ABSENCES
In the normal course of events, a student should only be absent from school because of illness. Absences should be explained by a phone call or a note from the caregiver.

ASSEMBLIES
Monday morning 8.55am
Thursday afternoon 2.15pm

The Thursday afternoon assembly is organised by Student Council. It is an opportunity for students to perform, listen to guest speakers and to acknowledge student success. Parents are invited to attend.

BUSES
The school bus system in Porirua is managed by a committee of representatives from schools within our district. The bus committee dictates the rules and regulations regarding students eligibility to travel on a bus. Many of the students at our school who use the rural school buses are required to pay a fee. Although the fees are paid through our school the money goes to the bus committee who are accountable to the Ministry of Education.

Students who live within the town boundary must pay to travel to school by bus. Any students who live beyond the town boundary but are within 4.8km from this school are also ineligible to travel on a bus and must pay a fee (many Kihikihi students fall into this category). Students who live beyond 4.8km from this school, but this is their closest school, do not have to pay any fee (Puahue, Pokuru, Te Mawhai students). However, any students who live Te Nuinga Atu than 4.8km from this school but live closer to another school with Year 7 and Year 8 facilities do have to pay a fee. The due dates for bus fees are included on the bus form in this prospectus.

All students who travel on the bus must have their tag with them at all times. Students must not leave the bus between the bus stop and the school.

COMMUNICATION
Every Wednesday a newsletter is sent home with notices and events for parents to take notice of. There are also updates on developments with teaching and learning. There is also a whiteboard in the foyer with the week’s events identified.

CYCLISTS
All students cycling to and from school must wear a helmet and either:

- a brightly coloured (fluoro) or reflective jacket/vest or,
- have a fluoro/reflective cover for their back pack or,
- use a reflective sash or high visibility ‘belt with tail’

When cycling in daytime and visibility is poor (eg. fog and rain) then cyclists must use a front and back light. It is most important that an adequate lock is provided. Make sure that you have details of your child’s bicycle serial number, make and description. To ride a bike to school students must have cycle agreement signed by parent or caregiver.

LUNCHES
Orders may placed before school. There is a wide range of nutritious foods from which to choose. From the canteen students may buy fruit juice, flavoured milk, yogurt, low-fat chips, muesli bars and other items of health foods.

LUNCH HOURS
No students go home for lunch on a regular basis. If there is a special need on particular occasions, a note to the Principal or Deputy Principal will be needed. The student must check in at the office before leaving and after returning.

PAYMENT OF SCHOOL MONEY
All money sent to school for fees, trips etc needs to be in a sealed envelope with the student’s name, class and reason for payment. These details need to be clearly written. A receipt will be sent home with your child.

SCHOOL OFFICE
You may call the office on 871-6377 or fax 870-2292. Hours of attendance for 2012 will be 8.00am to 4.30pm. During office hours, you will normally be speaking with Deborah Kay, Dawn Copeland or Lisa Lingman. A student receptionist, located in the foyer area, will also be available to assist.

STUDENT ILLNESS
In the event of sickness, we will endeavour to contact parents who will then be responsible for collecting their child. In the case of a Te Nuinga Atu serious accident, if we are unable to contact the caregiver, we will take the child to casualty at Porirua Medical Centre and contact the parents.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES AND REPORTS
At the end of Term 1 we hold the first of our student led conferences. This is where your child is able to discuss with you their progress so far. Teachers will provide you with an overall summary of your child’s academic achievements. From this information, together you will be able to help set goals for their learning for the next 6 months. In July, there is another opportunity to attend a student led conference, where Te Nuinga Atu information of your child’s
progress will be shared.

From this information further goals are set. Finally, at the end of the year, a full written report will be issued for your child. We believe that there are excellent opportunities for you to be fully involved in your child’s learning. However, if you wish to have a special interview with your child’s teacher, please feel free to contact the school and we will arrange a time for you.

STUDENT PROPERTY
All uniform items and personal property must be clearly named. The responsibility for the care and safety of items of value (watches, cellphones etc) lies with each child. No teacher will take responsibility for cellphones. If your child needs a cellphone for a special reason it may be kept at our school office for safe keeping. If your child brings a cellphone to school, they must turn it off during school hours (9am-3pm). Walkman radios and i-pods are not permitted at school.

Lost property is kept in the Music Room.

SCHOOL TIMES
8.55am to 10.40am – Morning Session
10.40am to 11.00am – Interval
11.00am to 12.25pm – Middle Session
12.25pm to 1.25pm - Lunch
1.25pm to 3.00pm – Afternoon Session

UNIFORM SHOP
All garments can be purchased from our Uniform Shop. Order forms are available from the office and the money and order can be sent to school with your child. The shop is not open during school holidays except by special appointment. A uniform sale day will be held in Term 4, 2011 and before the beginning of Term 1, 2012. Dates will be advertised in the local Courier.