Please leave a message on the answer phone (688 1376) before 9:00 am if your child is unable to attend school any day.
The 2009 Activity Fee has been set at $8.50 per term per child i.e. $34 for the year.
While the Activity Fee is not compulsory, it covers the cost of such things as visiting cultural or performing groups, some class expenses, transport to swimming and the end of year Mass and copying expenses.
It should be noted that this figure may not cover all costs that will arise during a year. Individual class or syndicate activities (e.g. camps, ski trips etc) will be charged separately.
In addition the Board of Trustees and the School Community Group often meet the costs of a number of activities which will enhance your child/children's education.
Cheques should be made payable to St Joseph's School.
ANCILLARY SERVICES
The children attend the Oceanview Heights School Dental Clinic. Phone 688 6477.
Our Health Nurse is Mrs Jane Pierce. She visits school regularly - usually every second Thursday. Hearing and eyesight tests are carried out by the Public Health Services on all 5 year old children and others as needed. All 5 year olds have a health check soon after school entry. The Nurse is available to discuss and advise on children's health with parents. She can be contacted on 684-8511.
Group Special Education (Special Education Services)
The service is available to both school and parents. It provides assistance with assessing children's ability and advising on any other problems affecting pupils' progress and behaviour at school or home including speech and language problems. A teacher may refer a child to this service with parents' permission.
Group Special Education Service is located at Level 5, The Tower Building, George Street, Timaru. Phone 684 3179, Fax 684 3178.
At present our school is involved in the reading recovery programme for children aged 5.09 to 7.00. Strict criteria is used to select pupils most in need. The programme requires home support. It is aimed at children who have fallen behind their peers in regard to reading. One on one instruction is given daily.
Once or twice a term, families have the opportunity to order books. Please ensure the correct money and order form are returned to school in an envelope that can be "posted" in the box located in the office foyer.
Cheques should be made payable to Scholastic New Zealand Return to top of page
A full school assembly is held each Friday at 9:45 am (weather permitting) in the Marchwiel Community Centre on Selwyn Street. Each class takes turns having responsibility for the assembly or Paraliturgy preparation. Parents are most welcome to attend.
All Catholic schools charge Attendance Dues which are a legally binding charge on all parents and caregivers who have enrolled their children at a Catholic school. This is payable, unless in special circumstances, the charge has been waived by the proprietor of the school for specific issues associated with a family.
In the Christchurch Diocese the Attendance Due charge is $33.75 per term for each child. The account is sent out early at the beginning of each term, from the parish, and should be paid to the parish.
Attendance dues are authorised under the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act and are used to pay for costs associated with the land and buildings for the Catholic Primary Schools in the Diocese.
At the same time as the first term's Attendance Dues account is sent out, the Catholic Education Office requests parents and caregivers to pay a contribution for Religious Education costs. This contribution, which is a donation, is set at $20 per child per year, which will be collected each term. This money is used to assist the Catholic Education Office in their advisory work for Catholic primary schools throughout the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch.
Where a parent has four or more children at a Catholic primary school, their attendance dues invoice will be for three children only, i.e. the fourth child, and any further children, will not be charged for attendance dues.
Families will receive an account each term from the Parish Office. Payment is to be made to the Parish Office at 12 Mountainview Road, Timaru. Arrangements can be made for these to be paid by direct debit or in instalments by telephoning 686 2010.
Cheques should be made payable to the Timaru North Parish.
|
33.75 |
per term per student (not tax deductible) | ||
|
5.00 |
Religious Education Contribution (tax deductible) | ||
|
38.75 |
It is Parish policy that if no alternative arrangements have been made with the Parish Priest for the payment of attendance dues, the matter will be placed in the hands of a debt collector.
As the school is an integral part of the Parish community, all families are automatically included in the Parish roll.
Note: Privacy information
At the time of enrolment, the preference/non preference form contains the following statement: "I/We acknowledge that by signing this form the information contained herein may be held, used and disclosed to:
Good manners, co-operation, consideration of others, use of appropriate language, care for belongings, school property and equipment are expected.
The school has a set of procedures relating to student discipline to follow when behaviour is unsatisfactory.
Good playground behaviour is acknowledged at each week's assembly.
| 8:30 am | Pupils may enter grounds and buildings | |
| 8:55 am | Morning class begins | |
| 10:40 am - 11:00 am | Interval | |
| 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Lunch | |
| 3:00 pm | Classes finish |
The Traffic Safety division of the Police recommend that children under the age of 10 should not bike to school.
All children biking must wear a helmet.
Parents are responsible for seeing that their children are responsible road users and that bicycles are legal and safe.
At various times in the year a buddy system is put in place whereby senior pupils take some responsibility for pairing up with junior school children and assisting them with aspects of their school work.
Costs: Single $1.00 10 rides $10.00
Please name weekly ticket (purchased from bus driver)
| Timaru School Bus | Departs 7:47 am Landing Service - Polytech - Church - Otipua - Chaucer - Matai - Puriri - Pukatea - Miro - Gleniti - Birch (8:00 am) - Poplar - Macauley - Benmore - Morgans (Aorangi Stadium 8:05 am) - Pages (MVHS 8:10 am) - Usk - Kent - Kelvin - School |
| Service Bus | Departs 7:50 & 8:20 am Landing Service - Wai-iti - Selwyn (Marchwiel shops 8:00 & 9:30 am) - |
| School Bus | Departs 3:10 am from St Joseph's School Travels from Pages Road - Selwyn - Wai-iti - Gleniti - Birch - Poplar - Macaulay - Murchison - Benmore - Morgans - Orbell - Broadway - Wai-iti - Otipua - Hassall Street (Timaru Girls High) |
All clothing and footwear, including sports wear, should be clearly marked as should all stationery, lunch boxes and school bags. (Refer also to Lost Property note)
The school telephone number is 688 1376 and the fax number is 684 9381. As the school phone is a business telephone, all outward calls are charged to the school so pupils are encouraged not to use the phone unless necessary. The answer phone is switched on when staff are not available in the office. Please leave a message if you wish to have a call returned.
The school's email address for the secretary is office@stjoetim.school.nz The Principal's email address is principal@stjoetim.school.nz
Fortnightly newsletters can be accessed on the school website www.stjoetim.school.nz
Curriculum Return to top of page
The core curriculum used in the school covers the seven essential learning areas set by the Ministry of Education. These are languages, mathematics, science and the environment, social studies, the arts, physical and personal development and technology. In addition the Religious Education programme specified by the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand is taught.
The curriculum is delivered with a focus on Literacy and Numeracy, supported with a programme of Integrated Studies.
From time to time a teacher may feel a trip away from the school would help the children learn, from first-hand experiences, more about a particular topic they have been studying. Parents will always be informed of these prior to the day and may sometimes be asked to assist with supervision on these trips.
Prior to enrolment, parents are asked to contact the Parish Priest (phone 686 2010) for a Preference or Non-Preference Consent Form. An appointment with the Principal can then be made. Please bring the child's birth certificate and immunisation details with the Consent Form.
Other information required includes:
Home address, telephone number, family doctor, emergency contact numbers, details of relevant health problems.
As part of the school programme, children will participate in a number of activities during the school year. Masses, Paraliturgies, swimming, cross-country running, athletics, netball, rugby, soccer, hockey, mini-ball, choir items, folk dancing, speech and other cultural activities.
You will be informed in Newsletters when these activities are to be held. As a school we welcome all parents, grandparents and friends of the school to come along and join us on these occasions.
Parents need to notify the school if a child has a serious or chronic medical condition e.g. asthma, diabetes, the procedures to be followed and medication, if any, to be held and administered at school.
If a child becomes ill or has an accident at school, parents (or emergency contact) are notified to come and collect their child. In an emergency an ambulance would be called without delay.
The Smoke Free Environment Act now requires all schools to be entirely “smoke-free’. This applies not only to buildings but also to the school grounds.
The school is an accredited SunSmart School.
Holidays and St Joseph's School Terms 2009 Return to top of page
| Term 1 | Monday 2 February | to | Friday 9 April |
| Term 2 | Monday 27 April | to | Friday 3 July |
| Term 3 | Monday 27 July | to | Friday 25 September |
| Term 4 | Monday 12 October | to | Tuesday 15 December |
Additional Holidays
Schools will be closed in 2009 on Saturdays and Sundays and on the following holidays:
| Waitangi Day | Friday 6 February | |
| Good Friday | 10 April | |
| Easter Monday | 12 April | Within school holidays |
| Easter Tuesday | 25 March | Within school holidays |
| Anzac Day | Saturday 25 April | Falls on a Saturday |
| Queen's Birthday | Monday 1 June | Term 2 |
| SC Anniversary Day | Monday 28 September | Within school holidays |
| Labour Day | Monday 26 October | Term 4 |
This will vary with different teachers and with classes of different levels. Homework in the junior classes will consist mainly of reading. In the senior classes, homework could include reading, spelling, mathematics and often some research work to be done on a topic being covered at School.
Parents can help by taking a general interest in what their children are doing.
Interviews and Reports Return to top of page
Early in the year the school will hold parent orientation evenings where you will be informed of classroom programmes and discuss matters with the teacher.
A formal Goal Setting interview is held early in March to identify and discuss student goals.
At mid-year a record of achievement and development in selected curriculum areas is sent home. This is read in conjunction with an interview with the teacher, which the student is able to attend.
A final report is sent home at the end of November.
Parents are welcome to discuss matters of mutual concern but please make an appointment with the teacher concerned as teachers often have work preparation and meeting commitments both before and after school.
If you wish to discuss a matter with the Principal please phone the office to make a suitable appointment.
In the interest of safety and pupil welfare, children are not allowed to leave the school grounds during the school day without permission.
If your child is to regularly go home for lunch, please send a note explaining this to the class teacher.
If your child is required to leave school during the day please advise the school office or the teacher.
Children leaving the school grounds on school business will always be at least in pairs.
The school library is one of our most valuable non-human resources. We encourage children to read as widely as possible to help extend knowledge. Your help at home in taking an interest in your child's recreational reading is very valuable in developing good reading habits and interests.
Each class has regular visits to the library.
The library has now been computerised and set up to function as a learning centre. Children now have access to the library over lunchtime.
Lost Property Return to top of page
There is a lost property box located in the Junior Foyer.
Items held are displayed at least once a term.
At the end of the year unclaimed (unnamed) uniforms are handed to the School Community Group for resale. Other items are sent to the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Monday (Term 2 & 3) "Sav in a Bun"
Tuesday Reload
Wednesday Subway
Thursday “Spud Supreme” – choice of 2 fillings
Orders are taken by senior students in the middle/senior syndicate foyer. All orders to be given by 9:00 a.m. Prices are notified by newsletter.
If at anytime your child is on any form of medication, please keep the school fully informed.
The Board of Trustees has a procedure that requires parents to complete a form giving approval when staff are asked to administer medication at school prescribed by a G.P. or specialist.
The form can be obtained from the school office.
Newsletters Return to top of page
Through school newsletters we try to keep parents informed on school matters. The youngest child in each family is given the newsletters. You can expect to receive a newsletter every second Thursday. Please advise the Office Manager is you wish to receive your newsletter by email. The newsletter is also available on the school website www.stjoetim.school.nz on the day of publication.
If you do not receive one, spare copies are available at the office. A copy will also be on display in the school notice board.
The Principal is the professional and administrative leader of the school, supported by the Assistant Principal and Learning Leaders. The school is divided into three syndicates under the leadership of a senior teacher designated as a learning leader who is responsible for the teaching and learning in the syndicate.
Within the school, a variety of co-operative planning and teaching techniques are used.
During their time at school children will have many opportunities to experience education outside the classroom. A comprehensive procedure and schedule of events is in place.
Apart from school visits to places of interest to enhance the curriculum, skills in outdoor living are also developed. Safety issues are always a priority in planning. Budgets are carefully prepared so that costs are kept to a minimum.
Parking/Road Safety Return to top of page
Please follow the parking instructions on the signs outside the school gate. While parking is a problem, pupil safety must come first. You can help by using the controlled crossing, ensuring children enter your car from the footpath side of the car, if possible park on the school side of the street, do not double park or stop on the yellow lines, avoid making U-turns and be patient!
Parent helpers are always welcome at school.
Each term a form is sent home requesting assistance for such things as reading, story writing and related activities, maths etc. Assistance is often requested for help in the library, coaching and transport of sports teams etc. For further information contact your child's teacher.
Peer Mediation Return to top of page
Peer mediation encourages social skills by helping students learn better ways of managing conflict.
Students are trained to listen to one another in order to solve their conflicts positively. This means that students in the conflict may solve the problem based on a clear understanding of the problem and their needs and through the generation of ideas, which can help them to meet these needs. By doing this students are taking ownership of their problem and generating their own solutions.
Selected senior pupils are trained and facilitate this process under the guidance of teachers. At intervals and lunch break they are clearly visible to all in the play area.
The New Entrant school visits are on Thursdays from 8:55 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with three or four school visits prior to school entry. Parents are welcome to stay. A telephone call will inform parents as to when their child's pre-entry visits will begin.
Religious Education is an integral part of our school.
A newsletter will come home once a term to keep you informed of the focus within the classroom programmes. It includes other information specific to the special character of our school.
Prayer is an essential part of our day and the various forms of prayer are experienced i.e. spontaneous, formal, scripture based, quiet reflection time.
In terms 2 and 3 the school joins with the Parish on a Sunday to share in the celebration of Mass. As we are part of the Parish the expectation is that all children attend with their families if possible.
Assemblies, on a Friday, begin with prayer. Paraliturgies are either led by a syndicate or are a whole school focus. Notification of these is in the R.E. newsletter. We now assemble at the Marchwiel Community Centre for these. A warm welcome is extended to parents to share these times with their children.
The children join with the Parish during the year to celebrate the Mass. Masses are also celebrated in the classrooms. On special days e.g. Ash Wednesday and The Assumption, the middle and senior syndicates attend Mass at 9:00 a.m. in St Thomas’ Church.
Sacramental Programmes Return to top of page
Programmes are Parish based. Our Religious Education programme provides important background for children that relates to Reconciliation and Eucharist. Details regarding preparation classes for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation, are included in the Parish Bulletin which is provided each Sunday at Mass.
To ensure that children are protected as much as possible from skin damage caused by harmful sun rays, the school has adopted the procedure that during Terms 1 and 4 the regulation school sun hat must be worn at interval times. Those without hats will remain in the shade areas.
Each classroom also has a small supply of a SPF30 broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. Parents and staff are encouraged to act as role models and practice sun protective behaviours as well.
Through a regular P.E. programme skills for sport are developed right from Year 1. For the older children (Rooms 5-8) the school takes part in interschool sports involving many different sports. There are organised events such as Summer and Winter Tournaments, gymnastics, athletics, cross country. At present we also have out of school times teams playing in basketball, hockey and netball. Fair Play and enjoyment is always emphasised. Parent help is often needed and very much appreciated.
We are lucky enough to have our own pool and with the recent instalment of a heat pump, water temperature is maintained at 25°. All classes have daily lessons during the swimming season. The town pools are also sometimes used to develop survival skills. The junior classes have an annual swimming demonstration at school, while the older children in Rooms 4 - 8 have their sports at the Century Pool.
All Year 7 and 8 pupils attend Roncalli College on Wednesday afternoons. Bus transport is provided. Parents are responsible to see that material fees are paid when requested. An annual technology fee is also charged.
Throw-Away Waste Materials
The school can make good use of many items commonly regarded as "junk". In junior classes good use can be made of the following items:
Scraps of wool, material, string, coloured paper, cotton, lace, ribbon, cotton wool, felt, silver paper, newspaper, fur, furnishing fabrics.
Pieces of sheets, cotton and/or woollen material.
Packets of old seeds, apricot stones, feathers, small shells, wood shavings.
Match boxes, cotton reels, buttons. Pieces of wire (electrical), ends of electrical tape, fine wire.
Plastic containers (ensure that bleach containers are well washed).
Toothpaste tube caps, plastic bottle caps, plastic cosmetic containers and bottles.
Grocery packets, boxes, pill/shoe/stocking/chocolate boxes. plastic envelopes, shirt boxes and packets, cardboard boxes of all sizes, small tins - flat and cylindrical.
Tops from work socks for making toys- pantyhose for stuffing.
Scraps of carpet, lino, lino tiles, contact, wallpaper.
Old curtains, tablecloths, dressing up clothes, scarves.
Off-cuts of timber, plywood, meat-skewers, doweling.
Paint, enamel - odd left-over amounts of bright colours.
Brown paper, paper packets, newsprint, card, corrugated card, cardboard rolls (centre of toilet rolls ARE NOT suitable for health reasons.,)
Men's shirts - suitable for painting smocks. Old towels and other materials suitable for dusters and floor cloths.
Magazines with pictures suitable for children.
Calendar pictures, cereal packet pictures, advertising catalogues.
Large cartons suitable for storing "junk" material.
The school has two walking school buses in operation. If you have any questions please contact Jonathan Young in Room 8 who is the co-ordinator. Visibility vests are available from the Principal.
Park Lane Walking School Bus
The parents are -
Jono & Di Young 6 Park Lane Time of Departure 8:00 am
Clare Davenport 10 Park Lane Time of Departure 8:00 am
Jo Snelling Douglas Street Walking School Bus Sign Time of Departure 8:10 am
Pages Road Walking School Bus
The parents are -
Angela Hide 16 Morgans Road Time of Departure 8:00 am
Lisa Richards Corner of Morgans Road & Pages Road Time of Departure 8:20 am
Jo Lee Glamis Street intersection Time of Departure 8:25 am
Kirsty Cormack 106 Pages Road opposite MVHS tennis courts Time of Departure 8:30 am