Absence
A note for absence signed by a parent and stating the dates and the reason for absence
is mandatory. Application for absence for special circumstances must be made to the
Principal in advance and can only be granted for 'good and sufficient' reasons. Parents
have no discretion under the Education Amendment Act to determine when they will take
their children out of school. The school's attendance officer contacts as many homes of
absent students as possible. Phone contact from home about student absence is very
helpful.
Appointments
Music and other special lessons must take place out of school hours. If dental or
medical appointments occur in school time, an appointment card, or note from the parent
must be brought on the day of the appointment, and the pupil must sign out and in at the
office.
Buses
Bus services are available for students from the Eastern Bays, Normandale and
Maunagaraki. The services are provided by contract from the Wellington Regional Council
and all students have to pay bus fares. School discipline applies to students on these
services.
Canteen
The Parents Association runs an excellent canteen providing nutritious food for lunches
at very reasonable prices. Tuckshop food is available for a short period every day as
well.
Civil Defence
In the event of a civil defence emergency all students will be held at school until
parents/caregivers can make arrangements for them to be collected.
Contacting Students
Parents or guardians may only contact students during the day at school in the case of
a serious emergency. No messages will be delivered to children unless senior staff
approve. Parents or members of the public are welcome in the school with the prior
permission of the Principal. Please check in at the main office.
Detention
School detention is held every lunchtime. Failure to clear detentions promptly will
result in withdrawal from class and parent involvement.
Homework
In the Third and Fourth Forms pupils should expect to spend, on average, between one
and one and a half hours each week night on homework. This will include reading and other
preparation for new work in class; continuation or completion of work started in class;
revision and practice exercises; the learning of vocabulary and important facts; and
revision for class tests. Parents can assist by taking an interest in the work being done;
by encouraging and assisting pupils to plan their time effectively; and by arranging for
good study facilities to be available - a straight chair, a table, good light and a quiet
room.
Liability for Damage
Parents may be required to reimburse the school for damage to school property or other
people's property caused by their children, whatever the reason, but especially in the
case of wilful or negligent action.
Lunchtime Leave
Permanent lunch-passes are issued only to those who go home regularly for lunch and
where a parent will be at home. Where this applies parents should send a written request
for a pass. For occasional lunchtime leave a note should be sent on the day leave is
required. Fifth year pupils only, are permitted to leave the grounds at lunchtime.
Possession of a lunch pass does not permit students to be in the town.
Motor Vehicles
Students may only drive a motor vehicle (or motorbike) to or from school if they have
parental permission and this is endorsed by the school. Students may not be passengers in
other students' cars unless they also have permission. Vehicles may not be parked inside
the school grounds under any circumstances.
Parents who let down or pick up students from school must do so outside the school
grounds and well clear of the entrances on Woburn Road.
Part-time Jobs
If a student holds a part-time job it should not be timed to commence before 4.30 p.m.
School discipline may override work commitments.
Placement of Pupils
The school reserves the right to place each pupil in the class that appears appropriate
or to change the class should the Principal feel that for any reason this is in the best
interests of the class or the student.
Property
Parents are urged to carry a comprehensive insurance policy that covers loss or damage
to pupils' property. All property should be clearly marked with the pupil's name. If it is
essential for money or valuables to be brought to school, these should be handed to the
school office for safekeeping. While individual teachers may, under certain conditions
accept articles for custody, they or the school will not accept responsibility for any
loss or damage.
Reports to Parents
A parent evening is held for 3rd and 4th form students in late March or early April
where parents can discuss the progress of their child with individual teachers. Full
reports are issued in Terms Two and Four for 3rd, 4th 5th and 6th formers, in Terms Two
and Three for 7th form and parents may discuss these on request. Parent interview evenings
for 5th, 6th and 7th form are held in Term Two.
School Examinations
At the end of the 4th Form year, all students sit a common examination. This helps in
determining whether a student will take five or six subjects for School Certificate.
In the 5th form there are two sets of examinations, one at the beginning of Term Two
and one towards the end of Term Three. In the 6th Form there is one examination at the end
of the year. In the 7th Form there is one examination early in Term Three.
Smoking and Drinking
Neither smoking nor drinking alcohol is permitted when a pupil is in school uniform or
is associated with any activity involving the school. This includes attendance at sports
matches involving school teams. The possession of alcohol or any drug, or smoking, by a
pupil on school property is totally prohibited.
School Hours
8:40 to 4:30 p.m. Pupils will normally be released at 3:20 p.m. but may be required to
stay at school until 4.30 p.m.
Period Times
Period 1 |
8:40 - 9:40 |
Form Meeting |
9:40 - 9:55 |
Period 2 |
9:55 - 10:55 |
Interval |
10:55 - 11:20 |
Period 3 |
11:20 - 12:20 |
Lunch |
12:20 - 1:20 |
Period 4 |
1:20 - 2:20 |
Period 5 |
2:20 - 3:30 |
These times may vary slightly on Wednesdays and Fridays to accomodate staff meetings.
The lunchtime may be shortened in terms 2 and 3 with a consiquentially earlier finish each
day - probably 3:10 pm
Sports Exchanges
When travelling as an individual or with a team, all students including 7th formers are
expected to wear either dress uniform (blazer and tie), tracksuits or normal school
uniform. Depending on the type of meet, students will be informed of the dress required.
Uniform is available for student use at no charge. We have sufficient tracksuits for a
squad of 50 students and a good supply of blazer, thanks to the generosity of the Parents
Association.
At High School, we are always working to lessen the financial burden on everyone and
would ask you promote the need to care for all uniforms and equipment and to return them
to school promptly at the end of the playing searson or occaision. |