Information

The Wallacetown Board and Staff welcome you to our learning community.

Our school has a proud history of providing quality education that not only gives students the skills to learn but also helps them to develop skills for life.

Our positive environment helps students to build confidence to take risks in their academic learning as well as helping students develop into actively involved members of the community.

We are committed to providing every opportunity for students to learn, inside and outside the classroom.

Feel free to contact us for a look around or to talk more about what Wallacetown School has to offer.

 

Quotes from the students at Wallacetown School:

“I like Wallacetown School, I know the teachers will help me when I need it”

 “Our classrooms are nice and bright, I like going to school here”

 “We have good computers here and I like playing touch”

 “The older children play with me sometimes and they are fun”

 “I like the swimming pool”

 “I know I am learning and I want to know more”

 

The School and the Family

To assist the progress of your child Wallacetown School has an open door policy. We want to provide a school where you can feel comfortable asking questions about your child’s progress or if you have any concerns.

You are welcome to approach the classroom teacher or the principal to arrange a meeting to discuss your child.

A further contact is the Parent Liaison member on the Board of Trustees, please ring the office to get a contact number. The Parent Liaison can provide information about how the school operates and can suggest next steps for any issue you may have.

The School also welcomes Parents’ direct input into School activities.

Practical help is particularly needed in the following areas:

  • School Trips
  • School Camps
  • Sports Days
  • Sports teams
  • Swimming (Particularly assisting junior classes with dressing)

 

School Routines

Attendance and Punctuality

To ensure that children have arrived safely at School it is expected that Parents/Caregivers report absences before 9.00 a.m. on the day. This can be done by sending a note, phoning the School before 9.00 a.m. on 235 8097 or texting the school at 027 716 9291.

Bell Times

9:00am Start of School
10.35am- 10.40am Food break
10:40am – 11:00am Morning Playtime
11:00am – 12:00pm The Reading Hour
12:00pm – 12:30pm 1st Lunch
12:30pm – 1:30pm The Writing Hour
1:30pm – 2:00pm 2nd Lunch
2:00pm – 3:00pm School Finishes

Staff are not required at school until 8.20am, students can arrive after 8am but teachers will be available after 8.20am.

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE

The Wallacetown School Board of Trustees has elected members, a Staff Representative and the Principal.  The Board of Trustees is able to co-opt people for specific jobs.

Board Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month, during term time, at 7.30 pm in the School Staff Room.  The meetings are notified in the School Newsletter and are public meetings.  Parents/Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBERS

Stuart Evans Chairperson
Amanda Evans Treasurer
Stuart Evans Grounds & Property
Tracey McLennan Staff Representative
Kim Clarke Maori and Parent liaison
Helen Cummings Fundraising liaison
Carl Stewart Member
Neville Hore Principal
Nicola Sharp-Hinton Minute Secretary

STAFF

Neville Hore Principal and Classroom Teacher Room 4
Sharon Pannett Room 4 Principal Release Classroom Teacher
Phil McIndoe Room 3 Classroom Teacher
Lea-anne Evans Room 2 Classroom Teacher/Reading Recovery Teacher
Aaron Parker Room 2 Classroom Teacher
Tracey McLennan Teacher Aide
Tracey Billyard Teacher Aide
Nicola Sharp-Hinton Office Manager
Vanessa Dawson Caretaker/Librarian
Carolyn Milne After School Care Leader
Lisa MacGregor Cleaner
ENROLMENTS

Prior to the fifth birthday of your child you can contact the school to arrange three visits to the New Entrant Class.  These generally consist of two half day visits and one full day.

Please contact the School to arrange these visits or a tour of the school or if you would like to find out more about how the school operates.

Students can transfer to Wallacetown from another School at anytime.

Immunisation

All pupils are required to bring an Immunisation Certificate.  These are available from your Family Doctor.

Birth Certificate

The Ministry of Education requires us to hold a copy of your child’s birth certificate.  The School can photocopy this for you so you can retain originals.

Hot Gossip

The School prints and distributes a magazine to the Wallacetown Community once a year.  This contains reports from the School and local groups, advertising and children’s work.

School policies

The running of the School is determined by a set of School Policies.  The Board of Trustees has formulated these in consultation with Parents.  School Policies are reviewed on a regular basis.  All policies would be reviewed over a three-year period.  A copy of the School Policies is available for individuals to read at any time from the School Office.

Technology

The School has many excellent resources which are well maintained.

These include:

  • Audio-visual equipment
  • Digital camera
  • Digital video camera
  • iPads
  • Computers
  • Interactive whiteboards

Children have access to these as technological tools.  They are taught how to use them for getting information, for presenting information and for communicating with others, and investigating topics and issues.

Each child has their own e-mail address at the School with Parents permission.  Internet safety is taught along with other ICT skills. We have a range of measures to ensure your child’s safety and we regularly review our effectiveness in this area.

FACILITIES

 Swimming Pool

Teaching children to swim is part of the School’s physical education programme.  These lessons are scheduled daily in the first and fourth terms.

The pool is heated and the pool maintains a temperature above 28°Celsius.  If parents can help (Junior children) contact the class teacher.

Children need a bag to hold their bathing suit, towel and comb.  All items should be named.  Swimming instruction is part of the National Curriculum and so everyone is expected to take part.  A note to the teacher is required if you wish your child to be excused.

Families can get access to the pool outside School hours by purchasing a ‘pool key’.  These are $50.00, with a $10.00 refund when the key is returned within 10 working days of the pool being closed.  The keys are returned to the School at the end of the ‘swimming season’.  A set of rules for public use of the pool is issued with the key.  This is to ensure the health, safety and enjoyment of all users.

Community Centre

The School makes use of the Community Centre adjacent to the School grounds for a number of activities.  This is a great resource, especially during the winter months.

Use of School Grounds SE

Use of School grounds outside of School hours is encouraged.  People are expected to treat the property with respect and to leave it tidy.

Smoking within the School grounds is prohibited by Law.

Library

The School has an excellent library that is updated annually.  Students are encouraged to borrow books weekly.  There is a good reference section used for study and research.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

School Camp

Every two years the Year 5 and 6 pupils are taken on a three day camp.  There will be fundraising efforts before camps to help offset the cost.

Fundraising

Fundraising activities are carried out throughout the year.  The activities are organised by a dedicated group of parents.  There is generally a specific project for which funds are raised.

School Donation

Wallacetown School has a zero fees policy which means that a donation is not asked for from parents. There will be a cost for some activities such as bus trips.

Goldentime

At the end of the week there is a one hour activity which children choose as a reward for acceptable behaviour during the week. Children can loose blocks of 10 minutes of this reward or “Golden Time’ for inappropriate behaviour during the week.

Culture

Children are given a range of opportunities to participate in cultural activities like:

  • Art
  • Music
  • Polyfest
  • School productions
  • Weekly school assembly (2.30pm on Fridays in Room 1 – parents are most welcome to attend)
  • Outside performances
  • Maori

Sport

Sport is an important part of the School Programme.  As well as after School sports such as touch, hockey, netball and cricket where the teachers coach the team, Wallacetown joins with Hedgehope, Lochiel and Hillside for cross country, summer athletics and winter sports meetings.

School Office

The School employs an Office Manager for 14 hours per week who is available to handle day to day enquiries and provide assistance to Parents as needed.

Office hours are:

9:00am to 12:30pm Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
1.30pm to 5.00pm Fridays

To contact the Office Manager:

Telephone: (03) 235 8097
Email: admin@wallacetown.school.nz
Biking to School

The Board of Trustees recommends that children under the age of 10 do not ride their bikes to School as children younger than this do not have the maturity to deal with the hazards of riding bicycles on public roads.

If your child does ride their bike to school please ensure that they:

  • Ride on the road and not the footpath.
  • Have knowledge of relevant road rules.
  • Wear an approved bicycle helmet.
  • Walk their cycle across the pedestrian crossing.
Illness or Accidents

If children become ill at School, or have an accident, the Parent/Caregiver will be contacted and arrangements made for the child to go home. If the Parent/Caregiver is not at home the alternative contact person (nominated by the Parent) will be contacted to collect the child. In the event of a serious accident or illness, where neither of these people can be contacted, the School will act in the best interests of the child.

There will always be someone on site who has a current First Aide certificates.

Please notify the School Office of any change of address, home and work phone numbers, and changes to alternative caregiver(s) for emergencies.

Withdrawing Children in School Time

From time to time children do have to keep appointments. Please let the classroom teacher know when these occur.

Bible in School

The School participates in the Bible in School programme. This is held on Thursday  9.00 – 9.30 a.m. If you do not wish your child to take part in this programme please contact the Principal to make alternative arrangements.

Lunch and Play-Lunch

A balanced nutritious diet will assist your child to learn and behave. Plenty of fresh fruit, vegetable, breads etc. are recommended. Children should have food and drink for morning tea and for lunch.

Lunch Orders

Lunch orders can be placed and paid for at Murphy’s Dairy on Friday morning. The school will organise to pick up the lunch orders at lunchtime.

The School has a pie warmer to heat food for children. The food must be wrapped in tin foil and have the child’s name on it.

Lost Property

The lost property basket is located in Room 1. Parents/ Caregivers are encouraged to name all students clothing and equipment.

Stationery

Supplies for pupils are available at the School throughout the year. A list of stationery and prices is given to each pupil at the beginning of the year, you are welcome to purchase stationery elsewhere.

School T-Shirt

The School has a  sports shirt that is issued to each student before sporting events, such as athletics and crosscountry.

Children are discouraged from wearing jewellery. This can be a hazard in sports and when playing generally.

During the winter months children do not wear shoes in classrooms. They are encouraged to have a pair of slippers to wear inside. If children want to play on the fields during the winter months they need suitable footwear and a change of clothing.

Brimmed sun hats are worn during the high UV times of Term 1 and 4.

Homework

Class teachers set homework Monday to Thursday nights. Children are encourged to read at home daily. Other tasks such as spelling, learning tables and completing unfinished work may also be set.

If you see your child is having trouble contact the Teacher to see how we can work together to help your child.

Reports and Interviews

At the start of term 3 an interview time is arranged for parents. Children can attend these interviews if parents wish. 
At the end of Term Two and Term Four a written report is sent home.

Parents can request a meeting with the classroom teacher at anytime during the year to discuss student’s progress.

Discipline

The children at Wallacetown are very well behaved. This is commented on in particular when we have School trips.

Core values of the School are ‘ Be Respectful’ and ‘Be Responsible’.  Behavioiur Management is a team effort where the teachers and students work together to maitain the standards of behaviour.

Parents will be contacted if a child has been involved in a serious incident or if teachers have a concern.

SUPPORT AGENCIES

Public Health Nurse

The School is served by a number of public health professionals. These include a Public Health Nurse who does regular health checks, a Hearing and Vision Technician and a Public Health Educator.

The Public Health Nurse checks that all New Entrants have been fully immunised and have had all the necessary booster injections. The Health Nurse visits once a month and is available by appointment if Parents or Teachers have concerns about a child’s health or welfare. The School is required to maintain an immunisation register.

In the interests of the health of others at School, children who are unwell should be kept at home until they are well.

Dental Therapist

This service provides free dental care for children from the time of enrolment that can be as early as six months of age until they leave Year 8. Enquiries regarding your child’s oral health are welcome and can be made by phoning Southern Health – 214 4664

Parents/Caregivers must give consent before treatment is commenced. This will be sought either by phone or letter.

Resource Teachers

The School uses the services of RTLB’s and RTLiT.  RTLB is the Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour. The RTLiT is the Resource Teacher of Literacy. These services are part of the Special Education range of services available to the School. All referrals are made in consultation with parents.

School Uniform

Our school uniform is compulsory

The uniform consists of:

  • Powder Blue Polo Shirt (Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve options)
  • Navy Polar Fleece Top (full zip and chest zip options)
  • Navy Cargo shorts
  • Girls have an option of a navy skort-skirt
  • Navy cargo style long pants or Track pants
  • Navy Bucket Hat
  • Powder Blue Beanie Hat

As part of our Sun Smart policy, sunhats are compulsory for all children during the summer terms.

If parents are buying long sleeved thermals to be worn under the Short sleeve T Shirt, they must be either: White, Nary or Powder blue.  Stripes or other colours are not to be worn.

The only head wear allowed at school is the School Navy Bucket Hat or the School Powdered Blue Beanie Hat.