OTUMOETAI PRIMARY SCHOOL
Respect- Honesty-Responsiblity-Caring-Confident-Diversity
INFORMATION BOOKLET
WORK TOGETHER - Mahi Tahi
LEARN TOGETHER - Ako Tahi
SCHOOL LOGO
Design: Colin Mossong (Parent 1992)
Symbolism: Oak Tree
Situated on the corner of Otumoetai Road and Sherwood Street. It is believed the tree was planted about the time the school opened on this site, or possibly before. It dominates the school's grounds and buildings and is a readily identifiable object associated with Otumoetai Primary School. It represents a living and growing thing and is testimony to the care and nurture provided by the previous and present occupants of this school, the children and teachers.
Stylised Reflection ... Represents the tree's reflection in the still waters of the harbour. This reflection is drawn as a Tukutuku pattern.
Dome ... The enclosing dome around the design symbolises the school's nurturing role and the security and sharing found and fostered within.
Otumoetai ... Tranquil or still waters.
School Motto … Work together – Learn together. Created by Jason Marshall (pupil 2001)
THE SCHOOL:
1. The Past :
Otumoetai Primary School first opened on 7 October 1895 at the home of Mr Berridge in Beach Road with a sole teacher, Miss Somerville, and 28 children. The Berridge home, previously owned by the Faulkner family, is now situated at the Tauranga Historic Village. Up to this time, the nearest schools for children to attend in the Otumoetai, Pillans Point and Matua district were either Tauranga or Bethlehem Primary Schools. After some lengthy discussion with the Auckland Education Board, the local people persuaded the authorities to purchase the present site and build a school. It was ready for occupation in 1897. The first school function recorded was in the same year the new school was opened when Miss Somerville and the children walked to Tauranga Domain for the public celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. In 1926 the original classroom was added to and the school became two teacher. The school remained this size, serving the local rural dairying community, until the late 1940s. Records report that the early school had few modern conveniences. Children travelled to school on horseback or walked, often long distances. Farmers' bulls often presented problems for children taking short cuts across paddocks. The school committee was at constant battle with rampant bracken fern in the school grounds.
In 1934 the Head Teacher, Miss Elsie Thorpe, planted a large number of native trees in the grounds to commemorate Arbor Day and the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary. Many of these trees are still growing in the present bush area of the school.
In the early 1950's the school roll rapidly grew. With improved access to town the local area became a popular residential site. New schools were built at Pillans Point, Bellevue, Matua and, more latterly, at Brookfield. With the opening of Otumoetai Intermediate School, on 1 February 1966, Otumoetai Primary became a contributing school for Infants to Standard Four. For a period of time in the late 1950's and early 1960's this school's roll exceeded 1000 children. To accommodate these large numbers, additional land was purchased and the soccer field and numerous prefabricated classrooms were brought onto the school site.
As the roll increased, so did the amenities, a larger swimming pool, tennis courts, and playground activity areas. In 1992 the library was extended and rebuilt as library-resource room. A school hall and music suite were built in 1998. We are fortunate we still retain a part of our heritage. The original school building, shifted from where it was first erected, is our OSCAR homeroom.
2. The School's Contributing Community :
The school is situated in a residential community on the western fringe of Tauranga city. There is a wide socio-economic range in our contributing community, many are middle income earners, with traditional values. Some of our parents own small businesses, a number are middle or senior managers and others are trades people or pursue various professions. Many residents in this locality are elderly, occupying retirement sized units. There are few households where either or both parents are unemployed. Many of our parents' occupations require them to be mobile, seeking promotion or new job opportunities. For this reason, and despite the appearance of a relatively stable community, there are a large number of withdrawals and admissions to and from the school roll.
Many in the community value and practise Christian principles. Sporting and cultural facilities are well catered for. A secondary and an intermediate school are in the immediate vicinity. People are actively involved in the community. Parents place high value on their children's participation in a variety of cultural and sporting activities. Many people in the community have a strong identification with the school for historical, educational and personal reasons. The community is very educationally aware. Parents have high aspirations for their children and follow with keen interest their progress through the education system. About ten percent of the school's pupils come from outside this contributing community.
3. The Present :
The school has at present a mixture of older, remodelled conventional style and new relocatable classrooms. The well established grounds are of a generous size. There are attractive gardens and gracious trees. There is a small native grove, various playing fields, a swimming pool, a variety of playground equipment and tennis and mini ball courts. All are extensively used by both the school and community. A feature of the outside environment are several attractive wall murals. The school is well resourced with a range of appropriate educational equipment. It has a hall, a special programmes room, telephones and computers in each classroom, a well resourced computer suite, a well stocked and modern library-resource-information centre, with a computer network for research purposes and internet learning, a music suite and an Historic classroom. The school, with keen and generous support from the parent community, is continually investigating ways it can upgrade and improve its amenities. The school caters for a roll range of 500 - 600 pupils. About 11% of the roll are Maori children. Our children are best described as friendly, motivated to learn, generally skilful and able in the language modes, socially mature for their age and are well nurtured and cared for.
THE SCHOOL'S AIM
OTUMOETAI PRIMARY SCHOOL AIMS TO HELP ALL CHILDREN DEVELOP SKILLS TO LEAD A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE, BE INDEPENDENT AND RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS, RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS, EXPERIENCE SUCCESS AND HAVE A SENSE OF SELF-WORTH.
Index
Page 1 Enrolments
School Operating Hours
Holidays and Term Dates
School Organisation
Page 2 Absence / Attendance / Address and Phone Numbers
Accident/Sickness at School
Behaviour
Care of Books
Clothing / Lost Property
Page 3 Cool Bananas
Culture Groups – Kapa Haka, Choir Dance & Drama
Curriculum
Custody of Students
Damage to School Property
Education Outside the Class Room
Page 4 Emergency Fund
Health
Hiring School Facilities
Homework
Page 5 Late Arrivals to School
Lunches
Money
Newsletters
OSCAR Programme
Parking
Page 6 Parent Helpers
Reporting to Parents
Students being collected early
Sport & Fitness Programmes
School Road Patrols
School Donation / Levies
School Grounds
Page 7 Stationery
Uniform
Otumoetai Primary School Map
Page 8 Staff and Class Organisation - 2010
(1)
2010 SCHOOL YEAR AND ENROLMENTS:
The Principal likes to welcome all new parents and children to our school. You should enrol your child before their fifth birthday. This allows you and your child to meet with the Principal to discuss any special needs or to ask any questions you and your child may have. It also allows time to place your child in the most appropriate class and for that teacher and class to prepare a special welcome for your child. It is now a Ministry of Education requirement that a copy of the child's Birth Certificate or proof of age accompany their enrolment. A copy of the child's Immunisation Certificate - is also need.
SCHOOL OPERATING HOURS:
The school hours are as follows:
Teaching Block 1 9.00 - 10.30
Morning Interval 10.40 - 11.00
Teaching Block2 11.00 - 12.30
Lunch Break 12.30 - 1.30
Teaching Block3 1.30 - 3.00
The children should arrive at school between 8.30 and 8.45 am. This allows time to hang up bags, sharpen pencils, and generally establish social contacts for the day. A bell will ring at 8.30am allowing children to enter classrooms. The bell also rings at 8.55am and at 1.25pm for children to proceed to their classrooms.
HOLIDAYS AND TERMS DATES:
Term 1 Wednesday 3th February Term 1 ends Thursday 1st April
Good Friday 2nd April Easter Monday 5th April
Term 2 Monday 19th April Term 2 ends Friday 2rd July
Anzac Day Sunday 25th April Queens Birthday Monday 7th June
Term 3 Monday 19th July Term 3 ends Friday 24th September
Term 4 Monday 11th October Term 4 ends Friday 17th December
Labour Day Monday 25th October
SCHOOL ORGANISATION:
General :
This school is organised into five teaching teams, with three to five classes in each. These teams cover Year 1 (Tui), Year 2 (Kiwi), Year 3 (Kereru), Year 4 (Kea) and Year 5 & 6 (Weka). This organisation requires teachers to work and support each other in a collaborative and co-operative manner. There are distinctive learning benefits for the children. Teaching teams promote a greater unity and cohesiveness for the social interaction of children.
(2)
ABSENCE/ATTENDANCE / ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBERS:
If children are away from school for any reason we are, by law, required to have an explanation from parents. Could you please assist us in this task by sending a note, ringing us, or dropping by to explain. Unexplained absences will be referred to the Truancy Service to deal with. Would you please keep us up to date with any changes of phone number (home and work), home address or workplace and alternative contact phone numbers. This is very important so that we can contact you in any case of emergency.
ACCIDENT/SICKNESS AT SCHOOL:
It is understood that at all times children in the school will be aware of the common sense rules that apply to their safety at school, and on the way to and from school. However, accidents do happen and children do become ill. In the case of illness, the child concerned will be made as comfortable as possible in the medical room and the parent notified. Minor accidents will be treated at school using the first aid material available in the medical room. More serious accidents will necessitate immediate notification of parents or doctor. If your child has any special medical condition, or medication, please ensure we know about it. Generally speaking a child on medication should not be at school but there are times when we will administer medication at school. Please make sure that any medications are handed to the office staff and the appropriate Medication Form completed by parent and signed by Principal. No pills or medicines should be placed in a lunch box or school bag.
BEHAVIOUR:
We have a code of behaviour that we expect from children at all times. It is based on the concept of choices having consequences. We show both positive and negative behaviours alongside their respective consequences and encourage children to use a "STOP THINK DO" approach when confronted with particular behaviour choices. If unacceptable behaviour persists we do communicate immediately with parents requesting involvement and support. If necessary children may be referred to a social skills programme to assist them develop more appropriate social skills. A system of positive rewards operates within each class, teaching team, and across the school and is recognised at team and school assemblies.
CARE OF BOOKS:
Children are encouraged to borrow books from the school library. Books are available for children of all ages and every class. If your child brings home a book please ensure that all care is taken with it. Accounts will be issued for lost or damaged books. All children will bring their books home in a Book Bag.
Please ensure that:
- books are not left around for younger children to damage
- children wash hands before handling a book
- if damaged, do not attempt to repair the book but notify us and return it for attention.
CLOTHING/LOST PROPERTY:
Children are expected to be neat and tidy in their personal presentation. All clothing and personal belongings must be named, including shoes, books, pens and pencils. If something has been lost please feel free to come and look through the found items in the cupboards in A and B Blocks.
(3)
COOL BANANAS:
The Cool Bananas programme is a non-denominational Christian values based programme that operates in our school each Thursday afternoon. Sessions are of a 30 minute duration and cover both Junior and Senior school on alternate school terms. Attendance is not compulsory but we do encourage participation as the programme supports and promotes the healthy values our school encourages in an entertaining and fun way. If you do not wish your child to take part in this programme please indicate on the enrolment form or notify the class teacher.
CULTURE GROUPS – KAPA HAKA, CHOIR, DANCE & DRAMA:
We are able to offer opportunities for our children to experience the above cultural activities. Our school promotes and supports these activities as a means to extend students in areas of high interest.
CURRICULUM:
We recognise the need to teach the basics really well. Reading (English) and Maths are priority subjects. As well as Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Technology and The Arts, we provide the following:
J Reading Support for all students needing a bit extra.
J English for children of non English speaking backgrounds.
J Computer assisted learning.
J Information technology based in the library and classroom.
J Music (including recorder) will be available to all Y4 -6 students.
CUSTODY OF STUDENTS:
Please inform the school if there are any changes that relate to the custody of your children and the rights of access to information about your children.
DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY:
The Board of Trustees has a policy of informing parents when their children are involved in any wilful damage, or damage as a result of undue carelessness to school property. Parents are expected to make appropriate restitution.
EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM:
We all know that children learn best by doing and seeing. We wish to provide appropriate learning experiences for our children and this will sometimes require experiences away from the classroom. Most often parent help is required to establish the correct child/adult ratio and we really appreciate your involvement in this and your taking a part in your children's education. Many school trips and visits are subsidised by the school. This is one of the many uses of the school donation and the PTA generously contributes as well.
(4)
EMERGENCY FUND:
The school has access to an emergency fund to assist families when they find it difficult to meet our requests for money. It is our wish that no child is excluded from any school activity. All requests to use this fund are treated sensitively and confidentially.
HEALTH:
Dental Nurse ...The Dental Nurse is in attendance, at the school's Dental Clinic. All children receive regular checks and treatment.
Health Nurse ... The Health Nurse visits our school regularly. All parents, with new entrants, are contacted shortly after enrolment for an interview.
Vision and Hearing Testing ... This occurs during the first year a child is at school. Other children may be tested, if referred by their teacher or a parent.
Special Education Services: (G.S.E.) Group Special Education and RTLB - Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour, Speech / Language Therapists, Psychologists and Itinerant Specialist Teachers are all available to provide support for children with specific learning needs. Parents may, if they wish, have direct access to these services or make a referral through the school.
Medication ... The school will not administer any medication without the expressed instructions and the completion of a signed indemnity form, from the parent. Medication brought to school must be given to the office for safe keeping.
Illness / Injuries ... If a child is sick or is injured while at school, we will contact parents immediately so that arrangements can be made to get the child home. If life-threatening circumstances should occur, we will call for emergency services.
Asthmatics ... We keep a register of children suffering from asthma. Parents are asked to complete an Indemnity form at the time of enrolment. Please keep us informed if circumstances should change.
HIRING SCHOOL FACILITIES:
Local organisations are welcome to enquire about the hiring of school facilities outside of school hours. Enquiries to the School Office please.
HOMEWORK:
Homework is given by the teachers Monday through Thursday. Friday is often a test day for the week's homework. Tasks involving spelling, tables, research or practise of work at school may be given. As parents, you may like to help with this work .. but please encourage your child's independence. The child should be interested enough to want to involve you. It is important that homework tasks be completed. It forms an important part of a student's work habit for further education. The best homework we could set any child is a long talk or regular story time with Mum or Dad or both. This, happening in a quiet comfortable family group, creates a positive attitude to learning.
(5)
LATE ARRIVALS TO SCHOOL:
Students who arrive after the 8.55 am bell must report to the office for a 'late pass' before proceeding to their classroom. We rely on parents to get their children organised to arrive at school prior to bell time.
LUNCHES:
Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds to buy their lunches. A lunch menu is available from the office. Correct lunch money should be sent to school in an envelope stating: Child's name, room number, details of the order. At lunchtime orders will distributed to students by the class teacher or classroom monitors. Should you experience some difficulty providing lunch for your child from time to time, please do contact the school and we shall endeavour to assist. Children should never go hungry at lunchtimes. Hungry children cannot concentrate and do their best at school.
MONEY:
A note, signed by the teacher, is sent home when money is required for books, trips etc. We would like any money sent to the school to be placed in an envelope with the child's name, room number and purpose for the money shown on the outside.
NEWSLETTERS:
The newsletter is distributed with the eldest child each Tuesday and is posted on our school website www.ops.school.nz every week. Class teachers and teaching teams send out newsletters at the beginning of each term to describe learning programmes for that term and for special events.
OSCAR BEFORE AND AFTERS SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME
Daily – Before school – 7.15a.m. to 8.30a.m. and after school – 3.05p.m. to 5.30p.m. in the Historic Music Room. A school Holiday Programme is also provided. Further details and enrolment forms can be obtained from the School Administration Centre or phone Mrs Sue Barr on 576-4649
PARKING:
Traffic flow outside our school before 9.00 am and after 3.00 pm can be heavy. Patience, care and courtesy need to be observed by all drivers. Some reminders and suggestions:
J The school bus bay will be closed from 2:45 to 3:15. Parking is available over at the church
J Drive slowly with great care and patience.
J Park in the spaces provided - not on yellow lines, across driveways or on grass verges
J Please do not use the staff car parks for reasons of safety
J Use the pedestrian crossings. Set a good example to the children.
J Arrange to pick your children up at 3.10 pm. There is very little traffic then.
J Find a pick up/drop oft point a little further from the school. Walking is good exercise.
(6)
PARENT HELPERS:
We really appreciate and value the much needed assistance parents offer our school. Some areas where help is appreciated are:
Assistance in classrooms Class & School trips
Reading Support Road Patrols PTA
Parents/grandparents/extended family interested in helping should contact the school office or a particular teacher.
REPORTING TO PARENTS:
Near the beginning of the year we hold "Meet the Teacher" evenings. Children will bring home three times during the year their 'Goals and Targets' with their sample work books so that you might discuss these and offer some support and encouraging comments. We schedule all parents for Parent Teacher Discussions twice a year. A written report is issued to all students at the end of the year. Parents are welcome to contact teachers or the principal at any time if they wish to discuss their child's progress.
STUDENTS BEING COLLECTED EARLY:
Both the classroom teacher and the office need to be informed when a pupil is being collected from school during the school day. Please contact the office so we can then pass all the relevant details on to the class teacher.
SPORT & FITNESS PROGRAMMES:
All children are expected to take part in all our school sport and physical fitness programmes. All programmes form a part of our compulsory curriculum and only sound medical reasons will see children excused from these activities. The Ministry of Education has prioritised sport and fitness programmes across all school levels. It is important that the children wear appropriate clothing for the activities. In addition children in the Y4 - 6 area participate in inter-school, after school and weekend sporting activities.
SCHOOL ROAD PATROLS:
operate from 8.30 - 8.50 am and from 3.00 - 3.10 pm. We do welcome parent assistance here.
SCHOOL DONATION/LEVIES:
The Board of Trustees is very appreciative of the assistance given in the form of the school donation. These donations are used by the school to subsidise school trips/visits for all students, and to provide some of the much needed resources for the school. Levies are requested for specific items such as technology, paper, swimming pool and stationery.
SCHOOL GROUNDS:
We are happy for you or your children to use the area for playing out of school hours. No responsibility for accidents is recognised by the school authorities during these times. These grounds are your grounds - please keep them tidy and encourage others to do the same.
(7)
STATIONERY:
At the beginning of the school year stationery is sold in bulk packs only. Children will receive a book list on their first day at school. The office stocks all children's stationery requirements
UNIFORM:
It is a Board of Trustees policy that students wear an approved Otumoetai Primary School uniform. This comprises of a mix 'n match style uniform. Winter is a navy track pants and sweat shirt / jacket with the Otumoetai Primary School Logo. Summer is shorts and a choice of 2 polo shirts, in the colours of Navy and White. The wearing of an approved School hat is compulsory in Term 1 and Term 4. More information about our uniform is available from the official stockists listed below.
SO-NIQUE POSTIE PLUS
Judith Guethert 41 Elizabeth Street
9 Kingswood Road Tauranga
Otumoetai Phone 578-6492
Phone 576-3360
(8)
STAFF & CLASS ORGANISATION - 2009
PRINCIPAL MR GEOFF OPIE
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL MS ZARA MCINDOE
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL MS CHERIE DEAN
Weka Team Year Five and Six
Room 1 Mrs Shannon Bellamy (Lead Teacher - Weka)
2 Miss Alana Lucas
3 Ms Jo Denny (Lead teacher for Senior Maths and Science)
4 Ms Katrina Stephenson (Lead teacher for Maori)
5 Ms Jane O'Caroll (Lead teacher for Special education/Gate)
6 Ms Andrea Acton
Kea Team Year Four
Room 7 Mrs Jenny Chapman (Lead Teacher for Visual Art and Library info centre)
8 Ms Rachael Rowley (Lead Teacher - Kea)
9 Miss Sarah Ryan
10 Mrs Kathy Nicholson
Kereru Team Year Three
Room 11 Mr Steve Caldwell
12 Mrs Emily Collier (Lead teacher for ICT/21CL/School Website)
13 Mrs Jan Nogaj
14 Mrs Jo Beets (Lead teacher Kereru Team
Kiwi Team Year Two
Room 15 Ms Kaaren O'Neil (Lead teacher of junior maths)
16 Mrs Carolyn Andrews (Lead teacher of Health and P.E)
17 Ms Denise Carter (Lead Teacher – Kiwi)
18 Mrs Anne Trow
Tui Team Year One
Ms Cherie Dean (Lead Teacher – Tui)
Room 19 Mrs Fran Stephens
20
21
22 Mrs Lisa Thorn
23 Mrs Adele Lidguard
ICT Support Teacher: Mr David Louwrens
Part Time Teachers: Mrs Tracy Swart, Mrs Fiona Cornwell, Mr Shaun Logan, Mrs Jo West
Office Administrator: Mrs Jan Finemore Financial Administrator: Trish Ryan Administrator
Library Manager: Mrs Margaret Shepherd,.
Teacher Aides: Mrs Evelyn Cullen, Ms Alison Murray,
Mrs Joanne Curd, Mrs Christine Hodgson, Ms Leigh
Caretaker: Mr Ross Johnson Cleaner: Mrs Trish Shuter
Dental Therapist: Mrs Cheryl Wright.
Board of Trustees Members:
Mrs Jo Madden Chairperson Mrs Denise Henderson Staff Representative
Mr Geoff Opie Principal Mrs Christine Barns Secretary
Mr Craig Nicholson Committee Mrs Lauren Swann Committee
Mr James Low Committee Mr Pradip Mistry Committee
Office Hours: 8.30a.m. – 4.30p.m. Address: 236 Otumoetai Road / P.O. Box 6046
Telephone: 576-6751 Fax: 576-4170
Website: www.ops.school.nz Email: office@ops.school.nz