Attendance:
Absences from school has a significant impact on learning and the Ministry has set a target that 80% of learners attend school 90% of the time – that is no more than 5 days absence in a term. Some absences cannot be helped such as when a child is sick so if your child is unwell, please keep them at home.
If your child is going to be away from school, we are required to provide a reason for an absence on our attendance system which the Ministry of Education monitors. Please contact the school if your child is going to be away from school. Contact can be made via phone call, text, email or the absence function on the Skool Loop app. We are required to provide a reason for an absence on our attendance system which the Ministry of Education monitors.
Assemblies:
The school meets for assemblies each morning. We believe that time spent together is important to develop the culture of our school in a positive direction. In assemblies, we give messages about our school values, remind students of our expectations, celebrate and regularly sing the national anthem, our school song and waiata. Every Friday afternoon, the school meets for a formal assembly run by the senior children. Here, teachers present certificates and acknowledge significant achievements by our children.
Assessments:
As part of a strong educational journey, we use a variety of assessments to track pupils’ progress and identify gaps and next steps so that teachers can adjust their programmes to monitor the impact of teaching strategies on learner outcomes. Nationally benchmarked testing also ensures we keep an eye on how our students are doing in comparison with those of the same age and stage across New Zealand. Knowing how to do their best in an assessment is an important part of preparing for more formal assessments at secondary school.
Behaviour:
At Kaihere School, we expect everyone to show respectful and responsible behaviour towards others at all times. Rather than set rules for students such as ‘Be Kind’ or ‘Use your manners’ we explore with students why having rules and expectations are vital for our school community. The core messages we give are:
When a student does get it wrong, we treat it as a teachable moment in expecting them put it right for the wrong done. Choices have consequences and our young people can expect fair consequences for Inappropriate or negative behaviours.
For repeated negative behaviours or for a more serious issue, the principal will contact the child’s parents and ask for a meeting either by phone or in person.
Blanket Consent Form:
When children enrol at Kaihere School, parents will be asked to sign a blanket consent form. The purpose of the blanket consent form is to provide permission for every low risk trip or event, which helps to relieve some of the paperwork that goes to and from home and school for each and every trip. This covers permissions for day trips only, and those trips that have a low risk factor such as a local sports day.
Parents will still be informed about every trip beforehand, and can decide for their child not to go if they see fit. If parents do not sign the blanket consent form, the school will still contact parents about trips to ask for permission. Permission will always be sought for activities that carry higher risk such as a water based event, or those that involve overnight stays.
Board of Trustees:
Kaihere School is governed by the Board of Trustees (the Board). The Board is elected by the parent body every three years and meets twice per term. The Presiding Member (formerly known as the board chair) calls the meetings and oversees their smooth running. The purpose of the Board is to plan strategically for the development of the school, including financial, property policy matters.
The Board directs the Principal to oversee the day-to-day management of the school and in this capacity, is a member of the Board, but is also employed by the Board. There is also a staff representative who sits on the Board. Occasionally, there may be reasons why the Board may seek to co-opt another person onto the Board for a particular purpose or period of time. For expressions of interest, you should make this known to the Presiding Member.
The next Board elections will be held mid 2025. If you are interested in standing for the Board, please contact the Presiding Member.
Bell to bell teaching and break times:
School is open for education from 8.55am until 2:45pm. During class time, bell to bell teaching is expected. During break times, children take a well earned break for play and recreation. In turn, we ask that parents avoid as much as possible any disruptions to the school day.
The daily programme is organised to ensure that students receive one hour a day of reading, writing and mathematics as required by the Ministry and to maximise learning time.
Parents will be notified of the daily timetable in the first e-bulletin of the year.
Bullying:
Bullying is defined as the repeated, deliberate attempt at making someone feel emotionally or physically unsafe. Bullying behaviours are not welcome at Kaihere School. Discussions are held with children regularly about positive behaviour, promoting our school values, and equipping children with skills for dealing with challenging friends and peers. If bullying occurs, it is important that a member of staff is informed so that the bullying behaviours are addressed as soon as possible.
Buses:
School buses are run by the Ministry of Education, and while school staff assist with buses, the rules and expectations are set by the Ministry. At the time of enrolment, parents agree that their children will behave respectfully, responsibly and in accordance with the bus company’s policies. Kaihere School maintains a positive working relationship with the bus company and seeks to make the commuting experience positive for all children. The bus arrives at school at approximately 8.45am and departs as close to 3.00pm as possible. Any changes to the bus route will be communicated to parents as clearly as possible, and will come with a term’s notice. For children who usually catch the bus home but need to change their afternoon plan for any reason, parents must arrive at school before the bus leaves, or send a message to the school number (07 7677081 or 021 756411) before 2.45pm asking for the children to be kept off the bus. All children will catch the bus unless parents have made contact with the school. We will not change bus arrangements if the children tell us unless this is followed up with parent confirmation.
Cellphones:
Cellphones are not permitted in any form including Smart Watches. This is a Ministry policy. If a parent wishes their child to have a cell phone, for example to make contact after a sports practice, the cellphone must be handed in to the office at the beginning of the school day.
Child Protection:
Keeping children safe at school is a number one priority. We will always work within the law to keep children safe. The Child Protection Lead is the School Principal and all safeguarding concerns should be addressed to him/her in the first instance. If a child protection issue is suspected, the Principal will investigate and may seek support from outside agencies including the police. For further information, check out our Child Protection Policy on School Docs.
Communication:
We know how important it is for parents to know what is happening at school. We endeavour to give as much notice to parents as possible about events that may affect them. Our primary method of communication is via Skool Loop (see Skool Loop below), but we often send hard copy letters home, or updates to our school Facebook page. We also send text messages or make phone calls, if we need to get in touch with a parent. We rely on parents keeping us up to date with correct email addresses and phone numbers.
Community Newsletters:
Each month the school publishes a community newsletter that celebrates the achievement of our pupils and keeps our community up to date with events that are happening at school. These are hard copy newsletters and go both to school families and the local community through our rural post service.
An e-bulletin is sent out each week to keep parents informed about day to day and weekly happenings at school as well as reminders when needed. Refer to E-bulletins below.
Concerns and Complaints:
While we make every effort to make school a good experience for everyone, no school is perfect. If you have a suggestion, a concern or a complaint, the first step is to make contact with the staff member directly. Should you not feel comfortable doing this, or if the concern or complaint is of a more serious nature, then contact the Principal. If your concern or complaint is not settled, the contact the Presiding Member. For further information, refer to our Concerns and Complaints policy on School Docs which outlines the process followed.
Curriculum:
Our school curriculum or learning programme has been designed to reflect the special nature of our small, rural school and to ensure that students experience a broad range of subjects. The curriculum is reviewed annually, and can be found on the school website under Our Learning.
Duty:
During each break, there is a staff member on duty to supervise the playground and fields. The staff member is the ‘go to’ person for children when there is an issue or a child hurts themselves while playing. Students also assist with duties such as picking up gear from the field, wiping down tables and emptying bins. This teaches children to take responsibility for their own environment (Kaitiakitanga) and that if they make a mess, they need to tidy it up.
E-Bulletins:
We email out weekly bulletins via Skool Loop each Friday to parents so they are well informed about what is happening at school, events coming up and other key information that parents need to know.
Emergency Procedures:
Children practise emergency procedures for fire, earthquake and lockdowns each term. Emergency procedures are on the walls of all classrooms and office spaces. An emergency kit is available at school ‘just in case.’
Enrolments:
If a family or whānau are interested in enrolled at Kaihere School, please make an appointment with the Principal who will meet with families and whānau prior to enrolment. This gives the an opportunity to ask questions, have a look around the school and make an informed decision on whether Kaihere School is right for them. It also gives us a chance to see what transition arrangements are needed to ensure the child is ‘good to go’ from their first day.
When enrolling in our school, we will take a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunisation record. Please bring these with you as we cannot formally enrol your child onto until we have this documentation. For children born outside New Zealand, a copy of their passport will be required.
ERO:
The Education Review Office (ERO) is employed by the Government to work with schools to ensure that they are meeting their requirements and providing a safe, happy environment in which children can learn and thrive. The school expects to be reviewed by ERO every three years. Copies of historic ERO reviews can be located on the ERO website (www.ero.govt.nz) or click here
Facebook Page:
We are currently updating our website which also includes a Facebook page to celebrate events and achievements of our young people and key information.
Feedback:
We are always wanting to be ‘better than before’. If you have any thoughts on what we do or how we do it, your feedback is welcome.
Fees Free:
Kaihere School is a ‘fees free’ school. This means that we do not ask parents for donations or expect parents to pay fees. The only school payments that parents will need to make are for stationery and uniform. Day trips are free to parents. For overnight camps, the school asks parents for a donation towards accommodation and food. However, all pupils will be permitted to attend camp whether they pay the donation in full, in part, or not at all.
First Aide:
Kaihere School staff have first aide certificates. For minor accidents, staff will provide first aid to children and contact parents if necessary. For major accidents, emergency services will be contacted (if required) and parents will be informed. If children have particular allergies or medical issues, this will be recorded by parents on the enrolment form. An appropriate plan will be put in place if the need arises.
Although we want students to attend regularly, they should not attend school if they are unwell. If they have a cold, they should remain at home for 24 hours after symptoms pass. For diarrhoea and vomiting, we ask that parents keep children at home for 48 hours after their last episode.
If a child becomes unwell during the school day, parents will be contacted. A Sick Bay is available for children while waiting for parents to collect them.
If the school suspects that a child may have head lice or nits, a courtesy note will be sent home asking parents to remove these as soon as possible. A general note to the school community will be sent out so that other parents can check their children’s hair, too.
Health Curriculum:
We believe that it is important to talk to children about health issues as long as what is taught is appropriate for the age of the child. Families and Whānau will be fully informed about the content of the Health programme and are welcome to see materials if they would like to know in more detail. Parents are welcome to withdraw their children from parts of these lessons if they wish.
Home and School;
Home and School is a small group who work hard to support the school with, for example with fundraising efforts. The current focus of Home and School is to raise money to put astroturf on our front courts. If you are keen to support this initiative, please contact the principal who will put you in touch with the Home and School representative.
Homework:
After a day at school, it is important for children to go home and relax and spend time with their families and friends. At the same time, we want to establish good routines for future study at a higher level. To be proficient readers, writers and mathematicians, practice is vital. Depending on their age, children are given regular reading, spelling and times tables to support their learning at school. From time to time, extra one-off homework tasks may be set.
Houses:
House competitions add a sense of fun and healthy competition at school. There are four house teams: Manuka; Oak; Cherry and Kahikatea at Kaihere School; children compete for house points for good behaviour, good work and good manners. There are also bonus points that can be scored during our regular house competitions.
Internet Safety:
The WiFi internet supplied at Kaihere School is provided by the government-funded Network for Learning (N4L). The N4L network prevents children from accessing inappropriate material whilst at school. Children and parents sign an internet agreement detailing appropriate use of digital devices including chromebooks. We talk with the children about digital safety, asking for permission from others when taking photos or videos, and about fact-checking information that has been sourced from the internet.
Kaihere Hall:
The school is able to use the Kaihere Hall for a variety of events through the generosity of the local community, who shifted the hall next to the school site for this purpose. The Kaihere Hall and pavilion next to the hall is run by the Kaihere Hall Committee.
Learning Support:
Some children can naturally run really fast; others take a bit longer to reach the finishing line. The same is for learning. We want every child to be well prepared for their future pathways at secondary school. Sometimes this means that a child may need extra support to be at the expected level for their age and stage. The most important thing is that all learners know what they are learning, what their next steps are and how they know they are making progress.
For learners who need more support, teachers provide targeted strategies and also make use of the Learning Support Co-ordinator who is shared by several Hauraki Plains schools. For learners with higher needs, we may seek support from outside agencies.
Kaihere School is a place where everyone is welcome. We are proud of our family environment that encourages a sense of wellbeing and care amongst the pupils and staff. For pupils with higher needs, we may seek support from outside agencies. However, one of the limitations of being a small school is that we don’t have access to a range of people who are free to take care of children with higher needs on an hour by hour basis as you might find in a larger school. This will be openly and honestly discussed with parents before enrolment.
Library:
Each week, the children are taken on a formal library session with their teacher to select two books that they can use. Books are issued for two weeks and need to be returned before further books can be issued. Senior students also help in the library which is available at break times and lunch times for children who wish to read or play a board game in the library.
Medicines:
Prescription medicine can be administered at school, providing parents have completed a Medicine Authority form. When and what medicine has been given is recorded in the Medical Notes which are kept in the sickbay. Panadol or similar can be given to children whose parents have selected this option upon enrolment, although the school will always contact the parent prior to doing so.
Lost Property:
We ask that parents label all of their children’s clothing, especially school uniform items, which helps us to find the right owner when clothing is lost or left on the ground. While we have a lost property bag which is regularly checked, children are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and their own belongings. Lost property that has not been collected after four weeks will be donated to the local second hand shop, Thrifters, in Ngatea.
Lunches:
School lunches are provided by the Ministry of Education. This is at no cost to families. Children may need some snacks and fruit for the first break time. We encourage children to bring water bottles to school. The quality of water is regularly checked to ensure it is suitable for drinking.
Money:
It is best that children do not bring money to school. Should this be needed for a special event, then we ask that parents contact the school so we know who is bringing money and how much they are bringing so it can be kept safe in the office.
Parent Interviews:
Parent, teacher and pupil interviews are held twice a year in Terms 1 and 3 while written reports are sent out in Terms 2 and 4. We encourage children to attend interviews with their parents as this makes the discussion more meaningful for them. Of course, parents do not need to wait until formal Parent Interviews if there is a concern about your child’s learning. Teachers may also contact home outside of formal Parent Interviews if needed.
Permission for Trips:
Upon enrolment, parents are offered the option of signing a blanket consent form for trips and events that happen onsite or near the school site. See Blanket Consent above for more details. This is to relieve some of the paperwork that goes to and from school. Parents will always be informed of details of any school trips, even with the Blanket Consent.
If parents do not sign the blanket consent form, the school will contact parents about trips to ask for permission. For trips with higher risk such as water events or overnight camps, permission will always be sought from parents.
Policies:
Most of our policies are stored in School Docs. To access our policies in School Docs, go to the School Docs website, enter the user name Kaihere and the password is waka.
Questions:
If as a parent, you are not sure about something or have a question, there will be other parents who are also wondering! So don’t hesitate to ask. We welcome parents asking questions.
Reporting to Parents:
We report formally in Terms two and four to parents on their child’s progress and achievement reading, writing and mathematics, science, integrated studies and physical education. School reports also include a comment from the child’s teacher on how the child is learning to put in practice the school’s values and principles: You have value; Others Matter and We Succeed Together. Reports are emailed to parents in PDF format. All reports are available in hard copy if requested.
Parent interviews are held in Terms one and three.
School Office:
The school office is open from 9am to 11am each day. If you need to speak with someone outside of these hours, please leave a message (either an email, voice message or note on the desk) and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
School Values: Good People, Working Hard
At Kaihere School we value good people working hard. Our core principles that underpin this are: You have value; Others Matter and We Succeed Together. These core principles mean that we do our best work, believe in ourselves, take up opportunities to learn and grow. We show respect, take care of others and we work together for the good of all. These values are taught and rewarded in our school as they help our children become good citizens who work hard and develop into successful young people. During Friday assembly, Good People Working Hard awards are given.
School Site:
The school site and facilities are available to families outside of school hours. We encourage families to make use of the fields, front courts, playground and swimming pool during the weekends and holidays. We do ask that families clean up once they have finished so that we can maintain our tidy environment.
Skool Loop:
Our primary method of contact for parents about general notices and information is Skool Loop, a downloadable application from the App Store or Google Play Store. Skool Loop allows us to send notifications to parents easily and keeps families up to date with events at the school. For more important information, we still opt to send this home in hard copy, but will often send a Skool Loop message as well.
Sports:
Participating in a sport is great for kids. They meet new people and learn how to get on with others. It is great for learning new skills and for character development - that things don’t always go your way, how to win with humility and lose with grace.
We are working with other small schools to ensure our children have the opportunity to learn through team sports such as Touch, Cricket, Rugby, Netball, Hockey and Football. It is a great experience for kids to get to know others from schools around the Plains area.
Staff Conduct:
The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand sets out expected conduct for all teachers in Our Code, Our Standards. These standards are also expected of non teaching staff. At Kaihere School, all staff are expected to role model our core principles: You have value; Others Matters and We Succeed Together.
Sun Safety:
In Terms 1 and 4, all children must wear the school uniform hat while outside. Shade trees also help sensible behaviour in the sun. Hats remain at school and children take responsibility for keeping their hats in the correct place. The school also provides children with sunscreen.
Swimming Pool:
The school swimming pool is open for operation in Terms 4 (season begins) and Term 1. The pool is heated and maintained by the school. Swimming lessons are part of the Sports / Physical Education programme.
During the swimming season, the pool is available for parents and community members. Information and swimming pool policies can be obtained from the school office. Whenever there are children in the swimming pool area, there must be an adult (16 years or older) supervising.
Teacher Only Days:
Occasionally, Kaihere School is closed for a teacher only day for staff development opportunities. We endeavour to keep these to a minimum as we understand how disruptive these can be for families. We endeavour to give several weeks notice if a teacher only day is set.
Teacher Release:
Full-time teachers are entitled to Classroom Release Time each term. This gives teachers time at school but releases them from their teaching load for five hours per fortnight. The timetable is structure to protect the teaching of reading, writing and maths with the child’s teacher.
Transitions:
Starting school for the first time, moving to a new school or to college is a challenging time for young people. We encourage children to visit Kaihere School for a few half days before they start, with the parent present if needed. We work in with local high schools to support students as they transition to secondary school.
Treaty of Waitangi | Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
Kaihere School is committed to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi I Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles of partnership, protection and participation. In accordance with the Education and Training Act 2020, Kaihere School takes all reasonable steps to eliminate racism, and achieve equitable outcomes for Māori pupils. There is equal expectation on Māori and non-Māori to be socially, physically and academically successful at our school.
Trips and Camps (Education Outside the Classroom):
Regular trips and camps add value to the learning. When a day trip is planned, parents will be informed, but those families who have completed a blanket consent form (see Blanket Consent Form above) will not be required to provide permission. Families who have not filled in a blanket consent form will be required to grant permission. There is no cost for day trips.
For overnight camps, or trips that may involve higher risk, permission will always be sought from all parents whether they have signed the blanket consent form or not. For overnight camps, parents are asked to contribute to accommodation and food expenses, however all children are welcome to attend the camp if they have paid or donation towards it or not. Overnight camps must be approved by the Board of Trustees ahead of the trip.
Health and Safety is a significant factor in planning for any trips or camps and the school follows rigorous processes to protect everyone involved.
Students also sign an EOTC Student Contract agreeing to responsible, safe and respectful behaviour while on a school EOTC activity.
Uniform:
Kaihere School has a uniform which is required to be worn every day. The uniform consists of a t-shirt, hat and jacket which can be purchased from the school. These uniform items are purchased from the school.
Other uniform items such as shorts, skirts, shoes and socks are required to be black.
It is compulsory to wear school hats outside during Terms 1 and 4.
In terms of jewellery, no more than one plain stud earring in each year is permitted.
All clothing should be clearly named.
No make up or nail polish is permitted.
Visible clothing worn underneath the school uniform for extra warmth must be black.
The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss of damage of items of personal property brough to school such as toys, watches and electronic devices.
Visitors:
All visitors to the school are required to sign in at the front desk. This is to keep a record of people’s movements in and out of the school, and also to ensure that children are kept safe. This does not apply to parents dropping off and picking up students.
Voluntary help:
Volunteers are always welcome. If you have a skill or interest with which you can contribute in some way to our school community, we would love to hear from you. This can be anything from clearing weeds in the school bush, to taking a lunchtime club such as cricket or knitting for example. It can be a one-off two hours during the year to a regular weekly lunchtime for five weeks for example. Feel free to talk with the Principal if you are interested.
Vaping, Smoking and Drugs:
Vaping, smoking and drugs are illegal. Pupils can expect serious consequences if they smoke, vape or are involved in otherwise inappropriate behaviours at school.
Wet Weather:
Our preference is that children enjoy playing outdoors during break times. We provide a ‘wet weather’ room with activities if it is too wet to get outside. The library is also open.
Xmas time
Xmas is a great time for celebrating at the end of the year and a school prizegiving is held in the Kaihere hall including acknowledging our graduating students.
Term four is not a ‘winding down’ term, however. We continue to teach until the final bell goes on the last day of school.
Yet:
Yet is such a great word - I can’t do this …. yet. I’m just not good at this …. yet.
Zoo:
Finally school is not a zoo and while we want our kids to be kids, we do not expect them to behave like animals. This means that they learn how to conduct themselves around adults including being polite and respectful.
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