Parent informationbooklet

ParentInformationBooklet
INTRODUCTION:
The staff and board of trustees hope that you find this booklet both
interesting and useful. It is designed to give information on the school and
its organisation. Our school prides itself on the support and involvement
of parents and the general community, and the positive contribution this
makes to the life of the school.
Pukekohe Hill is committed to providing the very best teaching and
learning programmes possible, and has designed an integrated inquiry
approach delivered through curriculum maps and based on the new New
Zealand curriculum.
Education today is a co-operative undertaking. Home and school benefit
by working together in partnership to ensure that children have a
supportive learning environment which will help all students to reach their
potential.
This booklet is set out with headings in alphabetical order and a table of
contents to assist you.
We will appreciate your comments and ideas for future editions.
Graeme Rix
M.Ed Admin, BA, Dip Tchng
Principal
Twelfth Edition: January 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Welcome To Hill
Absences
Accidents at School
After School Care
Bicycles
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees Meetings
Civil Defence Arrangements
Classroom Discipline Plan
Class Trips & Visits
Complaints
Concept Based Learning
Dental Treatment
Doctors at Pukekohe
EFTPOS
Enrolling Pupils
Enrolment Scheme
Hair Care
Health
Hill Netball Club
Homework
International Students
Internet Use
Kids After School
Learning Programmes at Hill
Leaving School Grounds
Library
Lost Property
Lunches
Map of School
Money to School
Music Tutoring
Newsletters
Parent Assistance
Parent Concerns
Parent Teacher Association
Parking
PIPPS Programme
Policies
Pre Schoolers
Public Health Nurse
Reception Class
Religious Instruction
Reports & Interviews
Road Patrol
School Donations
School Hours
Smoke Free Environment Policy
Sporting Dates
Stationery
Strategic Plan
Sun Safety
Swimming
Taking Children from School
Telephone Calls
Uniforms
Virtues
Vision Statement
Website
Winter Play

WELCOME TO HILL:
Welcome to Hill School. Teenaa koe, namaste, kia orana, malo lelei,
fakalofa le ata ne hoa ma. I‟m sure this booklet will help your
introduction to school. If you have any queries, you are welcome to
contact the school office at 238 6374. We look forward to your family
having a successful partnership with Hill School in the education of our
students – your children.
ABSENCES:
 It is important that parents advise the school, on or
before, the first day of a child‟s absence.
 Telephone/text/e.mail/website options are available
where caregivers are asked to contact the school to let us
know your child will be absent.
 After the electronic morning roll call, the school office will phone a
caregiver of any child not accounted for.
 Ways to contact the school about absences:
Phone 238.6374. An absence answer phone service is an option if the
office is unattended.
E.mail admin@pukekohehill.school.nz
Text to 021 211 2287
Going on to our website www.pukekohehill.school.nz and going to contact
us/absentees page.
Where a pattern of absences causes concern and there is no satisfactory
explanation, home visits may be made or the Truancy Service contacted.
(See also Taking Children from School.)
ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL – HEALTH CENTRE:
Minor injuries and concerns are dealt with at school. In the case of more
serious accidents, the school will attempt to contact a caregiver or the
emergency contact person before any action is taken. If
necessary, we will take children to the emergency clinic.
A note is sent home with your child if your child has had an
accident that might need home follow up, especially if the
injury is not immediately obvious.
AFTER AND BEFORE SCHOOL CARE:
KIDS AFTER SCHOOL (KAS):
Kids After School is a programme of after school care
involving recreational and craft activities and homework
supervision. The KAS base is the school hall and operates from 3.00 to
6.00 pm. A before school care programme also operates
from 7.00 to 8.30 am. Some holiday programmes are also
offered. Kids After School owner Carolyn Payne can be
contacted at 238 3760 or 027 443 5207.
BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS:
Children must legally wear a safety helmet when
cycling to and from school.
 No responsibility can be taken for cycles
left at school.
 Only 9 year olds and over can ride a bike to school and only when
parents are confident of the child‟s road safety knowledge.
 Parents need to complete a permission form available from the
office before children may ride to school.
 Children of any age may ride scooters to school if parents consider
they are safe to do so.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
The Board of Trustees has a vital role in
the governance of the school. Board
members are elected for a three year
term. The names and contact numbers
of trustees are published in newsletters
from time to time.
The Board has a full board meeting usually on the
third Tuesday of the month. Meetings begin at 7.00 pm, and are usually
held in the staffroom. These meetings are advertised through newsletters.
Meetings are open to any member of the public to attend as an observer.
A copy of the BOT monthly reports including minutes, is available at the
school office.

CIVIL DEFENCE ARRANGEMENTS:
The school has several policies and guidelines relating to civil defence
situations such as fire, earthquake, flooding etc.
Emergency evacuation practices are held with children each term.
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PLAN:
Although classroom teachers have their own classroom and pupil
management routines, all classes have a similar assertive discipline
classroom plan. The details below outline classroom rules, possible
rewards for appropriate behaviour and consequences for inappropriate
behaviour.
Classroom Rules:
1. We care about others
e.g. - Keep hands, feet and objects to myself
- No teasing, swearing or name calling
2. We use good manners
e.g. - Do not interrupt -
During group activities
When someone else is talking
When on the mat or working at tasks
- By not using inappropriate language
3. We care for all property
e.g. - Being ready for school
- Looking after own belongings – clothing/books
- Respect for school property - class/sport/others
4. We follow instructions quickly
e.g. - Lining up
- Moving about the class and school
- Being ready for the next activity
Positive Reinforcement:
Teachers‟ own systems will be operating and will include individual and
class wide reinforcement.
This may include verbal praise, stamps, stickers, certificates, house points.
Consequences:
 Warning (name recorded)
 Removal from situation and withdrawal of privilege
 Senior teacher involved and informal note sent to parent
 Letter to parent - interview requested
 Principal - staff member - parent meeting
Families will be involved when serious behaviours threaten the safety,
health and welfare of pupils or staff.
On enrolment, parents are asked to read and sign an Assertive Discipline
Classroom Plan form.
CLASS TRIPS AND VISITS:
Educational visits are an important part of our learning programmes.
These visits often relate to Concept inquiry topics being studied at school.
It is expected that all children should have the opportunity to participate in
these events.
 On enrolment, parents are asked to sign a form
giving approval for educational visits.
 A separate approval form is sent home for any
educational experience involving an overnight
stay or school camp.
COMPLAINTS:
The school has several policies which are held at the school office and
explain the guidelines to be followed if you have a concern or complaint.
(See also Parent Concerns.)

CONCEPT BASED INQUIRY LEARNING:
Pukekohe Hill has developed a “concept based integrated curriculum
inquiry learning” approach, delivered through what is known as
curriculum mapping, that we believe is an excellent model for today‟s and
tomorrow‟s learners as well as being a very good “fit” for the NZ
Curriculum. Each term, there is a whole school “Concept” eg: Lift Off To
Learning, Celebration, Change, Culture, which features many immersion
experiences and opportunities for inquiry learning.
(See also Learning Programmes at Hill)
CONTACTING US:
Phone: 09 2386374
Text: 021 211 2287
E mail: admin@pukekohehill.school.nz
Web site: www.pukekohehill.school.nz
DENTAL TREATMENT:
A mobile clinic visits school, usually for an initial check up.
Children go to the clinic at Pukekohe Intermediate. The
Intermediate clinic phone number is 237 1070.
DOCTORS AT PUKEKOHE:
Pukekohe Family Health Care, 10 West St 237 0280
Pukekohe Family Doctors, 124 King St 238 6696
Seddon St Medical Centre, 57 Seddon St 237 0055
EFTPOS FACILITY:
An Eftpos service is available at the school office. Credit cards cannot be
used but debit/cash flow cards can. Eftpos is an excellent way to more
easily purchase uniform clothing, pay for stationery, school donations, trip
and camp costs etc.
ENROLLING PUPILS:
Children officially start on their fifth birthday but should be pre-enrolled
before this date.
 We encourage parents to contact the school
when their children are 4 ½ years old, so that
class visits can be arranged.
 Usually, children have four morning visits
before their fifth birthday to help them
settle in.
 Visits to the Reception Class are from 8.55 am to
12.30 pm.
 As part of the enrolment process, parents need to bring the
following: Child‟s birth certificate or passport, child‟s
immunisation certificate, proof of residence in zone (eg
power/telephone account, rental agreement)
 In some cases passport and visa information will also be
required. (See also Reception Class for 5 year old children.)
ENROLMENT SCHEME:
The Board of Trustees has an enrolment scheme to help manage roll
numbers. Details of the Enrolment Scheme can be obtained from the
school office. Children living within the school‟s geographical zone have
automatic right of enrolment. There is a legal requirement that parents do
not use “addresses of convenience” to enrol children as if they were living
in zone.

HAIR CARE:
Head lice is an occasional and ongoing problem. It is important that
parents get treatment from a chemist immediately to help their child and
prevent the spread to other children. Regular brushing with a fine head
lice comb is also a useful deterrent.
When required, a class notice is sent home advising families of head lice
concerns and treatment.
The Public Health Nurse can give advice on treatment options.
The contact phone number is 237 0660.
HEALTH:
 Some prescribed or ongoing medication requires
an agreement form signed by a parent.
 It is also important that staff are aware of any
allergies and of the required treatment.
 We are quite willing to hold labelled asthma
inhalers and any regular medication in the
school Health Centre. (See also Public Health
Nurse).
HILL NETBALL CLUB:
The Hill Netball Club offers a range of teams for Hill and older students.
The Club uses the Hill School grounds. You can contact the school for
Club contact numbers.
HOME LEARNING - HELPING YOUR CHILDREN:
All pupils are encouraged to develop study habits and skills at home. At
the junior level, a programme of regular home reading with
family support is most helpful.
As children move through the school, parents can
expect more varied study programmes including
reading, maths, spelling, research and current
affairs.
Home learning is a shared responsibility between
families, child and school.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
Hill School is an approved signatory to the Code of Practice for
International Students and is able to enrol foreign fee paying students.
Further information is available from school, including a booklet for the
families of International Students which includes a summary of the Code
of Practice.
INTERNET USE:
As part of curriculum programmes, students are able
to use school email and internet facilities. Details
regarding internet permission and use are included in
the school‟s enrolment package given to families of
newly enrolling children. The school has an effective
“filter” system which is monitored by Watchdog Corporation to prevent
access to inappropriate sites.
KIDS AFTER SCHOOL:
See After School Care item.
LEARNING PROGRAMMES AT HILL:
Key Focus:
The key focus for learning takes place in classrooms where children work
individually, in groups and as a whole class.
However, a number of other learning opportunities are also offered to cater
for individual pupils and groups of children.
CWSA: Hill School encourages children with special abilities through a
partnership with the Franklin CWSA network and the Discoverer‟s Club.
The school also arranges CWSA programmes internally using our staff
and invited facilitators. The school has a CWSA coordinator.
CWSN: Children with special needs are helped both in class and through
withdrawal opportunities. The school works with the Ministry of
Education‟s Special Education service, and private providers to obtain
some additional funding and specialist assistance. Additional assistance

for a number of children is provided by school support staff, teaching staff
and a Special Needs Education Coordinator (SENCO).
ESOL: Some pupils at Hill have English as their second language.
Assistance is given by support staff working with these children in class or
in withdrawal groups.
Perceptual Motor Programme: PMP is a programme to promote
children‟s learning and physical skills. PMP currently includes all Y1
classes. Some years ago, Hill became NZ‟s first school to purpose build a
facility for PMP. The PMP room is behind Rooms 10 and 11. Parent
volunteers are an important part of PMP‟s success.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS:
Children may not leave the grounds during school hours,
unless they have permission from their teacher.
Caregivers are asked to contact the school if they need
to take children from school during the day and use the
“sign out book” at the school office. (See also Taking
Children from School.)
LIBRARY:
All children are encouraged to borrow books from the school
library for recreational and study purposes. It is preferred
that some protective covering eg. a book bag, be used by
children taking books home. Books are very expensive
and a charge is made when books are lost or damaged.
All classes are timetabled for at least one library visit each week. The
library system is computerised and books are on loan for one week for Y0 –
2 children and two weeks for Y3 – 6 children.
LOST PROPERTY:
There are large lost property boxes outside Room 7 and in the Room 14
cloakroom.
You are welcome to come and look through lost property for missing
clothing. It is so important that school uniform and common brand shoes
are named so that these items can be returned to their owners. Please
check regularly that uniform clothing labels have not “washed out”.
Unnamed uniform items are held for a term and then put into second hand
clothing stock. All unclaimed and unnamed non uniform items are usually
donated to local charities at the end of each term.
LUNCHES:
A daily lunch ordering system is operated from school by The Lunchbox,
a private provider. Lunches and some morning break items may be ordered
from the school before 9.00 am.
 Money should be in an envelope with the child‟s name,
classroom and order written clearly on it. The correct
money enclosed please so that change is not
required.
 Current lunch price lists are available from
the school office. Prices are included in
school newsletters from time to time.
 Children eat outdoors if it is fine, otherwise
indoors. They are expected to finish their lunch before going to play.
 Sweets are not encouraged, and chewing gum is forbidden. For
safety‟s sake, glass bottles and cans of drink are not normally
permitted.
 Please note that on PTA Sausage Sizzle days, (usually once a month
on a Thursday) The Lunchbox is closed.

MAP OF SCHOOL:
The map included in this booklet shows all buildings as at Jan 2014.
MONEY TO SCHOOL:
 When children bring money or cheques to school for payment of trips,
stationery etc, please send it in a sealed envelope.
 It is most helpful if your child‟s name and room number is written on
the envelope, along with the reason for the money being sent.
 Cheques should be made out to: Pukekohe Hill School.
 Payments for school trips and events should go to
the classroom teacher. Please keep payments
separate for different purposes.
MUSIC TUTORING:
The school has a partnership with the Modern School of Music who
currently provide private music lessons in keyboard and drums during
school hours. Contact the school for tutor names and contact numbers.
There are also lunchtime ukelele groups and choirs taken by teachers.
NEWSLETTERS:
Family Newsletters are published weekly, usually on a Wednesday, and go
to “eldest and only” children. As well as giving information, the
newsletter is an important way for the school to communicate its needs
and successes. Individuals and community groups may also use
newsletters to publicise their events. Many families find a notice board at
home a good place to keep newsletters. Other class and sports newsletters
are sent out when required.
PARENT CONCERNS:
If you have concerns over some aspect of your child‟s progress or
behaviour at school, please contact the child‟s teacher at the earliest
opportunity. If the concern remains, parents should feel comfortable to
contact an Assistant Principal or the Principal. Our aim is to encourage a
positive home and school partnership to benefit both Hill School and
individual children. A copy of a Complaints policy is available from the
office.
PARENT ASSISTANCE:
We are proud of the high level of parent assistance, which benefits our
pupils. Parents can assist with:
 library work
 making equipment
 accompanying class trips
 helping with craft activities
 helping with written language
 helping with reading and maths groups
 coaching sports groups
 supervising road patrol
 walking school bus
 kapa haka group
 perceptual motor programme (PMP)
If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, please let us know.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION:
The PTA is an important and valued
organisation which helps the school,
encourages family support and helps to
promote the school within the community.
Meetings are usually held on the first
Monday of the month. They are friendly,
informative and a good way to meet other
parents and school staff.
All caregivers are welcome to join the PTA or join the “Friends of the
PTA”. Regular reports are provided by the PTA in Family Newsletters or
as special items.

PARKING:
This can be a problem, especially on wet days!
 There is a no parking area on the west side of Green
Lane between 2.30 - 3.30 pm on school days.
 Drivers can use the administration top carpark area
as a turning area - please follow the arrows.
 From 2.45 to 3.15pm drivers using the main
carpark are asked to turn left into Green Lane
when leaving to minimise traffic congestion and
improve pupil safety.
 There is no parking in the bus parking area outside the hall road
frontage.
 You are asked to keep out of the lower Green Lane carpark which is
used by taxi vans.
PIPPS PROGRAMME:
PIPPS stands for Pupils in Positive Playgrounds. It is a simple reward and
consequences system designed to encourage safe play, helpfulness towards
others and looking after school grounds and equipment. It also helps to
monitor and counsel children who have difficulty playing positively with
other students.
PIPPS Guidelines:
At Hill School we want to play well together and get on with others so that
our playground is a safe and happy place for every pupil and adult.
To do this we will:
 Look after school property, environment and equipment
 Do as we are asked, first time, by the duty teachers
 Care for other people and treat them kindly
 Keep our hands, feet and other objects to ourselves
If we break these rules there are consequences.
 A duty teacher may enter pupil names in a Consequences Notebook.
 Each Monday a list of children entered in the Consequences Book the
previous week is sent to classes.
 Some children are required to meet with the Principal for up to 3
lunchtimes the following week to discuss their behaviour and to help
with community service.
 A letter is posted home to families with details of the reasons for the
Consequences Book entry.
 As well as “consequences” there are also positive aspects for helpful
behaviour including lucky lunch tickets for assembly presentation.
(See also Virtues)
POLICIES:
The Board of Trustees have a wide range of policies. There are policy
sections on: curriculum delivery, student achievement, documentation and
self review, employer responsibilities, financial and property management,
health and safety, administration and a set of school by laws. Copies of the
policy booklet are available for reading at the school office.
PRE SCHOOLERS:
We like preschoolers to be really familiar with the
school before they turn 5. Please contact the school at
238 6374 at least six weeks before your child‟s fifth
birthday so enrolment can be completed and a series of
pre-school morning visits can be arranged.
(See also Enrolling Pupils and Reception Class)
RECEPTION CLASS:
At Hill School a Reception Class is well established to prepare children for
formal learning, and the routines and expectations of school life. Some
children transition to a Year 1 class after 2 – 4 weeks while others benefit
from a longer stay. The Reception Class has been a resounding success
and we are pleased to give children this start to their learning at Hill.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION:
At present, religious instruction is provided for most classes each
Wednesday morning from 9.00 to 9.30 am. Each year, the board of
trustees must approve those giving instruction and the syllabus used.
During this time, school is considered „closed‟. The programme is based
on bible stories and commonly held values. Parents have the right to
withdraw children from this time by giving written notification to the
principal.
REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS:
The current reporting to parents and
interview arrangements are as follows:
 Parents of Year 1 – 2 students are
invited to an open evening early in Term 1.
 Parents of Year 3 – 6 students are invited to a formal “meet the
teacher” interview in Term 1.
 A written report is provided at mid year.
 Parents are invited to family conferences at mid year with students
also attending.
 Parents and caregivers are also welcome to arrange meetings with
teachers, an Assistant Principal or Principal during the year.
 An end of year report is also provided.
ROAD PATROLS:
At present, there is a road patrol crossing opposite the school
entrance on Ward Street and a “Kea” crossing on Green
Lane. Road patrol children are trained and are supervised
by a parent or teacher each morning from 8.30 to 8.55 a.m.
and after school from 3.00 p.m. to about 3.20 p.m. For their safety,
children must use the crossing when moving over Ward Street and Green
Lane.
Parents support in role modelling the use of the crossings with their
children to keep safe is really appreciated.
SCHOOL DONATIONS:
Schools encourage families to pay school donations as part of budget
planning. At Hill, a reducing amount is requested depending on the
number of children attending. Donation levels are set by your Board of
Trustees. Payment can be made annually or on a term basis. Accounts
and receipts are issued. These are voluntary donations and are tax
deductible. Your support is much appreciated. Current school donations
are:
First child: $ 80.00 per year
20.00 per term
Second child: 60.00 per year
15.00 per term
Third child: 40.00 per year
10.00 per term
Subsequent children: 20.00 per year
5.00 per term
SCHOOL HOURS:
8.30 am - Children may enter classrooms
8.55 am - School begins for morning session
10.40 am - Morning Interval
11.00 am - Mid morning session
12.30 pm - Lunch
1.25 pm - Afternoon session
3.00 pm - School finishes
3.15 pm - Children are expected to have left grounds
It is expected that children will attend school unless they are sick and will
be at school before 8.55 am to begin lessons. Children arriving late need
to report to the school office before going to class.

SMOKEFREE ENVIRONMENT POLICY:
The school has a Smokefree Environment policy.
This means that smoking is not permitted within the
buildings or grounds at any time.
SPORTING DATES:
Most events are held at school, group and zone level. Our Group includes
3-4 schools and Zone includes over 40 Franklin schools. They are usually
for older children. Typical events are noted below.
February Swimming
March Padder Tennis
May Orienteering
July Gymnastics/Winter Sports
August Winter Sports/Cross Country
September Winter Sports
November Athletics
STATIONERY:
Each class has its own stationery needs. A stationery
price list is available from the office. This list also
includes information on school donations. During the
year, teachers may inform you of stationery items
required by your child.
All stationery needed is sold at the school office. Stationery is issued after
payment has been made.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The school has a comprehensive Strategic Plan for areas such as
curriculum, self review, student achievement, personnel, finance, property,
health and safety.
The Strategic Plan is a powerful document for the success of Hill School
as a learning organisation. It includes key education, social and local
community goals and the actions to be taken for these goals to be
successfully achieved. A copy of the current Strategic Plan is available at
the main office.
SUN SAFETY:
In Terms 1 & 4 there is a “no hat no play” rule to encourage
good sun sense habits. Children without uniform hats at
lunchtime can use the shaded areas of the main bank near the
adventure playground. Children are able to bring their own sun screen and
sunshades. All classes also have a sun block pump pot.
SWIMMING:
Swimming and Water Safety are a required part of the
school programme. Children should bring their
swimming togs every day their class is timetabled for
swimming. We would appreciate, and will respect,
notification of health reasons which may exclude
children from swimming.
TAKING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL:
 Please ring the school or write a note if someone else is collecting your
child from school, or if you wish your child to go to a different
destination after school.
 If picking up a child before the end of the school day, please check in
with the office first and use the sign out book on the counter.
 It‟s expected that children will be picked up by 3.15 pm.
 It‟s so important you provide the school with up to date telephone
contact numbers.

TELEPHONE CALLS:
Using the telephone is often the easiest and best way of contacting
teachers. However, it is unlikely that teachers can come to the phone
during class times.
We prefer calls to be made:
- between 8.15 - 8.45 am
- at interval - 10.40 - 11.00 am
- lunch break - 12.30 - 1.30 pm
- after school - 3.00 - 4.30 pm
Our telephone number is 238 6374.
(See also Contacting Us.)
UNIFORMS:
Pukekohe Hill has a compulsory uniform. Details of the uniform are
included in the Enrolment pack given to all newly enrolled students and
are also available at the school office.
It is essential that all uniform items are clearly named
so they can be returned to their owner if lost.
Unnamed uniform items are held during each term
and then put into the second hand stock that is for
sale at the school office.
VIRTUES:
The school has an active Virtues programme. Virtues have been described
as the life skills of character and a means for schools to be safe and caring
places. Some of the virtues to be promoted include honesty, respect,
enthusiasm, self discipline, responsibility and consideration. Virtues are
linked to the term‟s Concept based theme. There has been a very positive
response to the Virtues programme by children, staff, and the community.
Virtues are promoted in class, at assemblies and through newsletters.
VISION STATEMENT:
Following staff and community consultation, the Board of Trustees
approved the following Vision Statement:
“At Pukekohe Hill School we are a community of lifelong learners
committed to achieving our best and making a difference”.
WEBSITE:
Hill School has developed a website which gives a range of news and
information. The website address is www.pukekohehill.school.nz.
The Ministry of Education‟s website is www.minedu.govt.nz
WINTER PLAY:
In Terms 2 and 3, children need to wear shorts or skorts when playing
games on the fields, and have warmer clothes to put on afterwards.

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