ST. BENEDICT'S SCHOOL HANDBOOK · St. Benedict's School is a Roman Catholic school for boys and...
Transcript of ST. BENEDICT'S SCHOOL HANDBOOK · St. Benedict's School is a Roman Catholic school for boys and...
ST. BENEDICT'S SCHOOL
HANDBOOK
_____________________ 50 Nicholson Road, Khandallah, Wellington 6035
Telephone: 04 479 6878 Fax: 04 479 3879
Absentee Telephone: 04 939 3878
Email: [email protected]
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SCHOOL MOTTO
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a challenging, co-operative, supportive environment which
incorporates Roman Catholic ideals, attitudes and practices where children,
teachers, parents and community work together to continue the full
development of the child in learning for life.
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WELCOME TO ST BENEDICT’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
We welcome you to our school and hope you will have a happy time with us.
St. Benedict's School is a Roman Catholic school for boys and girls from Year 1 -
Year 8. We have 11 classrooms accommodating 240-270 children over the school year.
St. Benedict's School was integrated into the State system in April 1981, and we all work
together to maintain our ‘Special Character’ within that system.
Dates for 2015 3
rd February School begins
2nd April Term 1 ends
20th
April Term 2 begins
3rd July Term 2 ends
20th July Term 3 begins
25th
September Term 3 ends
12th
October Term 4 begins
16th
December School closes
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STAFF LIST Principal Mr David Lamont
Deputy Principal Mrs Cheryl Taylor
Director of Religious Studies Miss Elizabeth Borkin
Junior Syndicate Leader Mrs Anne Minto
Middle Syndicate Leader Ms Rachael Bolger
Classrooms Mrs Anne Minto
Mrs Sarah Wood
Mrs Fiona Barnett
Miss Gillian Higgins
Miss Davinia Penman
Mr Jim McGurk
Miss Elizabeth Borkin
Mrs Cheryl Taylor
Ms Rachael Bolger
Mr Paul Cunningham
Ms Fiona Bolger
Support Teacher Ms Pauline Rodgers
Part-time Teachers & Rhiannon Cameron
Librarian Mrs Penny Bull
Reading Recovery Teacher Ms Juliet Smith
Teacher Aides Ms Leanne Koeck & Mrs Penny Bull
Music Teacher Mrs Rhiannon Cameron
Finance Administrator Mrs Emma McCallum
Secretary Ms Coralie Wilkinson
Caretaker Mr Sokry Slayman
After School Care Supervisor Ms Tracey Page
Assistants Mrs Laurel Ferguson, Ms Leanne Koeck &
Mrs Emma McCallum
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Essentially the Board is responsible, in consultation with the Principal and staff, for
setting the direction of the school and meeting various legal and statutory requirements.
It specifically includes responsibility for implementing the School Charter, carrying out
ground and building maintenance and improvements, setting and reviewing goals (as in
the five year strategic plan) and policies, and assessing performance in relation to these,
and budget planning and control.
The Board works with specialist sub-committees covering Finance & Works, Personnel,
Communications, Education and Policy, Fundraising (HOK) and Information
Communication Technology. These committees meet once a month and report back to
the main BOT meeting. These meeting provide an excellent opportunity for parents to
become involved as they provide an important forum for discussing school issues and in
organising fundraising.
The Board of Trustee members are elected for a 3 year term at 18 month intervals.
The Board of Trustees meets on the third Wednesday of the month, at 7.30pm in the
school library.
Principal Mr David Lamont
Board Chairperson Mr Shane Dinnan
Teachers Representative Ms Fiona Bolger
Proprietors Representatives Mr John Tulloch
Mrs Vera Sullivan
Father Doug Shepherd
Parent Representatives Mr Sanjiv Jetly
Mr Richard Uerata-Jennings
Mr Shayne Nahu
Minutes of these meetings are made available from the office.
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The A-Z of St. Benedict’s
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A ABSENCES
If your child is unable to attend school through illness or another reason please telephone
our School Absence Line - 939-3878 or fax us on 479 3879 - before 8.50am and leave a
message. Any child absent without a message will be checked up on.
Appointments, such as doctor or dentist, should be notified in advance by a note to the
class teacher or email the school on [email protected]
ACTIVITY FEES Activity fees are charged to fund class activities requiring additional payments, i.e.
outings, performances, school visitors, etc. An account for these is issued at the
beginning of each year.
AFTERSCHOOL CARE On site After School Care is available from 2.50-6pm with afternoon tea provided.
Further information and enrolment forms are available from the school office.
ASSEMBLY A full school assembly is held in the Library every Monday at 11am. Classes take turns
at organising assemblies each week. Parents are welcome to join us.
ATTENDANCE FEES Attendance Fees are charged direct to parents by the Catholic Education Management
Board to cover administration and other related costs. St. Benedict's School does not
invoice or collect these fees.
No child will be deprived of a Catholic Education because parents cannot afford fees. If
parents have financial difficulties please discuss this with your Parish Priest.
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B BELL TIME
8.30am Classrooms open for students
8.50am Classes commence
10.30am Morning tea interval commences
11.00am Morning tea interval ends
12.45pm Lunchtime commences
1.30pm Lunchtime ends
2.50pm School finishes
BICYCLES
Children are welcome to bring bicycles to school but they must walk them up and down
the drive. We recommend that bicycles are parked in the rack provided. This will
minimise any risk of interference.
BOOK CLUB
Orders for the Scholastic New Zealand book club are taken approximately 6 times per
year. Books available cover age groups from 5 to 14 years. Order forms are sent home
with all children - money and orders should be returned, in clearly marked envelopes, to
the school office.
BUSES Buses leave from the Everest Street bus stop nearest the school at:- 2.55pm - for pupils
travelling to Broadmeadows, and 3pm - for pupils travelling to Ngaio.
C CARETAKER
The Caretaker, Mr Slayman, is at school from 8.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.
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CARPARKING There is absolutely no parking in the school grounds at any time, except in cases of
emergency.
Cars must park in the roads below the school. Please do not park on yellow lines or over
drive ways as you do risk having your car towed away.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS Should any of your contact details change, i.e. address, home or work phone numbers,
please advise the school, in writing, as soon as possible. It is essential for safety and
health reasons that we can contact a child’s caregiver at all times.
CHARITIES AND WORTHY CAUSES St. Benedict's support various worthy causes during the year. This may vary from year to
year but has included a sponsored child, Alan Duff’s Books in Homes Kosovo, Caratas
and the Cancer Society.
CHOIR The school choir is voluntary for all pupils in years 4-8. They practice for approximately
45 minutes each week. Every opportunity is taken to participate in outside performances,
for example - Artsplash, World Vision, Music Festival, etc.
CLASSROOM ORGANISATION St. Benedict's is a full primary school catering for children from 5-13 years of age. Our
classes for the next year are advised through the school newsletter and on your child’s
school report.
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CLASS TRIPS Class trips form an important part of our education curriculum. Parents are requested to
complete a permission slip at the start of school year allowing pupils to participate in
these educational visits within the greater Wellington area. Full details on where and
when are provided in writing before each trip. Costs are generally included in the activity
fees. Our “Education Outside the Classroom” policy specifically requires further
permission should the destination be near water or involve water based activity.
COMPUTERS Most classes have 3-4 computers.
The library is fully computerised.
St. Benedict's has an active technology committee dedicated to ensuring computer
equipment is regularly updated and that our teachers are up-skilled in their computer
knowledge and skills.
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D DENTAL CLINIC
All pupils are enrolled at the local clinic and receive yearly treatment. Notice is given of
visits in advance should parents wish to attend. Parents are given the option of taking
their children to private dentists.
DOGS For health reasons the school has a ‘No Dogs’ policy on school property. This applies to
both members of the school community and the outside community. Anyone seen
walking their dogs on the school property should be reported to the office.
DONATIONS A yearly request for a voluntary donation is made to all families. Unfortunately the
government's operating grant does not cover all the necessary expenses and therefore the
school is reliant on fundraising and community donations. This is voluntary and it is tax
deductible.
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DRAMA Extracurricular classes for both Speech and Drama are available from specialist teachers
outside of school hours at times arranged individually by parents. Payment for these
lessons is to be arranged between the specialist teacher and parents.
E EDUCATION IN FAITH
The Religious Education programme is used with Years 0-8. This programme is
provided by the Catholic Primary Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.
EFTPOS Available for school purchases, donations, and school fees.
EMERGENCY DRILL Teachers take Earthquake and fire drills with their classes at least once a term.
A CONTINUOUS BELL is the emergency signal.
PLEASE NOTE - IT IS IMPORTANT PARENTS ENSURE THEIR ADDRESS AND
CONTACT DETAILS ARE KEPT UP TO DATE AT ALL TIMES.
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F FIRST AID - ILLNESS & ACCIDENT
Children with minor playground injuries are attended to in the playground or in the sick
bay, situated opposite the office, by the First Aid teacher. If a child is sick and in
emergencies, a staff member will contact parents at home or work. A doctor or hospital
may be called immediately.
AGAIN - IT IS IMPORTANT PARENTS ENSURE THEIR ADDRESS AND
CONTACT DETAILS ARE KEPT UP TO DATE AT ALL TIMES.
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FUNDRAISING The provision of adequate funds to ensure consistent, high quality educational
opportunities for our children is one of the most important functions of the Board of
Trustees through its fundraising committee - HOK (Help Our Kids). HOK’s success
depends on ongoing co-operation from the school community whether through support of
fundraising ventures or as active members on the committee. New members are always
welcome and it’s a great way to get involved in your child’s school activities.
G GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS
We take pride in our school grounds and buildings. Each class is rostered for their turn to
keep the playground clean and tidy, but we expect each and every individual to do their
bit.
The school is protected by a monitored security system outside school hours.
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H HATS
No Hat - No Play!
Wearing hats when playing outside in Summer is compulsory. Any child without a hat
has to sit in the shade on benches outside Rooms 3 and 4 for the entire morning tea and
lunch breaks.
HOMEWORK Our Homework Guidelines state that each teacher is responsible for setting homework
which should reflect current work in the classroom. Homework time is as follows:
Junior School - no more than 15 minutes per day (this is usually an opportunity to share
new skills with parents
Middle School - normally 4 nights a week and covers a wide range of subjects
Senior School - also normally 4 nights a week but no more than 1 hour a night.
If a child is unable to complete set homework for any reason, a note from the parents is
always appreciated.
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L LIBRARY
St. Benedict's is very proud of our modern, well stocked and computerised library. Our
Librarian has assistance from parent librarians every morning Tuesday to Friday, and all
classes have regular times for library programmes and book exchanges. Volunteers are
often sought for a range of tasks. Families are asked to ensure all library books are
returned by their due dates and that all books are treated with care.
LOST PROPERTY All lost property is stored in the end window seat outside Rooms 4 & 5. You will be
advised when unclaimed items are displayed for collection. PLEASE ENSURE THAT
ALL YOUR CHILD’S PROPERTY IS CLEARLY NAMED.
LUNCHES Lunches are eaten outside (dependent on weather) in specifically designated areas under
supervision from the class teacher until 12.45pm. Children are not permitted to leave the
school grounds at lunchtime without a parent accompanying them. It is each child’s
responsibility to clear up their rubbish and scraps.
We encourage healthy eating and drinking and request drinks are not provided in glass
bottles as a safety precaution.
Children can buy lunches at school every Thursday and Sushi every Tuesday. A
comprehensive menu is provided for ordering and prices.
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M MEDICATION
The school must be advised of any children with special medication requirements and
suitable arrangements put in place.
MONEY TO SCHOOL Please send any money (preferably cheques) to school in an envelope with your child’s
name, room number, what it’s for, and the amount clearly marked on the outside. There
is a post slot at the office for children to place envelopes in. We strongly discourage
parents sending large amounts of cash.
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MUSIC St. Benedict's offer group keyboard lessons as an extra curricular extension. These are
voluntary and are held by a trained teacher from The Music Academy during the school
day in the library resource room.
If your child has private music lessons please ensure these are outside school time.
N NEWSLETTERS/NOTICES
The school newsletter is emailed out every Tuesday. This carries important information
so if it doesn’t arrive please ring the office for a copy. If you want to put any school
related items in the newsletter the deadline is 12 noon, Monday.
Children may bring home class notices at other times. If there is a reply slip, please make
sure you fill it out and return it as soon as possible.
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O ORCHESTRA
From time to time a school orchestra is created to support major school celebrations,
such as a school performance. Other orchestral activities take place in class curriculum
studies.
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P PARENT HELP
It is an extremely important part of our school policy that parents are invited to be
involved in a number of aspects of school life. You can volunteer your help in many
ways:
library assistance
in classrooms
supervision of PE at Nairnville (Years
4-8 only)
talking with children about your
interests
offering a special skill - such as arts,
crafts, cultural knowledge, drama, etc.
helping with supervision or providing
transport on class visits
during elective activities
fundraising
as a member of the Board or the HOK
committee
with sports training
Please leave your name at the office if you can help or talk to your class teacher. We very
much appreciate and welcome this extra assistance.
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PARENT/TEACHER CONTACT We plan regular occasions for parents and their child’s teacher to meet. These include the
Parent/Teacher introduction in February and Parent/Teacher interviews during Term Two.
Should problems arise, either social or scholastic, please contact your class teacher in the
first instance to arrange a meeting.
PE Regular PE lessons are held for each class. All classes participate in a special programme
organised by specialist teacher at the Nairnville Recreation Centre.
Pupils from Year 4 up should wear the school PE uniform (see Uniform) for these
activities.
Children will only be excused from participating in PE classes if they have a note from
home.
POLICY School policies are constantly being reviewed and revised by staff and Board of Trustee
members. New and draft policy is displayed in the foyer for comment. Any member of
the school community is welcome to attend the Board’s Education and Policy Committee
meetings and have your ‘say’ in policy formation.
PRAYERS Each class prays together every morning as a time of peace and serenity, offering the day
to God before starting lessons. Individual prayers are encouraged and parents are
welcome to be present. Grace is said before lunchtime. Classes pray together again at the
end of each day and on other occasions as they arise.
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R READING RECOVERY
The school operates the Reading Recovery programme and provides
places for children who need some extra help after their first year at school.
Each child on the programme receives a daily ½ hour lesson until they are able to work at
the average level for their class.
REPORTS TO PARENTS Written reports for each child from Year 1 upwards are prepared twice a year.
Parent interviews follow soon after each report.
ROAD PATROL/SAFETY/CONGESTION Fully trained senior students along with a parent helper keep our Nicholson Road crossing
safe for children from 8.30-9am and 2.45-3.10pm every school day. Every school family
is expected to help with this vital safety role. The names of the parent helpers for each
week are published in the school newsletter. If you cannot make your scheduled day
please arrange another parent to cover for you.
To prevent crowding on the footpath do not congregate on the Nicholson Road/Everest
Street corner to wait for your child.
Do not park on yellow lines or over driveways.
OUR DRIVEWAY IS OUT OF BOUNDS TO ALL UNAUTHORISED CARS. Do
not drive your car up or down the school driveway at all from 8-30-9.30am or 2.30-
3.30pm, and at any other time unless it is absolutely necessary.
RULES Our rules are based on commonsense and thoughtfulness for others. Any aggressive or
unreasonable behaviour is not acceptable at the school.
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S SAINT BENEDICT’S DAY
St. Benedict's Day is on 11 July. A special Mass and a fun sports day are held on the
nearest Friday during term time.
SCHOOL CHARTER The School Charter:
is an agreement between the Board of Trustees and the Minister of Education
sets out the National Education and National Administration Guidelines.
A copy of the Charter is available from the school office.
SCHOOL OFFICE The School Secretary, Ms Coralie Wilkinson, is in attendance in the Office from 8.30am
– 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
SMOKING We have a Smoke Free policy.
SPECIALIST ASSISTANCE: Public Health Nurse - Our public health nurse visits the school as required. Checks are
made on all 5 year olds.
Audiometrist – Students’ eyes and ears are checked at 5 years of age and again at Year 7
level. Parents and staff can request checks at any other time.
Dental Clinic – Visits are organised by the local dental clinician and parents are
informed in writing before each visit and you are welcome to attend.
Special Education Service - Advice from experts is requested should there be concerns
with a child’s progress or behaviour.
Speech Therapist - Children with suspected speech defects are referred by the Principal
to Special Education Services. Free corrective treatment may be given.
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SPEECH Extracurricular classes for both Speech and Drama (see Drama) are available from a
specialist teacher on school premises outside of school hours at times arranged
individually by parents. Payment for these lessons is to be arranged between the
specialist teacher and parents.
SPONSORSHIP There are several organisations that provide sponsorship assistance to St. Benedict's.
PHILIP REEVE – Remax Property Sales / M.S.R. Air Conditioning for your home /
JAMIE REID – Professionally designed & built gardens / MARINA SCOBLE – Just
Patterson Real Estate Ltd .
Remember to mention St Benedict’s School HOK if dealing with these business.
SPORT
St. Benedict's teams compete in Netball, Miniball and Basketball. These teams are
dependent on the support of parents and ample notice is provided for your child to enrol
in their chosen sport.
STATIONERY All classes have a list provided by their class teacher at the end of the school year so
parents can purchase stationery in time for the new school year.
The school office has a small supply of regular items for sale during the year.
SWIMMING
Swimming lessons are an important part of the school curriculum. Lessons are held over
a 6-8 week period during a school term at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre. Children are
taken by bus to the venue. Costs are included in the activity fee.
PLEASE ENSURE ALL SWIMWEAR AND TOWELS ARE NAMED.
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SUN WISE Hats are compulsory during summer - no hat - no play (see under Hats). The use of
sunblock is also recommended.
TTECHNOLOGY FEES
The Ministry of Education fund part of the cost of sending our Year 7 & 8 students to
Technology at Mt Cook School. However there is still a charge of $70 per student.
U UNIFORM Summer School Uniform Girls: Cost
Years 0 -6 Summer Dress $101.00
Years 7 – 8 Skirt $80.00
White short sleeve blouse $28 -$35.00
School Jersey (depending on size) $61- $88.00
White ankle socks (pack of three) $15.50
Black shoes or
Sandals
Boys:
Year 0-6 Elastic shorts (Option for juniors) $25.50
Blue polo tee shirt $33-$39.00
Navy strap waist shorts $29.00
School Jersey (depending on size) $61-$88.00
Year 7-8 Short sleeved poly-cotton shirt in pale blue $36-$38.00 Cotton long navy socks with maroon band $12.50
Black shoes or
Sandals
Summer: bucket hats for all $17-$23.00
Winter: beanies for all $23.00
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Sports Uniform - From Year 4
Available from our suppliers showroom at New Zealand Uniforms, 167 Thorndon Quay. To
order online http://stbenedicts.nzteamwear.com.
Winter School Uniform
Girls: Cost
Years 1-6 – Current tunic $85.00
Years 7-8 – Current winter skirt $85.00
Winter school blouse $31-$38.00
School jersey (depending on size) $61-$88.00
Navy tights or white ankle socks $17.50
Black leather shoes
Boys:
Years 1-6 – Navy winter weight strap waist shorts, (Elastic option for juniors). $39.50
Maroon long sleeved polo shirt $37-$42.00
Navy / maroon long socks $12.50
School jersey (depending on size) $60-$88.00
Years 7-8 – Navy longs $40.00
Long sleeved poly-cotton shirt in pale blue $37-$38.00
Ankle socks in a dark colour
V VALUABLES
Children should not bring valuables or precious toys to school. No responsibility for loss
can be accepted.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
A volunteer support form is provided to all families. This register provides a network of
parents willing to assist with various activities throughout the year. The more volunteers
- the easier the load. This doesn’t tie you into anything. If a specific request is
inconvenient at the time, you can always say no.