COMMUNICATION
It is important that parents are kept fully informed on school happenings. A school newsletter is sent home every Thursday. Reporting to parents occurs through “Meet the teacher” opportunities in February, parent interviews in March and Mid-Year, and written reporting in December. In addition, portfolio samples of your child’s work will be available each term for you to share and comment on the progress he/she is making.
SCHOOL DONATIONS
Donations can be made as one payment at the beginning of the year or on a term by term basis.
The school donations are:
- $100.00 per child for the full school year. The cost may be spread throughout the year being $25.00 per term per child.
- $80.00 per child for a family with 3 children or more.
- Are able to be by paid by automatic payment
SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS
Totara Park School encourages children to develop self-discipline and to accept responsibility for their own behaviour while considering the learning and social rights of others at all times. The school runs a programme based on ‘Circle Time’ which is a method of rewarding children for being on-task and performing to expectations.
This is part of a school-wide reward programme, where each week the pupils are taught core values identified by its community and are rewarded for displaying behaviours which reflect these. Citizenship awards are regularly presented at school assemblies for children who are found living that value.
A number of pupils are trained as peer mediators and staff plan regular class lessons on conflict resolution.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement in school life is recognised as essential to the success of Totara Park School. Totara Park School welcomes parents to view classroom programmes in action. Parents are encouraged to participate in our programmes assisting with writing, art and craft and reading in the Blocks. Help with school visits and sports coaching is also appreciated.
If you have any queries about your child’s progress, please make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. If your queries are about the school, please make an appointment to see the Principal.
EXTENSION PROGRAMMES
We aim to challenge children in their learning, while making them feel successful in their achievements. To do this the individual needs of children are paramount in all of our programmes. Children with special abilities are identified, and have their needs met through targeted teaching, small group withdrawal, learning centre extension programmes or individual contract work within classrooms.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Totara Park School operates a Special Needs Register which closely monitors the learning and social needs of all students. We cater for children with a variety of special needs, by offering:
- Reading Recovery programme
- Individual Education Plans [IEPs]
- Extension Activities
- Buddy reading
- Parent tutoring programmes
- Teacher Aide support
- Small group teaching.
SCHOOL HOURS
Monday to Friday
- 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
- 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (lunch)
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
The school grounds are open from 8:15 am and the classroom blocks from 8:30 am. Parents are asked to ensure their children have left the grounds by 3.20pm
AFTERSCHOOL CARE
Any families that require out of school care should contact Kool Kids who bus pupils to and from the school daily. Phone 939 1661 for more details.
COMPUTERS
Each teaching block is equipped with several networked computers, so all children gain experience in word processing, problem solving, research and learning programmes using this technology from their first year at school. The school utilises the internet for student research and communication. The school also has mobile pods of laptop computers the children use as a tool for their Learning.
LIBRARY
The school has an excellent library, containing over 3500 books. The library has an internet/email linked computer with CD-rom drive for research work, plus fax/modem facilities. All children will be taught how to use these technologies to enhance their own learning. The library search computer can be accessed from the classrooms
GROUNDS
The school offers a large playing field, tennis/netball court, artificial cricket wicket and cricket net, as well as extensive paved areas for games and physical education lessons. Our adventure playground is sited under the shade of large Totara trees and complements our attractive outdoor environment.
STUDENT ABSENCE
Students require permission to leave the grounds during school hours for appointments or to go home for lunch. Students are to be signed out at the Office by a parent/caregiver when leaving school within school hours. Children must also be signed in if they are returning to school, or if they arrive late.
Parents/Caregivers are asked to phone the school before 9:10 am or leave a message on the answer phone if their child is to be absent. This ensures the safety of every child attending Totara Park School.
HEALTH
Hearing and vision testing is carried out at school for all new entrants. Children receive dental treatment through the school dental clinic. First aid for injuries is carried out by qualified adults. Accidents are recorded in an accident register.
STATIONERY
Children will receive a list of stationery requirements at the beginning of the school year or when they start school. These items can be purchased through the school in pre-packaged bags at very competitive prices.
LUNCHES
Lunches may be purchased each day from school.
CYCLING
As a result of recommendations from the Police, we have adopted a school policy which recommends only Year 5 and 6 children to ride bicycles to school. If parents want to have their child cycle to school under this age then they are advised to teach their child a safe route to school.
VALUABLES
Children are discouraged from bringing unnecessary money, toys or items of value to school. The school accepts no responsibility for the loss of money or other items.
LOST PROPERTY
Parents are requested to ensure that their children’s clothing and property are named clearly. A lost property box is kept outside the dental clinic for parents/children to check should any items be mislaid.