A to Z Guide

All About Our School

Attendance
Absences
Adventure Playground
Afterschool Care
Art and Craft
Assemblies
Behaviour
Bible In Schools
Bicycles
Carol Service
Carpark
Change of Address/Telephone Numbers
Charter
Choir
Class Involvement
Class Parent
Classroom Organisation
Computers
Cross Country
Cultural Activities
Daily Programme ~ Bell times
Dental Clinic

Disco
Dogs
Enrolment Procedure
Emergency Information
Fundraising
Grounds and Buildings
Hall
Health
Hearing and Vision
Homework
House System
Illness and Accident
Jewellery and Valuables
Library and ICT Suite
Lost Property
Lunches and Morning Tea
Medication and Form
Money to School
Motto
New Entrants
Newsletter
Operetta/Productions

Orchestra
Out of Bounds
Physical Education (PE)
Parent Involvement/Help
Parent/Teacher Contact
Reading at Home
Road Congestion and Road Safety Road Patrol
Rules
School Banking
School Camps
School Council
School Map click here
Stationery
Sun Protection
Sweets
Toys
Uniform
Visits Outside School
Volunteer Support
Wet Weather/Sports Days
Worthy Causes
Educational Jargon Explained
•National Standards
What Is Curriculum?
Top

Attendance
All children are expected to attend school every day the school is open. Any absence of a pupil from the school at any time must be with the knowledge and consent of the pupil's parents/caregivers, who must contact the school to advise absences on the morning of the first day of a period of absence. If this requirement is not met, the parents/caregivers must supply a written note of explanation to the teacher, otherwise truancy will be assumed.
Back to top

Absences
When a student is to be absent from school, please telephone the school by 9.15am Phone 5200602. Please send a note after an absence only if you have not telephoned. You can also notify the school with the Report Absence Button on the homepage of the website. Children arriving late to school must be accompanied by an adult to their classroom and the office notified. Children leaving during school hours require a note, and must be fetched from the classroom. As we have a “safe to school” policy any unexplained absences will be contacted by phone if time permits.
Back to top

Adventure Playground

Children gain much enjoyment from playing on these structures. Slides, platforms and climbing stairs help children gain confidence. Impact material has been placed under our adventure playground apparatus for the children's safety. Teachers are on duty to ensure children use these structures appropriately.
Back to top

After School Care Programme
An After School Care programme operates from our community room attached to the hall. This operates from 3-6pm Monday-Friday.
During the school holidays we run a holiday programme. Days for this programme are advertised via the weekly newsletter. Application for the After School Care programme can be obtained from the school office.
Barbara Hale is the supervisor and her phone number is 021704892.
Back to top

Art and Craft

These are fun but often messy activities. A painting shirt/overall is advisable.

Back to top

Assemblies
Class presentation assemblies alternate with Principal's Assemblies every Friday morning. Your class teacher will let you know the date(s) of their class presentation assembly. If you wish to attend this, please be seated by 9.00am in the hall.
Back to top

Behaviour
We expect an acceptable standard of behaviour and courtesy from all pupils. In serious matters of behaviour we will establish direct communication with parents. Our behaviour policy is available on request.
Back to top

Bible In Schools
Non-denominational religious instruction takes place every Thursday from 9.00 - 9.30am for five consecutive Thursdays each term. Year 3 - Year 6 students are involved. Parents may choose to withdraw their child from this activity if they wish. Please let the Principal know if you do not wish your child to be involved in Religious Instruction.
Back to top

Bicycles
We do not permit children to ride bicycles to school.
Back to top

Carol Service
The school has a Carol Service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in December for all students and their families.

Mary and Joseph and bored shepherds etc_1.jpg

Carpark
The carpark is for staff only as parking is limited. The driveway at 250 Victoria Ave is for staff, delivery vehicles and emergency access only. Children are to walk down the “Dragon Drive” when coming to and from school via Victoria Ave. We suggest that children are dropped off for school on the school side of the road, and that they walk down the footpaths provided. Driveways must be kept clear of traffic. Year 3 - 6 children should be picked up and dropped off at least 200 metres from the school.
Back to top

Change of Address/Telephone Numbers
In order to maintain efficient records and communication it is necessary that the school be kept informed of new addresses and phone numbers and other changes in family circumstances, affecting the children. This is important not only to ensure that notices and correspondence reach the correct destination, but also in the event of an accident or emergency. Please click on the email address and forward us of any changes of your contact details promptly. Email the office This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Thank you.
Back to top

Charter
The School Charter:

is an agreement between the Board of Trustees and the Minister of Education.
sets out the National Education and National Administration Guidelines.

Click here to download a copy of the Charter, it is also available to view along with Policies and Implementation Programmes. You are welcome to peruse these documents at any time. Please enquire at the office.
Back to top

Choir
Children in Year 5 and 6 are able to participate in the Festival and Christmas Choir while Year 3 and 4 have a Junior Choir. These are trained by our Music Specialist.
Back to top

Class Involvement
Parents are encouraged to be involved in classroom programmes. We use this as a valuable experience for both parents and children. Training is given at the beginning of each term to clarify parent roles in the classroom and to provide guidelines.
Back to top

Class Parent
Each class has a parent representative who acts as a liaison between the teacher and parents by organising social get-togethers and parental help in and out of the classroom. A class directory of parents and phone numbers is available from your class parent.
Back to top

Classroom Organisation
Victoria Avenue School is a primary contributing school for children aged five years to eleven years, Years 1-6.
Back to top

Computers
The Library is fully computerised and the school currently has a range of computers in the classrooms. The school employs an ICT specialist and has a Technology Suite for the use of all classes in the school. We are fully networked and operate an intranet.
Back to top

Cross Country
This usually takes place in Term Three. Parents are welcome to attend.
Back to top

Cultural Activities
During the year cultural groups visit the school to give performances to the children. These are restricted to approximately one per term. Only those groups and visits, which provide a sound learning experience are organised.
Back to top

Daily Programme
Bell times:

8.30 am Hand bell - entry into playground, NOT into buildings unless it is raining or on a teacher's express permission.
8.50 am Bell - school starts - children hang up bags, coats, etc., and prepare for the day - teachers begin administration, roll, money, etc.
10.40 am Bell - morning interval
11.00 am Bell - classroom.
12.30 pm Bell - lunch break.
1.25 pm Hand bell, prepare for afternoon.
1.30 pm Bell - begin afternoon programme
3.00 pm Bell - home time.

Children are required to be at school no later than 8.45 am, as this is the time they enter the classroom. At 8.50 am the school day begins for instructional work. This early start to the day is important for setting the scene for the morning. It is therefore important that parents help facilitate this by having the children at school on time.

If you wish to speak with teachers before school, please remember they have a responsibility to the class, particularly from 8.45 am onwards. The best time to talk at any length is to make an appointment for a time after school. Children are supervised between the hours of 8.30 am and 3.15 pm.
Back to top

Dental Clinic
Phone: 520-0104 Dental Therapist
The Victoria Avenue Dental Clinic provides a free service for children at the school and pre-school children in the area from the age of two and a half years. If any dental work is required, you will be advised. The Clinic is open from 8.30am to 3.00pm school days. Should emergency treatment be required outside school hours, the child should be taken to the family dentist. You may contact the therapist if you have any concerns.
Back to top
Disco
Discos organised by the PTS are held each year. All children from Year 1 to Year 6 are welcome. Parental supervision is required and a roster is organised by the PTS. Children must be delivered and collected from the hall by an adult.
Back to top

Dogs
Largely for health reasons, the school has a "No Dogs" policy on school property, unless of course the school has a "Pet Day". Please support the school on this matter.
Back to top

Enrolment Procedure
Parents should complete an pre-enrolment form when their children are approaching three and a half years of age. Application for Enrolment form is available from the office or from our website. Click here to download an application for Inzone enrolment form or, if you are living out of our school zon, the application form to be included in the ballot. Please download the appropriate form, complete and post or fax to the school.
Back to top

Emergency Information
This is a cruciaI lifeline. Please keep the school up to date with home or work place phone numbers and also an alternative such as a grandparent, close friend or relative. Please click on the email address and forward us of any changes of your contact details promptly. Email the office This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Thank you.
Back to top

Fundraising
The provision of adequate funds to ensure consistent high quality educational opportunities for our children is one of the more important functions of the Board of Trustees and PTS. Part of the necessary funds is provided by grants from the Government, but there is a considerable level of spending required for equipment and resource material over and above such grants. The PTS is active in fund raising activities and seek the support of all parents in this very important aspect of school administration.
Back to top

Grounds and Buildings
We take pride in our school grounds and buildings. We are fortunate to have an attractive school setting, and we attempt to make the school a pleasant and welcoming place for the community to enjoy. We believe the school can serve our community in many ways and with sensible use of the grounds and recreational facilities we can continue to foster a sense of community in our district. We ask all residents to assist us by taking pride in our school along with helping us to see that our grounds are cared for outside school hours. If parents observe vandals or vandalism at school, please contact the local Police, or telephone Matrix Security Ph 529-0605. A monitored security system is operated in the school. Parents and neighbours are not permitted to walk dogs in our grounds.
Back to top

Hall
The hall is available for hire to approved local groups and families. Bookings are to be made through the school office. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Back to top

Health
Public Health Nurse
The Public Health Nurse may be contacted on Ph. 357 2260. This service is available to all parents who have concerns about any aspect of their child's health. The Public Health Nurse is available to examine any child on parent or teacher request and follow up any matter of concern by contacting the parent.
Back to top

Hearing and Vision
Twice yearly, the Vision and Hearing Team visit the school to test all new entrants and any referrals from prior visits.
Back to top

Homework
Children will have home learning. Junior children will bring home books, poems and activities, and parents are encouraged to hear children read and take a keen interest in listening and positively responding to school activities. Classes from Year 3 to Year 6 are expected to read regularly and to undertake homework activities as set for the week. Work undertaken at home should be an extension of work undertaken at school and should consolidate earlier learning and teaching.
Back to top

House System
On enrolment, pupils are placed in one of four school houses - Kowhai, Pohutukawa, Karaka and Koromiko. The house system encourages interaction between senior, middle and junior pupils and provides a platform for leadership skills to develop in our senior pupils as they take up "house captain" roles. Families are grouped in the same houses.

Illness and Accident
Accidents and illnesses are attended by the teacher or trained first-aider in the sick bay (near the office) and are recorded in a log. Standard treatment procedures as recommended by the Department of Health will be applied. First aid is given for simple cuts or abrasions. Where a more severe injury has been sustained, parents will be immediately notified by phone and will be asked to take the child to a doctor.
Back to top

Jewellery and Valuables
The wearing of all jewellery at school is discouraged. However watches may be worn by your child. The school cannot be responsible for the loss of jewellery.
Back to top

Library and ICT Suite

Each class is timetabled for Library and ICT lessons during the school week when our specialist teachers teach the pupils. We welcome parent help in the library for processing new books and repairing old ones. We have a computerised issuing system. School librarians are elected every year and assist in the smooth running of our library. Computerising the library enables us to supply information on how often a book is borrowed, as well as the titles of books that your child is reading. Please ensure that our library books are treated as friends and reinforce the good habits taught in our library lessons. Pupils may use the library during the lunch hour.

Back to top

Lost Property
There is a lost property basket where mislaid property is available to the owners. This basket is situated outside Room 7 in the junior atrium . You can help by making sure your child's belongings are clearly named. It is sorted regularly and named items are returned to their owners and unamed ones are taken to the charity bin at the top of the teachers' driveway.
Back to top

Lunches and Morning Tea
Children are not permitted to go to local shops to buy lunches. Please check that your child has enough, or alternatively not too much lunch or morning tea. Children are not to bring sweets or fizzy drinks to school. A lunch service is offered several days per week - please check with the school as to which days these are. Children place orders at the front office before school. Menus are provided on our website. Click here for menus and instructions. In the interests of safety children are discouraged from bringing glass bottles to school. Plastic drink bottles are safer. Canned drinks are also discouraged. We request that parents securely tighten drink bottles before they are placed in school bags.
Back to top

Medication
Children with special requirements must lodge their medicines with the School Secretary at the office and complete the appropriate form. Click here to download form. Office staff are responsible for administering medication.
Back to top

Money to School
To assist office staff please send any money to school in an envelope and clearly marked with your child's name, room number, the amount and what it is for. The bringing of large sums of money to school is not encouraged.

Back to top

Motto
"Our Best Always"

National Standards
Click here for a useful website from the Ministry of Education to help with understanding National Standards

Back to top
New Entrants
A pre-school morning is held for New Entrant children and their parents shortly before their intake into the Junior Department. Morning tea is provided prior to introductory talks by the Principal and the Deputy Principal.
Back to top

Newsletter
Newsletters form an important communication link in keeping you informed as to school wide events, class trips, upcoming events and curriculum developments. Each Thursday the school issues a newsletter - on our website.
Archived newsletters from last year are also available on the school website. The Board of Trustees publishes an additional newsletter at intervals throughout the year.
Back to top

Operetta/Productions
Each year a production is presented to parents and friends. It may be a play, musical or based around an Arts theme.
Back to top

Orchestra
We offer KBB Music lessons at Victoria Avenue School. Students who take part in these lessons are eligible to play in the orchestra. The orchestra is tutored by the KBB music teachers.
Back to top

Out of Bounds
Some areas of the school are out of bounds including the Teacher's car park and driveway and the driveway beyond the Dental Clinic.
Back to top

Physical Education (PE)
All children participate in regular physical education lessons with both the PE specialist and the class teacher. Emphasis is placed on fitness and the mastery of skills. The school follows the Kiwi Sports programme and offers a wide range of activities for the children. Children participate in a wide range of sports including athletics, swimming, netball, cricket, softball, soccer and rugby. All children are expected to take part in these activities. Middle and senior students are to wear our sports uniform for physical education and sport. A hat for use in summer is essential. The sports uniform is available at the Uniform Shop.

Back to top
Parent Involvement/Help It is very much part of school policy that parents should be involved in many aspects
of school. Parents may become involved in any of the follow ways:

Providing materials for school use.
Assisting with programmes.
Talking with groups of children about interests.
Offering a special skill such as arts and crafts, coaching a sport, playing the piano
Maoritanga, Polynesian culture, etc.
Library assistance, e.g. repairing books.
Listening to children reading and providing special individual assistance under the teacher's guidance.
Helping with supervision and providing transport on school outings.
Serving as a Trustee or PTS member.
Typing children's stories.
Resource Making.

Please contact the office if you can help, or in the case of help in the classroom, contact your class teacher.
Back to top

Parent/Teacher Contact
All parents are welcome at the school to discuss problems that may arise. Please telephone the office for an appointment or send a note to the class teacher. Our complaint’s policy is available by request and on our website.
Back to top

Reading at Home
(New Entrants)
When your child brings books home from school please show an interest and praise all attempts. At school students will have been shown:

How to hold the book and turn the pages
That we read from left to right, return to the left continuing in this fashion. We encourage the movement of hand or finger under the line to reinforce this behaviour.
That we have words and the marks in these words are called letters.
How to point to each word while reading.

Ask your child if there is anything they can tell you about a page. A word or letter or even a sentence could be given. If your child offers nothing, accept the first reading and please note it is not necessary to know all words individually. Do not hesitate to tell them words they do not know. Enjoy this time and notice the things they can do. Gradually school will help them learn the things they can't do now. Give encouragement and show you are happy. This will give confidence to your child and help him/her to keep at the job of reading. Please contact the office if you can help, or in the case of help in the classroom, contact your class teacher.
Back to top

Road Congestion and Road Safety Road Patrol

Victoria Avenue is a very busy and potentially dangerous road. When collecting children from school please ensure you park legally - NOT across driveways or yellow lines. Double parking is dangerous for all. Traffic Police regularly monitor the area so please act responsibly. Please do not drive into entrance ways in order to turn around, children are small and not easily seen and such action can frighten young children. There is also access to the school from Spencer Street and Stirling Street.

Road patrols are on duty on Victoria Avenue crossing from 8.10 a.m. to 8.45 a.m. and again from 3.00 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. Keep your children safe
by ensuring that they use the pedestrian crossing or drop your children
off on the school side of the road. Teachers appreciate volunteer help to
do crossing duty on Victoria Avenue after school. If you can help, please contact the office.
Back to top

Rules
We have endeavoured to keep our rules to a minimum and all are based on common sense and thoughtfulness for others. Pupils who damage school equipment through carelessness or by breaking school rules will be responsible for replacement of that equipment. We encourage children to be helpful and tolerant of others. Any aggressive or unreasonable behaviour is not acceptable at the school. The ultimate level of discipline is to have pupils acting independently, achieving self-discipline. This is derived from doing the "common-sense thing" and accepting responsibility for their actions.
Back to top

School Banking
The National Bank, Remuera Branch operates school banking with Victoria Avenue School every Wednesday from 8:15am.
This is a great opportunity to start your child on the path to saving and it will teach them important skills as they start to manage their money.
For more information click here. To download an account application form click here.
Back to top

School Camps
Camp is an important aspect of our Education Outside the Classroom Programme which provides valuable opportunities for students to experience and learn about the outdoors. Camps are planned every year for all students in Years Four, Five and Six. Click here to view school camp video.
Back to top

School Council
We have 12 council members elected every year. These 12 pupils are given responsibility and support the Principal in the running of the school. This is an important leadership role within our school.
Back to top

Stationery
A stationery pack is purchased at the beginning of each school year. Any extra stationery may be purchased from the school. The shop's opening hours are advertised in the school newsletter. Click here for price list.
Back to top

Sun Protection
All pupils are required to wear a sun hat during outside play in the summer months. This is strictly enforced - no hat, no play. Each class has a pump bottle of sun-screen that is available to all pupils at all times. Protection is a priority for our pupils. Lunch eating is supervised in a shaded area.
Back to top

Sweets
The bringing of sweets or chewing gum to school is not permitted.
Back to top

Toys
The bringing of toys to school is discouraged.
Back to top

Uniform
All children are encouraged to wear the correct school uniform. The wearing of school uniforms helps to give children a pride in their school and helps to promote a sense of equity amongst pupils. It is recommended that children have slippers or socks for indoor wear during the winter. Children may leave their slippers at school. Young children should wear shoes that they are able to manage themselves. All uniforms must be clearly named.
Back to top

Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is currently operated by a group of parents. Order forms may be collected from the school office or click here to download from the website. Orders lodged with the office by Tuesday each week are available for collection on Thursday. The shop's opening hours are advertised in the school newsletter.
Back to top

Visits Outside School
Written permission of parents is required for children leaving the grounds. Parent transport is essential on most outside visits, and is greatly appreciated. All children are required to wear an approved safety restraint when travelling by car on such visits.
Back to top

Volunteer Support
A volunteer support form is sent out to all families by the PTS at the beginning of the year. This register provides a network of parents willing to assist with various activities throughout the year. The more volunteers we have the more easily we can spread the load. If a specific request is inconvenient at the time, you can always say no. Please contact the PTS for further information.
Back to top

Wet Weather/Sports Days
Children should bring appropriate clothing or footwear for the winter weather. (See also uniforms).
Back to top

Worthy Causes
The school supports World Vision and the National Heart Foundation. Occasionally, children participate in a fundraising activity.
Back to top

Educational Jargon
BOT - Board of Trustees.
An elected group of parents, the Principal and a staff representative, who are responsible for the governance of the School for a three year term of office.

PTS - Parent Teachers Subcommittee.
A group of parents and staff members who work together on various school events, from curriculum dissemination to information evenings and fundraising for the benefit of all pupils.

ERO - Education Review Office.
The official Government agency charged with the auditing of schools.

Teacher Aide
A classroom assistant who supports the teacher in small group teaching of special needs pupils and a variety of other activities.

Syndicate
A group of classes who work together planning programmes of work, trips, activities and interchanges.

ICT - Information CommunicationTechnology.
Learning skills for the use of computers, internet, faxes and accessing information.

NESB - Non-English Speaking Background

ESOL - English Speakers of Other Languages
Back to top

What Is Curriculum?
The term 'curriculum' has several meanings, depending on the context in which it is used at school.

Curriculum - What is taught in each subject.
Curriculum Statement - National guidelines that provide the basis for programmes in schools from Year 1 to Year 13.
The School Curriculum - The way in which a school puts into practice the policy set out in the national curriculum statement. It takes into account local needs, priorities, resources, and is designed in consultation with the school's community.
The New Zealand Curriculum - A set of national curriculum statements which define the learning principles and achievement aims and objectives which all New Zealand schools are required to follow.
Broad-Based Curriculum - An extension of the curriculum to include a wider variety of learning opportunities such as camps, technology- and sports.
Individualised Learning Programmes developed to meet individual needs.
Developmental Learning - Learning by doing.

Return to top of page

School Map

Click on map to enlarge