Leeston Consolidated School
Prospectus
WELCOME We are pleased to have your family in our school community and hope that your time with us will be long and happy. We would like you to feel that this school is an extension of your family life and that, by working together, we can give your children the support and encouragement that will help them to thrive.
Children like knowing that their parents or caregivers are part of the school. Here are some of the ways we can achieve this co-operation.
The School emails out regular newsletters to keep you informed of our activities and these are also on our school website.
The school is divided into groups of classes, called syndicates, each with its own senior teacher (commonly referred to as the Syndicate Leader). Waitatari – Juniors, Waiwhio – Middle and Waikekewai – Seniors. Throughout the year each syndicate celebrates the children’s achievements and displays some aspect of their school work.
We hold school assemblies fortnightly on Friday’s at 11.30am and we extend a warm invitation to all parents to attend these. The usual pattern is items from the children, school singing and the presentation of awards.
A school is always in need of help. Some teachers like to have parent help in the classrooms at different times and greatly appreciate help with sports teams, camps and visits, and so on. If you would like to help the school in some way, please let your teacher know.
If you have any queries or problems, please talk to your child's class teacher. Should you think you would need more than a few minutes or would prefer to see one of the senior teachers or the principal, please ring the office to make an appointment. This will ensure that the person you want is available.
Copies of the school charter and all school policies are available at the office.
FORWARD The object of this prospectus is to present a summary of information so that you may be better acquainted with the running of the school. It contains information of a general nature, however if you have further questions, then the answer is only as far away as your telephone, and as always, your enquiry is welcome.
Principal Lynda Taylor Phone: 324 3493 (School office) Fax: 324 3058 Email: [email protected]
Board of Trustees Chairperson Daniel Rollo Phone: 021 885 507 Whanau Friends and School (WFS) Chairperson Katrina Davidson Phone: 021 324 226
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL Leeston Consolidated School is a U5 State co-educational contributing primary school catering for children from Year One to Year Six. Most of the children contribute to the nearby Year Seven to Year Thirteen Ellesmere College (also in Leeston) where a wide range of learning options are available. Nearly half of the children travel to and from school by bus.
Leeston School opened in 1865. In April, 1935, Irwell and Doyleston schools were closed and the children travelled by bus to Leeston. The Lakeside school closed in February, 1940, and Brookside closed with a falling roll in 1944. In more recent times St Joseph’s Convent School which was based in Leeston also closed, hence the name, Leeston Consolidated School.
The present staff includes: ● Principal ● Sports Assistant ● Deputy Principal ● Reading Recovery Teacher ● Assistant Principal ● Four Part time Teachers ● Fourteen full time Teachers ● Ten Teacher Aides ● Special Needs Teacher ● Two Office Personnel
● Fourteen RTLB and a Cluster ● Three part-time Cleaners Manager (Te Horanui Cluster 36) ● Caretaker / Grounds person ● Specialist Music Teacher
We have a wonderful new innovative learning space for our Year 1 and 2 children in the Waitatatri Team, which encompasses five classes. Our Year 3 and 4 children are in the Waiwhio Team which encompasses four learning spaces, and we have four Year 5 and 6 classes and a Year 4 and 5 class in the Waikekewai Team.
When it is available, the local community uses the hall and swimming pool. The large playground is open to the community, so many township children use the grass, courts and adventure playground after school and at weekends. Busy Bumbles are housed on-site and run a before and after school care programme.
Parents are actively involved and encouraged with classroom programmes, sports, and Education outside the Classroom activities. The children, parents and staff have worked together to develop an exciting EOTC (Education outside the Classroom) programme for the whole school.
There are approximately 230 families at our school, 85% of NZ European/Pakeha descent, 14% Maori descent. Occupations include farmers, farm workers, business operators and professional people. There is also a growing commuter group that works in the greater Christchurch area.
Parents strive to give their children an up-bringing that reflects such values as honesty, consideration, fairness, and a love of learning.
There is a strong community focus. Leeston Township has a small, well established “High Street” shopping area, a Medical Centre, Library, a Community Hospital, and several Christian church groups. A range of social and sporting opportunities are available and are popular with community members. Leeston is close to the Rakaia River, the ocean and Lake Ellesmere, with the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula nearby.
SCHOOL VISION AND MISSION MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Leeston Consolidated School is to achieve success in school life by teaching our students a high standard of skills, values and academic knowledge in a happy, secure and safe learning environment.
VISION STATEMENT: Leeston Consolidated School is a dynamic, ever improving school with highly skilled caring teachers and successful well-behaved students, 95% of whom perform at or above the norms for their age groups.
OUR CORE BELIEFS: As a school focussed on learning we believe: ● That all learners will be treated with respect ● In providing opportunities to experience the wider curriculum ● The need to provide a variety of quality teaching practices ● In meeting the diverse needs of all students ● In providing a safe and caring environment to foster emotional resilience in children ● That children are our future ● That children learn best when their emotional, physical and academic needs are met ● That Learning, Courtesy and Service to others are important ● That improvement, achievement, excellence and diversity must be celebrated
OUR VALUES: ● As a school focussed on learning we value: ● Hauora – total well-being ● the prior learning of the child ● everyone working together as part of a team ● communication – a climate of open dialogue and trust ● the right for children to learn differently ● respect for one another
OUR SCHOOL RULES: ● Care for ourselves. ● Care for others. ● Care for our environment.
OUR PHILOSOPHY: Leeston Consolidated School has established a child centred philosophy where individual needs are met and where opportunities are provided for all children to experience success. Programmes of work must be meaningful and purposeful, and should be all about children and teachers:
✔ enjoying learning ✔ working together ✔ planning activities ✔ sharing learning ✔ solving problems ✔ using equipment ✔ exploring technology ✔ recording outcomes ✔ assessing progress ✔ talking with parents ✔ reflecting
✔ developing skills attitudes and values, all based on the curriculum statements
Leeston Learners – Legends in the Making
Learners Engaged Gatherers Excellence Negotiators Determined Successful Role models enthusiastic Use effective Recognise the good listeners self-motivated well rounded supportive Motivated questioning to value of adaptable self managing able to actively engaged Inquiring gather and excellence open-minded building on prior contribute to planners Reflective analyse (e.g. Celebrate resilient knowledge society organisers Involved information achievement analytical risk takers have the skills communicators extended skills) Encourage accepting learning from needed to supportive Questioning successful others mistakes access a range team players Take ownership connected in Excellence passionate of learning decision makers their thinking across in know their next experiences respectful critical thinkers academic, sport, learning steps competent in inclusive goal setters cultural, social and how to numeracy and use initiative able to gain Striving to rise achieve them literacy confident skills and to challenges intuitive knowledge Recognise levels encouragers of individual excellence Choosing pathways to excellence and success Self-motivated
LOCAL CURRICULUM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES RATIONALE: The Board of Trustees believes that the children at Leeston Consolidated should meet a wide range of experiences that will enhance learning and develop life skills.
GOALS: ✔ Outdoor Education to enhance learning across the Curriculum with the use of Outdoor Education programmes of work at all levels of the school.
✔ Sport and Leisure to develop an awareness of a range of different activities available for sport and leisure time.
✔ Local Environment to develop an awareness of the historical and environment features of the local region.
✔ Cultural and Social Awareness to develop an awareness of the varied groupings that make up our local, district, national and international community.
✔ Self-Respect to develop self-respect for themselves and others.
OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide a wide range of well-planned Outdoor Education programmes. 2. To provide opportunities for all children to participate in sport and leisure activities 3. To provide class programmes using the local environment 4. To provide class and/or whole school experiences with a variety of groups. 5. To provide class and/or whole school experiences to enhance respect for themselves and others.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Daniel Rollo Chairperson Parent Representative
Lynda Taylor Curriculum Principal
Anneka Dalley Health and Safety Parent Representative
Nicole Ley Staff Rep. Staff Representative
Barry Donaldson Finance Parent Representative
Lauren Uren Communication, Parent Representative Personnel Tom Smith Property Parent Representative
All Trustee members Community Partnership Home & School Representative
LEESTON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL STAFF
STAFF MEMBER POSITION LOCATION Anthea Barton Executive Officer Admin Angela Berliner Teacher Room 7 Kylie Breading Teacher Room 4 Alison Boon Teacher / Team Leader Waitatari Room 1 Jan Bromley Teacher / Team Leader Waiwhio Room 9 Jordan Bullock-McGee Teacher Aide Ali Coomer Teacher Aide Katrina Davidson Cleaner Carol Davison Teacher / Assistant Principal Room 13 Sue de Ruiter RTLB Cluster Manager Chris Dyksma (CD) Caretaker Sari Farrant Teacher Room 6 Karren Garriock Teacher (Release) Rebekah Gilmour Teacher Room 2 Robyn Hansen Teacher Aide Lucy Harrison Teacher Aide Nicky Johanson Teacher Room 14 Caitlin Kippenberger Teacher Room 5 Nicole Ley Teacher Room 12 Nancy Ley Teacher (Release) Dorrie Lousich Cleaner Mackenzie Lusty Teacher Room 11 Julie Marais Teacher Aide Lisa McClure Teacher Room 8 Dean Paton Deputy Principal / SENCO Theresa Phelan Teacher Aide Megan Scott Administration Officer Admin Bronwyn Shalfoon Learning Support Co-ordinator Stephen Simmon Cleaner Lesley Stoliker Reading Recovery Kelly McHaffie Teacher / Team Leader Waikekewai Room 15 Tammy Tarpey Teacher Room 10 Lynda Taylor Principal Sharon Tod Teacher Aide Bill Whelan Sports
Leeston School Term Dates - 2021
Term 1 Wed 3rd Feb – Fri 16th April 11 weeks
Term 2 Mon 3 May - Fri 9 July 10 weeks
Term 3 Mon 26 July - Fri 1 October 10 weeks
Term 4 Mon 18 Oct – Thurs 16th Dec 10 weeks
Teacher Only Days Tuesday 2nd Feb School Closed Friday 12 Mar School Closed Friday 3rd Sept School Closed
Public Holidays Waitangi Day Mon 8 Feb (Observed) Good Friday Fri 2 April Easter Monday/Tuesday Mon 5/6 April Anzac Day Sat 25 Apr Queen's Birthday Monday 7 Jun (school closed) Labour Day Mon 25 Oct (school closed) Canterbury Show Day Fri 12 Nov (school closed)
SCHOOL CONTACT SYSTEM TELEPHONE NUMBER: (03) 324 3493 FAX NUMBER: (03) 324 3058
To leave a message on our answer service, please use the following procedure:
● Dial 1 to leave a message on our answer service OR ● Dial 0 to speak with office staff
To assist the office staff at an extremely busy time of the day, please phone before 2:00pm should you need to make alternative arrangements for your child/children’s departure from school. We take no responsibility for verbal messages not reaching your child/children and particularly any received after 2:00pm.
LOCATION EMAIL ADDRESS Principal – Lynda Taylor [email protected] Deputy Principal – Dean Paton [email protected] Assistant Principal – Carol Davison [email protected] Office - Anthea Barton [email protected] Office – Megan Scott [email protected] Room 1 – Alison Boon [email protected] Room 2 – Rebekah Gilmour [email protected] Room 3 – Room 4 – Kylie Breading k.breading @leeston.school.nz Room 5 – Caitlin Kippenberger [email protected] Room 6 - Sari Farrant [email protected] Room 7 –Angela Berliner [email protected] Room 8 – Lisa McClure [email protected] Room 9 – Jan Bromley [email protected] Room 10 – Tammy Tarpey [email protected] Room 11 – Mackenzie Lusty [email protected] Room 12 – Nicole Ley [email protected] Room 13 – Carol Davison [email protected] Room 14 – Nicky Johanson n.johanson @leeston.school.nz
Room 15 – Kelly McHaffie [email protected]
Community Dental Clinic 0800 846 983 Please do not disturb teaching staff during class time. You can leave a message for them to contact you on our answer service or with reception. Our answer service will be cleared regularly during the school day.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION A-Z
ABSENCE Absence from school is seldom a problem, but we do like to hear from you if your child is going to be absent. The following procedure will be followed by the school regarding Pupil Absences.
Each day a child is absent, the parent is asked to ring the school prior to 8:55am and record the name of the child absent and the reason for their absence on our answer service. It is a Ministry of Education requirement that we record the reason. Office staff will update all records of information received.
If we have not heard from you by 9am, the office staff will text the parent/caregiver to verify the child's whereabouts.
We would appreciate parent co-operation and assistance with this procedure so we can ensure the safety of all our pupils as they travel to and from school each day.
ABSENCE FROM SWIMMING OR PE If a pupil wishes to be excused from activity in either of the above, then a note from parents is essential. We prefer to work according to your directions in this, as sometimes inability to take part is obvious and other times not quite so clear.
APPOINTMENTS WITH CLASS TEACHER OR PRINCIPAL Please make contact if you would like to discuss any issues. You may make an appointment to see the Principal through the Office Administrator.
Teachers are available to see you on an informal basis before school most days. Teachers do have staff meetings after school during the week however will try to accommodate a time to suit. Please do not interrupt classes during class time.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees meet on the first Monday of each month at 6:00pm in the staffroom. Members of the public who wish to attend may do so. Minutes of the Board meetings are available in the school office. Regular newsletters keep parents informed about the Board's activities.
BOOK CLUB Scholastic Book Club provides interesting reading material for the children at relatively cheap rates. Please note that there is no compulsion for any pupil to buy this material in spite of the fact that we act as a distribution point. However, anything that encourages children to read recreationally is useful.
BUS PUPILS Children are eligible to travel on the bus if they are: ● under ten years and more than 3.2kms from school. ● ten years and over and more than 4.8kms from school.
Other (ineligible) children living on the bus route may be permitted transport if room is available.
● With approximately 45% of our children arriving by bus, much of our planning must revolve around the arrival and departure of these. ● Misbehaviour while on the bus may result in the removal of the privilege. ● Children are expected to remain seated while on the bus and not to do anything that could distract the driver and so endanger safety. ● All children receive periodic instruction in boarding and alighting from buses and are expected to obey these common-sense rules. ● Buses arrive at school at approximately 8:25am and depart at 3:10pm. ● Children are required to wear given Safety Vests to and from School. ● A set of Bus Rules is operative and pupils are reminded of these regularly ● On leaving the bus, pupils must step back two paces and wait on the side of the road until the bus has moved off. When they have a clear view of the road they may cross.
Reliable information of an intention not to use the afternoon bus service is most important to the office. Please ensure that your child has been marked off the bus if he or she has an alternative travel arrangement for that afternoon. This is extremely important in case of emergencies.
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL All children are required to wear given Safety Vests to and from School.
Many of our children ride bicycles or walk to school and are obliged to travel on or cross busy roads. The risks involved are obvious to most and we know that you support us in our programme of road safety education. Year Six students act as Road Patrol Wardens and all children are expected to obey the instructions of the Wardens on duty without question. We request parents dropping children off or picking them up to park well clear of the school gates.
Children under 10 years need supervision when riding on public roads and those any younger generally do not have the ability to judge traffic behaviour. Students aged 10 or over may ride their bicycle to school. Anyone on a bike or scooter must wear a helmet, which is the correct size, well fitted, and maintained.
CLASS TRIPS AND VISITS Periodically, classes in the school are involved in educational visits. It is our policy to involve parents as much as possible in these trips, both in a supervisory role and also so that they may share with us some of the pleasures associated with giving children the opportunity to learn outside the classroom.
We make every endeavour to: ● ensure that places visited are within the scope of the pupil's understanding and relevant to the subject being studied ● make certain that supervision is adequate at all times ● gain every financial concession we can so that costs per pupil are minimised
When the children reach Year 3 and 4 they will take part in an education outside the classroom programme (EOTC) which may involve an overnight camp at school. Year 5 and Year 6 students can expect to attend a three day camp.
CULTURAL PROGRAMME The school aims to provide a good balance of activities for the children. Usually, a different cultural group each term is invited to perform at the school, with all pupils having the opportunity to attend.
CUSTODIAL ARRANGEMENTS If at any stage there are any changes to the custodial arrangements for your child (ren) to those given at enrolment time, please notify the office.
DENTAL CLINIC Any matter you wish to discuss in relation to the treatment for your child should be directed to the School Dental Community Services - Phone 0800 846 983
EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES The school maintains contact with and utilises where necessary a variety of specialist help. These include:
Advisers in all subjects Area Health Board Canterbury Education Centre Child and Family Guidance Unit Christchurch College of Education Correspondence School Ministry of Education Museum National Library Service Police School Staff Service Centres Special Education Services Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children Visiting Teacher
FIRST AID TREATMENT ● To enable the school to take the best care possible of the children who have special medication or medical concerns, a confidential form is sent home early in the year for the Parent or Guardian to fill in so a list can be kept at school. ● We would appreciate notification from parents of any changes in children's health that occur during the year requiring special medication or care. ● From time to time accidents do occur in spite of careful supervision by the staff. Most of these can be readily taken care of in the medical room. ● In the case of a more serious accident, immediate first aid treatment will be given and the parents will be contacted. Should the parents not be available the school will contact the emergency numbers provided. ● Please refer to our website under policies ( www.leeston.school.nz) for information on our policies on Allergies.
To enable us to do this please keep us up to date with phone numbers.
FOOTWEAR Children are expected to wear appropriate footwear at all times. School shoes should be worn during normal school time but it is suggested that sneakers be worn during physical activities. Sneakers are designed to provide adequate cushioning to lessen the impact on the body when doing physical activity.
Children may wear sport shoes, black/Navy leather shoes or sandals. Plastic shoes, ballet-style slip on shoes and jandals are not to be worn. Shoes with a rolling component on their sole are not permitted.
HOME LEARNING Leeston Consolidated School aims to equip students to be inquiring, self-motivated and lifelong learners. We do not set compulsory home learning, however, we strongly encourage:
● Taking opportunities to practise reading, writing and maths at home every day ● Talking to your child about their learning ● Participating in authentic learning opportunities both at home and in the wider community e.g.: playing, sports, dance, cultural team activities
LIBRARY We are fortunate enough to have our school Library and all classes have specific times during the week when they visit the library with their teacher. Parents are asked to help by ensuring that children return books regularly and that they are encouraged to respect the books that they borrow. Parents are invited to use the library to help their children select books.
LOST PROPERTY Please name all children’s clothing. We always have a bundle of unclaimed, unnamed children's clothing at school. Please visit the lost property boxes and at the end of each term when they are put out on display.
LUNCHES Pupils are required to remain seated for the first 15 minutes of the lunch time while they eat their lunch. In the interests of safety, we ask that the children bring their drinks in plastic bottles.
Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds at lunch time. However, if children are to return home for lunch or need to leave the school grounds during the lunch break, they will need a short note from their caregiver to verify this.
Lunch’s orders are available on Friday from Southbridge Café. Please see our school website for the lunch order menu.
The Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, is concerned about the obesity levels of our young children across the nation. Schools are required to ensure that children learn the important messages behind the choice of food and the effects that these choices have, both on nutrition and personal health. To this end, schools have been asked to examine the messages that are communicated to their communities and students over and beyond the classroom health and nutrition lessons.
The main example of this is the choice of food that is made available to children during lunch time. Consequently, the school has the obligation of examining the menus that are available to students for lunch purchases and need to ensure that the messages delivered in the classroom are consistent with the messages and role model provided by all members of staff. Of concern is the amount of fats and sugars that are contained within the lunch time menus.
ORGANISATION The school is organised into three syndicates.
● The Waitatari Syndicate (Junior) includes pupils in Rooms 1,2,3,4,5 and 6. Mrs Alison Boon is the Waitatari Syndicate Leader. ● The Waiwhio Syndicate (Middle) includes pupils in Rooms 7,8,9, and 10. Mrs Jan Bromley is the Waiwhio Syndicate Leader. ● The Waikekewai Syndicate (Senior) includes pupils in Rooms 11, 12,13,14,and 15. Mrs Kelly McHaffie is the Waikekewai Syndicate Leader.
PUBERTAL CHANGE For a small number of girls who may reach this stage of their development, information and assistance if necessary is available from the school office.
REPORTING TO PARENTS Reporting to parents is undertaken through a “Meet the Teacher” Evening early in Term One; three way student led learning conference and goal setting in Terms 1 and 3. However, at any stage, if you have a concern about your child's progress, or about any aspect of the school's activities, please phone to make an appointment to discuss it.
SCHOOL DONATION The school levy (which is a voluntary contribution) helps to cover special ‘extra’ activities that enrich the school year ● visits away from school on various field trips ● visits to school by various outside groups
All payments are acknowledged as a donation to the school and a receipt is issued. In order to spread costs throughout the school year, we encourage parents to set up an automatic payment during term two.
The current charges are ● one child $90.00 ● two or more children $150.00 ● for a child who starts part way through the year $22.50 per term. ● Photocopy Levy $10 for one child.
SCHOOL HOURS 8:30-9:00am. Bell rung, children are permitted to enter school grounds. Teachers supervise the playground. 9:00am The first session of morning classes commence. 10:30-10.40am Morning Interval. Read and Feed Fruit break eaten in class 10.40 - 11.00am Play break 11:00 - 12pm The second session of morning classes commence. 12:00-12:30pm Lunch eating (15-20 minutes) and short play. 12:30 – 1.30pm Afternoon classes commence. 1.30 - 2.00pm Play break 2.00 - 3:00pm Classes learning.
3.00pm Finish for the day. The crossing patrol assists children across the road. 3:10pm Bus children depart. 3:15pm Teacher supervision of the playground finishes. It is essential that all children understand the arrangements made for them after school. In the case of very young children a note to the classroom teacher would help with this.
SCHOOL POLICIES Please refer to our school website www.leeston.school.nz under the policies tab for all of our school policies.
SCHOOL RULES Self-discipline and consideration for others are the ideas the school seeks in the children. The few rules the school has try to reflect this aim.
General Rules ● Before school, children should wait inside the front gate by the bike shed until the first bus arrives at about 8:25am. ● Cyclists should walk with their cycles to the bike shed and wait with the other children. ● No child leaves the school grounds without proper authority. ● Major ball games should be played on the field and no balls strayed over the school fence are to be retrieved. ● Special care is encouraged in the Adventure Play-grounds. Safe usage is the prime requirement. ● We work and play positively with others.
SCHOOL UNIFORM The school uniform is compulsory. All clothing worn to school must be clearly named. The purpose of having a school uniform is to provide a sense of identity with the school; to develop a sense of pride in the school among the students; to level social pressures; and to ensure the students are appropriately dressed while under the school’s care. The uniform consists of:
● Plan Navy trackpants, plan navy shorts, culottes or skorts ● Red poloshirt with navy placard collar, or plain red collared poloshirt ● Red skivvies optional ● Red crewneck sweatshirt (tunic or normal style) or Red polar fleece ● Red or navy wide brim, bucket hats or legionnaire style sunhat (no advertising or slogans) ● Safety Vests are worn in transit between home and school ● Children may wear sport shoes, black/Navy leather shoes or sandals. Plastic shoes, ballet- style slip on shoes and jandals are not to be worn. Shoes with a rolling component on their sole are not permitted.
Wearing of Uniform: ● The wearing of the school uniform is compulsory during normal school hours and on school representation days i.e. class trips, school sporting, cultural events and special assemblies. ● Safety Vests are compulsory and are worn in transit between home and school. Sunhats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. Purchasing Options:
● ‘Little Boutique’ – 73 High Street, Leeston. Phone Christine Dreaver 027 228 7641 or 324 3644. Warehouse, Postie Plus and Kmart
SPORTING PROGRAMME The role of the school is to ensure that opportunities are provided for children, regardless of their abilities, to participate in sport. Children are encouraged to learn the basic physical skills of throwing, catching, hitting, running, jumping, kicking, and climbing. They can use these skills in sports, minor games, small group activities, modified and mini games. We often combine with the other schools in our district for swimming, cross country, athletics and a variety of tournaments. We encourage parent participation to help us with our programme.
STATIONERY Replacement stationery required through the year can be bought from the school office. Your child’s teacher will issue your child a green slip which states the stationery item they need. Please sign the slip and return to the office drop box. The item will then be issued to your child and your term account will be invoiced.
SWIMMING This is a vital school subject and must be treated as such. The requirement is simple. The children MUST bring their togs unless excused, as noted under absences. It is part of our job to encourage confidence and a love of swimming, as well as to teach skills. We cannot do this without the absolute cooperation of parents in guiding their children to bring their togs each day of the swimming season. If the weather becomes too cold for swimming, then the children will miss that session, but we would like to be able to make that decision at swimming time and not at the beginning of the day.
TAKING CHILDREN FROM CLASS If you need to take your child from school during the day, please ensure that the child's teacher and the office staff have been informed. Please use the student sign-out I-Pad in the office. This is particularly important if during break times, nobody has seen your child depart. If a member or friend of the family is to collect a pupil, it is vital that they tell a staff member before they leave.
YOUR CHILD’S WELL BEING At any time during your child's schooling the following things can affect their happiness, well-being and performance at school:
a new addition to the family an absent parent death of a pet hospitalisation a change in medication separation shifting house bereavement remarriage redundancy
Anything you share will remain confidential. Sharing helps the school provide understanding and support for your child.
SCHOOL ACCOUNT
Leeston Consolidated School has adopted a scheme for payment of incidental expenses that children incur through an account. Parental written permission is a requirement before children may participate and incur expenses.
How this system works:
1. Parents should pay promptly by the 20th of each month. 2. This activity fee account will include: * stationery needs (the child has received from the school). * bus travel to venues for sport and class activities / trips. * attendance costs for class trips e.g. Science Alive, Museum/Art Gallery etc). * cultural performances by visiting groups, life education. * International competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), PAT computerised marking. * Music tuition and instrument hire. 3. The fee will NOT include education outside the classroom activities (camps, water skills, EOTC Year 3 days), the cost of class photos, lunch orders or Scholastic Book Club. Payment for these need to be made separately. 4. Credit is withdrawn from families who do not pay accounts on time or have an automatic | payment set up. 5. All accounts will be sent at the end of the prior month.
Parents have the right of choice for their child to participate in each activity. All class and school activities incurring expenses will be advised to parents prior to the event. Should you not want your child to participate then a note to that effect will ensure they do not participate.
As expenses are incurred they will be debited against your account. You may check on that account at any time. At the end of the month the office staff will email a copy of the accrued expenses to you. We ask that you pay this account promptly in any of the options offers below:
● Cash or cheque in named envelope in drop box (a receipt will show in your next account) ● Internet banking, the schools bank details are: Leeston Consolidated School, account number 02 0860 0074771 00 – with reference to your child’s name and item paid ● Automatic payment – automatic payments to cover all school costs. Please advise the school office if this is your method of payment.
SCHOOL LINKS COMMUNICATION Our school is using School-links which will enable you to –
● Receive time critical two-way txt and email alerts for all general communications such as school closures, sport cancellations or ground changes, and in the event of an emergency
● Receive txt and email alerts if your student has not turned up to school
● Receive newsletters and general notices online
LEESTON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL APP
We have a dedicated School App. You can download it from the App Store and it is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Android phones and Android tablets. To download the app just search SchoolAppsNZ in the App Store, and then enter Leeston Consolidated School to find our School App.
Features on the App:
The Absentee button can be used to inform us if your child is absent from school. You can select to phone or email us.
A list of staff contacts – use the filter feature to quickly find the person you are looking for
Links to relevant websites and resources.
Calendar – dates to remember.
Latest fortnightly Newsletters.
Term Dates for the year for the current year.
Up-to-date school notices.
Alerts – important and targeted messages that will be sent to your device. You will receive whole- school alerts but you can also subscribe to specific groups.
Please check the settings to ensure that you will be notified when alerts are received.
On the left-hand side of the main screen is a dropdown menu. Here you can subscribe to alert groups.