Orientation

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Students will be provided with a proper orientation process. The Principal and Deputy Principal are primarily responsible for the orientation of the students and their ongoing welfare within the school community. This will be done in close liaison with the appropriate classroom teacher.

The Orientation Programme will include

On the student’s first day, he/she will be met by their new teacher and shown their classroom. All students will be mainstreamed immediately upon arrival.

The classroom teacher will be responsible for ensuring the new student has a buddy group consisting of two or more other students who will help the new student with daily routines, timetables, and activities during the breaks. They will also ensure the student knows where to find the Recovery Room, play areas, toilets, etc.

Orientation will include school layout, expectations, support systems and resources available.   

Information on banking, local travel systems, familiarisation with New Zealand laws, culture and learning will be provided if requested.  

The Special Education Coordinator (SENco) will continue to monitor the student during the first few weeks while the student settles into the class and the school. The SENCo will also be available for support of the students, the classroom teacher, and the parents/caregivers.

Once the initial period is over, the Special Education Coordinator (SENco) will continue to monitor the student and his/her progress through informal meetings, ESOL teaching times, and, where necessary, through formal meetings with the student, the classroom teacher, and/or the parents/caregiver.  

Translators will be made available where necessary.  These may be another student or an adult, depending on the situation and the requirements.

Parents/caregivers and students need to know that Western Heights School has an ‘Open Door’ policy.  At any time, they may make an appointment to see the classroom teacher or the Principal to discuss any queries or concerns.

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

GENERAL

Once at school, all children must stay at school and not leave the school grounds until the end of the school day unless collected by their guardian.

Children are not to use the foyer except when going to the Office. 

Children are not allowed out of their classroom during lesson time without permission from a teacher. 

Pupils causing damage must report breakages to a teacher on duty.

UNIFORM

We do not have a school uniform. 

A suitable sun hat must be worn outside by all children in terms one and four.

AFTER SCHOOL

While waiting to be picked up by their parents, children must wait within the school grounds.

CODE OF CONDUCT

• In our school, we RESPECT, HELP, and SUPPORT each other.  This means showing COURTESY to all students and adults.

• In our school, WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING, remembering it is `on loan' and a privilege, not a right.

• In our school, every student has a RIGHT TO LEARN and every teacher has a RIGHT TO TEACH.

• In our school, every student has the right to a SAFE ENVIRONMENT in which to learn and play.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The following staff members are available for assistance and support:

Ash Maindonald                 Principal                                                 021 779 009

Adele Nummy                    SENCo - Deputy Principal                     021 024 53906