Policies
Health Pandemic Safe School Procedures 2008General Information
ABSENCES
A note that clearly explains reasons for any absence from school is required. A note is also required for requests for leaving school early (e.g. medical appointments)
In the interests of child safety we request that you phone the school office when a child will not be attending school on a scheduled day. In the event that a child does not arrive at school we will endeavour to telephone parents.
BICYCLES
Pupils who ride bicycles to school are expected to know and obey the road code. Parent guidance and supervision are important. The wearing of helmets by all pupils who ride bicycles is compulsory by law.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees is the elected parent/caregiver body which as responsibility for the expenditure of the government grants used to maintain the school's daily running, grounds and resources and also for parent liaison (through newsletter, meetings, social functions etc).
Board meetings are held on the last Monday of each month. Parents are welcome to attend.
BUSES
No school buses, however many students catch public transport which is well timed around the beginning and end of school.
CANTEEN
Lunches may be bought from the canteen, and a list of lunch items is issued each term. Orders for lunch are taken each morning from 8.30 a.m. - 9.00 a.m.
COMMUNICATION
Effective communication between parents and caregivers, and teachers is most important. We encourage you to contact your child's class teacher if you have any concerns. A telephone call, a letter, email or an arranged meeting may ensure that the child's best interests are being served. Teachers may also contact you if they have concerns about your child.
A monthly newsletter is issued and a copy of this can be found along with all other relevant information at www.balmacewen.school.nz
DENTAL NURSE
The school's dental clinic caters for enrolled pupils. Requests for assistance should be directed to cell phone no. 027 284 9914. During the fourth term arrangements are made for parents of Year 8 pupils to enrol with private dentists.
HEALTH NURSE
A Public Health Nurse is assigned to our school. He can be available to talk with individual pupils and may work alongside teachers on aspects of our Health Programme. Checks of sight and hearing are conducted by nurses from Healthcare Otago.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important part of children's learning activity and it is school policy to set homework for all pupils.
Pupils are expected to spend about 30 minutes on homework 4 nights a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Tasks set will involve practice and challenge resulting from the classroom programme. In addition to set homework, the setting aside of a regular time each day for some leisure reading at home is especially worthwhile.
MEDICATION
Occasionally children are required by medical practitioners to bring medications to school for consumption during the day. If this is the case with your child we will be grateful if you note the following points.
- please advise us in writing of the necessity to have the medication stored by the staff during the day.
- please send only enough medication for one day.
Unauthorised medications will be confiscated and returned to parents.
MUSIC TUITION
Specialist teaching in string, brass, percussion, keyboard and woodwind music is available. Other music groups are tutored by our own staff.
The commitment of interested pupils is welcomed.
NEWSLETTERS
Regular newsletters throughout the school year provide information about activities and programmes.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Our Year 7 and 8 camps provide opportunities for all students to participate in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, abseiling, orienteering. Throughout the year students participate in a variety of other outdoor education events.
PROPERTY
All clothing, footwear and personal belongings should be CLEARLY NAMED.
Radios, tape recorders and potentially harmful items are not to be brought to school.
Inquiries about lost property are made through the school office during school hours.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
February : Meet the Teacher Evening
March : Preliminary interviews where it is considered beneficial for parents and school
June - July : Reporting to parents/Mid year Progress Report
December : Written end-of-year reports sent home
RULES
Familiarisation with school rules is undertaken on the first day of school. Emphasis is given to the avoidance of behaviour which will adversely affect the physical and emotional well-being of pupils. The school is committed to programmes which encourage pupils to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour, not only through specific Health Programmes, but in our daily school life.
SCHOOL HOURS
Mornings: 8.50 a.m. - 12.15 p.m
Afternoons: 1.15 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Good habits of punctuality are expected of all pupils
SICKNESS
In the case of sickness or injury during the school day oversight is provided in the sick room for short periods. However, if your child is clearly not well at the commencement of the school day he/she should be kept at home under proper supervision. A register of emergency 'phone numbers is kept at the school, collated from your original enrolment forms.
SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Our pupils are expected to bring correct dress for PE and sport, and to take an active part in programmes. A note from home is required if a pupil is unable to take part. Pupils should come prepared regardless of weather conditions when leaving home in the morning. Our school sports programme is designed to help children develop as wide a range of skills as possible. Parent help is very much appreciated.
SUPERVISION
The school provides supervision for all pupils from 8.30 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. Pupils should not enter the school grounds before 8.30 a.m. and are expected to leave for home by 3.30 p.m. unless involved in a supervised activity (e.g. sports coaching). Pupils may not leave the school grounds during the day without a teacher's permission. (Only exception: pupils going to their own home for lunch).
SUPPORT AGENCIES
A number of agencies and people support the life and work of the school The Public Health Nurse, the Visiting teacher, and Psychologist are some of the people who work alongside the school and the home in matters concerning pupil's welfare. The principal welcomes inquiries from parents who would like to receive help or guidance from any of these people.
VOLUNTARY ASSISTANCE
The scope of activities we can provide is really only restricted by the availability of resource personnel and their specialist interests. We are always pleased to hear of members of the community who have ideas for participating in and extending children's activities, or assisting with the development of the school.