Attendance

The attendance roll is taken at 9.00am and 1.45pm. This is administered on an SMSystem (Schools Management System), all lateness, absenteeism and the reasons why are recorded by the school for the Ministry. Therefore, please try to have your child at school before the school bell is rung and text the school before 9.00am if your child is to be absent/late that day. 

If your child usually takes the ‘school’ bus - please inform both the office and Bern Friend of an absence before 7.30am.

Breaktimes

The first break is from 11:00am-11.30am. This includes 10 minutes supervised eating. The second break is from 1.00-1.45pm. This includes 15 minutes supervised eating.

Daily Timetable

Five days a week between the hours of 9 and 1.00pm the main focus is Mathematics and Literacy. These may be integrated with other areas of the curriculum but the focus is still through these two areas. The children also partake in all areas of the Arts, Health & PE, Languages, Technology, Science, Social Science, and Social Studies.

Fluro Vests

Please ensure that your child wears them to and from school whatever mode of transport they are using as they are now compulsory for all members of our school. These are supplied by the school. 

Lunches

Bought hot lunches are available on Wednesdays. Please make sure your child’s name and order is written on the front of an envelope with the correct money inside. Menu can be obtained from the school office. Our school is soft drink & juice free - Please only bring water to school. 

School Bus

We have a bus that is contracted by the Ministry of Education. Contact the school to see if you are eligible to be a part of this service, if so your name and contact details will then be passed on to Bern Friend the driver and to the Ministry of Education.

School Newsletter and Notices

A regular school newsletter will be placed on SEESAW and the website or it will be sent home with your child if required. Other notices are sent home on occasions. 

Seesaw is an online programme which can be downloaded as a FREE Seesaw FAMILY app. Your child & teacher will share some of their learning here - you can see and comment on their ‘in-time’ learning.This app is our main point of contact for all families.

School Stationery

This is purchased in bulk at the best possible price through various suppliers. At the beginning of each school year, we request $60.00 per student. Payment plans can be put in place. This should cover all stationery requirements for the year.

Accidents and Sickness

If a child has an accident or becomes sick at school we try to contact the parents as soon as possible. If this is not possible we use the emergency number on your file. When we are unable to contact a parent and the child requires medical treatment we will take the child to the community clinic, unless we receive prior instructions.

Behaviour

We have a clear behaviour plan for our pupils. A copy of this is available at the school office. If you require any further clarification or information on this very important matter please contact the school.

Dental Therapists

A mobile dental caravan visits the school every second year to check all the pupil’s teeth. Parents are sent information on any further dental work that their child requires.

Hearing and Vision

The Technicians come to school once a year, usually in the 2nd term. Mainly to assess Yr7 & Y8 children and 4 year olds, but also any new children to our school or any referrals that families or staff may make.

Smoke Free and Vape Free School

We are a smoke & vape free school. All parents/caregivers and visitors are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping inside the school grounds at all times.

Sun Smart

Pupils must wear sunhats, sunscreen and suitable clothing during the risk periods of Terms 1 and 4.

FAWS

Friends At Whataroa School is a group of parents/caregivers/grandparents and the community - past, present and future. Amongst many other things, they organise fundraising events for our school. Everyone is welcome to join our FAWS group.

The FAWS group run the Whataroa School Noticeboard on Facebook.

Library

The school has an excellent well-resourced Library, which we share with the community. The children change their books weekly. We are very keen to see the Library being used. Children are allowed two books at a time and are encouraged to transport their books in their book bags. The community also uses the library to access books. There is a large range of adult fiction and non-fiction available. The library is open daily to the community.

Play Group

The local playgroup operates on the school site on Wednesday between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Reporting to Parents

Parents are welcome to talk to the Principal and teachers at any time. Please telephone the school if you wish to make an appointment. ‘Three-way interviews’ are conducted formally in the 1st and 2nd term and informally in the 4th term if required.

School Events

Pet Day: Early November

Celebration Assembly: Whole community invited end of term 4

Camps: Educational Camps will take place in alternate years if possible.

Day trips: All students will be given opportunities for day trips, these are planned by classroom teachers to reinforce contexts within classroom learning. These can include Shantytown, local environments and museums.

Other Combined Events: Efforts are made to coordinate artists visiting the region. We also work closely with Doc and their Education dept.

School Photographs

Once a year a photographer will make arrangements to take individual, family and class photographs. Financial arrangements are between parents and the photographer. Parents will be notified via a newsletter prior to visit.

Swimming Pool

The school pool is a shared community resource. It is a wonderful facility. The pool is usually operational in Term 4 until the end of Term 1. Pool keys are sold to the community at the local store, The Lonely Stag. 

School Sports Uniform

At the beginning of each school year, sports uniforms are allocated to all students. These uniforms are only to be worn at school events. They remain the property of Whataroa School. These uniforms are valued at approximately $200.00 per set, so please wash separately and with care. The uniforms will need to be returned to school at the end of Term 4 or on leaving the school during the year.

South Westland Cluster Schools

Over the year we travel to and from other South Westland schools to participate in a variety of school activities:

Term 1: Swimming Sports/Athletics at SWAS

              Challenge Day at Haast School

Term 2: Cross Country at Whataroa School

Term 3: Music Festival at Fox Glacier Community Hall

We do require parental support with transport for these events.

Year 7 & 8 Friday @ SWAS

The Year 7 & 8 students are transported to South Westland Area School (SWAS) in Hari Hari, every Friday. The bus picks up students at 9:10am and returns to Whataroa, leaving Hari Hari at 2:00pm. The students attend Technology lessons in Food, Metal, Plastics & Material. Plus Science and Sport sessions.

Enrolment Procedures

If you wish to enrol your child please telephone the school to arrange an appointment and see the enrolment tab for more information.

School Records

From time to time information changes with regard to facts we need for our school SMSystem - eTap. Please let us know of any change in information such as phone, address, email, medical (including update of vaccinations) or emergency contact numbers.