Parent Involvement

There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in school life. Parent involvement is a much valued and needed resource, which benefits both your child and the school.
These opportunities include:-

• Trips/visits
• Electives
• Fundraising
• Lunch roster (usually winter terms)
• Coaching sports teams for out-of-school sport
• Support classroom programmes as a parent helper
• Chess Club
• Gymnastics
• Swimming

Reporting to parents

Written reports are issued in December each year. Parent/Teacher face-to-face conferences are usually held in March/April of each year and again in July/August.

During the first conference teachers will let your know how your child is settling into the class and how ell they are working. They will also discuss with you any goals you would like your child to achieve during the year.
During the second interview you will have a chance to discuss your child's progress and achievement during the first six months. The next six months will be spent helping your child to achieve agreed goals and to work their way through the curriculum plan for their level.

The December written report will provide a summary of a child's achievements. While there usually isn't enough time to offer extended discussion of the report parents/caregivers should not wait until the report comes out to raise any issues or concerns they might have. Parents are welcome to contact the class teacher at any time throughout the year to discuss their child's progress or concerns they may have.

Samples of children's work are sent home at regular intervals and also serve as a useful record of progress.

Newsletter

School newsletters are published weekly, usually on a Wednesday, and either emailed out (if you are on our subscription list), or sent home with the youngest member of the family. They are also accessible on the website here. Newsletters are a valuable source of school happenings and information. Syndicate newsletters and other class notices will be sent home when necessary. If an extra newsletter is required, talk to your child's teacher (or email us).

All enrolments are considered in accordance with the school's policy on enrolment. This can be viewed at the office.

Five Year Olds

Families are encouraged to complete a pre-enrolment form and return it to the school office. This can be done at any time and should certainly be done at least two months before the child's fifth birthday. This will allow eligibility for enrolment to be established. You will receive a letter confirming whether or not enrolment will be accepted. If the enrolment has been accepted you and your child will be invited to make an appointment with the Principal to complete enrolment formalities. It will take about 30-45 minutes and will include a visit to the classroom in which your child will be placed. This is an ideal time to share information or ask questions that will help to make settling into school easier for your child and you.

Children are entitled to start school on their fifth birthday. Please bring a vaccination certificate completed to age 5 and a copy of their birth certificate to verify their date of birth.

Transferring Enrolments

Students who intend transferring from another school during the year will be required to complete a pre-enrolment form. If the enrolment is accepted, arrangements to complete an enrolment form should be made with the school secretary. Students will then be able to start school on the next school day following completion of the enrolment formalities.

Enrolment Formalities

1. An enrolment form for the school records e.g. name, address, an emergency contact number.
2. A medical history health card for the Health Department which is given to parents to complete at home.
3. Children not already attending a Dental Clinic may enrol at this time.
4. School Banking Account forms for Westpac Trust are available.
5. A stationery list is enclosed. All items can be purchased from the school office. It is appreciated if your child can bring these to the first school visit.
6. When your child is enrolled you will be advised of a donation to be made to the school. It is used to benefit all students, remembering that your child is already benefiting from contributions made by those who are already attending the school.

Each year it is necessary to raise funds to purchase equipment and facilities that cannot be covered by the school's operational funding.

School Amenity Donation

The Board of Trustees asks you to make a donation to the school. In the past the contribution requested has been set at $40 per student attending the school. A tax invoice will be issued so you can make a claim on your tax return.

Sponsorship of Newsletter

For $5.00 we can provide advertising for you on our weekly newsletter which is circulated to approximately 350 families. This could benefit your business or workplace and will assist the school to keep costs down. Please contact the office if you are interested.

School Gala

The school gala which is held every two years is a major fundraising event and relies on the involvement of the school community. If you are able to be involved, it also offers an opportunity to meet other families in the school community

Sundry Fundraising

Other fundraising events happen during the year. We really appreciate any offers of help. Present sundry fundraising includes:-

• Scholastic New Zealand Book Clubs
• Book Fair
• Sausage sizzles
  

Please advise the school if you would like to be involved. Ideas and suggestions are welcome.
All fundraising projects must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Stationery Lists

Click on the link below to download a copy of the stationery list for 2010 for your child's class. It also includes a list of other fees and donations. Use the word document link for MS Office and the RTF link for other Word processors.

Renwick 2 : Word document   RTF document
Renwick 3 : Word document   RTF document
Room 1 : Word document   RTF document
Room 2 : Word document   RTF document
Room 3 : Word document   RTF document
Room 4 : Word document   RTF document
Room 5 : Word document   RTF document
Room 6 : Word document   RTF document
Room 7 : Word document   RTF document
Room 8 : Word document   RTF document
Room 9 : Word document   RTF document
Room 11 : Word document   RTF document
Room 12 : Word document   RTF document
Room 13 : Word document   RTF document
Room 14 : Word document   RTF document
Room 15 : Word document   RTF document
Room 16 : Word document   RTF document

Civil Defense Procedures

Our plan for dealing with a civil defense emergency can be viewed by clicking on this link. (Please note that this plan is currently under review).

Influenza Pandemic Plan

We have a set of guidelines for internal action within the school in the event of an influenza pandemic which can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Our more comprehensive pandemic planning document can be downloaded from this link.

Sickness/Accident

In order to cater for student needs, the school must be informed of relevant medical conditions or changes in existing medical conditions.
If your child becomes unwell or suffers an accident at school, the school secretary will provide supervision in the Medical Room until contact with a caregiver is made and the child is collected.

In the event of a child requiring urgent attention a staff member will accompany the child to the appropriate medical service while contact with a caregiver is made.

Medication

Medication is kept in the Medical Room and is administered by the school secretary. If your child requires medication at school, a medical form available from the school secretary must be completed and returned to the office. If unsure, please contact the school secretary for more information. Use of inhalers should be discussed with your child's teacher and appropriate individual arrangements made.

Absences

If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, please notify the school secretary as early as possible.

Smoke Free

Nelson Central School is a smoke free zone and parents and visitors are asked to comply with this.

Dog Free

Nelson Central School is also a dog free zone, parents and caregivers are asked to comply with this and leave your dogs outside the school grounds.

Sun Protection

Students are encouraged to wear protective hats and sunscreen at school during the time spent out of doors. Sun safe procedures are to be followed during school times. During Terms 1 and 4 children are required to wear hats whilst outside at school - "No hat, no play in the the sun".

Dental Clinic

There is a Dental Clinic on site. The Dental Therapist requires written consent from you before your child can receive dental care. Students may be enrolled with the Dental Therapist at any time, prior to starting school. Those children who are not already enrolled will be contacted. Dental care is free.

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurse is available for consultation through the School, or Nelson Marlborough Health phone (03) 5461545.

Nelson Central School Strategic Plan : 2010-2013

The adult Achievement Excellence Learning Participation Respect

The child Doing our best Doing better Thinking Having a go Looking out for people and our environment

OBJECTIVES

Banking

Westpac Trust operates school banking every Wednesday. Application forms can be obtained from the school secretary.

Lunches

Children are encouraged to bring lunches to school. Lunches can also be ordered and paid for by parents at adjacent shops in Nile street. The Pie shop (Ka Pie) delivers to the school at lunch time.

Drinks

Water fountains are available to students. Please ensure drinks from home are in plastic containers, not glass.

Stationery

The school office stocks some stationery, including New Entrant stationery packs. All purchasing is to be done before 9.30 a.m.

Scholastic New Zealand

Students have the opportunity to purchase paperback books each term. Pamphlets detailing the books available are sent home with each student. If you wish to purchase items, order forms and cheques can be placed in the box at the office. Please make cheques payable to Nelson Central School.

Lost Property

We recommend that all clothing is named. Clearly named clothing is much easier to return to the owner. We encourage parents to check for lost belongings regularly (preferably before or after school). The school takes no responsibility for lost / left property.

Use of School Grounds

The Board of Trustees and staff of the school encourage families to use the school grounds. The school grounds should be a safe place for legitimate and supervised use by school families. In response to inappropriate use of our grounds and equipment, signs banning skate boarding, cycling and roller blading have been erected. Dogs are not permitted on the school grounds.

Wheels

Children are asked to leave bicycles, scooters and skateboards in the bike cage. The bike cage is locked at 9am and re-opened at 3pm. Children are encouraged to bring their own chains and locks for added security.

School Terms

The school year is based on four terms and parents will be notified of the dates for each year in the newsletter. Keep these dates for your reference.

School Hours

Morning 8.55 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Afternoon 1.25 p.m. - 2.55 p.m.
Intervals
Morning 10.30 a.m. - 10.50 a.m.
Lunch 12.30 p.m. - 1.25 p.m.

8.30 a.m. School Entry

Under current school practice students are not allowed in the school grounds before 8.30 a.m. Prior to 8.30 a.m. student safety cannot be assured as teachers are required to attend a staff meeting and are unable to supervise. Children arriving earlier will need to wait at the gate until the 8.30 a.m. bell. If there are any temporary difficulties, please talk to your child's teacher.

After School Play

Students may use the school playground after 3.00 p.m. if supervised. Teachers are not rostered to supervise at this time and the school will not accept liability for any accidents.

Syndicates and Class Organisation

The school is organised into five syndicates. The teachers within each syndicate work as a team for planning organisation and support. Within each syndicate are several separate classes of similar aged students who come together for assembly, activities and events. The syndicates are:

Kowhai          : Years 0, 1 & 2   Approx Ages 5-6
Pohutukawa  : Years 2 & 3       Approx Ages 6-7
Kahikatea      : Years 3 & 4       Approx Ages 7-9
Totara           : Years 5 & 6       Approx Ages 9-11
Te Pouahi      : Years 0 to 6      Ages 5 to 9-11

Te Pouahi

Nelson Central School operates a bilingual unit comprising three akomanga - learning centres, Room 15, 16 & 17. These classes cover Years 5 & 6, Years 0, 1 & 2 and Years 3 and 4. In these classes between 50 and 80% of the curriculum is taught in Māori. First preference of entry to Te Pouahi is given to children who have attended Kohanga Reo, Māori students and then to others expressing an interest. You are welcome to ask more about how these classes operate and whether your child can join one.

The way your child moves through school will depend on a wide range of factors including his or her social and educational needs and school organisation. Currently the school organisation includes composite classes.

Bus Service

There is a bus service for those who are eligible. Eligibility is determined by the distance between school and home. If you require information contact the office.

Road Patrol

The Nile Street pedestrian crossing is patrolled by trained students and is supervised by a teacher from 8.30-8.50 a.m. and 2.55-3.05 p.m.

Parking

Parking can be difficult before and after school. Please observe and respect the parking signs displayed. It is important not to leave cars unattended in the pick up/set down area at the head of Alton Street. Occasionally, a traffic warden patrols!
Parking at Renwick House is reserved for the staff only.

Cycling

The Ministry of Transport runs a cycle awareness programme each year at our school. They recommend that children under the age to ten years should be accompanied by an adult whilst cycling. We support this recommendation. The wearing of cycle helmets is compulsory.

Principal

Deputy & Assistant Principals

Scale A Registered Teacher

Scale A Experienced Teacher

Scale A Beginnning Teacher

An experienced and committed staff serves the school. In addition to skills necessary in class management, programme planning and evaluation, recording and reporting inherent in the role of a teacher many, through interest, training, and/or talents have other skills on which the school calls. These include reading recovery, music, art, drama, Māori language, fitness development, sport, counselling, computer, administration and special needs education.

Consultative corporate decision-making will receive emphasise and the management and development model will emphasise this. Acceptance of leadership and responsibility associated with this model is evident in teachers, principal, and Board of Trustees.

In addition to the Kaiarahi reo the school has six attached teachers - five Resource Teachers, Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) and one Resource Teacher of Literacy (RTLit). All carry out itinerant duties in this and surrounding schools. Committees of Management are set up to guide and monitor their operations.

School Organisation

Sometimes people new to the school have querulous looks on their faces when we talk about Syndicates and other forms of school organization! I would like to take this opportunity to help clarify things for them; perhaps it might refresh the memories of people who have already been with the school for some time.

The school is divided into five broad groups (we call them syndicates) based on the year groups of the children (except for Te Pouahi, the bilingual unit). Each syndicate has a team leader who is responsible for ensuring implementation of teaching plans, student management and the smooth running of the syndicate.

The senior syndicate is called Totara (most syndicates are named after native trees) and is led by Senior teacher, Freya Sonneland, who teaches in Room 8. It is made up of children in Years 5 and 6. Totara classrooms are R1, R2, R7 and R8.

The next syndicate is called Kahikatea and is led by Sue McLean who teaches in Room 3. Kahikatea is made up of children in Years 3 and 4. Kahikatea classrooms are R3, R5 and R6.

The next and newest syndicate is called Pohutukawa. These children are in year 2 & 3 and their classrooms are R9, R10, R13 and R14.

The most junior children in the school belong to Kowhai syndicate which is led by Dianne Thomson in Renwick 2. These children will still be in their first three years at school with some having been in the school since about September last year. Kowhai classrooms are Renwick 1, Renwick 2, Renwick 3, R11 and R12

Te Pouahi syndicate is led by Trina Bennett who also teaches in R15. The other two classes making up Te Pouahi are R16 and R17.

Each team leader has management and curriculum responsibilities that have to be fitted into their day as well. Some other teachers also have curriculum and management.

The Koru symbolising an opening fern frond, Sugar Loaf, and the lime trees which feature in the school playground.

Supplementing the logo are the words:

Nelson Central School Aim High - Ki Runga Rawa (the highest)

• Sugar Loaf is a notable feature of the Nelson landscape situated in Brook Street and visible as a backdrop to the school.
• A Māori phrase reflects our traditional motto of Aim High.
• The Koru, as an unfolding fern frond, represents the growth a child experiences in the years spent at school. Just as the Koru symbolises the Māori dimension of our heritage, the lime trees portray a feature of our school as well as forming a link with the early European development of our school and city.
• The combination of European and Māori symbolism within the logo portrays the bi-cultural aspects of our heritage and one of the special characteristics of our school.

TO THE COMMUNITY OF NELSON CENTRAL SCHOOL

This is a summary of the Education Review Office's latest report on Nelson Central School.

The previous Office review noted the strong working relationship between the Board of Trustees, staff, and the school community. This review report confirms the positive and harmonious nature of the relationship and the fact that all parties maintain their high expectations of the school.

Since the last review the school has undertaken a number of significant achievements. Extensive community consultation has accompanied the development of a strategic plan. Implementation of the plan is underway. Well-considered remodelling of several interior spaces has added to the overall quality of the school's appearance, as have improvements to the grounds and play areas. Students learn and play in high quality, attractive environments. The school has updated its computer technology to include access to intra and internet capability in every classroom.

The school's special needs advisory group plays a key role in ensuring that the needs of students with academic and behavioural difficulty are met. The school is host to a team of resource teachers of special needs, providing support and management of the group through the principal.
The principal leads a team of four senior staff who are responsible for managing the syndicate structure. The five syndicates tend to operate as separate entities, although there is liaison between them. A group of experienced and knowledgeable teachers, who have strong views regarding their programmes, provide a strong base for curriculum delivery. Some inconsistencies in teacher planning impact on the continuity of programmes throughout the school.

Teachers are providing classroom environments that foster learning Teachers have high expectations of themselves and of their students. Student achievement is valued through attractive displays of student work that demonstrate participation in a variety of learning experiences.

Parents and staff have worked together to formulate appropriate procedures that are designed to ensure the physical and emotional safety of students. Classrooms are well managed, with students showing high levels of on task behaviour. The school places an emphasis on developing and maintaining a secure, happy, and positive learning environment.

Nelson Central School is well placed to maintain the delivery of appropriate programmes to its students and to manage any risks associated with this service. The recommendations contained within this report are designed to assist the school in building on work already underway in the strategic plan, curriculum planning and assessment processes. The next review will take place in accordance with the Office's schedule of accountability reviews.

When ERO has reviewed a school we ask the board of trustees to let us know how they intend to manage any difficulties set out in their report (copies of which are available from the school or ERO). We also encourage boards to inform their community of any follow up action plan. You should talk to the board or principal if you have any questions about this summary, the full report or their future intentions.

Lane Mohi
Area Manager for Chief Review Officer