Parawera School Administration Information Page

This page containis important information about the setup of Parawera School

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Principals Welcome

I'd like to welcome all new families to the Parawera District, and especially to Parawera School. Parents and caregivers are welcome to visit the school at any time. Just phone the office to arrange a time to visit. Parawera School is proud of the learning opportunities it offers all children, in a safe and caring environment. We value our country traditions and we also put a strong emphasis on being at the forefront of modern curricula and technological progress.

Parawera School - Mission Statement

To create and foster life long learners

The mission statement is taken from the School Charter, the document upon which the running of the school is based.

Parawera School Motto

Kio Toa meaning Be of Brave Heart

School Hours

The school day begins at 9.00am,
Morning break is 10.30am - 10.45am
Lunch break is 12.30 - 1.30
The school day finishes at 3.00pm

The Story of our School

When you approach our school entranceway from the road, you can see Rangi-nui-e-tu-nei, the sky father, represented by the figure on the top of the left pou, or upright. Papa-tua-nuku, the earth mother is represented by the figure on the top of the pou to the right. These two figures represent parenthood. We have Rangi-nui-e-tu-neis close vigil over us from the heavens and papa-tua-nukus care of us here on earth. They both nurture us through their aroha - their love. Taura or rope patterns appear on both uprights, below the maihi, or crossbar. These patterns represent and symbolise our connection with our parents through a physical and spiritual umbilical cord.

The coiled patters, awhiowhio, which also appear on both uprights below the maihi, represent the spirit and the strength of our physical connection with Rangi-nui-e-tu-nei and Papa-tua-nuku through the umbilical cord. Awhiowhio, the coiled patterns on the left upright represent kauwae runga or heavenly knowledge, and the coiled patterns on the right represent kauwae raro, early knowledge. Below these are koru patterns. The koru patterns on the pou facing the road represent children who are yet to come to the school. The koru patters on the pou facing the school represent the past pupils. The present children are here, you are the rangatira, today's leaders.

The figurehead or upoko, which appears above the maihi, or crossbar, represents Rongo-marae-roa the god of peace. Rongo-marae-roa protects the children by providing a safe school where children can learn in a happy and loving environment.

Our school motto appears on the maihi. Kio toa means to be brave. Our children are encouraged to be brave in taking on life's challenges. To have the courage to become well educated through working hard at school and at home.

The three circular spirals on the maihi are also awhiowhio patterns. They represent the three baskets of knowledge. They contain three gifts: tumanako - hope, whakapono - faith and aroha - love. It is important for children to share these three gifts with each other. Three fingers are carved into each side of the maihi. Each finger represents Te Matua, the father, Te Tamaiti, the Son and Te Wairua Tapu, the Holy Spirit.

Description of the School

Parawera School is currently a U1, two teacher contributing primary school, with a roll of 28-40. The school opened in 1902. There are three classrooms, a library, a swimming pool, an adventure playground, large grassed playing fields, and sealed tennis courts. The school also has access to the local Parawera Hall which is adjacent to the school grounds. The school receives strong community support, has an active Board of Trustees and a dedicated permanent teaching staff

Staff

Principal Kathryn Turner
Room 1 teacher Elizabeth Wright
Room 2 teacher Kathryn Turner
Part-time teacher (room 2) Elizabeth Bayley
Secretary Mary Bent
Bus Driver Sharon Buckley
Cleaner Peter Bryant

Learning and Teaching

Parawera School offers learner centres classroom programmes. All children work in motivating environments where their individual learning needs are of paramount importance. We believe that all children need to be happy in their learning environment in order to thrive as life long learners. A positive reinforcement programme is in place to encourage the children, who have the advantage of small class sizes and an excellent pupil/teacher ratio. Classroom teaching is planned to ensure that all children receive a balanced programme in which they are challenged to excel. All childrens learning is monitored and clear records of their progress are kept. The board of Trustees is proactive about funding special help for children in need of extension.

School Bus

Our school has one bus route. All children need to be at their bus stop on time so that there are no delays. If your child is not to be collected in the morning please phone the driver before 7.15am (870 5387). Parents will be informed of any delays. The bus to KihiKihi is subsidised by the board of Trustees and families are charged a fee of $50.00 per child per term for their children to travel on this bus. Accounts are sent out in the 5th week of each term. We request that accounts are paid promptly as there are often more children wanting to travel on the bus than we have space for.

Bus Fees Set By The Ministry Of Education

Children who are ineligible for transport assistance but use the bus to get to school (i.e. they are closer to the nearest school than 3.2km for under 10 year old and 4.8km for over 10 year old, or hop on a bus because it is going past must also pay $50.00 per child per term.

Private Transport

Parents are asked to park well clear of the bus turning area before and after school.

Bus Convenor

If you have any questions about the bus transport, please contact Kathryn Turner.

Communication

The school always welcomes parents, families and community members to share their ideas. We appreciate the knowledge and expertise within our school community and encourage people to share their skills with the children and staff. A school newsletter is sent home fortnightly. We endeavour to keep you well informed of school activities and coming events. We are happy to include local community information in our newsletter. Please feel free to contact us at school should you have any queries. The answer phone is switched on during class time, but we can usually get back to you during our breaks.

Eastern Zone

Our school is part of the Eastern Zone group which includes Arohena, Pukeatua, Puahue, Wharepapa South and Bethel Schools. We combine with these schools for sports and cultural activities.

Absences

Please phone the school or send a message with another child if your child is going to be absent.

School Houses

The school operates a house system. We have three houses, Weka, Tui and Kiwi. House points are allocated for caring for others, responsible behaviour, extra effort, completion of tasks, good sports etc.

School Helpers

Parents and community members who wish to help in our school are very welcome. Some work may include repairing books, reading with children, preparing art, cooking activities etc. If you are keen to help on a regular basis please contact your Childs teacher.

Library

Children are encouraged to borrow books to read at home and at school. Preschoolers and community members are also able to use the library. All children should have a suitable bag to protect school readers and library books as they are carried to and from school. A supermarket bag is sufficient to protect books from leaky drink bottles etc.

Library book return days Room 1 Mondays
Room 2 Tuesdays

Community Organisations

Parawera Hall Society
Dairy Board Discussion Group
Indoor Bowls
Preschool Group
Garden Circle

Neighbourhood Watch / Parawera civil Defence

Please complete the enclosed form if you are new to the district. This allows our records to be kept up to date.

Contact: Raelene Hunter Phone 07 872 7740

School Pool

The school pool is used for instructional swimming during school hours and is available to the community outside school hours. Pool keys can be purchased from school for $30 per season, $5.00 is refunded on return of the key. Key holders are required to sign a code of conduct when purchasing their keys. New pool testing requirements are outlined by the contract.

Pet Day

This is held early in the fourth term. All children are encouraged to participate with their pets. The emphasis is the childrens involvement with their pet. All children are acknowledged for their contribution to the well-being of their pet

Parent - Teacher Action Group

It is necessary for the school to undertake fundraising activities, so that our children can have the resources required for a good education. We have an active, hard working parent-teacher action group who plan interesting activities to encourage everyone to become involved.

Contact: Christopher Kay Phone 07 872 7795

Telecom School Connection

Telecom donates money to the school every month based on the schools number of sponsors. If you would like to sponsor our school, at no cost to you, please complete the form on the back cover of this booklet.

Working Bees

We try to keep our school and grounds in a safe and attractive condition. From time to time we need to have working bees for this type of maintenance. Your contribution will be appreciated.

Social Events

At times during the year the board of trustees arranges a range of social functions to which everyone is invited. These times are an opportunity for the school community to meet and relax together.

Visits

From time to time trips will be arranged. These may include:
¢ Sporting events
¢ Activities related to unit studies
¢ Outdoor education
¢ Fun and relaxation
¢ Annual camp for seniors

We often call on parents and caregivers to assist with transport and are always appreciative of the help we receive.

Religious Education

A local community member comes to school on Fridays to work in three classrooms for 30 minute sessions. Parents and caregivers choose whether children will or will not take part in this programme.

Numberworks

We are fortunate enough to have an arrangement with Numberworks in Hamilton where we travel every Friday for the children to have specialised Maths tuition. On the way home in the afternoon they have swimming lessons at the Event Centre.

Book Club

Scholastic NZ provides a service where children are able to purchase books and computer software. Catalogues are sent home with the children. The school receives bonus points from which books for the library can be obtained.

Reporting to parents

Parents and caregivers are welcome to request an interview with class teachers at any time. Please do not feel that you can only talk to teachers at the set interview times. Pupil profile books will be sent home at the end of each term
Assemblies

Weekly assemblies are held on Thursday mornings at 10.45. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. It is a time when we celebrate successes and share work from our classrooms

School Fees

These are set at $10 per child per term or $15 per term per family. School fees cover the costs of cooking, photocopying and special classroom activities. They also subsidize the cost of attending shows and visiting performers.

Lunches

Lunches are available at school each day except Friday when we go to Numberworks.

Large Pies (mince and cheese) $1.40
Small Pies (mince) $1.00
Sausage Rolls $1.20
Rapperz Calzones $1.30
Yoghurt £1.00
Zap $1.00
Sausage & Bread (Mondays only) £1.00

Medical Information

A list of children with special ailments/allergies is kept at school. We appreciate being informed of these so that children are not put at risk. The school has basic first aid equipment to deal with minor injuries. Where further medical attention is required parents will be contacted. We need current emergency contact phone numbers to cover an event when you yourselves are unable to be contacted. If your child needs medication please fill in the form at the back of this booklet or get one from the school office.

Board of Trustees

The Parawera School B.O.T. consists of elected and co-opted members. Their role is the governance of the school. They meet at school on the third Thursday of each month. The meetings are advertised in the school newsletter and you are welcome to attend. If you have any items for discussion, please submit them for the agenda one week before the meeting.

Current Members

Chairperson - Christopher Kay 872 7795
Secretary - Phyllis Coombe 021 267 8468
Treasurer - Rovina Phillips 872 7867
Personnel - Dianne Nicholls 872 7780
Property - Brent Munce 872 4755
Whanau Support - Dianne Nicholls 872 7780
Staff Rep - Elizabeth Wright
Principal - Kathryn Turner 872 7887

Te Taumata Marae

Our school ties with tangata whenua are maintained through Te Taumata Marae. This valued relationship provides support and enrichment to areas of our curriculum. Annual events include the Poukai held each March, the Annual General Meeting in June, the Childrens Christmas Party and various sports events. The marae also delivers a Kohanga reo programme. Enquiries about marae visits or the use of the marae facilities can be made to the marae committee

Contacts Chairman Mr Trevor Taukiri 07 855 5223
Vice Chairman Mr Ken Heke 07 872 7737

Te Reo Programmes

It is our aim to provide an understanding of the Maori Language and Culture

Whanau/Family Support people from our community are

Robyn Nightingale 07 872 7834
Corinna Heke 025 202 0498

Clothing

Children are expected to wear appropriate clothing for school. During the swimming season they need to bring togs and towels. For PE and sports they need to have clothing that is easy for them to move about in. It is necessary that all clothing is named as the school cannot take responsibility for lost clothing. We encourage the children to take responsibility for their property.

Uniform

Parawera School sports shirts can be ordered through the school. Our children are encouraged to wear these when we attend sporting and cultural activities.

School Photographs

Class and / or individual photos are taken each year. All children and included in the class photos, but parents are under no obligation to purchase them.

Photocopying, Faxing and Laminating

The school has a photocopier, laminator and fax machine which is available to the community. The costs are:

Photocopying 10c per copy
If you wish to do a large number of copies, you will need to contact the school first to ensure you can have access to the machine

Faxing $1 per fax

Laminating $1.50 (per sheet for A4 size)
$2.50 (per sheet for A3 size)