Info A-Z

• 8:55am – School Starts / Session 1
• 10:30am – Morning Tea
• 10:50am – Session 2
• 11:25am – Brain Break
• 11:30am – Session 3
• 12:30pm – Lunch
• 1:20pm – Session 4
• 2:50pm Home Time 

 

CURRENT STAFF MEMBERS (Click here)

 

Full A to Z information

ABSENTEEISM / ATTENDANCE

Children are expected to be at school every day unless they are unwell or they have an appointment. Children must not be sent to school when unwell as they provide a health risk to others. For safety and attendance reasons, it is important that parents and teachers know where children are. Please let us know if your child is not going to be attending school, by using the School app (Hero), emailing or phoning the office before 9am. For the safety of our children it is important that home and school endeavour to follow the following procedures:- • When a child is away from school, the Parent/Caregiver is to advise the school by phoning 829 5735, using the School APP or emailing frontoffice@matangi.school.nz by 9:00am everyday. When the office is notified that the child will be absent from school the child’s name is entered electronically. • If the school has not been advised that a child is absent from school, the teacher will also record this child’s name in the electronic register, which is then sent to the school office every morning. • If the office/class teacher is unaware of reason for child’s absence, your child will be marked with a ? • On the second day if the child is still away and the reason is unknown the teacher will record the child’s name and the office will endeavour to contact Parent/Caregivers. If unsuccessful, contact will then be made with emergency contacts that we have listed on the child’s file. 

 

AFTER SCHOOL

We expect children to depart for home as soon as the school day finishes at 2:50pm.

Do not hesitate to telephone the school if your child fails to return home on time. Children not collected by 3:10pm will be enrolled into After School Care, or parents will be contacted to confirm the necessary arrangements. Children must wait inside the school grounds for their safety until collected.

 

AFTER SCHOOL CARE TUI HOUSE

A School Activity Programme (Informally referred to as ‘Tui House’) operates five days a week from 7.30am – 8.30am and 2.50pm – 5:30pm. A wide variety of activities are included in the programme, from art and craft to sports. Children need to be enrolled in order to attend this programme. This can be done via the enrolmy website, you’ll find a link to it on our school website. Enrolment forms and full information is also available from the school office or by phoning 07 829 5735.

 

MATANGI SCHOOL (TUI HOUSE) ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME

Art Activities • Sports and Exercise • Craft Activities • Cultural Activities • Baking

Activities are structured on a “free play” concept set both indoors and outdoors with children free to move around choosing different activities. A range of activities are offered including craft, construction, board games, art, drama, sports, dance, music, swimming, videos, reading and space for homework if needed. Afternoon tea is provided – e.g. a snack of fruit, pizza, sandwiches, biscuits or similar, and milk/water/juice.

 

SESSION TIMES:

• Morning session: 7:30 – 8:30am
• Afternoon session: 3:00 – 5:30pm

 

FEES:

• Morning session: $3.75 for each half hour 
• Afternoon session: $7.50 for first hour, then $3.75 for each half hour after that. 
• After 5:30pm: $20 for every 15 minutes late

 

ACCIDENTS AND SICK CHILDREN

In the case of serious accident, anaphylaxis reaction (medication will be given and an ambulance rung), as well as any head or mouth injury at school, parents will be contacted immediately. If parents are unable to be located, the “emergency contact” person will be consulted and/or family doctor if necessary. If a child becomes sick at school, the class teacher or the school secretary, in order for the child to be cared for at home, will phone parents.

 

ALLERGIES / HEALTH PROBLEMS

The school would appreciate being informed of any particular allergies, for example stings, or health problems, in order that your child may receive immediate treatment if necessary.

 

ASSEMBLIES

These are held once a fortnight on Fridays 2:10 -2:50pm. The location can change there will be notification of this in the newsletter. Parents and family members are always welcome to attend.

 

BEHAVIOUR

We expect high standards of behaviour at all times. If teachers are concerned, parents will be contacted. If parents are concerned, we ask that the parent please contact their child’s teacher. Our inclusive school philosophy embraces all students within our behaviour management policy. Called ‘The Matangi Way’, students will endeavour to make good choices, listen and follow instructions, keep hands, feet and equipment to themselves and walk in ‘walk only zones’. Our Matangi School Values guide and direct us in creating a positive and restorative approach to managing behaviour. This means all children attending Matangi School are expected to behave according to these values. An effective behaviour policy that applies to all students helps create a more productive learning environment.

 

BICYCLES

All children riding bikes to school should have a good knowledge of the road rules and are legally required to wear cycle safety helmets. Bicycle stands are provided and children are expected to keep away from this area during school time.

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees meeting dates are advertised in the School Newsletter and School Calendar. Meetings are held in the staff room at 6:30pm.

 

BOOK CLUB

Children have the opportunity to buy books at a reasonable price through the Scholastic NZ Book Club. This offer is available on a regular basis and a sheet showing titles and prices will be sent home to each child. There is no obligation to buy. Books ordered will be sent to the school two or three weeks later for distribution to those who ordered.

 

CALENDAR OF TERM EVENTS

A calendar of term events is posted at the front of the school on our Matangi School events board and is also available on our website and our weekly newsletters.

 

SCHOOL CAMPS

All Year 3-6 students go on an annual camp. Parents are informed a term prior to camp through our School Calendar, Weekly reminders, and any other forms of communication from the classroom teacher. Other classes participate in Education Outside the Classroom during this week. 

 

CARING FOR YOUR SCHOOL

Grounds Matangi School recognises that Environmental Education is an important part of life long learning. We want our students to own and work in a healthy environment that they have created, maintained and will pass on to future generations. Working bees are organised on a term basis. The School Board is always interested in your ideas as to how we might improve our school environment. If you have any suggestions, please phone or contact the Board Chairperson. Community Facilities The buildings and facilities of the school are regarded as a community asset, and wherever possible, the community is encouraged to use them. Groups using buildings will be held responsible for any damage incurred. The school hall is available for hire, and any approaches should be made to the school office. Vandalism If any vandalism is noted it should be reported to the Principal or the Board. Names of offenders, if known, should be given. Police will be notified. Swimming Pool The Board has the authority to open the school pool for use by the community if appropriate arrangements have been made. A Pool Committee is set up each season and a set of rules of use and conduct is in place. These conditions will be advised through a school newsletter, just prior to the beginning of the swimming season.

 

CLOTHING / PERSONAL GEAR

Matangi School has a school uniform, which is compulsory and can be purchased from the school office. Please name all clothing, towels, lunch boxes and school bags. We do have a second hand uniform shop that is sporadically run by the fundraising committee. They post updates via the school families Facebook page.

 

COMMUNICATION

At Matangi School we continue to refine our forms of communication. If you need to get a message to your child’s teacher, we ask that you contact the teacher/s of your children via email or by phoning the school office.

Email: School newsletters or notices to parents are sent via this platform. These notices are normally just applicable to our parents or caregivers. If we receive an email from a parent, we will often respond to this either by replying to it via email or by calling the parent or caregiver as soon as we are able to. We prefer to follow up on emails with a phone call, this is often the most efficient and relatable way to resolve any issues or concerns.

Seesaw: We use this platform to share your child’s learning or to provide our children with an online learning option. We really value this way of engaging with our children and school community. Every now and then, a school announcement may be made via Seesaw. This is to ensure everyone (including our children) receives this message.

Facebook: Our school community is often celebrating special moments that occur in our school via this platform. We use this way of communicating or sending important announcements, as many of our families regularly use this application. Alongside the official school Facebook page, there is also a school families page (managed by parents, not the school) which is a way for parents/caregivers to ask questions to other school families.

Hero: We will continue to share/launch this platform with you. It will definitely feature in our up-and-coming student-led conferences. Hero is used to report your child’s learning to date. Via this application, you will be able to let us know if your child is going to be absent from school, keep updated on notices that are being delivered in the school, link to our school website and school calendar, and have links to your school financial accounts, for stationary, and school fees.

Enrolmy: Is used for Tui House for bookings and Invoices/Statements. Enrolmy is also used for Matangi School Trips, School Camps and School Sport Teams. Invoices/Statements are sent from Enrolmy for these bookings.

 

COMPLAINTS / CONCERNS

Many concerns can be addressed if we know about them. In the first instance, if you have a concern about the progress or behaviour of your child, please take the time to speak to the teacher of your child. Please make an appointment to see the teacher. We really encourage this point of contact as we believe most incidences or misunderstandings can be dealt with at this level. A complaint is deemed to be of a serious nature and the parent/caregiver must put their complaint in writing, addressed to the Principal and/or Board Chair, stating that they are making a complaint, then specifically stating the allegations. A complaint may be the result of actions or speech or deed, construed by a parent/caregiver or a member of the community to be detrimental to the child or children at the school. School Policy 7, Concerns and Complaints detail guidelines and procedures to be undertaken.

 

DONATIONS

School Fees/Donation
These are not compulsory, and more or less can be paid. Any contribution you pay will be gratefully received and will assist in a better learning environment for your child/ren. You have the option to pay school fees at the beginning of the year in total, or at the beginning of each term, or by regular direct debit payments.if you elect to pay per term we will remind you by sending out an invoice.

Term – $42.50 per child. Annual – $170.00 per child.

10% reduction for second and subsequent child attending ($153)

 

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Please keep the school office informed of address or phone number changes. EMERGENCIES AT THE SCHOOL All children will become familiar with emergency procedures, by participating in practices conducted at regular intervals throughout the year, under the supervision of the Principal.

 

ENROLMENT PROCEDURES

It is desirable that the school is notified on or about the fourth birthday of any child who may be enrolled at this school. Pre-enrolment information assists the school to plan for future development. New entrant children require a birth certificate for verification of their birth date. Pre-school visits can be arranged prior to the child’s 5th birthday, by phoning the school office. Matangi School has a Kick Start Programme for students enrolled which the child will attend roughly half a term (5 weeks) before starting School. This is run on a Thursday afternoon from 1:20 – 2:50pm in the new entrant classroom. Children are to be enrolled via the website. Enrolment Form

 

FUNDRAISING GROUP

The School Fundraising Group (SFG) is a support body of the school and is open to all parents, caregivers and friends of the school. All meetings and activities of the SFG are advertised in the newsletter or by word of mouth. 

 

HEADLICE

Headlice are small insects that often affect children. Please check your child’s hair for insects and eggs regularly. Using medicated shampoo, which is available from the chemist, easily cures them. Special attention must also be made to the clothing and bedding of the child so that the problem does not recur. Should parents be unable to eradicate headlice in their children’s hair, the Public Health Nurse will be contacted to assist the school. Headlice prevention can be assisted by: • Avoiding head-to-head contact. • Avoiding the sharing of brushes, combs, hats and other items that come into contact with hair. • Discouraging children from playing with each other’s hair. • Tying back or plaiting long hair. • Brushing hair regularly. • Checking the hair of everyone in the family at least once a week. • Taking action if a child is scratching unusually – check their head carefully.

 

HOME-READING

The following points may be of help to you when hearing your child read:

• Avoid times when your child is already engaged in an activity.
• Keep sessions short and frequent.
• Sessions should be regular; for example, at the same time each night or morning.
• Stop the session if the child is tired or restless.
• Memory reading is an aspect of early reading.
• Encourage your child to look first at the picture, then at the words.
• At first, encourage your child to point at the words as he/she reads.
• Encourage your child to retell a story in his/her own words.

• Give praise for correct reading:
  • When your child reads a sentence correctly.
  • When your child corrects himself/herself after a mistake.
  • When your child gets a word right after being prompted.
• To help your child when they have problems:
  • Wait, to let your child solve his/her own problem.
  • If the mistake does not make sense, prompt with clues about the meaning of the story.
  • If the mistake does make sense, prompt with clues about the way the word looks.
  • If the word is not correct after two prompts, say “the word is…..

• Continue to read to your child throughout their time at school

 

HOME LEARNING 

Home learning programmes mainly focus on: • reading practice • list spelling words • learning basic facts and tables. In the Junior School, children will be issued with a home reader in a book bag on most days. However, books will only be sent home when the book bag is returned and signed. Poetry will also be sent home on a regular basis for you and your child to enjoy together. It is the school’s belief that teaching and related learning should be emphasised on school days during 8:55am to 2:50pm. After 2:50pm children can benefit from a home learning programme that promotes involvement in a range of recreational and family oriented activities. 

 

INTERNET: KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

Matangi School has a policy and set of procedures concerning the use of computers.

A cyber saftey agreement will need to signed by all students and their parents at the start of each year.

We make every effort to keep children safe when using the internet.

In support of safe practices, Parents/Caregivers can:

• Talk with your child about online dangers.
• Put the computer in a family area of your home, so that you can keep an eye on what is happening.
• Have a password only you know that must be entered before your child goes online.
• Limit the time your child can spend on the internet.
• Spend time online with your child exploring positive sites.
• Randomly check your child’s email.
• Install filtering software. For information on filtering software, visit www.software4parents.com

As well as talking to your child about Internet safety, you can also check your child’s Internet activities by using the following procedures:-

• Open the browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator).
• On the toolbar, click the history button. The history bar will appear, listing the web addresses of the sites visited recently.
• Click on the addresses listed to visit the sites.
• To delete the sites, click on the right button on your mouse and select delete from the drop-down menu.

 

LOST PROPERTY

Please ensure your entire child’s clothing and personal gear is clearly named. Un-named items are collected and placed in the lost property (currently located in the school hall). You may view this at any time and periodically.

 

LUNCHES

All children are supervised while eating their lunch. During the summer, provision is made for children to sit in shaded areas. On wet days, all children eat their lunches in their own classrooms, under supervision. As the children finish eating, the duty teacher dismisses them. No sweets are to be brought to school for mid-morning break or lunch. We encourage every child to bring their own water bottle each day.

 

MEDICINE

If a child requires medication at school, their teacher must be informed. All medication, even temporary, must be kept in the school medical cupboard or refrigerator. Caregivers must complete and sign a consent form requesting administration of medicine at school. Where medication is to be administered during school hours, written authorisation from the child’s doctor must be attached. The school may act as an agent on behalf of the parent/caregiver. Consent forms will be held on official school file. Parents wishing the school to administer any form of medication to their child/ren on their behalf, are to each year, visit the school office to complete the appropriate form. 

 

MONEY RETURNS

We ask that whenever Parents/Caregivers need to send money to school, for example, field trips, stationery, school fees etc; online payment is the preferred method. You can also place the money in a sealed envelope, with your child’s name, room number, amount, and purpose of the return marked on the outside of the envelope and hand this into the School Office. For online banking please use the following bank account: 12-3122-0203336-00

 

NEWSLETTERS/REMINDERS

A school newsletter/reminders is emailed every Thursday. If you are not getting these emails, please contact office@matangi.school.nz. Please read your Newsletter carefully as they are not only informative, but detail many organisational and administrative features of the school. If you have information to be included, please submit this information no later than 11am, the Wednesday before publication. The school newsletter may also be accessed through our website.

 

PARKING

There is ample parking along Matangi Road and in the Foster Reserve carpark for parent/caregiver cars. Please respect our neighbours by not parking in or across their driveways. The school car park IS NOT A DROP OFF AREA and is for staff only.

Please note that during winter months Jack Foster Reserve may be closed for parking to preserve the grass.

 

PLAY GROUP

The Matangi School Playgroup operates on a Wednesday morning in the recreation hall from 9.00am till 11.30am approx. Parents/caregivers with pre-schoolers are welcome to attend.

 

PRIVACY ACT

Under the Privacy Act, the school is entitled to collect, retain and use information on children and families attending the school, relevant to the operations of the school. Parents/caregivers may from time to time confirm that the information held by the school is up to date and relevant.

 

PROTECTION ORDERS

Parents/Caregivers are advised that they must inform the school of any protection order or special circumstances regarding the custody of children in their care. A copy of proof of agreements, such as a protection order issued by a District Court, is to be handed to the school secretary each school year. The school holds such documentation on file for the duration of the current year.

 

REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS

Parents are invited to meet with classroom teachers to discuss student achievement and learning goals in relation to our Matangi School Curriculum. We hold Learning Conversations in Term Two and Parent/Teacher Interviews in Term Three. The school operates an Individual Student Assessment Portfolio via our Hero Platform. A feature of this system is the ongoing reporting to parents on the progress and achievement of their children. Progress and achievement in relation to the New Zealand Curriculum are recorded in these in Terms 2 and 4. Parents are involved in reviewing their child’s progress and achievements through our Hero Platform. Parents are encouraged to discuss any matter that may be of concern with the child’s teacher throughout the year. If you wish to further discuss any matters with the teacher, an appointment may be necessary.

 

ROAD PATROLS

A road patrol manned by Year 5-6 students, under adult supervision, operates from 8:30am – 8:50am, and 2:50pm – 3:10pm on Matangi Road. When children first start school, it is important that they know the correct route to take and if they have to cross the road that they know the proper place to cross.

 

SCHOOL CHARTER AND POLICIES

The Matangi School Charter and Policy Statement File are available for perusal in the school office. Both the charter and school policies are constantly being reviewed, added to and/or rewritten. 

 

SCHOOL HOURS

8:30am Classrooms opened for children to enter

8:55am Learning commences

10:30am Morning Interval

10:50am Learning recommences

12:30pm Lunch

1:20pm Learning recommences 

2:50pm School finishes 

 

SCHOOL OFFICE

The school office hours are 8:30am to 3.00pm each day. Children can obtain stationery supplies from the school office. Messages for children and teachers are also received and relayed. Class activities are managed through the enrolmy website. Payments are made via invoice which will be emailed to you. For online banking: 12-3122-0203336-00 13

 

 

SCHOOL VISITS / EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

Throughout the year children will be involved in activities that include sporting exchanges, cultural activities, study trips and camps. These are advertised well in advance through school and class notices. There is usually a cost involved with each of these activities. Parents/Caregivers register their child’s attendance to these trips and provide the teacher with the relevant information on the forms provided.

 

SECURITY

The school has a security alarm system installed that is monitored by a company in Hamilton.

 

SMOKING/VAPING POLICY

A smoke/vaping free environment is established and maintained at Matangi School at all times, as a contribution to the health and welfare of all concerned. 

 

SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES

The school provides support for students who are ORS and High Health needs funded the following programmes: Special Education | ORS. / High Health when and if needed, students with ORS or High Health Needs will be catered for.

 

ESOL

Children who have English as their second language, and who have significant developmental delays in learning to read, write and speak English, may be considered for a language development and enrichment programme. Te Ao Maori Matangi School teaches waiata and kapahaka and includes Tikanga Maori in the curriculum. Children With Special Abilities Special needs, gifted and talented students will be offered learning opportunities to enrich and extend them. IEP: Individual Education Plans When necessary plans are established, in consultation with parents/caregivers and often a member from Specialist Education Services, to meet specific learning and/or social needs of the student. The plan belongs to the school and is a guide to our intervention programme. Resource Teachers Learning & Behaviour Should a student have mild to moderate learning and/or behaviour needs, a referral may be made by the school, for support and/or intervention by a Resource Teacher Learning & Behaviour. Parent/caregiver permission is required as part of the referral process. 14

 

SPONSORSHIP

The school offers many opportunities for parents and the business community to build a mutual partnership of promotion and sponsorship. Should you wish to take such an opportunity, please contact the school principal.

 

SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The staff at this school encourage sporting activities, especially the idea of being a member of a team. Teachers are very happy to coordinate teams, skills training and organisation for team sports, but do rely on parent/caregiver participation for mid-week and Saturday games. The following sporting opportunities are likely to be available: Swimming | Hockey | Netball | Cricket | Rugby | Football | Lacrosse

 

STAFF AND TEACHER MEETINGS

Meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons, at 3:00pm. Parents are asked not to make appointments or delay teachers on these days.

 

STATIONERY

All exercise books and stationery for use in the classroom are available through the school office from 8:30am to 8:55am. We will advertise the school stationery through a school newsletter; parents may also request from the school office, a current stationery list with prices.

 

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Within existing parameters of staffing and other resources, we endeavour to cater for the individual differences of students. When parents and the school combine their resources, energy, and commitment in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and supportive way, the child gains the greatest benefits. Matangi School believes in inclusiveness, where each child may be catered for, recognising their right to an education appropriate to their functioning level. We will endeavour to provide students with special education needs, with the supports and services they need to receive an education in the least restrictive environment possible. This vision extends to networking with the wider school community, where empowerment of our parents/ caregivers to make choices is encouraged. It is recognised by the school that we may not be resourced appropriately to make a significant educational difference under certain circumstances. The school will often seek the support and/or intervention of outside agencies when working with children with special educational needs. Matangi School will promote, foster and expect a partnership with all families who have children attending Matangi School.

 

SUN SAFE

Matangi School is a Sun Smart School. The school recognises the increased health risks to children from harmful UV rays of the sun. Children are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and need guidance in protecting themselves from the sun. Our SUN SMART procedure details guidelines and acceptable practices.

This procedure includes the following statements;

• This procedure will be implemented in Terms 1 and 4.
• Suitable hats are defined as giving protection to the face, neck and ears.
• School sun hats are available for purchase from the school office ($22 per hat).
• The school requires all children, when they are in the school grounds, to wear a sun hat; “No hat, play in the shade!” Children without a sun hat will be required to be in the shade during playtime and lunchtime.
• Students will be encouraged to apply sunscreen SP30+, before going outside to participate in activities.

 

SUPPORT SERVICES

On the advice of teachers and parents, support services will be sourced in by the Principal or SENCO to assist children with specific needs. These include;

• R.T.L.B. Resource Teachers Learning and Behaviour
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Hearing and Vision Testers
• Psychologist
• Health Nurse
• C.Y.P.S. Children And Young Persons Service
• School Advisory Services
• School Attendance Services
• Police
• others as required.

 

SWIMMING

During the swimming season, all children are expected to swim every day, unless parents have notified the school in writing/phoning to the contrary. Teachers do not permit children who have open cuts or sores to swim. The swimming season usually commences towards the end of November, and finishes early April weather permitting. Matangi School is an official Swim Safe School meaning we follow the Swim Safe programme and use Swim Safe instructors for professional development. If the school pool is going to be available to families outside of school hours, the Board of Trustees will advise parents through a school newsletter. Students must wear a swimming cap for class swimming. The School office has these for sale for $4 each.

 

TAKING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL

Children may only be taken by Parents/Caregivers from school during teaching contact hours, with the permission/ approval of the principal. If removal during school hours is to be regular, then a written request from the Parents/Caregivers must be made to the school.

 

TEACHER ONLY DAYS

There may be Teacher Only Day’s in school term time, when teachers will meet for whole-school development or teacher in-service training. The school will endeavour to plan these days to be taken during school holiday periods.

 

TERM DATES

Please refer to the calendar on our website for the most up-to-date information. 

 

TOYS

Unless bringing special items in for an official news days, please keep toys at home, so they do not get lost of broken while at school.

 

TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

Matangi School will take due care in respecting the safety of students being transported in private vehicles to and from organised school activities. Refer to Transportation of Students in Private Motor Vehicles school policy in the administration folder in the foyer for further information.

 

VISITORS TO SCHOOL

Visitors to the school, during teaching hours, 8:55am-2:50pm, are required to sign in and out at the School Office.

 

WHEELS DAY

Every Friday students may bring scooters, bicycles, skateboards etc to play on. Safety helmets are required.