Absences:
We now have to follow-up on any unexplained absences from school on the day of the absence. If your child is absent for any reason, please phone the school and leave a message, e-mail office@geps.school.nz or text 021 610 364 with an explanation of the absence. All unexplained absences will be recorded as Truancy. We work with the Improving School Attendance Programme.
Accidents:
Minor accidents are treated in the school medical room, but parents are contacted if the accident is of a more serious nature. It is important that the school has up-to-date contact information.
If parents/caregivers can not be contacted and the school deems that the child needs urgent attention the school will either phone for an ambulance or take the child to an emergency health centre.
After School arrangements:
Children are encouraged to go straight home after school. Any arrangements to go to friend’s houses after school should be made with friends and parents before school.
After school Care:
We have reliable on site after school care. For more information contact Paula Ioapo 827 8550 or 021 802 509 or paulaioapo@ihug.co.nz
Assemblies:
Our whole school assembly is usually held on Friday at 9am in the hall. These assemblies are a celebration of life at our school largely run by the pupils. Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend these assemblies.
Team assemblies are also held weekly. Teachers will let parents know if there is something special happening so that they can attend.
Beginning of the Year:
Children are told at the end of the year their classroom number and teacher so they go straight to class and begin learning from 9am Day 1.
Bicycles:
We do not encourage children to ride bikes to school because our school is surrounded by very busy roads and a railway line.
Board of Trustees:
The Board of Trustees is elected by the school community to govern the school. The dates of its meetings, which are open to parents/caregivers, are notified through our school newsletters and are also posted on the office window. Minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings, and copies of the School Charter and School Policies are always available to parents/caregivers at the school office.
Canteen:
The canteen is run from the school hall and provides a healthy variety of food snacks and lunches. Orders should be made before school.
Class Organisation:
The school is divided into four teams:
- Pukeko team, year 1
- Kiwi team, years 1 and 2
- Takahe team, years 3 and 4
- Tui team, years 4, 5 and 6
Each team is led by a team leader:
- Pukeko team leader: Miss Kathryn Arbon
- Kiwi team leader: Miss Delwyn Day
- Takahe team: Miss Ngaire Williams
- Tui team leader: Miss Heather Dellow
- Mrs Debbie McLarin is in charge of our Library and ESOL programme.
Clothing:
We do not have a uniform. Children should come to school dressed in sensible clothes for classroom and playground activities. Children should bring spare clothing for winter sport activities. Please label all clothing clearly.
Consultation Groups:
We have established Maori & Samoan consultation groups of parents and other interested people. Please contact the Principal if you are interested in the work of these groups.
Culture Groups:
We are a multi cultural school with many opportunities for performances. We have an established Kapa Haka group and also have a range of other groups including Samoan, Cook Island and Indian groups.
Curriculum:
Our teachers provide exciting teaching and learning experiences in all of the seven learning areas of the National Curriculum: Science, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, The Arts, Health and Physical Education and Technology. They are also committed to their responsibility to teach Taha Maori. We are excited by the opportunities afforded by the draft curriculum which allows for flexibility for thinking and research skills across the curriculum. Our priority remains on the teaching and learning opportunities in literacy and numeracy. The GEPS curriculum is based on the New Zealand curriculum and is available in draft form to any interested people.
Cybersafety:
The school has a filter as part of its computer system which stops children from accessing anything on the Internet that would be harmful, unpleasant or unsafe for them. However, if children should see anything on screen that they know they should not be looking at we ask them to immediately turn off the screen and ask a staff member for help.Children are expected to use all electronic equipment, including computers, appropriately at all times.
Dental Therapist:
The school has its own Dental Clinic and the dental therapist is available for a period at the school once a year. Children are seen for treatment in school time. Appointments can be made for school age or pre-school age children by phoning 818 6657 or 839 0565.
Donations:
We ask each family to pay a school donation of $70.00 per child or $120 for two or more children, annually to subsidise the Operations Grant from the Government. We urge you to pay this donation which we assure you will be put to good use, buying extra resources and equipment for the benefit of your children.
Education Outside the Classroom:
Team and class trips and camps play a very important part in the school programmes. There will often be a charge for these activities. Parents are always needed to help with trips and camps. Please let the class teacher know if you are willing to help. On most trips it is not possible to accommodate pre-school children.
Emergency Procedures:
The school practises emergency procedures, in particular fire drill, each term, so that in the unlikely event of a fire or earthquake, the children and staff know what to do. We would encourage families to work out similar emergency procedures for the family when at home.
English as a Second Language Programme:
We are enriched by being a multi-cultural school. We have approximately 10% of students who are ESOL students. We get funding from the Ministry of Education to help these students to learn English.
Enrolments of Pupils:
Pre-school children may be enrolled before their fifth birthday. You can pick up an enrolment pack from the office. If you have any questions the office staff can help you. The school must photocopy the child’s Birth Certificate or other official documentation showing the name and age of the child, and also an Immunisation Certificate needs to be sighted if you have one. Visits to the school for the new entrant to become familiar with the school surroundings are Wednesday afternoon’s 1:30 – 2:30pm See flier for more details. You will need to stay with your child.
When we enrol students directly from overseas we need to sight their passports or other documentation showing that they are legally in New Zealand and to establish their eligibility for free education.
We have an enrolment Scheme which means that each year a cut off date will advertised in the local paper for Out of Zone enrolments. Depending on the roll at the time the Board of Trustees will make a decision to see if we can accept any Out of Zone enrolments.
Environmental Education:
Environmental education is very important to Glen Eden Primary. Miss Julian is our environmental education co-coordinator. Please contact her if you are interested in environmental education.
Friends of Glen Eden School Committee:
This committee is a very hard working group of parents and supporters, supported by the Board of Trustees and staff. The committee meets twice a term and is always looking for new members who are prepared to help the school in a variety of ways. Contact the office if you are interested in joining.
Group Special Education Services:
Through our Special Needs Committee we access help from the Group Special Education Services for children with speech, hearing, severe behaviour and learning problems.
Hall:
Our hall is a wonderful facility. The school hall is used by pupils throughout the week for school activities. The Board of Trustees hires out the hall in the evenings and the weekends. Please contact the school office if you wish to hire the hall. There is a no smoking, no alcohol policy in place for groups wishing to use the hall.
Health and Safety:
Please let us know if your child has any medical condition which will affect their learning or their general health. Generally you will have indicated this on the enrolment form but if anything else becomes evident please let us know, so that we can keep your child safe. If your child needs medication at school, please see Mrs Williams in the office.
Please leave accurate up to date records of caregivers name, address, phone number etc with the office.
Health Nurse:
Our Health Nurse visits the school regularly. Hearing and Vision testing is carried out regularly and parents are advised if there is a problem.
Homework:
We think that homework is important, not just for its own sake but as a means for parents and children to share with each other what is happening at school. Teachers will advise of what is expected at each level. Homework should never become a cause for arguments in the home. It should be a positive, sharing experience.
Hours:
School starts at 9am and finishes at 3pm. Children are welcome at school from 8.30am. No children should arrive at school before 8.15am. Lunch is from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
Children should be in After School Care if you cannot pick them up before 3.30pm.
Intermediate Schools:
Most of our year six children go to Kelston Intermediate School or Glen Eden Intermediate School. These schools are very welcoming and keep in close contact with our staff in order to place the children in the most suitable class at Intermediate. Please see our Deputy Principal, Miss Soljan, if you have any concerns about your child’s transition to Intermediate.
Late Book:
Children who arrive at school after 9am are asked to sign the late book in the office. Consistent lateness will be followed up as it is important that children arrive before 9am to set themselves up for the day.
Leaving the School Grounds:
Children are not to leave the school grounds for any reason during the school day unless parents request them to do so in writing or in person. Parents are not to take children away from school during the day unless the class teacher or office has been informed.
Library / Research Centre:
Our library/research centre is a wonderful resource. It is a well stocked, exciting place to be. Not only do children use the research centre in class time, but it is a vibrant place at lunchtime.
Lost Property:
Lost property collected during the term is held in the front of the old boiler room in the car park. We make every effort to return clothing to owners, but this is very difficult if clothing is not named. Please name all personal property.
Newsletters:
We send home a newsletter every Tuesday to let parents know what is happening in the school. It would be great if you could read the newsletter through with your child and discuss items with them.
Money:
Wherever possible please pay for your child’s trips in the classrooms.
Parent Concerns:
Please let the school know as soon as possible if you have any concerns. Make an appointment with teachers, Senior Staff or the Principal and together we can work through any problems.
Parent Help:
The school welcomes parent help in a variety of ways.
Just ask the class teacher how you can best help. Some ideas are:
- Parent help with classroom programme
- Help with school trips, camps etc
- Library assistance
- Coaching of school sports teams
- Working bees
- Joining Friends of Glen Eden
- Reading Tutors
Parking:
Short term parking is available outside the school gate. For the safety of our children parents are asked not to enter the school grounds (unless arrangements have been made with the Principal for children with special needs) or use the staff car park entry as a turning bay. Staff parking is for school staff. Our children’s safety is our paramount consideration. Please be aware that Council parking wardens are often outside the school gates issuing tickets.
Pedestrian Crossings:
These are patrolled by Mrs Thorby between 8.20am – 8.45am and a walking school bus leaves our school shortly after 3pm with driver Mrs Rayner. The walking school bus travels between the school and Glen Eden township.
Photographs:
These are taken twice a year, usually class photos in March and individual / family photos in September/October. There is no obligation to buy.
Reporting to Parents:
We have a ‘meet the teacher’ event in February.Formal written reports are prepared in June and in October. Student led conferences are held in August.
Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB):
Specially trained teacher of learning and behaviour are available to work with children. Generally referrals for a child to work with the RTLB will come from the class teacher, but if parents have a particular concern, they should request an assessment through Miss Soljan.
Rubbish:
We encourage the children to take home their rubbish in their lunchboxes to keep our school litter free.
Safety of Students:
Your child’s safety is our prime concern. We therefore strongly promote zero tolerance to violence and bullying in our school. Glen Eden Primary School is generally a safe place to be. This means that no one person has the right to intimidate any person in any way. It also means that it is “okay to tell” if you are being bullied. Assemblies, newsletters, class lessons and parent meetings will enforce this message.
Social Workers in Schools:
We are part of this exciting innovation. Our social worker Kelly McGrath is available at least one day a week, usually Wednesday. Referrals are from the staff, parents or from children themselves. The social worker in schools is a non-statutory social worker. Kelly is here to help families in a variety of ways.
Stationery:
Children are given stationery lists at the end of each year by their class teachers. The School no longer sells stationery at the beginning of the year. Please purchase stationery during the school holidays.
Sports:
Children are encouraged to become involved in one or more sports. We have Saturday morning netball at Te Pai netball courts. Teachers coach a variety of sports including hockey, gymnastics, rugby, soccer, flippa-ball, swimming, cross-country and athletics. Miss Kirk is our Sports Coordinator.
Swimming:
Swimming is an important part of our physical education programme. We are fortunate to have a beautiful pool which is well maintained. All children are expected to take part in the swimming programme, non participation must be explained by a note from the child’s parent/caregiver. Please name all swimming gear.
Talent Development:
For the last three years we have been involved in a Ministry of Education funded talent Development Initiative, Our Deputy Principal Miss Soljan will continue to develop the programme this year.
Trips:
Trips and Outdoor Education are an integral part of the school programme and we encourage all children to take part in any out of school activity. Most of these trips cost money. Please let us know if payment is a problem because we can often help out.
Twin Streams:
We host the Glen Eden Twin Streams co-ordinator in our school and give absolute support to the project. Teremoana Jones is the GETW co-ordinator. If you are interested in the programme please contact the school office.
Valuables:
Children should not bring valuables to school. By this, we mean, toys, jewellery, collectables, expensive clothing, anything that is ‘valuable’ to your child.
Visitors Book:
All visitors are asked to report to the office and sign the visitor’s book. Parents who regularly drop off and collect are not expected to report to the office.
