2015 Oroua Downs School Prospectus

OROUA DOWNS SCHOOL2015 PROSPECTUS

Cnr Lake Road & SH 1RD 11, Foxton, 4891

Phone: 06 329 9730 Fax: 06 329 9900Email: [email protected]

“Challenging Students to be Successful Community and Global Ci7zens”

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


School DescriptionOroua Downs School is a decile 5 country school, delivering

quality educaRon to Year 0-‐8 students. The school is situated

on State Highway One, 11 kilometres north of Foxton.

Our school is made up of four classrooms, with four teachers

working along side a team of dedicated teacher aides, an

office administrator and a caretaker/groundsperson. The

school roll is usually between 85 and 95 students with most

of our children traveling to school by bus.

Our school is extremely well resourced, with two swimming

pools, large concrete areas including two netball courts, a

large adventure playground area, and a field consisRng of

both rugby and soccer grounds. Add to this a modern library

with constantly updated reading material, a range of

technology devices to support learning and a PE shed with a

wide selecRon of sports gear, and you will recognise that our

students’ needs are well catered for.

We are very fortunate to have a high quality teaching staff at

Oroua Downs School who work hard and are dedicated to

the needs our their students. They are constantly undergoing

professional development to keep pace with best pracRce in

teaching and learning.

Our school culture is very inclusive and the climate is always

posiRve. Older and younger students o_en play and learn

alongside each other building great friendships and

partnerships in learning.

We pride ourselves on providing a safe environment

promoRng student centered learning, academic success, and

physical acRvity.

WelcomeOn behalf of the Staff, Board of Trustees and the Home & School, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your

family to the Oroua Downs School community.

Developing a posiRve partnership between home and school is an important goal for us. Always feel free to contact myself or

our staff at any Rme to discuss any mabers of concern or interest.

We look forward to providing a caring, sRmulaRng and exciRng environment for your children to learn.

Kind regards,

Nick Rate

PRINCIPAL


Our MissionChallenging students to be successful community and global ciRzens.

OUR VISIONFor our students to be responsible, creaRve and acRve thinkers that have the skills to confidently succeed in and adapt with an ever changing world.

All students will strive to:• recognise and pursue their talents• be reflecRve and valuable contributors to the

community• have strengths in Literacy and Numeracy• be acRve, inquiring learners• have an awareness and appreciaRon of their local

environment.

OUR SCHOOL VIRTUESStudents at Oroua Downs School aspire to the values as described in the New Zealand Curriculum which are represented in our school virtues.

We believe the school virtues represent our beliefs about what is important or desirable in our school and community members. Our virtues are expressed through the ways in which our students, parents and staff think and act.

Our high expectaRons for learning and behaviour are based on the virtues of the school and we expect everyone at Oroua Downs School (staff, students, parents and visitors) will strive to demonstrate posiRve aitudes and behaviours guided by our virtues.

OUR AMAZING STAFFWe are privileged to have an awesome team of teachers and support staff at Oroua Downs School.

LEADERSHIPPrincipal Mr Nick RateDeputy Principal Miss Tanya Zander

TEACHING STAFF

Room 1 (Yr 0/1) Miss Anna Stuart

Room 4 (Yr 2/3) Miss Tanya ZanderRoom 5 (Yr 4/5/6) Mr Timu Niwa

Room 2 (Yr 6/7/8) Miss Nikki Sheridan


SUPPORT STAFF Office Administrator Mrs Nancy MarRnTeacher Aides Mrs Kara Lummis Mrs Janine Vertongen Mrs Sharon MahoneyLibrarian Mrs Kara LummisCaretaker Mr Doug StrawbridgeSchool Cleaner Ms Amanda Tilbrook

Our Board of trusteesWe are very fortunate to have a fantasRc group of trustees who are commibed to the ongoing success of our school with a strong focus on student achievement.The board and principal work together to achieve the best possible learning and teaching outcomes for all students.

Some of the Board’s roles include:• Seing the Vision, Philosophy and Values of the

school• Developing and reviewing the general policy

direcRon• Monitoring and evaluaRng student learning

outcomes• Providing financial stewardship and overseeing

resources• Approving major policies and programme iniRaRves• Building a broad base of community support• Managing risk

Our current Board members are:Chairperson/Personnel Katrina Barber

Deputy Chair/Property Tim Franklin

Finance David Read

Fundraising Nicki Broadley

Principal Nick Rate

Staff Trustee Tanya Zander

CURRICULUMOur school curriculum has been designed so that it meets the learning needs of our students as well as uRlising and building on the diversity, interests and prior knowledge and skills of our students, school and community.

We have clear prioriRes in developing a strong foundaRon in reading, wriRng and maths and integrate these skills throughout a range of other curriculum areas including, science, technology, the arts, languages, te reo, social studies, health and PE.

We want our students to be self-‐regulaRng learners, able to reflect on and set goals, solve problems, transfers skills and knowledge to new situaRons, think creaRvely and have high expectaRons of themselves as learners. We expect them to work both independently and collaboraRvely in groups to achieve their learning goals.

EXTENSIONOur curriculum design is open-‐ended allowing students to explore concepts, iniRate their own learning and design projects. In addiRon to this, students with academic strengths are encouraged to take part in the ICAS exams and the Australian Maths CompeRRon.

Enrichment opportuniRes for students are also provided through our opRons programme where acRviRes such as dance, photography, science, film and art are offered.

SporRng talents are well catered for in our sports programme as well as our involvement in both the Te Kawau and Kere Kere school clusters.

Learning SUPPORTWe operate a number of support and intervenRon programmes across the school to support our students and their learning. These take place both in and out of class and are overseen by our SENCO (Special Needs Coordinator).


Class teachers closely monitor their students and adapt learning programmes to meet their individual needs.

Our three teacher aides also provide in class and special programme support including phonics, numeracy, Early Words, Rainbow Reading and Fast Fingers.

STUDENT LeadershipOur senior students are expected to take on leadership roles throughout the school and to lead and parRcipate in a range of school wide acRviRes. Each year a head boy and girl are appointed as well as house leaders for each of our houses. Senior leaders work specifically with their teacher to develop projects that support our school and make it a beber place. Our student leaders are also privileged to abend an inspiraRonal day at the NaRonal Young Leaders Conference.

HOUSESWe have an acRve house system operaRng among our three houses of Hammond, Hartley and Raikes.

Throughout the year students earn points for their parRcipaRon and achievement in a range of acRviRes that contribute towards winning the Virtues Trophy each term and the House Shield at the end of the year. CompeRRons include, all school sports such as swimming, cross country and athleRcs as well as spelling, tabloid sports, winter sports, maths and general knowledge quizzes.

SCHOOL BADGESenior students from Year 5-‐8 can earn points towards the school’s silver and gold badges. The badge system promotes goal seing, achievement and perseverance. Points can be earned across the areas of sport, culture, services to school, virtues and academics.

E-LEARNINGThe school has a range of devices including netbooks and iPads that are used by students to support their learning. The school also operates a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) system where students can bring personal devices for use in the classroom to support learning. Classroom learning is also supported by large screen TVs in each room and a school wide wifi network.

SPORTSOur students benefit from being involved in regular sports and fitness programmes as part of their daily class Rmetables. Our school sports programme focuses on swimming in Term 1, cross country in Term 2, winter sports in Term 3 and athleRcs in Term 4. Students also parRcipate in our cluster sports events involving schools from the Te Kawau and Kere Kere clusters.

Other sporRng events, including orienteering, rippa rugby and triathlon feature in our sporRng calendar. These are o_en supported by coaching sessions by expert coaches including Horowhenua Rugby, Central Soccer and

Our 2014 Head Boy and Head Girl


Manawatu Cricket.

The school usually fields teams in the local netball compeRRon and other sports as interest requires. Most students play for the local Te Kawau sports club based in Rongotea for their weekend sports.

OUTDOOR EDUCATIONOutdoor educaRon opportuniRes are an important part of our learning programme. For many students they provide new opportuniRes and challenges they have not faced before. These experiences also allow students and teachers to form posiRve relaRonships that are built on geing to know each other in a range of contexts, teamwork and overcoming barriers together as a unit. The senior classrooms go on camp once a year in Term 1 and all classes parRcipate in a variety of field trips throughout the year to support their learning.

REPORTING TO PARENTSIn Term 1, teachers meet with parents and their child to confirm their learning goals together. At this Rme any formal test results are also reported. A second three-‐way interview is held at the beginning of Term 3 to discuss each student’s progress towards their learning goals.

Students build up a pornolio of work samples that demonstrate how they are meeRng their learning goals. Pornolios come home to parents at the end of Terms 2 and 4.

At end of Terms 2 and 4, wriben reports are provided to parents showing student progress and achievement in relaRon to the NaRonal Standards, next learning steps and how you can support at home.

Feel free to contact your child’s teacher at any Rme to discuss their progress and achievement and how you can both work together to support their learning at school and home.

SCHOOL UNIFORMIn 2015, we are introducing a compulsory uniform for all students in Years 1-‐7.

All uniform items with a school logo can be purchased from The Warehouse in Palmerston North. The uniform consists of:

• Navy blue polo shirt and polar fleece with school logo

• Navy blue skorts, shorts and pants without a logo that can be purchased from any store.

• No specificaRons are required for shoes.

A second hand uniform store would be developed over Rme through Home & School group.

KEEPING IN TOUCHWe acRvely encourage open communicaRon between the home and school. We have an open door approach to engaging with parents. Parents are encouraged to visit the school and to keep in contact with their child’s teacher.

School newslebers are sent home with students every Thursday. NoRces for events are sent home as they occur. Phone messages can be le_ via the school office.

The school website orouadowns.school.nz is updated with newslebers, events, links, learning support and general school informaRon.

All classes have a blog which is an effecRve way of sharing informaRon with you and provides a great view into the classroom learning.

• Room 1: odsroom1.blogspot.co.nz

• Room 2: orouadownsroom2.blogspot.co.nz

• Room 4: ods-‐fab4.blogspot.co.nz

• Room 5: room5ods.blogspot.co.nz

Facebook also allows you to keep up-‐to-‐date with what is happening at school: facebook.com/orouadowns

http://www.orouadowns.school.nz

http://www.orouadowns.school.nz

http://odsroom1.blogspot.co.nz

http://odsroom1.blogspot.co.nz

http://orouadownsroom2.blogspot.co.nz

http://orouadownsroom2.blogspot.co.nz

http://www.ods-fab4.blogspot.co.nz

http://www.ods-fab4.blogspot.co.nz

http://room5ods.blogspot.co.nz

http://room5ods.blogspot.co.nz

http://facebook.com/orouadowns

http://facebook.com/orouadowns


Home & School GROUPWe are fortunate enough to have an acRve Home and School Commibee. This commibee aids our school by;

• Raising funds,

• Helping at all events involving our school,

• Providing opportuniRes for parents/caregivers to contribute to every day school life.

The group is open to all members of the community and welcomes your involvement. Please support this enthusiasRc group which meets on a monthly basis. NoRficaRon regarding these meeRngs is sent out via a note home, school newsleber and facebook.

Contact Leavy Kauri (Chairperson, 3299510) for more info.

A - z guide for parentsAbsences

If your child is absent please contact the school with an explanaRon as soon as possible. Contact may be made through:

• a phone call (please leave a message if your call is not answered)

• a face-‐to-‐face explanaRon

• a note (filed by the class teacher)

• a text message or email to the school or teacher staRng:

• the student’s name

• the date of the absence

• and the reason for it

• a cerRficate from a health professional (filed by the class teacher).

Every child’s abendance is recorded twice daily by electronic register. All unaccounted absences are followed up by the office manager.

Accidents & Illness

If a child is injured at school, first aid will be administered by teachers and office staff as required. If a serious accident occurs, staff will look a_er the best interests of the child and then parents will be noRfied immediately.

Children should not be sent to school if they are feeling unwell. If a child becomes unwell at school, the parents or caregivers will be contacted and asked to collect the child. Our pracRce is aligned to the Ministry of Health recommendaRons and best pracRce.

It is important that our records of home, work, doctors and other emergency numbers that may be required, are kept up to date. Please advise the school promptly of any changes.

Administering MedicaAon At School

We have a consent form to be filled out if you require your child’s medicaRon to be administered at school. Appropriate informaRon must be provided. By law, the medical pracRRoner’s direcRons must be included on the label of all dispensed medicaRon. This needs to be sighted by the school. InformaRon on the administraRon of medicaRon is available through the school office.

Allergies or Asthma

Records are kept in the casualty room regarding students who require special or immediate abenRon for any allergy or illness. Should your child require this type of abenRon, we would appreciate you filling out our medical form.

Assemblies – Learning CelebraAons

These are held on the last day of each term. They are organised by the students and involve celebraRons of classroom learning. Parents are encouraged to join us for these assemblies.

Assembly -‐ School

We have a school assembly every Friday from 11-‐11:30am. We sing the NaRonal Anthem, share learning and celebrate students from each class who have demonstrated our school virtue. Other cerRficates are also awarded for various achievements, cultural and sporRng events.

Behaviour Management

Everyone at Oroua Downs School has the right to work and play in a safe, secure and happy environment. Children, staff and parents need to be responsible for their own acRons and show respect to each other, their property and their environment. Self-‐discipline is a learning experience and we will support our students to develop appropriate social skills and personal behaviour.

Our posiRve

IMPORTANT TIMES & DATES 2015

TERM DATES 2015Term 1: 28 Jan – 2 AprilTerm 2: 5 May – 3 JulyTerm 3: 20 July – 25 SepTerm 4: 12 Oct – 11 Dec

SCHOOL DAILY TIMETABLE8:40am School starts10:40am Morning tea12:15pm Lunch1:00pm A_ernoon session2:30pm Bus bells2:45pm School finishes


approach to managing behaviour is based on the virtues of the school. Our expectaRon is that everyone at Oroua Downs School (staff, students, parents and visitors) will strive to demonstrate appropriate behaviours guided by our virtues; Respect, Excellence, CreaRvity and Teamwork

We acknowledge students who amke the right decisions about the behaviour in a number of ways. More detail can be found in the PosiRve Behaviour Management Procedure on the school website.

Bible in Schools

Students opt-‐in to this programme which runs on Thursday a_ernoons from 1-‐1:30pm.

Board of Trustees

The board meets twice a term in the school library. Parents and community members are welcome to abend. NoRce of all meeRngs will be given to all parents through the school newsleber and via our school calendar.

Brain Food Break

Classes break in the morning between the start of school and morning tea for a 5 minute brain food snack. Brain food needs to be unprocessed foods such as fruit, raw nuts or vegetables.

Buses

The school is serviced by Uzabus Coach Lines. Two circuits currently operate covering most of the Himatangi and Oroua Downs areas. The service is free and is provided by the Ministry of EducaRon.

There are two buses provided for students traveling to and from school at no cost:

Bus Route 1 starts from the Mobil StaRon on the outskirts of Foxton at 7.45 and travels up State Highway 1 along Highway 56, Kellow Rd, Downs Rd, north back onto State Highway 1,

Puke Puke Rd and Omanuka Rd. When going back to Foxton in the a_ernoon it stops at Manawatu College around 3.15, not the Mobil StaRon.

For those travelling from Highway 56 further away than Kellow Rd, your bus stop is on Kellow Rd just around the corner from Highway 56. If you are South of the Himatangi turn-‐off, and you do not live on SH 1, you will need to wait at the corner of your road and SH1.

Bus Route 2 leaves from Himatangi Beach around 7.50 and travels along Himatangi Beach Road and up State Highway 1. At the beach there are several stops ensuring there is only a small walk to get to and from the bus. If you are on Himatangi Beach Road (outside of the beach), the bus will stop at your gate.

Please wait outside your gate with your children in the morning and be there in the a_ernoon so they can be dropped off. In the a_ernoon, the driver will not stop if there is no parent as they will not leave an unabended child.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Our school allows students to bring digital devices that assist with learning. Parents and students are required to sign a BYOD Agreement before this can occur.

Car Park

Lake Road (outside the hall) is our drop off and pick up zone for students. Parking along State Highway 1 is reserved (predominantly for safety reasons) for teaching and support staff only.

Cell Phones

If cell phones are brought to school, they are kept in the office during the day and can be picked up by the student at 2:30pm.

Concerns and Complaints

If there are any problems concerning your child and school we encourage you to follow the school’s ResoluRon of Issues Policy in these mabers. A copy of the full policy is available on the school web site.

Dental Therapist

The school is supported by the mobile dental service that arrives annually (usually in Term 3 or 4). The clinic is a modern purpose built caravan facility with two chairs operaRng usually for a period of 4 weeks. You will be sent an appointment Rme that will include all members of your family at the school and pre-‐schoolers in the district.

Dogs

Dogs are not permibed on the school grounds unless by prior arrangement with the principal.

DonaAons

The school works hard to maximise funds from the Ministry of EducaRon but they do not always meet the costs involved in running a modern and innovaRve school.

The Board of Trustees asks for a donaRon of $60 per child, per year. These funds are targeted towards personnel and resources that directly support all students and their learning in our school.

The full yearly donaRon can be made when requested or arrangements can be made through the school office for scheduled payments to be made (e.g. $15 per term).


Emergency Procedures

The school has an emergency plan to guide staff and students in the event of an emergency. The assembly area is on the playing field on the north side of the school.

Fire Drill:

A fire drill is held once a term. Things to note about a drill:

• The signal is a conRnuous ring followed by voice prompts to evacuate the building.

• Evacuate immediately.

• Close all doors where possible.

• Parents are expected to report to the assembly area on the playing field next to the PE shed

Earthquake Drill:

• Teachers conduct Earthquake Procedures in their own classrooms once a term.

Enrolments

Pre-‐enrolment interviews and tours of the school are welcomed and available at all Rmes.

New pupils enrolling at Oroua Downs School will receive a pack containing all of the relevant informaRon and forms required including; a prospectus, enrolment forms, Bus Code of Conduct, a copy of our PosiRve Behaviour Plan, a religious instrucRon opt in form, a school milk form, a Digital CiRzenship agreement, the School Uniform Procedure and a copy of our ResoluRon of Issues Policy.

Pupils transferring from another school will receive the same pack. We will also request informaRon from their previous school.

Fairplay

Students, team coaches and managers taking part any sporRng acRvity agree to:

• enjoy ourselves

• play within the rules

• respect the referees and umpires

• respect the opposiRon and their supporters

• be gracious winners and dignified losers

• play hard but play fair.

Hair

We recommend that shoulder length hair or longer be Red back for safety reasons and to reduce the likelihood of catching or spreading head lice. Head lice are an ongoing issue for schools. If you become aware your child has lice, please inform the school. The school has 3 Robi-‐combs that can be borrowed by parents.

Health Nurse

The Public Health Nurse visits the school regularly for health, hearing and vision checks, immunisaRons and supporRng health lessons with students. If you have other quesRons or concerns the Health Nurse can be contacted through the school office.

Homework

Each classroom develops their own systems and expectaRons for homework. Please talk to your child’s teacher for more informaRon about this.

InternaAonal Students

Oroua Downs School accepts InternaRonal Students. Please contact the school office for more informaRon.

Internet Safety & Use

We ask that parents sign a cybersafety agreement in order for students to use the internet and ICT devices while at Oroua Downs School.

Library

We have a very well-‐stocked, modern library. All classes usually visit the library each week on a Thursday. Students are able to borrow two

books for up to two weeks. Reminders will be sent home for any overdue books, and an account for any damaged books or books held for more than six weeks.

Lollies & ConfecAonery:

Students are not permibed to have lollies or confecRonary at school. Thank you in advance for your cooperaRon with this.

Lost Property

Students and parents are encouraged to name all clothing and belongings to assist with idenRficaRon. Lost property is returned to the owner when possible and if unclaimed, stored in the old boiler room. At the end of each term uncollected lost property is donated to a charity.

Lunch Orders:

Friday Feast lunch orders take place most weeks throughout the school year. Order forms come home on a Wednesday and need to be back at school the following day with the payment.

Lunch and Morning Tea

When eaRng outside, supervising staff release students a_er 5 minutes for morning tea and 10 minutes for lunch. Students show the supervising teacher their lunch boxes when they are finished eaRng to ensure


they have had sufficient food.

Messages/Phone calls

Messages may be le_ on the answer phone or with the office to be passed on to staff and students.

Office Hours

The school office is open from 8.40am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

Parent Involvement

Parents are acRvely encouraged to be involved in their children’s learning. We invite expressions of interest for parent helpers in classrooms, on trips, for sport and our outdoor educaRon programmes. Please talk to your child’s teacher about how you can help.

Payments/Money

When sending any payments to the school, please place in a sealed envelope with the student’s name and class wriben on it. Any cheques please make out to Oroua Downs School. Please note the school doesn’t have EFTPOS faciliRes. For direct deposits or internet banking our account number is:

Westpac 03 0633 0005477 000

Personal Possessions

Students are discouraged from bringing personal possessions to school. The school will not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any personal possessions brought to school from home.

Playground Supervision

We have a staff member rostered on for playground supervision. A_er school, all staff supervise the two buses and students waiRng to be picked up.

Prizegiving

In December we hold the school prizegiving at the Himatangi Beach Community Centre. The night is a school prizegiving with all classes recognised in some way. Whilst we know that not all children can receive a special prize on this night we ask all families to abend to celebrate the success of others within our school community.

Policy & Procedure

All current, new or recently changed policies and procedures are available on our school web site: hbp://goo.gl/8KAYCD. Any suggesRons or comments you have can be discussed with the principal or any BOT member.

School Milk

Our school is part of the Fonterra Milk for Schools Programme. All students are able to have milk 4 days a week. A permission slip for this is included in the enrolment pack.

Smoke Free

The school is a Smoke Free Environment. Smoking in the school buildings and grounds is prohibited at all Rmes.

StaAonery

At the end of the year, a staRonery list is provided to all students for the following year. Parents are expected to send their children ready for school on the first day of Term 1 with all their required staRonery. The school currently uses OfficeMax for our staRonery packs. Parents are able to buy online or instore at very compeRRve prices. For new people starRng school a staRonery list will be provided. We keep a small amount of staRonery on-‐hand in the office for emergencies only.

Swimming Pool

The school is very lucky to have two swimming pools. Keys are available to the community for purchase in the summer season. These can be obtained from the school office.

Teachers’ MeeAngs

Teachers’ professional learning meeRngs and team meeRngs are held weekly on a Monday & Wednesday from 2:50pm. If you need to meet with teachers please try to make it outside of this Rme.

TransiAon to School

StarRng school can be an exciRng and anxious Rme for all involved, so making sure that you and your child know what is involved when starRng school is really important.

We recommend 2-‐3 class visits before starRng school, generally coming into the classroom for one block of the day. Depending on numbers of children starRng these may be set blocks so that your child gets the most out of their visit. The classroom teacher will let you know when these are scheduled 3-‐4 weeks prior to their starRng date.

http://goo.gl/8KAYCD




Documents

2015 Oroua Downs School Prospectus