being made with a parent.
Children involved in after school sports practices
will bring home a slip giving details.
POLICY
FOR CHILDREN LEFT/OR WAITING AFTER SCHOOL
First
& foremost the child’s safety is paramount.
The school will
make every effort to contact the parents/caregivers or some family member.
If a child is still at school at 5.00 p.m. the police will be contacted.
The Board requests
parents to ensure children wait within the school grounds.
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RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
Most classes in the school (generally Year 3- 6) have a half hour lesson
once a week taken by approved teachers using the syllabus produced by
the National Council of Churches Education Commission. Copies of material
used are available for your perusal at the school office.
If parents wish their child exempted from these lessons they send a note
to the child's class teacher, and an alternative programme is provided.
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| WHAKATAUKI
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Ma
te
tuakana ka totika te teina ------ Ma te teina
ka totika te tuakana
It
is through the older sibling that the younger sibling learns to do the
right things the right way. And it is through the younger sibling that
the older sibling learns to be tolerant.
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| BACKGROUND
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| Central Normal School
has been operating a bi-lingual Maori team since 1995. Currently the team
is four classrooms, staffed by five teachers and supported by the Te Arawaru
whanau. Wiremu Te Aweawe, a Rangitane Kaumatua gifted the name 'Te Arawaru',
in 1999. In Te Arawaru the tamariki are taught core curriculum subjects
in English and Maori. Increasing levels of te reo are used in both content
and instruction throughout the year groups, as appropriate to the age and
abilities of the children. Up to 80% of delivery is in te reo Maori. Te
Arawaru provides for children from a new entrant level to year 6, with entry
normally prior to year 3 (unless children have previous te reo experience).
Te Arawaru is a significant part of the school and integration between Te
Arawaru and mainstream classes will be regularly fostered. |
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Excerpt
from Ministry of Education audit report 3rd July 2001
"After
observing four classes being taught the chief verifier acknowledged
that Te Arawaru represented the best delivery of reo programmes he had
observed over a period of three years. The lessons were exciting, stimulating,
enriching and challenging with children eager to learn.
In general it was a joy to observe and to witness what can be achieved
with well trained, keen and motivated teachers with good resourcing. Nothing
short of excellent".
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| MISSION
STATEMENT
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| The purpose of Te Arawaru
is to provide a high standard of learning and opportunities to foster the
growth and development of the children in te reo Maori me ona tikanga in
a supportive te ao Maori environment. This will be achieved by: - appropriate
curriculum development - the encouragement and involvement of whanau in
the learning of tamariki - respecting the cultural diversity within the
whanau. The importance of the Treaty of Waitangi as a founding document
of Aotearoa/New Zealand is acknowledged. |
| TE
ARAWARU WHANAU |
The whanau plays an
important role in the learning and success of tamariki. Whanau are encouraged
to become involved and contribute, as able, to the Te Arawaru team, their
children's classroom programme and school activities.
The whanau aims to meet regularly in order to discuss any matters at hand,
issues or ideas, and to foster whanaungatanga. Help is always appreciated
in the team, especially for class trips and activities · transport · kapa
haka · uniforms · special skills· fundraising ideas and activities. |
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KUPU
WHAKATAKI
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| TE
ARA MATUA O TE ARAWARU |
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| TE
WHANAU O TE ARAWARU |
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The
school provides wide ranging programmes to support the learning needs
of children. Programmes for children with disabilities are under the direction
of Assistant Principal 2. Three specialist teachers and a team of teacher
aides ensure the best possible teaching and learning for these children.
(A detailed brochure about these programmes is available from the school
office.)
Our school philosophy on inclusive education is embraced
by the whole school, from the children, the teachers, the Principal and
the Board of Trustees.
In co-operation with
parents, family and whanau we provide quality educational programmes for
children with high and very high special education needs through:
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- IEP's (Individual
Education Plans) written twice a year with parents/caregivers
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- appropriate adapation
of curriculum content
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- specialist teacher
contact time
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- specialist one
to one intervention
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- daily special education
support in the regular classroom
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- the option of learning
in a bi lingual Maori class.
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| Our
Resources Include |
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- friendly, experienced
and qualified teaching staff
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- caring, enthusiastic
support staff and teacher aides
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- itinerant teacher
support where appropriate
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- modern and attractive
school classrooms and facilities
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- a school van for
transporting high and very high need children to and from school and
for use on school trips
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- up to date technology
which includes the computer suite
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