Pukekohe Hill School

This booklet is designed to give information on the school and its organisation. Our school prides itself on the support and involvement of parents and the general community, and the positive contribution this makes to the life of the school.

Welcome to Hill School. Teenaa koe, namaste, kia orana, malolelei, fakalofa le ata ne hoa ma.

We hope this information will help your introduction to school.
If you have any queries, you are welcome to contact the school office.
We look forward to your family having a successful partnership with Hill School in the education of our students - your children.

Absences	Accidents at School	After and Before School Care	Bicycles	Board of Trustees
Civil Defence Arrangements	Chair Bags and Book Bags	Classroom Discipline Plan	Class Trips and Visits	Complaints
Concept Based Learning	Contacting Us	Dental Treatment	Doctors At Pukekohe	Eftpos Facility
Enrolling Pupils	Enrolling Scheme	Hair Care	Health	Hill Netball Club
Homework	International Students	Internet Use	Kids after school	Learning Programmes
Leaving School Grounds	Library	Lost property	Lunches	Money to school
Music Tutoring	Newsletters	Parents Concerns	Parent Assistance	P.T.A
Parking	PIPPS	Policies	Pre Schoolers	Public Health Nurse
Reception Class	Religious Instruction	Reports and Interviews	Road Patrol	School Donations
School Hours	Smokefree Environment	Sporting Dates	Stationery	Strategic Plan
Sun Safety	Swimming	Taking Children from school	Telephone Calls	Uniforms
Virtues	Vision Statement	Website	Winter Play	Welcome to Hill

Absences:
It is important that parents advise the school, on or before, the first day of a child's absence.
A telephone system operates where caregivers are asked to phone the school to let us know your child
will be absent.
After morning roll call. The school office will telephone the home of any child not accounted for.
The school phone number is 238 6374. Parents can also fax a note to 238 7445 or e.mail to admin@pukekohehill.school.nz
Where a pattern of absences causes concern and there is no satisfactory explanation, home visits may be made or the Trunancy Service contacted.
(See also Taking Children from School)

Accidents at School - Health Centre:
Minor injuries and concerns are dealt with at school. In the case of more serious accidents, the school will attempt to contact a caregiver or emergency contact before any action is taken. A letter is sent home if your child has had an accident that might need home follow up, especially if the injury is not immediately obvious.

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After and Before School Care:
Kids after School:
Kids After School is a programme of after school care involving recreational and craft activities and homework supervision. The base for the after school care programme is in the school hall and operates for 3.00 to 5.45pm.
A before school care programme also operates from 7.00 to 8.30am.
Contact the School for more information.

Bicycles:
Children must legally wear a safety helmet when riding to and from school. Periodic visits by the Police Department are made to check the condition of the cycles and ensure that the children are aware of the rules fro safe cycling. No responsibility can be taken for cycles left at school. It is strongly recommended that only Year 5 and 6 children ride a bike to school and only when parents are confident of the child's road safety knowledge. Parents need to complete a permission form available from the office before children may ride to school.

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Board of Trustees:
The board of trustees has a vital role in the governance of the school. Board members are elected for a three year term. The next elections are in 2007.
The names and contact numbers of trustees are published in newsletters from time to time.
Meetings:
The Board of Trustees has a full board meeting each month. These meetings are advertised through newsletters.
Meetings are open to any member of the public to attend as an observer. The board encourages parents to take this opportunity when they are able.
Other meetings e.g. Property, Finance, etc. are also held.
Details of board meetings are provided through occasional newsletters to help keep the community informed.
A copy of the BOT minutes is pinned to the staffroom notice board.

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Civil Defence Arrangements:
The School has several policies and guidlines relating to civil defence situations such as fire, flooding etc.
Emergency evacuation practices are held with children each term.

Chair Bags and Book Bags:
All junior children (Years 0 to 2) should have a chair bag and a book bag. The children use chairbags instead of tote trays or desks. Book bags are for reading books, notices and worksheets. They can be purchased from the school office.

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Classroom Discipline Plan:
Although classroom teachers have their own classroom and pupil management routines, all classes have asimilar assertive discipline classroom plan. The details below outline classroom rules, possible rewards for appropriate behaviour and consequence for inappropriate behaviour.

Classroom Rules:
1. We care about others
e.g. - Keep hands, feet and objects ot myself.
- No teasing, swearing or name calling.

2. We use good manners
e.g. - Do not interrupt -
During group activities
When the teacher is talking
When on the mat or working at tasks
- By not using inappropriate language

3. We care for all property
e.g. - Being ready at school
- Looking after own belongings - clothing
- Respect for school property - class/sport/others

4. We follow instructions quickly
e.g. - Lining up
- Moving about the class and school
- Being ready for the next activity

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Positive Reinforcement:
Teachers' own systems will be operating and will include individual and class wide reinforcement.
This may include verbal praise, stamps, stickers, certificates, house points.

Class Trips and Visits:
Our school regards visits as an important part of our learning programmes. These visits often relate to theme topics being studied at school. It is expected that all children should have the opportunity to participate in these events.
Depending on the type of visit, a certain adult/pupil ratio is required, and parents will be invited to participate when this occurs.
On enrolment, parents are asked to sign a form giving approval for educational visits. This form gives general approval for children going on educational visits and for visits to the school by speakers and groups who contribute to curriculum programmes.
A separate approval form is sent home for any educational experience involving an overnight stay or school camp.
The school has a policy of requiring that all children are provided with seat belts when being transported by car and the driver must have a current driver's licence. All vehicles used must be roadworthy and have a current warrant of fitness.

Complaints:
The school has several policies approved by the board of trustees, which explains the guidelines to be followed if you have a complaint. There are separate policies for complaints about staff members and the board of trustees itself.
(See also Parent Concerns:)

Concept Based Learning:
Pukekohe Hill is developing a "concept based integrated curriculum inquiry learning" approach that we believe is an excellent model for today's and tomorrow's learners as well as being a very good 'fit' for the new NZ Curriculum.
Each term, there is a whole school "Concept" eg: Celebration, Change, Community, which features many immersion experiences and opportunities for inquiry learning.
(See also Learning Programmes at Hill)

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Contacting Us:
Phone: 09 238 6374
Fax: 09 238 7445
E.mail: admin@pukekohehill.school.nz
Website: www.pukekohehill.school.nz

Dental Treatment:
A dental clinic is situated at Hill School. The Dental Therapist is available at the school for about 4 months each year.
Contact the school for more details.

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Doctors At Pukekohe:
Pukekohe Family Health Care - 10 West St :- 237 0280
Pukekohe Family Doctors - 124 King St :- 238 6696
Dr Kana - 57 Seddon St :- 238 9000

Eftpos Facility:
An Eftpos service is available at the school office. Credit cards CANNOT be used but debit/cash flow cards can.
Eftpos is an excellent way to more easily purchase uniform clothing, pay for stationery, school donations, trip and camp costs etc.

Enrolling Pupils:
Children officially start on their fifth birthday but can be pre-enrolled before this date.
We encourage parents to contact the school when their children are 4½ years old, so that class visits
can be arranged. Usually, children have four Friday morning visits before their fifth birthday to help them settle in.
Visits to the Reception Class are from 8.55am to 12.30pm
As part of the enrolment process, parents need to bring the following: Children's birth certificate or a passport, child's immunisation certificate,
proof of residence in zone (eg power/telephone account, rental agreement)
(see also Reception Class for 5 year old Children)

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Enrolment Scheme:
The Board of Trustees has an enrolment scheme to help manage roll numbers.
Detail of the Enrolment Scheme can be obtained from the school office. Children living within the school's
geographical zone have automatic right of enrolment.
There is a legal requirement that parents do not use "addresses of convenience" to enrol children as if they were living in zone.
There is a ballot system for out of zone enrolments to be considered.

Hair Care:
Head lice is an occasional and onging problem. It is important that parents get treatment from a chemist
immediately to help their chld and prevent the spread to other children.
Regular brushing with a fine head lice comb is also a useful deterrent.
When required, a class notice is sent home advising families of head lice concerns and treatment.
The school's Public Health Nurse can give advice on treatment options.

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Health:
Should your child have some illness or allergy which the school should know about, please ensure
that staff are notified. If your child requires medication during the day, please inform the office.
Some prescribed medication requires an agreement form signed by a parent. It is also important that staff
are aware of any allergies and of hte required treatment.
We are quite willing to hold labelled asthma inhalers and any regular medication in the school Health Centre.
(see also Public Heath Nurse)

Hill Netball Club:
The Hill Netball Club offers a range of teams for Hill and older students. The Club uses the Hill School grounds.
You can contact the school for Club contact numbers.

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Homework - Helping Your Children:
All pupils at school are encouraged to develop study habits and skills at home. At the junior level a programme of regular home reading with family support is most helpful.
As children move through the school, parents can expect more varied study programmes including reading, maths, spelling, research and current affairs.
Homework is a shared responsibility between families, child and school.
Families can support their child by encouraging a regular time and place for study, and taking an active interest in their work. You can best support your child with patience and praise!

International Students:
Some children at Hill come from overseas and may be foreign fee paying international students under Ministry
of Education and Immigration Department criteria.
At the time of printing, the board of trustees is considering whether it will continue to accept these students
and agree to be bound by a Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Sudents published by the
Ministry of Education. Copies of the code are available on request or from the MOE website at
www.minedu.govt.nz

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Internet Use:
As part of curriculum programmes, students are able to use school email and internet facilities. Details regarding internet permission and use are included in the school's enrolment package given to familiies of newly enrolling children. The school has an effective "filter'System which is monitored by Watchdog Corporation to prevent access to inappropriate sites.
Copies of "Top 10 tips for Internet Use by Children at Home" is also available from school and includes a parent/child internet safety agreement.

Kids after School:
See After School Care

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Learning Programmes at Hill:
Key Focus:
The key focus for learning takes place in classrooms where children work individually, in groups and as a whole class.
However, a number of other learning opportunities are also offered to cater for individual pupils and groups of children.

CWSA:
Hill School encourages children with special abilities through a partnership with the Franklin CWSA network and the Discoverer's Club. The school also arranges CWSA programmes internally using our staff and invited facilitators. The School has a CWSA coordinator and is the organising school of Network programmes. The George Parkyn Cnetre for Gifted and Talented Education has a "One Day School" class operating locally and can be contacted
at 09 845 4176

CWSN:
Children with special needs are helped both in class and through withdrawal opportunities. The school works with Specialist Education Services, private providers and the Ministry of Education to obtain additional funding and specialist assistance.
Additional assistance for a number of children is provided by school support staff, teaching staff and Special Needs Educaton Coordintor.

ESOL:
Some pupils at Hill have English as their second language.
Assistance is given by support staff working with these children in class or in withdrawal groups.

Perceptual Motor Programme:
PMP is a programme to promote children's learning and physical skills. PMP currently includes all Y1 classes. In 2006 Hill became NZ's first school to purpose build a facility for PMP. The PMP room is behind Rooms 8 and 9. Parent volunteers are an important part of PMP's success.

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Leaving the School Grounds
Children may not leave the grounds during school hours, unless they have permission from their teacher.
Caregivers are asked to contact the school if htey need to take children from shcool during the day. (See also Taking Children from School)

Library
All children are encouraged to borrow books from the school library for recreational and study purposes.
It is preferred that some protective covering eg. a book bag, be used by children taking books home.
Books are very expensive and a charge is made when books are lost or damaged.
All classes are timetabled for a least one library visit each week. The library system is computerised
and books are on loan for one week for Y0-2 and two weeks for Y3-6 children.

Lost Property
We regularly collect a large quantity of lost property. You are welcome ot come and look through lost property for missing clothing. There are large lost property boxes outside Room 4 and Room 12. It would be such a help if al clothing was marked. It is essential that school uniform and common brand shoes are named so that they can be returned to their owners. Please check regularly that uniform clothing labels have not "washed out".
Unnamed uniform items are held for a term and then put into second hand clothing stock. All unclaimed and unnamed non uniform items are usually donated to local charities at the end of each term.

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Lunches
A daily lunch ordering system is operated from school by a private provider. Lunches may be ordered from the school before 9.00am

Current lunch price lists are available from the school office. Prices are included in school newletters
from time to time. The children are expected to finish their lunch before going to play.
Sweets are not encouraged, and chewing gum is forbidden.
For safety's sake, glass bottles anad cans of drink are not permitted.

Money to School
When children bring money or cheques to school for payment of trips, stationery etc, please send it in a
sealed envelope. It is most helpful if your child's name and room unber is written on hte envelpe, along with the reason for themoney being sent. Cheques should be made out to: Pukekohe Hll School. Payments for school trips and events should go to the classroom teacher. Please keep payments separate for different purposes.

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Music Tutoring:
The school has a partnerhsip with the Modern School of Music who provide private music lessons eg: in the keyboard, guitar, recorder, during school hours. Contact the school for tutor names and contact numbers.

Newsletters
The school publishes Family Newsletters each week, usually on a Wednesday, which go to all children.
As well as giving basic information, the newsletter is an important way for the school to communicate its needs and successes.
We are also happy for individulas and community groups to use the newsletters to publicise their events.
Many families find a notice board at home a good place to keep newsletters.
Other class and sports newsletters are sent out when required.

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Parent Assistance
We are proud of the high level of parent assistance, which benefits our pupils. Parents can assist with:
library work, making equipment, accompanying class trips, helping with craft activities, helping with written language, helping with reading and maths groups, coaching sports groups, supervising road patrols, kapa haka group, perceptual motor programme.
if you are interested in helping in any of these areas, please let us know.

Parent Concerns
From time to time you may have concerns over some aspect of your child's progress or behaviour at school.
Please contact the child's teacher at the earliest opportunity. If the concern remains, parents should feel comfortable
to contact an Assistant Principal or the Principal. Our aim is to encourage a positive home and school partnership to benefit both Hill School and individual children. A copy of a Complaints policy is available from the office.

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Parent Teacher Association:
The PTA is an important and valued organisation with helps the school, encourages family support and helps to promote the school within the community. Meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday or the month. They are friendly, informative and a good way to meet other parents and school staff.
All caregivers are welcome to join. Regular reports are provided by the PTA in Family Newsletters or as special items.

Parking
This can be a problem, especially on wet days! Drivers may park on Green Lane or Ward Streets.
There is a no parking area on the west side of Green Lane between 2.30 - 3.20 pm on school days.
Drivers can us the administration top carpark area as a turning area - please follow the arrows.
From 2.45 to 3.15 drivers using the main carpark are asked to turn left into Green Lane when leaving to minimise traffic congestion and improve pupil safety.
There is no parking in the bus parking area outside the hall road frontage.
You are asked to keep out of the lover Green Lane carpark which is used by taxi vans.

From 2.45 to 3.15 drivers using the main carpark are asked to turn left into Green Lane when leaving to minimise traffic congestion and improve pupil safety.

 

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PIPPS Programme:
PIPPS stands for Pupils in Positive Playgrounds. It is a simple reward and consequences system designed to encourage safe play, helpfulness towards others and looking after school grounds and equipment. It also helps to monitor and counsel children who have difficulty playing positively with other students.
PIPPS Guidelines:
At Hill School we want to play well together and get on wtih others so that our playground is a safe and happy place for every pupil and adult.
To do this we will:

School Donations:
Schools encourage families to pay school fee donations as part of budget planning. At Hill, a reducing fee is requested depending on the number of children attending. Fee levels are set by our board of trustees. Payment can be made annually or on term basis. Accounts and receipts are issued. School fees are voluntary donations and are tax deductible. Your support is much appreciated. Current school fee donations are:
First Child_________$80.00 per year _____ $20 per term
Second Child_______$50.00 per year _____ 12.50 per term
Third Child ________$10.00 per year _____ 2.50 per term
Subsequent Children $10.00 per year _____ 2.50 per term

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School Hours

8.30am	Children may enter classrooms
8.55am	School begins for morning sessions
10.40am	Morning Interval
11.00am	Mid morning session
12.30pm	Lunch
1.25pm	Afternoon sessions
3.00pm	School Finishes

 

 

 

 

It is expected that children will attend school unless they are sick and will be at school before 8.55am to begin lessons.
Children arriving late need to report to the school office before going to class

SmokeFree Environment Policy:
The school has a SmokeFree Environment Policy.
This means that smoking in not permitted within the buildings or grounds at any time.

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Sporting dates
Most events are held at school, group and zone level. Our Group includes 3-4 schools and zone includes over 35 Franklin schools. They ususally involve older children although some activities are for younger pupils.
Typical events are noted below.

February	Swimming
March	Padder Tennis
May	Orienteering
June	Gymnastics/Winter Sports
August	Winter Sports/Cross Country
September	Winter Sports
November	Athletics

 

 

 

 

Stationery
Each class has its own stationery needs. A stationery price list is available from the office. This list includes a charge for photocopying and gives informaion of school fees. During the year teachers may inform you of stationery items required by your child.
All stationery is available from the school. Stationery is issued after payment has been made.

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Strategic Plan
The school has a comprehensive Strategic Plan for areas such as curriculum, self review, student achievement, personnel, finance, property, health and safety.
The Strategic Plan is a powerful document for the success of Hill School as a learning organisation. It includes key education, social and local community goals and the actions to be taken for these goals to be successfully achieved.
A copy of the current Strategic Plan is available at the main office.

Sun Safety
In Term 1 & 4 there is a 'no hat not play' rule to encourage good sun sense habits. Children without hats at lunchtime can use the shaded areas of the main bank near the adventure playground. Children are able to bring their own sun screen and sunshades. All classes also have a sun block pump pot.

Swimming
Swimming and Water Safety are a required part of the school programme. Children should bring their togs every day their class is timetabled for swimming. We would appreciate and will respect, notification of health reasons which may exclude children from swimming.

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Taking Children from School

+Please ring the school or write a note if someone else is collecting your child from school, or if you wish your child to go to a different destination after school.
+If picking up a child before the end of the school day, please check in with the office first.
+It's expected that children will be picked up by 3.15pm.
+It is so important the school has up to date telephone contact numbers.

Telelphone Calls
Using the telephone is often the easiest and best way of contacting teachers.
However, it is difficult for teachers to come to the phone during class times.
We prefer calls to be made:
- between 8.15 - 8.45am
- at interval 10.40 - 11.00am
- lunch break 12.30 - 1.30pm
- after school 3.00 - 4.30pm
(See also Contacting Us)

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Uniforms:
Pukekohe Hill has a compulsory uniform. Details of the uniform are included in the Enrolment pack given to all newly enrolled students and are also available at the school office.
It is essential that all uniform items are clearly named so they can be returned to their owner if lost.
Unnamed uniform items are held during each term and then put into the second hand stock that is for sale at the school office.
You can check out the uniform display in the school office foyer.
See examples HERE

Virtues
The School has an active Virtues programme. Virtues have been described as the life skills of character and a means for schools to be safe and caring places. Some of the virtues to be promoted include honesty, respect, enthusiasm, self discipline, responsibility and consideration. Virtues are often linked to the term's Concept based theme. There has been a very positive response to the Virtues programme bu children, staff and the community.
Virtues are promoted in class, at assemblies and through newsletters.
see examples Here

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Vision Statement:
Following staff and community consultation, the Board of Trustees approved the following Vision Statement:
'A safe and challenging community providing an environment that promotes opportunities for all to develop the skills to become responsible, independent, and enthusiastic life long learners who contribute positively to society'

Website:
Hill School has developed a website which gives a range of news and informaion. The website address is www.pukekohehill.school.nz
The Ministry of Education's website is www.minedu.govt.nz

Winter Play
In Terms 2 and 3, children need to wear shorts when playing games on the fields, and have warmer clothes to put on afterwards.

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Welcome to Hill
Welcome to Hill School. I am sure this booklet will help your introduction to school. If you have any queries, you are welcome to contact the school office. We look forward to your family having a successful partnership with Hill School in the education of our students.

Greame Rix M.Ed Admin, BA, Dip Tchng.
Principal
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Seventh Edition: April 2007

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