A to Z of Information
Absences
In the event of your child being absent, you are required to contact the school prior to the start of the day (9 am) and notify staff of the reason. Messages can be left on 575 7417 or use the Hero App or email the school office. A daily check is made on unexplained absences. It is important to remember that once a child is enrolled in school they are legally required to be attending on a daily basis. Poor attendance can contribute to poor achievement.
Ashton Scholastic Book Club
Once or twice a term pamphlets are distributed to children advertising suitable books for your child. If you wish to order any of these, please use the school loop online ordering system or return the order and money to the school office before the closing date. If making payment by cheque they are to be made out to Scholastic NZ. Parents are under no obligation to purchase any books.
Assemblies
Whole school assemblies are held in the school hall ever 2nd Friday at 2.25 pm. These are an opportunity to celebrate student successes and share class activities. Parents/caregivers are very welcome to attend. A list of students receiving awards is printed in the newsletter.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees, as the school's governing authority, is responsible for ensuring the school complies with all relevant laws and regulations. The Board of Trustees (BOT) decides matters of school policy and supports the principal and management team in its day-to-day management of the school.
The full Board meets on a Monday in Week 4 and 8 of every term at 7.00 pm in the school meeting room. Dates are advertised in the school newsletter. All parents are welcome to attend. Names and contact details for Board members are contained in the Board Information.
Buses
The school controls three bus routes, namely –
• Awatere
• Marama
• Grassmere
A high standard of behaviour is expected from the pupils while travelling on buses. Children are to remain seated (where possible) throughout the journey. Waiting for the bus, children must wait clear of the roadside. After getting off, they must wait until the bus has departed before crossing the road. The school appoints bus monitors. They are appointed to ensure that safety rules are followed and trained by NZ Police. Children are supervised until the last bus departs.
If parents collect bus children from school or alter any arrangement, you need to ensure they are removed from the bus list in the office and inform the office staff or bus controller (Mrs Leigh McKendry). Transport claims can be made by those parents who have to transport their children a long distance to meet up with the school bus (Approx 3.5km each way). Inquiries re distance etc can be made through the school office.
Cycling to School
The school strongly recommends only children 9 years and older cycle to school. This is based upon NZ Police recommendations. These guidelines also stipulate that a child can only cycle to school if their parents/caregivers are confident that their child is able to do so safely. Helmets must be worn and bikes are to remain the bike racks while at school. Helmets must be fitted correctly Cycling in the school grounds is not permitted except for special events.
Students cycling to school from the far side of the Seddon Township are asked to use the state highway underpass.
Contacting the School / Concerns and Complaints
We value and welcome discussion and contact with parents and caregivers about their child. We believe that by working together our students are positively supported and can make the most of their opportunities.
We welcome any queries and concerns no matter how big or small that you may have about the school, your child and their learning and will endeavour to provide you with an answer as soon as possible after hearing from you. If you have a query or concern about your child's class/work or social or behaviour problems you should first contact the class teacher and discuss the matter with them.
If you are not satisfied by the answer provided or the action taken by the teacher you should make an appointment to discuss the matter with the principal.
Dental Clinic
All school Dental Therapists are now based at the Marlborough Dental Hub situated on the corner of McLaughlin and Nelson St in Blenheim. However, a mobile clinic will visit the school twice a year. All students will be seen during these visits. If you have concerns about your child's teeth or for urgent problems with your child's dental health you can contact the Dental Therapist on phone 520-9922.
Donations
Seddon School is part of the Donations Scheme. We do not request donations from whanau - except for camps.
Education Outside the Classroom
Trips/camps are an integral part of the curriculum. There will be a variety of opportunities during your child's time at Seddon School. The skills the children develop during these trips/camps often cannot be gained inside a classroom and are beneficial. Where the activity involves donation requests to parents, a letter will be sent home in advance in detail. Parents are encouraged to assist with these programmes. Often more parents than required volunteer to go on overnight camps. Generally in these situations parents are selected based on various skills for the camp - or drawn from a hat if we have multiple suitable parents.
Enrolments
Parents/caregivers who wish to enrol their children can do so by arranging an appointment with the principal through the office. Where the child is a new entrant this will need to be done some weeks before their fifth birthday so school visits can be arranged. When making the appointment parents are reminded they must bring their child's birth and immunisation certificates with them.
The enrolment of new pupils is conducted by the principal and covers –
• The child's readiness for school socially and emotionally
• Interest and abilities
• Health and medical conditions
• School uniform
• School procedures and organisation
• Parent help
Seddon School runs a pre-school programme in the term before a child turns five. This programme runs once a week for a school day for approximately 5 weeks. During this time the children work with a teacher aid focusing on getting ready for school. If you would like your pre-schooler to be a part of this please contact the school office. After this time they are able to join the new entrant class for the day. Information will be forwarded prior to these visits with full enrolment information.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students have the opportunity to participate in private music lessons while at Seddon School. Further information on these can be obtained from the school office.
Financial Assistance
As a school we understand that there are times when finances are tight. There are various options for payment of school related costs. Only the costs for stationery and uniform are compulsory for parents. If you need to discuss your financial situation with us please call the school office or principal.
Friends of Seddon School
Seddon School has a very energetic Friends group that works in close liaison with the school.
In recent years this group has worked to fund the purchase of library books, sports equipment, a new playground and various other things that have enhanced the facilities used by the students.
Fundraising events include the annual 'Tussock Run', a Garden tour and regular catering.
The continuation of this enthusiastic group is dependent on your support. If you are willing to assist please contact the school office for more information.
See Friends of Seddon School page
GATE – (Gifted and Talented Education)
Children who are identified, as gifted or talented in specific areas will be offered opportunities to extend their skills, as resources are available.
Homework
Homework is an extension of schoolwork and it is expected that children will complete homework within the time frame set by the class teacher. Very few teachers set regular homework and it is not a compulsary element of our school. We ask that parents read with children every night and encourage them to experience their community and various opportunities.
Spending time as a family is critically important to your child's academic achievement. They need time to reflect, relax and discuss. We actively encourage you to prioritise this!
House Groups
All students and staff members are a member of a house. The houses are Weld, McRae, Richmond and Clifford. The houses are made up of up to 45 students to offer friendship, encouragement and advice to younger students.
Students can earn house points for various things and points are collected each week and the winning house is announced at the Friday assembly. The house system fosters involvement, teamwork and friendly competition.
Illness/Accidents
Any child injured at school or feeling unwell is sent to the medical room to be attended by the person in charge. The following procedures are followed if a child is to be sent home:-
• parents phone and arrangements made for the child to be collect. Under no circumstances are sick children sent home unaccompanied, nor would they be left at home on their own.
If a child requires the attention of a doctor the school will notify the child's parents or if contact in unable to be made, will take the child to the doctor.
Internet
Before using the computers in the school all staff and students are required to read and agree to the school Internet user agreement. This is done upon enrolment.
Upon enrollment students will be allocated an email address that will allow them to access the school calendars, files etc through gmail. Parents will also be allocated information to login in to our Linc Ed - Hero site. This is our one stop shop for all communication, achievement, reports, student sharing and notices.
Lateness
By law all students must attend school during its open hours. At Seddon this is 9 am to 3 pm. Seddon School firmly believes that a child should arrive at least 15 minutes before the morning lessons begin at 9 am. This gives the child an opportunity to prepare both mentally and physically for the school day. Lateness is not only disrupting for the child but their class and teacher as well.
Learning Support
Seddon School aims to meet each student's academic, social and physical needs. Often to do this we offer adaptive programmes or extra help. You will be notified if your child is involved in this.
Library
The school library is fully computerised and contains a wide range of books and resources. Children will visit the library weekly as part of their classroom programmes. Parents can assist by ensuring children return books to school. There will be part charges for the replacement of books not returned.
Lost Property
It is essential that all clothing and personal items are clearly named. All items of property, which are found, are placed in the box outside the office door. At the end of each term unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Lunches
We have a healthy food policy in place where we encourage children to bring healthy food options for snacks and lunch. Children are expected to eat their sandwiches (or equivalent) and fruit before going to play at lunch time. They are allowed to leave treat foods such as biscuits, bars and chips. Teachers do check lunch boxes before letting the children go. Sweets/lollies are not permitted at school.
We are a water only school. If a child brings juice etc they will be ask not to drink it until after school. Children need to have a water bottle at school at all times. We also do not allow peanut butter due to a student being highly allergic.
Occasionally our students organise fundraising canteens or sausage sizzles. These are well advertised for parents ahead of time.
Medication
Should your child be required to take medication during school hours the school must be advised and the appropriate consent form completed. Medication must be handed into the school office and it will be administered from there as needed.
Money
All money sent to school for books, outings, etc should be placed in a sealed envelope with the child's name, room number and requirements written on it and handed into the school office by the child before 9.00 am.
Newsletters
Newsletters are an important way of communicating with each family. Newsletters are sent weekly on a Wednesday. These are emailed to each family, uploaded to our website HERE and also placed on our Linc Ed - Hero app.
Notices
Often students have notices/forms to be returned to the office. These should be placed in the container on the office counter before 9 am.
Parent / Student / Teacher Conferences
The purpose of the conference is to share and discuss the child's development, progress and achievement.
Opportunities for conferences are mid Term 1 and at the beginning of Term 3. During the conference it is hoped goals for the child will be agreed upon. Teachers are available to discuss your child's progress outside of these scheduled times – please contact the office to arrange a time. Staff are also available after school each day to discuss day-to-day activities.
Pets Day
A school pets day is held annually either at the end of term 3 or the beginning of term 4. It is an opportunity for the children to celebrate their rural surroundings and is well supported by the wider community. Craft and cooking schedules are handed out well in advance so children have a chance to complete the tasks for the indoor exhibits as well as bringing a pet of their choice along on the day.
Personal Property
Toys, cell phones, MP3 players and personal equipment should remain at home. The school accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. Toys, cell phones, MP3 players and personal equipment can cause friction and distractions. Children who need to bring a cell phone for use after school need to handed it into the office prior to the beginning of the day and can collect it again at 3pm.
Photos
School photos are taken by a professional on an annual basis usually in Term 4. Parents will be notified prior to this taking place.
Pre Entry Visits
Prior to starting school as a five-year-old, children are encouraged to attend several short visits. This gives the child a chance to familiarize themselves with the teacher, their classmates and the routines and experiences of school. Once you contact the school about your child's start date these will be timetabled.
Public Health Nurse
A Public Health Nurse visits the school on a regular basis. If you would like an appointment with them you can do this through the school office or you can contact the Public Health Service directly through Wairau Hospital.
Reporting to Parents
In addition to parent/student/teacher conferences children receive written reports twice a year. We report on the key competencies, student voice and academic achievement against the New Zealand Curriculum.
A summary sheet of academic achievement and progress will be shared with parents at parent teacher interviews - these are detailed and contain a lot of specific information.
Religious Instruction
A school-wide programme operates on Fridays between 9.00 – 9.30 am in Terms 2 and 3. Parents/caregivers must opt their children in to these programme each year. Children who do not attend go to the library during this time.
School Hours
The school hours are as follows:-
8.30am - School is open for the day
9.00am - Classes commence for the day
10.40 to 11.00am - Morning Interval
12.45 to 1.30pm - Lunch Break
3.00 pm - Classes finish
3.20pm - School is closed for the day
School Office Hours
The school office is open during the following times:-
Monday - 8.45 to 3.15pm
Tuesday - 8.45 to 3.15pm
Wednesday - 8.45 to 3.15pm
Thursday - 8.45 to 3.15pm
Friday - 8.45 to 3.15pm
Stationery
The school office stocks all stationery requirements needed in the classroom. Prices are competitive and following the initial class purchase at the beginning of the year replacement exercise books, pencils etc may be bought at the office each morning.
We recommend that you cover your child's exercise books. This protects them and extends their life. Children are expected to take pride in the presentation of their books. Graffiti and writing on covers will not be tolerated.
Student Records / Information
For emergency use the school maintains files of all pupils, addresses, telephone numbers and medical information. Should these be changed, please notify the school.
Swimming
Daily swimming is part of the curriculum in Term 1. Junior children use the school pool and senior children use the Seddon pool. Children are asked to bring their togs and towel each day during this time. Parent help for swimming lessons is always appreciated. Weather permitting the school pool is open for lunchtime fun swims in Term 4.
Sun Smart
Seddon School has a Sun Smart policy, which requires all children to wear, hats when outside during Terms 1 and 4. These can be purchased from Postie Plus along with all other uniform requirements. Children who do not wear hats must play in a set shady area.
Technology
Year 7/8 students travel to Blenheim approximately four days per term for technology training. Students receive instruction in hard and soft materials, biotechnology, food technology and media studies.
Uniform
The wearing of the Seddon School uniform is compulsory. The uniform options list is included in your enrolment pack. Uniform items are available at The Warehouse in Blenheim and must be the ones listed not something similar. The Warehouse have a list of correct item codes in store. Please ask for Help from the Warehouse staff if you are unsure.
Uniform Second Hand Sales
Second hand uniforms are sold through the school. For further details on this please contact the school office.
Visitors
All visitors are required to sign in at the office at the beginning of their visit to the school. This includes parents dropping off or collecting their children between 9 am and 3 pm.
Visiting Artists
When the opportunity arises the school welcomes approaches from visiting groups as an opportunity to enrich the children culturally. Some examples include visiting drama and Kakahapa groups. Payment for these is covered by the Board of Trustees through the funds we receive under the Donations Scheme.
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