At St Pius we take great pride in our school uniform. It is expected that the full uniform will be worn with NO additions such as sneakers or different coloured jerseys. There will be occasions when children cannot wear the correct uniform, a brief note of explanation/or phone call will be necessary.

You will need to purchase School Jerseys, girls pinafore and girls and boys socks through the school. You can purchase other things from Postie Plus and Cubes.

Swimming is a compulsory subject within the Health & Well Being Curriculum.

As St Pius X School does not have its own swimming pool, we negotiate with the Aquatic Centre and professional instructors to provide a series of lessons over three weeks, paid for by parents at competitive rates.

The B.O.T. provides transport and assistance for larger families.

Dental Therapist Public Health Nurse Audio Visual Testing Psychology / Guidance Teacher Special Education Service Resource Teacher of Maori Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour Police Education Officer Massey College of Education

ALL children are required to wear sun hats during the summer months. We have a ‘No Hat – No Play’ Policy. Children without hats remain in a shade area. Sun Screen is available at school.

All class stationery requirements are available for purchase at the school office. During the first month at school all children will bring home a stationery list. If parents wish to purchase through the school we would appreciate money being returned with the order in an envelope clearly marked with the child/s name and amount being paid. From time to time children will require extra items and these can be supplied on presentation of the class order slip and money at the school office.

Sports uniform is necessary. Out of school options include Miniball, Basketball, Cricket, Netball, Soccer.

The school day commences at 8:55 am and finishes at 3.00 pm.

08:55 – 10.40 am morning class 10.40 – 11.00 am interval 11.00 – 12.30 noon morning class 12.30 – 01.30 pm lunchtime 01.30 – 03.00 pm afternoon class

A Policy file is available for any interested parents at the school foyer. School Camps

A school camp is held in alternate years for Yr5 & 6 pupils.

A camp provides a unique opportunity for children to work and live together. It is an occasion for pursuing a range of outdoor activities that could not be run as effectively in the normal classroom programme.

On alternate years, an overnight Marae experience will be provided for children Y4-Y6 to participate in the protocols of our dual heritage.

As well as parents giving road safety instruction, the school, supported by Police Officers, does also. In the interests of safety, pupils are expected to use the pedestrian crossing if they have to cross Brooklands Road.

Reports of children’s progress are made as follows:

1. Term 1: Meet the Teacher’s Evening/Information Evening. Teachers give overview of year’s expectations. 2. Term 2: An oral interview between parents and teachers. 3. Term 3: Appointments can be requested by staff or parents to discuss childrens’ progress. 4. Term 4: Written reports.

If at any time you wish to discuss your child’s progress at school, you are most welcome to do so. Please make an appointment to see the class teacher/principal. Religious Education

This is a vital part of the school day, all classes participating in regular religious instruction. Prayer is an important part of each day and worship. A summary of each Stand is sent home to parents when it is being taught in the classroom.

A parish/school family mass is held on the first Sunday of every month when our children are invited to be involved in the celebration of our Catholic faith.

We believe that education is a partnership and there are many positive ways parents can be involved in aspects of class programmes. Confidentiality is critical in this role. Parents are also a necessary help when classes go on educational trips away from school, or by sharing their expertise in sport, hobbies or crafts

Noticeboard

For all current community information and consultation on policies, please view foyer noticeboard. Money at School

We prefer children not to have money of their own at school. When it is necessary for class/school trips, book clubs etc, please enclose money in an envelope with child’s name and details written clearly on the outside. It may be necessary at times for a pupil to have money for after school. We would appreciate this being held by your child’s teacher until then. Please enclose it once again in an envelope with their name on it.

Pupils may buy their lunches on a Monday. Price list available at the school office. We also discourage children from bringing glass containers because of possible breakage. Sweets, chewing gum and bubble gum are NOT permitted at school.

We store all lost property in the corridor and encourage parents to check for items whenever necessary.

Library

The school library is well used and plays an important part in the reading programme of each class. New books are added regularly. Children are encouraged to borrow books. Please ensure overdue books are sent back.

This is not to be worn to school as it can get lost or broken and is dangerous, especially at playtime, sports and PE periods. Ear-rings, other than studs, are not to be worn to school. No pendants or chains are to be worn.

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When a child is too ill to come to school please let the school know on the day. If a child becomes ill at school or is involved in an accident, the school will contact you.

PLEASE make sure we have your correct phone number and an alternative number on file so we can contact you in such circumstances. This information is usually given when a child is enrolled. Please keep us informed of any changes.

Important:

The Home & School Association consists of all parents and staff of the school. They are represented by a Committee selected at the AGM. The Home & School Association fulfils an active role in the life of the School and initiates social and fundraising activities. They are parents like you, so please offer to help whenever you can.

A donation of $35 per child (with maximum of $70 per family) is invoiced each year. This is a donation to the school and a receipt for tax purposes will be issued when paid.

Behaviour Management Procedures – “Values in Action”. This fosters positive school culture.

The school plans its programme around the official NZ curriculum.Parent Meetings are held for information on New Curriculum changes and to keep parents informed on school curriculum development.

Our school is a four teacher school and all classes are composite (i.e. more than one class level in a classroom). Teachers have no difficulty in teaching such classes.

Composite classes do not mean a lessening of your child’s education and in many aspects is beneficial. The time spent in each room varies according to the roll numbers.

This is available for interested parents at the school office.

There is usually a School Assembly on every alternate Friday at 2.30 pm in St Philomena’s Church. This is an opportunity to see children’s work. Parents are very welcome to attend. Board of Trustees (B.O.T.)

Our Board consists of 3 elected Parent Representatives, 2 Proprietor Appointees, the Principal and a Staff Representative. Board of Trustee meetings are held once a month: date and time of meetings is given in school newsletters. These are public meetings which follow the same rules as District Council Meetings. Minutes of these meetings are available in the school foyer. The B.O.T. ‘s role is governance.

When your child is ill, please let us know by telephone on the morning of illness. If you are going away for some reason, please let the school know in advance. If you know your child will be late for any reason, please telephone or send a note. This will save unnecessary questioning and follow-up. Children who arrive at school last MUST report to the office first.