For all prospective enrolments we encourage you and your child to come and take a tour of our wonderful school with our Principal. From here you will receive all of the documentation you need.
A - Z Parent Handbook
St Thomas Aquinas School
1 Church St, Winton
Phone: (03)236 8261
Cell phone: (027) 2368263
office@stthomaswinton.school.nz
www.stthomaswinton.school.nz
Introduction
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Congratulations on choosing St Thomas Aquinas School for your child’s primary learning journey. At St Thomas Aquinas we provide the very best educational programmes and a variety of learning experiences in and out of the classroom. The Catholic faith underpins everything we do at St Thomas Aquinas.
This parent information booklet provides you with helpful information about our school, if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
I look forward working alongside you and sharing in your child’s success.
Kind Regards,
Teresa Jarvis
Special Character of St Thomas Aquinas School
The Special Character of St Thomas Aquinas,’ as defined in the Integration Agreement, is “A Roman Catholic School in which the whole school community, through the general programme and in its religious instructions and observances, exercises the right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ. These values are expressed in the Scriptures and in the practices, worship and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, as determined from time to time by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese”.
At St Thomas Aquinas we aim to:
Mission Statement
Quality Catholic Education
Vision
A supportive environment where we live our faith and celebrate our learning in life.
BELL TIMES
8:30am Children allowed into School (bus children will be earlier)
9.00am Classes begin
11.00-11.25am Interval Time
12:45 pm Lunch
1:45 pm Afternoon classes begin
2:50 pm Children go home
3.00pm Bus departs for Central Southland College
ADMINISTRATION - ORGANISATION
5 Year Old Admission
Children may start school on their fifth birthday.
There are pre-entry visits before the child’s fifth birthday. Your child’s New Entrant Teacher will contact you to arrange the first pre-entry visit.
Please contact the school office, for any other details or to place your child on the Pre-entry list.
Assemblies
These are usually held every second Friday morning at 9.05am. Special Assemblies are also called as required. Each class will take responsibility to host the assembly throughout each term.
Athletics
Students in the middle and senior classes will compete with Winton School. Students who qualify in their events at this meeting then go on to represent us at the Central Zone Sports.
The Central Zone is made up of the following schools – Heddon Bush, Drummond, Wallacetown, Lochiel, Waianiwa, Hillside, Hedgehope, Winton, Dipton, Limehills and St Thomas Aquinas.
The students who qualify at the Central Zone will represent us at the annual Southland Athletics, which is held on a Saturday at Surrey Park in Invercargill in Term 1. Each child will be issued with a red Central top for this event.
Students will receive information specific to each of these events.
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
Click here to view our Behaviour Management Plan
Click here to view our Positive Behaviour Matrix
BUSES
There are currently 11 buses operated by McDermott Coachlines Ltd. These are Drummond/Wallacetown/Forest Hill-Lochiel/Invercargill/Hedgehope/Ohai/Dunearn/Spar Bush-Isla Bank/Dipton/Aparima & Kuana-Lora Gorge.
These buses bring our students to school in the morning. After school, bus children are picked up by one bus which takes them to Central Southland College where the students get onto their respective bus. Bus routes are available from school, on the wikispace, or by phoning McDermotts on (03) 236 7921.
It is extremely important that the school is informed by phoning the office (by 2.30pm) or sending a note if your child is NOT to travel on their bus on a particular day.
CALENDAR
A calendar of key dates is provided on this website. Please refer to this as dates are updated frequently.
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONMENTS
As soon as a decision is made, the cancellation or postponement will be announced over the radio stations. Eg. Sports day, cross country. Stations we use are More FM 89.2, Hokonui Gold 94.8 FM / 91.3 FM and Classic Hits 98.8FM. We also utlise our facebook page.
CELL PHONES
Pupils are not permitted cell phones at school. If they (cell phones) are brought, please hand them in to the office or teacher and they can be picked up by the child at 2:50 pm.
In most cases if people need to get hold of a child messages can be forwarded through the office.
CERTIFICATES
Certificates are awarded for a host of reasons either in class or in School Assembly.
CLOTHING
CONTACTS
Please ensure your contact details are kept up to date at the school. This includes email and mobile numbers.
CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY
Parent’s support and partnership is encouraged.
Opportunities to encourage parents to visit and communicate with the school are fostered.
All cyclists must wear approved helmets. Bikes are kept in the racks by the Church Street end of the school. Pupils are strongly recommended to have them secured with a lock.
DENTAL CLINIC
The school dental service is based at Winton Primary School. Families will receive a phone call from the dental clinic regarding your child’s appointment. Should you have any concerns over your child’s teeth you are able to contact the clinic at any time on 236 7104.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SCHOOL
We are situated in the Central Southland township of Winton with our nearest city being Invercargill approximately 24km away.
As a Special Character school, Christian attitudes and values are emphasised, and supported by the parents and parish community. The 'family' atmosphere at St Thomas Aquinas is a strength of the school, with an emphasis on the development of each individual.
We have a number of features within our school including the many opportunities through sports, the arts, leadership and various competitions and community events. All students from Yrs 0-8 have the opportunity to attend camps, which assist in the development of all of the key competencies.
Our school has a strong emphasis on the provision and use of technology to further enhance the teaching and learning, with all four classes having access to a range of devices to support their learning.
With a skilled and committed Board of Trustees, and Staff, we are able to offer education in a school where a positive learning culture exists and where high standards of achievement are expected and achieved.
We welcome families to come along and see first hand the great school we have and consider becoming a part of our fantastic learning community.
DISCO
The school council and PTA organise an annual disco for juniors and seniors. This at times has a theme.
DUES
The school ‘dues’ are a fee that is discussed with you by the parish priest. This is dealt with by the Dunedin Diocese. In essence the dues pay for the capital works within our school.
DUNEDIN DIOCESE
Our school is part of the Dunedin Diocese whose office is based in Rattray St, Dunedin. The diocese covers all Catholic Schools from Oamaru south.
DUTY
We have a teacher rostered on for playground supervision.
After school a staff member supervises the bus.
OUT OF BOUNDS AREAS
Children are not to play contact games including “play” fighting. If under the direct supervision of an adult they may play such games as rugby.
EMERGENCY/EVACUATION
A fire and earthquake drill is held once a term.
Things to note about a drill:-
Our children are encouraged to assist in keeping their environment clean, tidy and organised.
Children can have areas of responsibility that include: shutting windows, pulling curtains, cleaning the whiteboard - tidying an activity centre, picking up the floor rubbish and tidying the rooms.
END OF YEAR EVENTS
An end of year Mass and supper is held towards the end of the school year. Children are expected to attend in school uniform for this occasion.
ENROLEMENT PROCEDURES
To become an enrolled student at St Thomas Aquinas School, each prospective family must visit Father Hamesh Wyatt (03) 236 8084. If you would like a support person from our school to assist you through this process please let us know and we can arrange a BOT member to get in contact with you. When a child is enrolled at the school, some personal information is required. This involves such aspects as family placement, health background, interests. Such information becomes part of school records and enables teachers to make informed decisions about the child. A school record card is started and relevant academic and health information is entered. This card follows the child through the classes and is sent on to the next school attended. It should be pointed out that any information on the record card is completely confidential to the Principal, Class Teacher, selected official personnel who have to refer to the card - eg, Health Nurse and the parents of the child. Parents have the right to access any records pertaining to their child that the school holds and can amend or correct the record if required.
Note: It is a Ministry of Education requirement that we sight and have a copy of a birth certificate or passport for each child, visa documents and passport for those who have immigrated into NZ and an Immunisation Certificate. A copy of the Immunisation certificate will be retained by the school and details entered into an Immunisation Register.
The certificate shows whether a child is fully immunised or not. If not, it shows which, if any, of the nine diseases the child is protected against. The immunisation certificate must be completed and signed by the doctor or practice nurse.
This immunisation certificate can be found on the back page of the Well Child-Tamariki Ora Health Book given to parents of every child at birth. If the book is lost, parents and caregivers can get another book or separate certificate from their doctor or nurse.
A file on each pupil is created giving personal data regarding addresses, telephone numbers, including emergency contacts. It is most important that this file is kept up to date. Please inform the school, as soon as possible, of any changes in such data. This also applies to business telephone numbers.
EXERCISE BOOKS
The following are guiding principles:
The child is responsible for the quality of work produced in each exercise book. The teacher is responsible to instruct and require a set of standards consistent within the school.
Pupils are not to write on the inside or outside of covers. Books should be labeled with care demonstrating the standard expected to be maintained.
EXIT BOOK
Please sign the book situated at the office if you take your child out during school hours and inform the class teacher.
FOYER AND RECEPTION
Shoulder length hair or longer is required to be tied back for safety reasons and to reduce the likelihood of catching or spreading of head lice.
Dying of children’s hair is discouraged. Unnatural hair colour i.e. Blue or green is not permitted.
Head lice are an ongoing issue for any school. If you become aware your child has lice, please inform the school. A note prepared in the office goes home to each child in the room.
The school has information supplied by the Ministry of Health and helpful advice to assist parents.
HEALTH NURSE
The Public Health Nurse visits the school on a regular basis. Dates of her visits are published in the school newsletter. If you have any queries regarding your child’s health you may make an appointment to see her through the school office.
HIGH VIS VESTS
Each child is allocated a high vis vest when they start school. This is to be worn to and from school and is used on various school excursions. Any damaged or loss of the vest will incur a cost by the family.
HOMEWORK
Homework is something that occurs on a regular basis amongst the classes. This is an opportunity for families to discuss the learning happening at school. The process of your child being organised with their equipment and managing their time to work through the expectations of the class teacher throughout the week fits with the key competency of ‘managing self’. Please ensure that your child’s homework is sighted and signed.
The most important aspect for every child is daily reading and practising basic facts. This is essential as it reinforces the learning that has happened at school for every child.
HOUSES
Each child is placed within a house group when they start at school. Family members are kept within the same houses. The four houses are Mercy (Green), McAuley (Red), Dublin (Yellow) and Catherine (Blue). The four house names are associated with our founders the Sisters of Mercy. Various competitions / events are held during the school year to compete in. House points are available at these events. We encourage our students to dress in their respective colours for some of these. The champion house is presented their trophy at the end of the year Mass.
INSIDE BREAK TIMES
On cold and/or wet days pupils are permitted to remain in their classrooms. Lunch for all students will be held in the foyer area. Children remain seated for the first ten minutes of lunch and are then dismissed by the duty teacher.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC TESTS
Students will have the opportunity to take some of these tests. Tests include Maths and English. These are in years 4-8 and are optional.
INTERNET SAFETY AND USE
We ask that parents sign an internet safety agreement if they wish to have their children use the internet and web while at St Thomas Aquinas School. While the 5 year olds are young to use the web we do encourage its use when the children are able and need safeguards for all when the time is right. We go over the safeguards with the children regularly.
INTERVIEWS WITH STAFF
Please phone the office and arrange an appointment to ensure the person is available.
Staff members welcome any enquiries and appreciate parents' concern and help around the school.
JEWELLERY
The following are the school guidelines relating to the wearing of jewellery for health & safety reasons:-
LIBRARY
Books and materials are classified using a simplified Dewey Decimal System and children are taught to use the various systems as part of their library experience to enable information to be readily found. Each class has weekly library sessions.
A maximum of two books is allowed at any one time.
Parents are strongly encouraged to introduce their children to the Public Library; as such membership gives the child an extra source of books and audio-visual material to enjoy. Senior students have the opportunity to become librarians to assist classes and to run sessions during lunch breaks.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property is stored in a basket near the first aid area in the administration block. Pupils and parents are encouraged to name all clothing. At the end of term lost property is donated to charity.
LUNCH ORDERS
Pupils are not permitted to leave the grounds to purchase food at local shops.
Friday is the day where students are able to order from The Bakery. Students are to leave orders in the mailbox in a clearly named sealed named envelope outside Room 1 by 9:00am. Please ensure the correct amount of money is included.
Sweets and Gum
Sweets/Gum are not permitted at school. Teachers may include sweets as incentives/rewards on special occasions but they try and limit this practice.
EATING OF LUNCHES
Water Bottles
It is recommended that all pupils have their own bottle of fresh water on their desks.
MEDICATION
If a child is to be given prescription drugs during school time parents must fill out an appropriate form. The medication is kept by the school office manager. It is distributed by a designated person, at the appropriate time of the day.
STAFF MEETINGS
Professional development staff meetings are held weekly on Monday at 7:20am. If parents need to meet with a teacher, try to make it outside of this time.
MONEY
When children are required to bring money to school, please place it in an envelope marked with the child's name, room number, amount, and what the money is for. As the school does not carry a lot of money, the correct change or a cheque made out to the school would be appreciated.
NEW FAMILIES
Each new family in Room 1 receives a children’s bible from the school when they begin their time at St Thomas Aquinas School. We encourage families to share the contents of this together at home.
NEWSLETTERS/NOTICES
On Thursday each school week a Newsletter is sent home with the eldest child in each family
From time to time special notes are sent home during the week. Newsletters are also posted on the school website (www.stthomaswinton.school.nz).
When necessary, reminders are posted on the school Facebook Page or text to parents.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in their children’s learning. We invite expressions of interest for parent helpers in rooms, trips, sporting pursuits and Outdoor Education programmes.
Parents are briefed of their expectations and obligations when working alongside children.
Staff welcome the involvement of parents in class and school activities. If you would like to be a parent helper, please discuss with your child’s teacher.
PTA (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION)
We extend a warm welcome to all parents and caregivers of children to our school.
Our aim, as a PTA, is to encourage interaction between parents, teachers and the community.
We are also responsible for some fundraising for specific purposes within our school during the year.
The committee consists of parents who attend the open monthly meetings and the Principal. We welcome as many parents as possible to support these meetings and offer your expertise. Remember everyone is a part of the PTA. We continue to move forward with the expertise and support of all families.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At St Thomas Aquinas we educate children in the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
Reporting to Parents will take the form of
We have access to RTLB teachers. These give advice to parents and teachers of nominated children who have learning or behavioural difficulties.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTS
School accounts are sent home with students towards the end of each term. Prompt payment of these is appreciated. These accounts cover costs such as swimming, touch, performances, stationery, other associated costs with their learning. These accounts can be paid at the school office by cash or cheque or by internet banking.
Our banking details are:
Bank – Westpac
Branch – Winton
Account Number - 03 0960 0079609 00
A separate account is sent to each family from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin for an annual school fee. These are referred to as School Dues.
SCHOOL HOURS
Please note that teaching staff will be available to learners and their parents in their own classes from 8.30am every school day.
We ask that children are not in the school prior to 8.30am as we cannot guarantee care for children prior to this time.
Teaching staff will not be available on Monday morning from 8.15am – 8.30am as this is when we have Monday prayers.
SISTERS OF MERCY
Our school was founded by the Sisters of Mercy.
SPECIAL GROUP EDUCATION
A range of services are available for children with special educational or physical needs. Discuss with the classroom teacher or the Principal if you feel your child may be a deserving candidate.
Special Needs - Pupil Programmes
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
STATIONERY
Stationery will be available to order in November for the following year. It will be available in mid January from Winton Paper Plus. Parents who out source it are requested that all children will have a complete collection of stationery by the same time. A form is available to send home to remind parents of any stationery required during the year. Please ensure all stationery is clearly named and books covered prior to the start of the school year.
SUN HATS
During term 1 and 4 all children are required to wear sunhats for outdoor activities at intervals, lunchtimes and class outdoor activities. The regulation school sunhat can be purchased from The Warehouse in Invercargill.
SWIMMING
For safety and health reasons appropriate swimwear must be worn in the Central Southland College Community Pool and Limehills School pool at all times. Generally this means boys should be wearing swimming shorts/togs and girls swimming togs. This could include one piece swim suits and swimming shorts.
Unsuitable clothing is as follows: Cargo Shorts; Cut-off Jeans; Underwear; T-Shirts
Swimming typically occur in Term 4. The students will be transported by bus to and from the pool.
TAKE HOME READERS
Take home Readers: Pupils in the Junior school will be provided with reading material to take home each night. This is to be a regular routine with few exceptions. A list of these books will be maintained in the reading log. It is expected that parents will be active in listening to their child read. It is intended that the reading material match the child's instructional reading age. (It is noted that children will take home additional books of their own choice to read for pleasure)
TEACHER ONLY DAY
On occassion the school has a teacher only day in which the school is closed as staff attend professional development.
TECHNOLOGY
Our Years 7 & 8 students partake in technology classes at Winton Primary School. This occurs for 1 week (Mon-Thur) per term. There is a cost to families for materials which will be included in the term accounts.
TOUCH RUGBY
Touch is run by Touch Southland. The games are played during Term 1 and 4 on Friday’s after school at the Midlands Rugby Grounds. The draw is available from the Touch Southland website (www.touchsouthland.co.nz). Parents are to provide transport to and from the venue.
TOYS
We discourage children from bringing along expensive toys to play with. The school supplies games, activities and sports equipment for the children to play with.
We find that when children bring along toys tears are usually involved with sharing, lost or broken parts and on occasions they disappear as they are so tempting to others.
VISAS
Migrant families are asked to please ensure up to date copies of visas are provided to the school. These can be photocopied at school.
VHT (Vision Hearing Technician)
The VHT is associated with the hospital and will make visits to the school twice a year. She will send home any referrals for an optician or audiologist.
If there are things you feel could be added to this booklet which would make life easier for a parent, please let me know and it can be considered for the next update.
Teresa Jarvis
Principal
Enjoy your involvement with St Thomas Aquinas School - it is a great place to be.
1 Church St, Winton
Phone: (03)236 8261
Cell phone: (027) 2368263
office@stthomaswinton.school.nz
www.stthomaswinton.school.nz
Introduction
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Congratulations on choosing St Thomas Aquinas School for your child’s primary learning journey. At St Thomas Aquinas we provide the very best educational programmes and a variety of learning experiences in and out of the classroom. The Catholic faith underpins everything we do at St Thomas Aquinas.
This parent information booklet provides you with helpful information about our school, if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
I look forward working alongside you and sharing in your child’s success.
Kind Regards,
Teresa Jarvis
Special Character of St Thomas Aquinas School
The Special Character of St Thomas Aquinas,’ as defined in the Integration Agreement, is “A Roman Catholic School in which the whole school community, through the general programme and in its religious instructions and observances, exercises the right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ. These values are expressed in the Scriptures and in the practices, worship and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, as determined from time to time by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese”.
At St Thomas Aquinas we aim to:
- provide professional quality education for the children of St Thomas Aquinas Parish.
- provide a caring, learning environment at school where Christian Gospel teaching is lived out in the daily lives of our children, parents and friends of the community.
- educate children in the knowledge, beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.
- provide opportunities for our children and the St Thomas’ Parish community to be involved in the celebrating sacramental Church.
- support Parents in passing on Catholic faith and values to their children.
Mission Statement
Quality Catholic Education
Vision
A supportive environment where we live our faith and celebrate our learning in life.
BELL TIMES
8:30am Children allowed into School (bus children will be earlier)
9.00am Classes begin
11.00-11.25am Interval Time
12:45 pm Lunch
1:45 pm Afternoon classes begin
2:50 pm Children go home
3.00pm Bus departs for Central Southland College
ADMINISTRATION - ORGANISATION
5 Year Old Admission
Children may start school on their fifth birthday.
There are pre-entry visits before the child’s fifth birthday. Your child’s New Entrant Teacher will contact you to arrange the first pre-entry visit.
Please contact the school office, for any other details or to place your child on the Pre-entry list.
Assemblies
These are usually held every second Friday morning at 9.05am. Special Assemblies are also called as required. Each class will take responsibility to host the assembly throughout each term.
Athletics
Students in the middle and senior classes will compete with Winton School. Students who qualify in their events at this meeting then go on to represent us at the Central Zone Sports.
The Central Zone is made up of the following schools – Heddon Bush, Drummond, Wallacetown, Lochiel, Waianiwa, Hillside, Hedgehope, Winton, Dipton, Limehills and St Thomas Aquinas.
The students who qualify at the Central Zone will represent us at the annual Southland Athletics, which is held on a Saturday at Surrey Park in Invercargill in Term 1. Each child will be issued with a red Central top for this event.
Students will receive information specific to each of these events.
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
Click here to view our Behaviour Management Plan
Click here to view our Positive Behaviour Matrix
BUSES
There are currently 11 buses operated by McDermott Coachlines Ltd. These are Drummond/Wallacetown/Forest Hill-Lochiel/Invercargill/Hedgehope/Ohai/Dunearn/Spar Bush-Isla Bank/Dipton/Aparima & Kuana-Lora Gorge.
These buses bring our students to school in the morning. After school, bus children are picked up by one bus which takes them to Central Southland College where the students get onto their respective bus. Bus routes are available from school, on the wikispace, or by phoning McDermotts on (03) 236 7921.
It is extremely important that the school is informed by phoning the office (by 2.30pm) or sending a note if your child is NOT to travel on their bus on a particular day.
CALENDAR
A calendar of key dates is provided on this website. Please refer to this as dates are updated frequently.
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONMENTS
As soon as a decision is made, the cancellation or postponement will be announced over the radio stations. Eg. Sports day, cross country. Stations we use are More FM 89.2, Hokonui Gold 94.8 FM / 91.3 FM and Classic Hits 98.8FM. We also utlise our facebook page.
CELL PHONES
Pupils are not permitted cell phones at school. If they (cell phones) are brought, please hand them in to the office or teacher and they can be picked up by the child at 2:50 pm.
In most cases if people need to get hold of a child messages can be forwarded through the office.
CERTIFICATES
Certificates are awarded for a host of reasons either in class or in School Assembly.
CLOTHING
- School hats are compulsory in terms 1 & 4 for all pupils.
- Clothing with offensive logos, pictures or language are not acceptable.
- Pupils are required to wear the St Thomas Aquinas School uniform.
- If a child is representing the school they are to wear the St Thomas Aquinas School Polo shirt.
- Footwear is to match conditions and activities. No footwear is to be worn or taken into classrooms. Please feel free to bring slippers in the colder months.
CONTACTS
Please ensure your contact details are kept up to date at the school. This includes email and mobile numbers.
CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY
Parent’s support and partnership is encouraged.
Opportunities to encourage parents to visit and communicate with the school are fostered.
- A weekly school newsletter is sent home on Thursdays.
- The Parent Teacher Association hold meetings.
- Surveys occur at various times to assist with ascertaining our community needs.
- Information evenings are held to share the children’s learning.
All cyclists must wear approved helmets. Bikes are kept in the racks by the Church Street end of the school. Pupils are strongly recommended to have them secured with a lock.
DENTAL CLINIC
The school dental service is based at Winton Primary School. Families will receive a phone call from the dental clinic regarding your child’s appointment. Should you have any concerns over your child’s teeth you are able to contact the clinic at any time on 236 7104.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SCHOOL
We are situated in the Central Southland township of Winton with our nearest city being Invercargill approximately 24km away.
As a Special Character school, Christian attitudes and values are emphasised, and supported by the parents and parish community. The 'family' atmosphere at St Thomas Aquinas is a strength of the school, with an emphasis on the development of each individual.
We have a number of features within our school including the many opportunities through sports, the arts, leadership and various competitions and community events. All students from Yrs 0-8 have the opportunity to attend camps, which assist in the development of all of the key competencies.
Our school has a strong emphasis on the provision and use of technology to further enhance the teaching and learning, with all four classes having access to a range of devices to support their learning.
With a skilled and committed Board of Trustees, and Staff, we are able to offer education in a school where a positive learning culture exists and where high standards of achievement are expected and achieved.
We welcome families to come along and see first hand the great school we have and consider becoming a part of our fantastic learning community.
DISCO
The school council and PTA organise an annual disco for juniors and seniors. This at times has a theme.
DUES
The school ‘dues’ are a fee that is discussed with you by the parish priest. This is dealt with by the Dunedin Diocese. In essence the dues pay for the capital works within our school.
DUNEDIN DIOCESE
Our school is part of the Dunedin Diocese whose office is based in Rattray St, Dunedin. The diocese covers all Catholic Schools from Oamaru south.
DUTY
We have a teacher rostered on for playground supervision.
After school a staff member supervises the bus.
- All occasions when a child requires first aid attention, beyond minor comfort and abrasion, will be recorded in the Medical Room log.
- All head injuries will be reported to the parent(s).
OUT OF BOUNDS AREAS
- Beyond the fence lines –car park and behind the school.
- Around the church, bike sheds and driveway.
- Between the grass bank and SH6 fence line.
Children are not to play contact games including “play” fighting. If under the direct supervision of an adult they may play such games as rugby.
EMERGENCY/EVACUATION
A fire and earthquake drill is held once a term.
Things to note about a drill:-
- A fire signal is a continuous ringing of the bell.
- An Earthquake signal is an intermittent ringing of the bell.
- Evacuate immediately.
- Close all doors where possible.
- Parents and visitors are expected to report to assemble area in the case of alarms.
- Assembly point is in the middle of the field.
Our children are encouraged to assist in keeping their environment clean, tidy and organised.
Children can have areas of responsibility that include: shutting windows, pulling curtains, cleaning the whiteboard - tidying an activity centre, picking up the floor rubbish and tidying the rooms.
END OF YEAR EVENTS
An end of year Mass and supper is held towards the end of the school year. Children are expected to attend in school uniform for this occasion.
ENROLEMENT PROCEDURES
To become an enrolled student at St Thomas Aquinas School, each prospective family must visit Father Hamesh Wyatt (03) 236 8084. If you would like a support person from our school to assist you through this process please let us know and we can arrange a BOT member to get in contact with you. When a child is enrolled at the school, some personal information is required. This involves such aspects as family placement, health background, interests. Such information becomes part of school records and enables teachers to make informed decisions about the child. A school record card is started and relevant academic and health information is entered. This card follows the child through the classes and is sent on to the next school attended. It should be pointed out that any information on the record card is completely confidential to the Principal, Class Teacher, selected official personnel who have to refer to the card - eg, Health Nurse and the parents of the child. Parents have the right to access any records pertaining to their child that the school holds and can amend or correct the record if required.
Note: It is a Ministry of Education requirement that we sight and have a copy of a birth certificate or passport for each child, visa documents and passport for those who have immigrated into NZ and an Immunisation Certificate. A copy of the Immunisation certificate will be retained by the school and details entered into an Immunisation Register.
The certificate shows whether a child is fully immunised or not. If not, it shows which, if any, of the nine diseases the child is protected against. The immunisation certificate must be completed and signed by the doctor or practice nurse.
This immunisation certificate can be found on the back page of the Well Child-Tamariki Ora Health Book given to parents of every child at birth. If the book is lost, parents and caregivers can get another book or separate certificate from their doctor or nurse.
A file on each pupil is created giving personal data regarding addresses, telephone numbers, including emergency contacts. It is most important that this file is kept up to date. Please inform the school, as soon as possible, of any changes in such data. This also applies to business telephone numbers.
EXERCISE BOOKS
The following are guiding principles:
The child is responsible for the quality of work produced in each exercise book. The teacher is responsible to instruct and require a set of standards consistent within the school.
Pupils are not to write on the inside or outside of covers. Books should be labeled with care demonstrating the standard expected to be maintained.
EXIT BOOK
Please sign the book situated at the office if you take your child out during school hours and inform the class teacher.
FOYER AND RECEPTION
- Parents wishing to see the Principal should make an appointment or report to the school office.
- It is intended that displays and school news/projects be presented for parents and school visitors to enjoy.
Shoulder length hair or longer is required to be tied back for safety reasons and to reduce the likelihood of catching or spreading of head lice.
Dying of children’s hair is discouraged. Unnatural hair colour i.e. Blue or green is not permitted.
Head lice are an ongoing issue for any school. If you become aware your child has lice, please inform the school. A note prepared in the office goes home to each child in the room.
The school has information supplied by the Ministry of Health and helpful advice to assist parents.
HEALTH NURSE
The Public Health Nurse visits the school on a regular basis. Dates of her visits are published in the school newsletter. If you have any queries regarding your child’s health you may make an appointment to see her through the school office.
HIGH VIS VESTS
Each child is allocated a high vis vest when they start school. This is to be worn to and from school and is used on various school excursions. Any damaged or loss of the vest will incur a cost by the family.
HOMEWORK
Homework is something that occurs on a regular basis amongst the classes. This is an opportunity for families to discuss the learning happening at school. The process of your child being organised with their equipment and managing their time to work through the expectations of the class teacher throughout the week fits with the key competency of ‘managing self’. Please ensure that your child’s homework is sighted and signed.
The most important aspect for every child is daily reading and practising basic facts. This is essential as it reinforces the learning that has happened at school for every child.
HOUSES
Each child is placed within a house group when they start at school. Family members are kept within the same houses. The four houses are Mercy (Green), McAuley (Red), Dublin (Yellow) and Catherine (Blue). The four house names are associated with our founders the Sisters of Mercy. Various competitions / events are held during the school year to compete in. House points are available at these events. We encourage our students to dress in their respective colours for some of these. The champion house is presented their trophy at the end of the year Mass.
INSIDE BREAK TIMES
On cold and/or wet days pupils are permitted to remain in their classrooms. Lunch for all students will be held in the foyer area. Children remain seated for the first ten minutes of lunch and are then dismissed by the duty teacher.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC TESTS
Students will have the opportunity to take some of these tests. Tests include Maths and English. These are in years 4-8 and are optional.
INTERNET SAFETY AND USE
We ask that parents sign an internet safety agreement if they wish to have their children use the internet and web while at St Thomas Aquinas School. While the 5 year olds are young to use the web we do encourage its use when the children are able and need safeguards for all when the time is right. We go over the safeguards with the children regularly.
INTERVIEWS WITH STAFF
Please phone the office and arrange an appointment to ensure the person is available.
Staff members welcome any enquiries and appreciate parents' concern and help around the school.
JEWELLERY
The following are the school guidelines relating to the wearing of jewellery for health & safety reasons:-
- No facial piercing
- One small stud (or keeper) is acceptable per ear. (Silver, green or gold)
- Dangly earrings, rings and other adornments that may be a danger to themselves or other children will not be permitted.
LIBRARY
Books and materials are classified using a simplified Dewey Decimal System and children are taught to use the various systems as part of their library experience to enable information to be readily found. Each class has weekly library sessions.
A maximum of two books is allowed at any one time.
Parents are strongly encouraged to introduce their children to the Public Library; as such membership gives the child an extra source of books and audio-visual material to enjoy. Senior students have the opportunity to become librarians to assist classes and to run sessions during lunch breaks.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property is stored in a basket near the first aid area in the administration block. Pupils and parents are encouraged to name all clothing. At the end of term lost property is donated to charity.
LUNCH ORDERS
Pupils are not permitted to leave the grounds to purchase food at local shops.
Friday is the day where students are able to order from The Bakery. Students are to leave orders in the mailbox in a clearly named sealed named envelope outside Room 1 by 9:00am. Please ensure the correct amount of money is included.
Sweets and Gum
Sweets/Gum are not permitted at school. Teachers may include sweets as incentives/rewards on special occasions but they try and limit this practice.
EATING OF LUNCHES
- Duty staff will release pupils as they see fit.
- Eating of lunch is ultimately the responsibility of the child.
Water Bottles
It is recommended that all pupils have their own bottle of fresh water on their desks.
MEDICATION
If a child is to be given prescription drugs during school time parents must fill out an appropriate form. The medication is kept by the school office manager. It is distributed by a designated person, at the appropriate time of the day.
STAFF MEETINGS
Professional development staff meetings are held weekly on Monday at 7:20am. If parents need to meet with a teacher, try to make it outside of this time.
MONEY
When children are required to bring money to school, please place it in an envelope marked with the child's name, room number, amount, and what the money is for. As the school does not carry a lot of money, the correct change or a cheque made out to the school would be appreciated.
NEW FAMILIES
Each new family in Room 1 receives a children’s bible from the school when they begin their time at St Thomas Aquinas School. We encourage families to share the contents of this together at home.
NEWSLETTERS/NOTICES
On Thursday each school week a Newsletter is sent home with the eldest child in each family
From time to time special notes are sent home during the week. Newsletters are also posted on the school website (www.stthomaswinton.school.nz).
When necessary, reminders are posted on the school Facebook Page or text to parents.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in their children’s learning. We invite expressions of interest for parent helpers in rooms, trips, sporting pursuits and Outdoor Education programmes.
Parents are briefed of their expectations and obligations when working alongside children.
Staff welcome the involvement of parents in class and school activities. If you would like to be a parent helper, please discuss with your child’s teacher.
PTA (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION)
We extend a warm welcome to all parents and caregivers of children to our school.
Our aim, as a PTA, is to encourage interaction between parents, teachers and the community.
We are also responsible for some fundraising for specific purposes within our school during the year.
The committee consists of parents who attend the open monthly meetings and the Principal. We welcome as many parents as possible to support these meetings and offer your expertise. Remember everyone is a part of the PTA. We continue to move forward with the expertise and support of all families.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At St Thomas Aquinas we educate children in the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
- To endeavour to make the Gospel values part of each child's life.
- To be part of the celebrating Church community.
- To help foster a close personal relationship with God.
- The whole school attends Prayers on Monday mornings which are held in the hall. These are led by each class.
- Each class will use the N2 Religious Education programme.
- Time will be allotted for formal RE lessons in accordance with diocesan guidlines.
- Teachers will endeavour to encourage children to develop a spirit of prayer.
- Regular school and classes Masses will be scheduled throughout each term.
- The school will support the Sacramental Programmes and other Parish celebrations.
Reporting to Parents will take the form of
- A goal setting interview between Teacher – Student – Parents in Term 1
- Learner Conferences at the end of Term 2 – this is an opportunity for students to discuss their learning. This included a mid year data sheet.
- Year 0-3 students will be reported to and receive data sheets to show children’s progress on their half and full birthday anniversaries. Please note Year 0-3 students will only be reported on at these times and receive an end of year report.
- A written report at the end of term four.
We have access to RTLB teachers. These give advice to parents and teachers of nominated children who have learning or behavioural difficulties.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTS
School accounts are sent home with students towards the end of each term. Prompt payment of these is appreciated. These accounts cover costs such as swimming, touch, performances, stationery, other associated costs with their learning. These accounts can be paid at the school office by cash or cheque or by internet banking.
Our banking details are:
Bank – Westpac
Branch – Winton
Account Number - 03 0960 0079609 00
A separate account is sent to each family from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin for an annual school fee. These are referred to as School Dues.
SCHOOL HOURS
Please note that teaching staff will be available to learners and their parents in their own classes from 8.30am every school day.
We ask that children are not in the school prior to 8.30am as we cannot guarantee care for children prior to this time.
Teaching staff will not be available on Monday morning from 8.15am – 8.30am as this is when we have Monday prayers.
SISTERS OF MERCY
Our school was founded by the Sisters of Mercy.
SPECIAL GROUP EDUCATION
A range of services are available for children with special educational or physical needs. Discuss with the classroom teacher or the Principal if you feel your child may be a deserving candidate.
Special Needs - Pupil Programmes
- Children who need Extension or Remedial work
- Pupils who need develop strategies in terms of their behaviour
- Pupils who need opportunities relating to their special interests and abilities
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
- Pupils not participating in sport activities are expected to have a note from home or have had a parent contact the school. This also includes swimming.
- Appropriate clothing is expected. Pupils representing the school will be expected to have a school polo shirt.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in school sports. Typically sports offered are – touch rugby, tennis, basketball. Generally a staff member takes responsibility to oversee the organisation of the sport but parents are encouraged to coach and manage the teams.
STATIONERY
Stationery will be available to order in November for the following year. It will be available in mid January from Winton Paper Plus. Parents who out source it are requested that all children will have a complete collection of stationery by the same time. A form is available to send home to remind parents of any stationery required during the year. Please ensure all stationery is clearly named and books covered prior to the start of the school year.
SUN HATS
During term 1 and 4 all children are required to wear sunhats for outdoor activities at intervals, lunchtimes and class outdoor activities. The regulation school sunhat can be purchased from The Warehouse in Invercargill.
SWIMMING
For safety and health reasons appropriate swimwear must be worn in the Central Southland College Community Pool and Limehills School pool at all times. Generally this means boys should be wearing swimming shorts/togs and girls swimming togs. This could include one piece swim suits and swimming shorts.
Unsuitable clothing is as follows: Cargo Shorts; Cut-off Jeans; Underwear; T-Shirts
Swimming typically occur in Term 4. The students will be transported by bus to and from the pool.
TAKE HOME READERS
Take home Readers: Pupils in the Junior school will be provided with reading material to take home each night. This is to be a regular routine with few exceptions. A list of these books will be maintained in the reading log. It is expected that parents will be active in listening to their child read. It is intended that the reading material match the child's instructional reading age. (It is noted that children will take home additional books of their own choice to read for pleasure)
TEACHER ONLY DAY
On occassion the school has a teacher only day in which the school is closed as staff attend professional development.
TECHNOLOGY
Our Years 7 & 8 students partake in technology classes at Winton Primary School. This occurs for 1 week (Mon-Thur) per term. There is a cost to families for materials which will be included in the term accounts.
TOUCH RUGBY
Touch is run by Touch Southland. The games are played during Term 1 and 4 on Friday’s after school at the Midlands Rugby Grounds. The draw is available from the Touch Southland website (www.touchsouthland.co.nz). Parents are to provide transport to and from the venue.
TOYS
We discourage children from bringing along expensive toys to play with. The school supplies games, activities and sports equipment for the children to play with.
We find that when children bring along toys tears are usually involved with sharing, lost or broken parts and on occasions they disappear as they are so tempting to others.
VISAS
Migrant families are asked to please ensure up to date copies of visas are provided to the school. These can be photocopied at school.
VHT (Vision Hearing Technician)
The VHT is associated with the hospital and will make visits to the school twice a year. She will send home any referrals for an optician or audiologist.
If there are things you feel could be added to this booklet which would make life easier for a parent, please let me know and it can be considered for the next update.
Teresa Jarvis
Principal
Enjoy your involvement with St Thomas Aquinas School - it is a great place to be.