StellaMarisCatholicPrimarySchool

Parent InformationHandbook

50SilverdaleStreet,Silverdale,P.O.Box103,Silverdale0944,Auckland

ContentsStellaMarisCatholicSchoolMissionStatement 1

StellaMarisCatholicSchool 2

“ThreeKete”–ByPatriciaGrace 3

KeyCompetencies 5

Capabilitiesforlivingandlifelonglearning 5

Thinking 5

Usinglanguage,symbols,andtexts 5

ManagingSelf 6

Relatingtoothers 6

Participatingandcontributing 6

References: 6

PrayersFrequentlyUsedatStellaMaris 7

TheSignOfTheCross 7

StellaMarisCatholicSchoolPrayer 7

TheLord’sPrayer 7

HailMary 7

CharismStellaMaris(StaroftheSea) 8

AdmissionProcedures 9

SchoolInformation 10

Absence(Student) 10

Assemblies 10

Attendance 10

Behaviour 10

Bicycles,ScootersandWheels 10

BoardofTrusteeMeetings 10

BrainFood 11

CaféStella 11

CarParking 11

Cellphones,iPadsorotherElectronicDevices 11

ClassNames 11

CompositeClasses 11

ConcernsorQueries 12

Curriculum 12

DentalClinic 12

EarlyClosing 12

EducationalVisits/LearningExperiencesOutsideTheClassroom(LEOTC) 12

Emergencies 12

Hats 12

Headlice 12

Health 13

HomeandSchool 13

HomeLearning 13

Library 14

Liturgy 15

LostProperty 15

Lunch 15

LunchtimeActivities 15

Mass 15

MessagesForChildren 15

Money 15

Music 16

Newsletters 16

Office 16

ParentHelp 16

ParentTeachersandFriendsAssociation(P.T.F.A.) 16

Photos 16

PhysicalEducation 16

ReligiousEducationInstruction 16

SacramentalProgramme 17

SchoolHours 17

SchoolDuesandDonations 17

SpecialEducationServices 18

Sports 18

Stationery 18

Uniform 19

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 1 "

WelcometoStellaMarisSchool,wehopethisbookletprovidesyouwiththeinformationyouneed to help you become part of our school community. Please let us know if there is anyadditionalinformationyouwouldliketoseeincludedinnextyear’sedition.

Ourcontactdetails:

Phone: 094279189

Email: achieve@stellamaris.school.nz

Website: www.stellamaris.school.nz

StellaMarisCatholicSchoolMissionStatement

AaaChristcentredcommunity,inspiredbyMaryandourCatholicfaith,wewillchallenge,supportandempower.

! 2 " PARENT HANDBOOK

StellaMarisCatholicSchool

MarianValues:

Trust Courage

Service Empathy

Obedience Strength

Loyalty Faith

Compassion Wisdom

Each corner of the StellaMaris Compass informs anddirects our culture to bothenrich our community andensure that we are alwayson the journey to TrueNorth,thefootoftheCross.

KeyCompetencies:• Thinking

• RelatingtoOthers

• Usinglanguage,symbolsandtexts

• Managing self

• Participating and contributing

TheThreeKeteOfLearning:TeKeteTuatea–TheKeteofMentalandPhysicalChallenges.

TeKeteAronui– TheKete ofEmotions

TeKeteTuauri – The Kete ofPrayer

Mission Statement:As a Christ centred community,

inspiredbyMaryandourCatholicfaith,wewill challenge, support

andempower.

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 3 "

“ThreeKete”–ByPatriciaGraceItwasthefirstdayofterm,andIdidn’twanttogobacktoschoolafterthesummerholidays.Moreweeksofbeingstuckinside,Ithought.Butnoonecouldstopthebellringing,sowealltroopedintoclass.

OurteacherthisyearwasMsRawhiti.Shewassittingatthefrontoftheclassroomplayingtheguitar.Shepointedatourshoes.

“Tangohiaohū!”shesaid.“Wetakeoffourshoeswhenwecomeintoclass.”

Weputourshoesoutsideandcamebackintotheroom.

“Etu,”saidMsRawhiti.

Everyonestoodup,andwesangthewaiatathatwasontheoverheadprojector.Thenwebowedourheadsforaprayer.Whenwewereallsittingdownagain,MsRawhitiheldupaflaxkete.

“Heahatēnei?”sheasked.

Marama’shandwentup.“Heketetēnā,”shesaid.

“Āe,”saidMsRawhiti.“Heketetēnā”.Shesmiled,andforaminute,itkindoffeltlikethesunhadcomeout.Thensheheldupanotherkete–andanother.

“Now,”shesaid,“I’mgoingtotellyouthestoryofthethreekete.”

“Tiheimauriora!”shesaid,andshelookedatussohardthatashiverrandownmyspine.“Thesethreeketearetheketeofknowledge.TheywerebroughttoEarthbythegodTane.Beforeheleftonhisgreatjourneytofindthethreeketeofknowledge,Tanechoseaplaceforthewharekura,theschooloflearning,tobebuiltwhilehewasaway.ThiswaswheretheketewouldbekeptwhenTanereturnedtoEarthwiththem.

“Tane began his journey by climbing the ropes of swirling whirlwinds that his brotherTawhirimateahadmade.Taneclimbedtothesecondoverworldandonintothethird.Hiswickedbrother,Whiro,wastryingtoreachtheketeofknowledgebeforeTane.

“WhenTanereachedthethirdoverworld,Whirowasjustbehindhim.Whirosenthisfollowers–theowls,thebats,themosquitoes,andthesandflies–toattackTane.

“Tanemighthavebeenbeaten,butTawhirimateablewtheattackerstothefarcornersoftheheavens.

“FinallyTanereachedtheeleventhoverworld,wherehefoundPu-motomoto,thegatewaytothetopmostheaven.HerehewasmetbyRehua,thegodofkindness,whogavehimthethreeketeofknowledge.

“WhirostillhopedthathecouldgettheketefromTane.AsTanemadehiswaybackdowntoEarth,Whirowaswaitingforhimintheninthoverworld.WhenTaneandWhiromet,therewasagreatbattle.Thistime,too,Tanemighthavebeenbeaten,buttheknowledgeintheketemadehimstrong.

“TanedefeatedWhiroandthrewhimdowntothetheunderworld.NowWhirobringssickness,badthoughts,anddeathtopeople.Hisfollowers–theowls,thebats,themosquitoes,andthesandflies-cametoliveonEarth,wheretheystillannoyustoday.

! 4 " PARENT HANDBOOK

“WhenTanelastreturnedtoEarthwiththethreepreciousketeofknowledge,hehungtheminthewharekura.Theknowledgefromthethreeketewasspreadaroundthewholeworldtohelpallpeople.”

MsRawhiti’svoicechanged.Assheheldupthefirstkete,itwasasthoughshe’dcomebackfromafarawayplace.

“The first ketewas Te Kete Tuatea,” she said, “the kete ofmental and physical challenges.”Sheheldupanotherkete.“ThesecondwasTeKeteAronui,theketeofemotions.”Thensheheldupthelastkete.“ThethirdwasTeKeteTuauri,”shesaid,“theketeofprayer.”

“Nō reirarā,tamarikimā,”saidMsRawhiti,lookingateachofusinturn.

“It’syourjob,asstudents,toputsomethingnewintoyourownketeofknowledgeeveryday.”

Atthreeo’clock,justbeforewewenthome,MsRawhitisatatthefrontoftheroom,strummingonherguitar.“Whatdidyouputinyourketeofknowledgetoday?”sheaskedus.

“Ilearntakarakia,”saidJason.

“Tinopai,”saidMsRawhiti.“Canyoutelluswhichketethekarakiabelongsto?”

“TeKeteTuauri,theketeofprayer,”saidJason.

“Homaitepakipaki,”saidMsRawhiti,andweallclapped.

“Isangawaiata,andIpaintedakoru,”saidMai-Ling.“Theygointheketeofemotions.”Weallclapped again.

ThenRajivputuphishand.“Ididthehaka,”hesaid,“andIwroteastoryaboutit.”

“Thatgoes in theketeofmentalandphysicalchallenges,” I said,and I sortofgavemyselfafrightbecause Idon’tusuallysayanything inclassunless Ihaveto.Wheneveryoneclapped,Ididn’tknowifitwasformeorforRajiv–ormaybeforbothofus.

We said our karakia for the end of the day, but afterwards, I didn’t go home straight away.I hungaroundhavingagoodlookattheketehangingonthewallandwonderingwho’dmadethem.

MsRawhitiwaswatchingmefromthebackoftheroom,butIwasn’tworried.Ihadthiskindofgoodfeelinginsideme.Iwasn’tsure,butIthoughtthat,thisyear,maybeitwouldn’tbesobadcomingtoschool.

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 5 "

KeyCompetenciesCapabilitiesForLivingAndLifelongLearning

TheNewZealandCurriculumidentifiesfivekeycompetencies:

• Thinking

• Usinglanguage,symbolsandtexts

• Managing self

• Relatingtoothers

• Participating and contributing

Peopleusethesecompetenciestolive,learn,play,work,andcontributeasactivemembersoftheircommunities.Thesecompetenciesdrawonknowledge,attitudes,andvaluesinwaysthatleadtoaction.Theyarenotseparateorstand-alone.Theyarethekeytolearningineachareaofthecurriculum.

Successfullearnersmakeuseofthecompetenciesincombinationwithalltheotherresourcesavailabletothem.

Thecompetenciescontinuetodevelopovertime,shapedbyinteractionswithpeople,places,ideas,andthings. AllstudentsatStellaMarisaresupportedtodeveloptheKeyCompetenciesinvarietyofcontexts,inboththeirlearningandplay,atanageappropriatelevel.

ThinkingThinking is about using creative, critical, and metagcognitive processes to make sense ofinformation,experiences,andideas.

Studentswhoarecompetentthinkersandproblemsolvers:

• activelyseek,use,andcreateknowledge

• reflectontheirownlearning

• drawonpersonalknowledgeandintuitions

• askquestions

• challengethebasisofassumptionsandperceptions.UsingLanguage,Symbols,AndTexts

Usinglanguage,symbols,andtextsisaboutworkingwithandmakingmeaningofthecodesinwhich knowledge is expressed. Languages and symbols are systems for representing andcommunicating information, experiences, and ideas. People use languages and symbols toproducetextsofallkinds:written,oral/aural,andvisual;informativeandimaginative;informalandformal;mathematical,scientific,andtechnological.

Studentswhoarecompetentusersoflanguages,symbols,andtexts:

• caninterpretanduseworks,number,images,movement,andtechnologiesinarange

ofcontexts

• recognisehowchoicesoflanguage,symbols,ortextaffectpeople’sunderstandingandthewaysinwhichtheyrespondtocommunications

• confidentlyusetechnologiestoaccessandprovideinformationandtocommunicate.

! 6 " PARENT HANDBOOK

ManagingSelfManagingselfisassociatedwithself-motivation,a“can-do”attitude,andwithstudentsseeingthemselvesascapablelearners.Itisintegraltoself-assessment.

Studentswhomanagethemselves:

• areenterprising,resourceful,reliable,andresilient

• establishpersonalgoals,makeplansandsethighstandards

• havestrategiesforachievinggoalsandmeetingchallenges

• knowwhentolead,whentofollow,andwhenandhowtoactindependently.RelatingToOthers

Relatingtoothersisaboutinteractingeffectivelywithadiverserangeofpeopleinavarietyofcontexts.

Studentswhorelatewelltoothers:

• areopentonewlearning

• areabletotakedifferentrolesindifferentsituations

• listenactively

• recognisedifferentpointsofview,negotiate,andshareideas

• knowwhentocompeteandwhentoco-operate

Byworkingeffectively together, theycancomeupwithnewapproaches, ideas,andwaysofthinking.

ParticipatingAndContributingParticipating and contributing is about being actively involved in communities.Communitiesinclude family, whānau, school, church and sports/clubs. These communities may be local,nationalorglobal.

Studentswhoparticipateandcontribute:

• haveasenseofbelonging

• havetheconfidencetoparticipateinnewcontexts

• areabletocontributeappropriatelyasagroupmember

• makeconnectionswithothers

• createopportunitiesforothersinthegroup

• understandtheimportanceofbalancingrights,roles,andresponsibilities

• understandtheimportanceofcontributingtothequalityandsustainabilityofsocial,cultural,physical,andeconomicenvironments.

References:

TheNewZealandCurriculum(2007)http://keycompetencies.tki.org.nz/http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/The-New-Zealand-Curriculum/Key-competencies

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 7 "

PrayersFrequentlyUsedAtStellaMaris

TheSignOfTheCrossKiteingoaoteMatua InthenameoftheFatherteTamaiti, andoftheSon,teWairuaTapu andoftheHolySpiritAmene Amen

StellaMarisCatholicSchoolPrayerOMary,StaroftheSea,weentrustthisdaytoyouLookuponuswithamother’sloveKeepusinyourheartProtectusfromallharmandbeourguideonlife’sjourneyAmen

TheLord’sPrayerOurFather,whoartinheaven,hallowedbethyname.Thykingdomcome;thywillbedone,onearthasitisinheaven.Giveusthisdayourdailybread,andforgiveusourtrespasses,asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus,andleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromevil.Forthekingdom,thepowerandthegloryareyoursnowandforeverAmen.

HailMaryHailMary,fullofgrace,theLordiswithyou.Blessedareyouamongwomen,Andblessedisthefruitofyourwomb,Jesus.HolyMary,MotherofGod,prayforussinners,Nowandatthehourofourdeath.Amen.

! 8 " PARENT HANDBOOK

CharismStellaMaris(StarOfTheSea)ThenameofStellaMariswaschosentohonourOurLadyandacknowledgeherasourprotectorin this land close to the sea. Star of the Sea is one of themost ancient titles for Our Lady.InusingthistitleweseeOurLadyasourguideorleader,someonewhocouldnavigatethestars,whowatchesoverusandleadsustoJesus.InfollowingJesus’wayandlivingtheMarianValuesweshineforGod.

ToidentifyanddevelopourcharismatStellaMarisweacknowledgeandhonourOurLadyby:

• celebratingtheFeastofAssumptionofOurLady,15thAugustasourFeastDaywitha

liturgyandsuitablereverencetotheday

• recognisingthemonthofMayasMary’smonththroughprayerandliturgy

• prayingadecadeoftheRosarydailyinOctober

• acknowledgingandpreservingthestatueofOurLadyinthewhiterosegardenattheentrancetoschoolbuilding

• displayingthesamepictureofOurLadyinclassroomsasonthenewsletter,certificatesandotherschool-widepublications

• dailyrecitingoftheschoolprayerwhichhonoursOurLady

• singingtheschoolsong‘StellaMaris’alongwithwaiataandhymnstoMaryatassemblies,liturgiesandotherschool-widegatherings

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 9 "

AdmissionProceduresApplication for entry to Stella Maris can be made through the School Office. The Principalencouragesallparentsofprospectivestudentstocomeintotheschool.Thisenablestheschooltogainagoodknowledgeofhowwearebestabletomeettheneedsofyourchild.Applicationisfirstmadeasapre-enrolmentapplication.ThishasbeenputinplacesoasnottodisadvantageotherswantingaplacefortheirchildatStellaMaris.Youwillbeadvisedinwritingonceyourpre-enrolment has been lodged. Please note pre-enrolment notificationdoes not necessarilyassureanychildofaplaceatStellaMaris.Thisisdependantonplacesavailableintheschoolatagiventime.Fullenrolmentpacksand informationcanbefoundalsoontheschoolwebsite.Pleasevisitwww.stellamaris.school.nz

WhenenrollingyourchildpleaseensureyoubringacopyoftheirBaptismalCertificate,BirthCertificate,proofofresidencyandImmunisationCertificate.AsignedPreferenceFormfromyourParish Priestwill need to be sent to the office as soon as possible to complete your child’senrolmentpack.

Itishelpfulatthetimeofenrolmenttoidentifyanyhealth,social,learning,orotherissuesyourchildmighthave.

Youwillbenotifiedinwritingonceyourchild’senrolmenthasbeenconfirmed.AtthistimetheofficewillalsoprovideyouwiththeinformationyouneedtoensureaneasyandanxietyfreestartatStellaMaris.

ApplicantstoStellaMarisrequiredocumentationtoindicatetheyfulfiltherequirementsoftheBishopandtheCatholicSchoolsOffice.Thisisdiscussedattheinitialinterview.

Itisrecommendedthatallsiblingsbeenrolledasearlyaspossibleinorderthatplacesarekeptforthem.

Onenrolment,parentsareaskedtosignthattheyagreetosupporttheSpecialCharacteroftheschooland that theywill upholdand support thepoliciesadoptedby theBoardofTrustees.ChildrenatStellaMarishavethegoodnameoftheschoolintheirkeepingatalltimesanditisexpectedthattheysetandmaintainahighstandardofbehaviourbothinsideandoutsideoftheschool,alwaysactinginthe“SpiritofStellaMaris.”

! 10 " PARENT HANDBOOK

School InformationAbsence (Student)

Please ensure you ring the school office by 8.30am should your child be absent. There is adedicatedphonelineforabsencemessagestobeleft.Itisimportant thatyouringtheschooleach day your child is absent as your child’s safety is paramount and each unexplainedabsenceisinvestigated.Whenyourchildreturnstoschoolweaskthatanote explaining theirabsence is provided. If you know in advance that your child will be absent please notifythe teacher and school office in writing. It is helpful if we are made aware of any homecircumstancesthatmightbeimpactingonyourchildasthisenablesustosupportthem whiletheyareatschool.

Foryourconvenienceyoucanemaildirectlytoabsences@stellamaris.school.nz

AssembliesThese are held fortnightly onMonday at 11.20am in the school hall.Whole school liturgy iseverysecondThursdayat8.55amintheschoolhall.Wewelcomeparentsandfamiliestojoinwithus.

AttendanceSchool starts at 8.45am sharp. All children need to be at school and getting ready to startlessons by 8.40ameach day.Wewould suggest that you could help your child’s progress byensuringtheyareatschoolsometimebetween8.30amand8.40amasitenablesthemtoenterthe school day in an organised and calmmanner. Timely arrival at school also means classprogrammes can start without interruption. Please note regular lateness is recorded in anattendanceregisterand theclass teacherand then thePrincipalwill contactparents if therehavebeencontinuallateness.

Itisimportantthatchildrenarriveeachdayontimeandarenotabsentforreasonsotherthanillness, or special family circumstances. Regular and continuous instruction ensures a goodfoundationforprogress.Parentsofchildrenwhoareabsentforreasonsotherthanillnessneedtoinformtheschoolinwriting.Ifyourchildisgoingtobeabsentformorethanfivedaysitisrequested thatyounotifythePrincipalinwriting.E:principal@stellamaris.school.nz

BehaviourAllstudentsareexpectedtobehaveinaccordancewithMarianValues,ourSchoolCharismandin the Spirit of StellaMaris. At StellaMaris there is a schoolwide codeof behaviour that isknowntoallchildren,teachersandcommunitymembers.Ifteachershaveanyconcernsaboutstudents,parentswillbecontactedinorderthathomeandschoolcanworktogethertoaddressanyissue.

Bicycles,ScootersAndWheelsTheNewZealandPolicehaveadvisedthatduetothelocalroadconditionsandlocationofStellaMariscyclingtoandfromschoolisilladvisedunlessaccompaniedbyaparent.

BoardOfTrusteeMeetingsThesearepublicmeetingsandareheldonceamonth,andadvertisedintheschoolnewsletter.Allparents arewelcometoattend.SpeakingrightsarearrangedinadvancethroughtheBoardChair. If you have skills that could support the Board in carrying out their governance role,pleasediscussthiswithanyBoardMemberorthePrincipal.BoardofTrusteeElectionsareheldeverythreeyears. Allparentshavevotingrights.TheBOTMemberscanbecontactedviaemailbot@stellamaris.school.nz

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 11 "

BrainFoodClassesstopforashortbreakaround10.00ameachday.Atthistimethechildrencanhaveaquickandhealthysnack.Thissnackcanbefreshordriedfruit,nuts(Nopeanuts),vegetables(fruitandvegetablesneedtobecutintosmallpieces),cheeseandcrackers.Thestudentsneedtoeatthisastheyworksoitneedstobesmall,easilymanagedandnotmessy.

CaféStellaAn informal gatheringwith thePrincipal and Senior Leadership Team todiscuss anyqueries,aspects of the curriculum, and unpack the teaching and learning process, for parentsand families.Theseareheldonceaterminthestaffroom,allarewelcomeandencouragedtoattend.Specialtopicsareadvertisedintheschoolnewsletter.

CarParkingPleasedriveslowlyandwithcautionatalltimesintheschoolgrounds.

PleasenotethatSilverdaleStreethasa50kmspeedrestriction.Thereisaspeedrestrictionof5kmwithintheschoolcarparkandyouareaskedtodrivewithcareandcaution.

Morning. In themorning there isadropanddriveavailable in thedesignateddropoff zone.Thereisparkingavailableforparentstoparkaswellasidentifiedpramparkstoassistpeoplewith pre-schoolers.TheschoolgatesattheSilverdaleStreetentrancewillbeclosedfrom9:15am–2:15amdaily.AccesstotheschoolwillbethroughthetopgateoffOldMillRoad.Afternoon.Intheafternoonstudentscanbepickedupfromtheirclassroomorthedropoffzonewherethereisateacherondutyuntil3.00pm.

Pleasedonotparkinthedropzoneatanytime.

After 3.00pm. Any children not picked up by 3.00pmwill be taken to the seats outside theoffice so theycanwait safely forpickup.Thankyou, theco-operationofall,will ensureourschoolandstudentsaresafe.Anystudentnotpickedupby3.15pmwillbePlace inSKIDSatyourcost,unlessyouhavecontactedtheschooloffice.

Cellphones,iPadsOrOtherElectronicDevicesCellphonesarenotpermittedinclass.Shouldyourchildneedacellphoneforsafetybeforeorafter schoolwe ask that cell phones are handed into the school office during school hours.Phonesneedtobenamedandswitchedoff.Anyphonefoundinclasswillbeconfiscated.Theschoolacceptsnoliabilityforpersonaldevices.

All classes have access to computers, laptops and iPads for use in class. If your child bringsan electronic device to school for theirpersonaluse theyare to followschool rules and ICTagreements for its use. Please check your insurance regarding its cover at school, theschool acceptsno liabilityforpersonaldevices.

ClassNamesAll classes and other rooms are named after Saints or other significant people within theCatholicChurch.

CompositeClassesThetermcompositemeansthatthereismorethanone-yearlevelinaclass.Inacompositeclass,aswith a single year level class, themany levelsof social, emotional, academicabilities andmaturityare catered for throughadifferentiatedprogramme.At StellaMaris thereare somecompositeclasses,dependingonnumbersandpupil/teacherratios.

! 12 " PARENT HANDBOOK

ConcernsOrQueriesIfyouhaveanyconcernsorqueriesregardingyourchildpleaseseeyourclassteacherassoonaspossible.Itisusuallyeasiertodealwithissueswhentheyfirstarise.IfyouwishtodiscussthematterfurtheryoumaycontacttheteamleaderthenAssociatePrincipal.Ifyouwishtotakethematter further pleasemake an appointment with the Principal. Refer to the schoolwebsiteorappfor forcontactdetails

CurriculumAt Stella Maris we deliver the New Zealand Curriculum, meeting the requirements of theEssential Learning Areas, and theNew Zealand Catholic Primary Schools Religious EducationProgramme.

AllteachingandlearningiscouchedwithintheSpecialCatholicCharacteroftheschool.ThephilosophyofthecurriculumisunderpinnedbytheidealsofTheMarianValuesandaMaryCharism.

The learning throughout the school is based around four concepts per year, one per term.Allinquiryforthetermisbasedaroundaspectsoftheterm’sconcept.

DentalClinicTreatmentisfreeforchildrenfromtheageoftwoyears.Dentalenrolmentformsareinsidetheschoolenrolmentpack.Pleasenote;achildwillnotbetreatedwithoutthepermissionoftheirparent.ForeignFeePayingstudentsarenotcoveredbythisserviceandarerequiredtopayforalldentalservices.

EarlyClosingWecloseattheendofeachtermatnormalschoolclosingtime.Shouldthereforanyreasonbeearlierclosing,parentswillbenotifiedwellinadvance,viathenewsletter,beaconortextout.

EducationalVisits/LearningExperiencesOutsideTheClassroom(LEOTC)ThevalueofLEOTCiswidelyrecognisedandatStellaMarisasitislinkedtoconceptinquiryfortheterm.Weensurestrictguidelinesareupheldwhenorganisingtrips(e.g.checkingforWOF,registration,seat-beltsetc.)Pleasedonotbeoffendedbytheseenquirieswhenyouvolunteerfortransportasitisinthebestinterestofourstudents.

Ratiosofadultstostudentsareimperativesopleaseconsiderwhetheryouareabletohelpout.Each family isasked to signa trip/LEOTCpermissionslipat thebeginningof theschoolyear.Parents are advised of all trips in advance. If for any reason you do not want your child toparticipateinatripeventyouareaskedtoadvisetheschoolinwriting.

EmergenciesPLEASEensurethattheschoolhasallyourcontactandemergencynumbers.Shouldyoumove,changephonenumbersetc,itisimperativethattheschoolofficeisnotified.Wherethishasnothappenedandweareunabletocontactaparentorguardiantheschoolwillmakeadecisioninanemergencyinthebestinterestsofthechild.

HatsThewearingoftheschoolsunhatiscompulsoryinthefirstandfourthterms.

HeadLiceThisisaperennialprobleminallschools.Ifwebecomeawareofevidenceofheadlicewewillsendhomeinformation.Experiencetellsusthatvigilanceisthebestweaponagainstheadlice.See the information sheet from theWaitemataDistrictHealthBoardavailableonour schoolwebsitewww.stellamaris.school.nzunderNewsandInformation.

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 13 "

HealthVision and hearing checks are carried out soon after a child is first enrolled in New ZealandSchools.Shouldyouhaveanyconcernspleasetalktoyourchild’steacher.ThePublicHealthNurseisavailabletotalktoparentsandchildrenonanyissue.Thiscanbearrangedthroughtheoffice.

HomeAndSchoolAtStellaMarisweconsideragoodrelationshipbetweenhomeandschooltobevital.Wearealwaysencouragingourstudentstoworktowardsindependenceandtotakeresponsibilityforthemselves,theirbelongings,organisationandbehaviour.Timespentwithyourchilddiscussingtheirday,listeningtothemread,readingtothem,learningtoenjoybookstogetherisalltimewellspent.Weencourageparentstocometoussoonerratherthanlaterwithanyissuethatmaybeofconcern.Itisusuallyeasiertodealwithissueswhentheyaresmall.

Student’sprogressisamatterforongoingcommunicationbetweenhomeandschool.

TriadicInterviewsandgoalsettingareheldinthefirsttermtodeterminegoalsforastudentfortheupcomingyear.Student,teacherandparentsparticipateinthismeeting.

WrittenReports;aresenthomeatmidandendofyear.

MidYearInterviews,enableteacherandparenttodiscussprogresstodateandfollowthemidyearwrittenreport.

RaisingConcerns: In the first instancepleaseseetheclass teacher. Ifyouwishtodiscuss thematterfurtheryoumaycontacttheTeamLeader,thenAssociatePrincipal.Ifyouneedtotakethematterfurtherstill,pleasemakeanappointmentwiththePrincipal.RefertotheTeacherListforcontactdetails.Teachercontactsareontheschoolwebsiteorapp.

Parentsareencouragedtoapproachtheirchild’sclassroomteachershouldtheyhaveanyquerieswithregardtotheirchild’sprogress.TeamLeadersandAssociatePrincipalswholeadeachteamareavailabletodiscussanyquery.Pleasemakeappointmentsthroughtheschooloffice.

HomeLearningThereare2partstotheHomeLearningthatthechildrenwillundertake.

Part1:CompulsoryWeeklyHomeLearningActivitiesTheseactivitiesneedtobecompletedeachweek.

• DailyReading–Allchildrenareexpectedtoreaddaily.TheYear0-2childrenwillbe

givenhomereadersbyclassteachers.Year3-6childrenwillselecttheirownreadingmaterialfromtheschoolorpubliclibraries,booksathome,newspapersetc.DetailsoftheirreadingaretobeenteredintothereadinglogintheirHomeLearningDiaries.

• BasicFacts–DailypracticeofBasicFacts–thiscanbedonethroughMathleticsandusingtheMathsBubblesheets.IfachilddoesnothaveaccesstotheInternetforMathletics at home class teachers will organise alternative practice sheets andensuretheyhaveregularaccessintheclass.Flashcards,Bingogamesarealsoagoodwaytosupportthechildreninlearningtheirbasicfacts.

• RE – Religious Education activities will be set when required as part of theprogramme.Theseneedtobereturnedtoschoolthefollowingday,unlessotherwisestated.

• InformationGathering–thechildrenmaybeaskedtocollectinformationtouseaspartoftheirinquiryatschool.

! 14 " PARENT HANDBOOK

Part2:SHINEChallengeSHINEisanacronymfor“StrengthandHeartInNewEndeavours”

The StellaMaris SHINE Challenge has been based upon the very successful PRIDEChallengedeveloped by the staff of Clarkville School, Christchurch in 2006. We have adapted thechallengetoreflectthespecialcharacterandcultureofStellaMarisCatholicPrimary.

The SHINEChallenge is anoptional challenge that provides a variety of endeavours that thechildrencompletethroughouttheyearattheirownpace.Italsorecognisesthemanyactivitiesthattheyparticipateinoutsideofschoolandencouragesparticipationinnewendeavours.

Thereare5categories:

1. LivingtheMarianValues

2. ServiceinSchoolortheCommunity

3. PhysicalActivityandtheOutdoors

4. AcademicExcellence

5. ExcellenceintheArts

Eachofthecategorieshasaselectionofchallengesforthechildrentochoosefrom.Thereisaminimumnumberofchallengesforeachyearlevel,butthechildrenmaycompletemoreiftheychooseto.Theymustcompleteatleastonechallengefromeachcategorybutmaythen“major”intheareaoftheirpreference. If theycompletetheSHINEChallengesuccessfullybyOctobertheywillreceiveanawardattheendoftheyear.

YEARLEVEL Minimumnumberofchallengestobecompleted

Year2 6challengesYear3 7challengesYear4 8challengesYear5 9challengesYear6 10challenges

NB:Thereisnomaximumnumberofchallenges.

Asthestudentscompleteeachchallengetheywillpresenttheirevidence/reflectionsinamannerthat they choose and share their achievement with their class teacher and classmates. Theevidencecould includetheirplanning,a“photo journal”,notesmadeintheirHomeLearningbook,slideshoworanotherformoftheirchoice.Thechildrenwillneedtoworkwithparentsandteachersastheyplanandcarryoutthetasks.

Library

Our school has an excellent library collection that represents the best available children’sliterature.Everychildintheschoolhastheirownborrowingcode.Thisispartofanautomatedsystem.StudentscontinuallyusethelibraryandaloveofbooksisfosteredatStellaMaris.Pleaseensurethatbooksbroughthomearerespectfullycaredforaspartofdevelopingalifelongloveof literacy.Asaschoolwealsorecommendthatyoujoinyourlocal libraryandvisitwithyourchildonaregularbasisifpossible.Theschoolhasregular“bookweek”eventsinwhichaloveofliterature is promoted and families are able to purchase books for both the school andthemselves.

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 15 "

LiturgyLiturgy is part of the fabric of every day life at Stella Maris. Weekday liturgy is held eachalternateThursdaysat8.55amandwewelcomeparents and families to joinwithus. Liturgylastsforaboutthirtyminutesandclassestaketurnsatleadingtheliturgy.WealsohaveaLiturgytocelebratespecialoccasionsandwelcomefamiliestojoinwithusforthis.

LostPropertyLostpropertyislocatedintheschoolhall.Smallvaluableitemsarehandedinattheoffice.

ItisvitalthatALLarticlesofuniformandotherbelongingsaretaggedwiththestudent’sname.

LunchWe ask that children be providedwith an adequate and nutritious brain food,morning tea,lunchanddrink.Weuse“PitaPit”forFridaydeliveriesofhealthylunches.Pleaseseewebsitefordetailsandorderingforms.

Wealsorequestthatchildrendonothavepeanutsorpeanutproductsintheirlunch,astherearechildren inourschoolcommunitywithallergies.Theresultofexposuretotheseproductscouldresultinanaphylacticreaction.

Glass drinking bottles are not permitted.We ask that you consider the contents of drinkingflasksandsuggestthatwaterisagoodandhealthyoption.Fizzydrinksarenotpermitted.

LunchtimeActivitiesThere are a number of lunchtime clubs for children to join. All children are encouraged toparticipate and have a go. Information about these is given at assemblies or through dailynotices.Pleasecallattheofficeorregularlychecktheschoolswebsiteforallavailableactivities

MassTwiceayeartheschoolparticipatesinaParishMass.OurParishSchoolMassisregardedasanintegral part of attending Stella Maris and belonging to our school community. It alwaysprovidesuswithgreatjoytoseefamiliesattendingMasswiththeirchildrenontheseoccasions.One term is dedicated to BuddyMasses held in our school library. Once a year the schoolparticipatesinMassatStPatrick’sCathedral. YouarewelcometoattendMasswithintheHBCParishoryourlocalparishatanytime.

MessagesForChildrenAfter school arrangements should bemade before arriving at school for the day.We are ofcoursemorethanpleasedtohelpinanemergency.Likewise,withstaffpermission,childrenareabletousetheschoolphonewithregardtoanimportantmatter.

MoneyPleasesendallmoneyrequiredfortripsandeventstotheschooloffice inasealedenvelope,whichidentifiesname,roomname,amountandpurpose.

! 16 " PARENT HANDBOOK

MusicMusicisanimportantpartofourcorecurriculum. Researchshowsthatchildrentaughtmusichaveimprovedacademicoutcomes,sportingperformanceandsocialbenefitsarealsoevidencedinthisresearch.Inadditiontothisthereisthepleasurederivedfrommusic.Wehaveachoir,andmanyperformanceandtuitiongroupsthatchildrenareabletojoin.Musicisencouragedacrosstheschoolandinformationisavailableattheschooloffice.Pleasenotethatthereareanumberofoutsidetutorswhogiveprivatelessonsforkeyboard,guitar,drums,singinganddrama.Theschoolwebsiteorofficecanassistyouwithyourenquires.

NewslettersThesearepublishedweeklyasameansofcommunicatingwithfamiliesaboutwhatishappeningat school and upcoming events. Please look out for the newsletter in your child’s bag eachThursday.Itisalsoavailabletobedownloadedfromtheschoolwebsite.InadditiontothiseachWednesdaytheStellaBeaconissentbyemailwithnewsflashitemstofamilieswhoregistertoreceiveacopyviatheschoolwebsite.

OfficeTheschoolofficeisopenfrom8.15amuntil3.30pmdaily.OurOfficeStaffarealwayspleasedtohelp studentsandparentswithanyqueries.

ParentHelpAtStellaMariswewelcomeparenthelp.Parenthelpinourschoolisvitaltothesmoothrunningof our school and we rely heavily on the generosity of our parent community. Classroomteacherswillsendoutrequestsforhelpandwilladviseparentsofthekindofhelprequired.Ifyouhavetimeandwouldliketohelp,pleasecontactyourchild’steacher.

ParentTeachersAndFriendsAssociation(P.T.F.A.)StellaMarisPTFAisavitalparentgroupintheschool.Ourschoolisdependantonthematmanylevels. They foster goodwill in the school by organising social events that bring the schoolcommunity together. Their fundraising provides our School with much needed funds tosupplementouroperatinggrantfromthegovernment.Theyarealwaystheretoprovidesupportforwiderschoolactivities.TheP.T.F.Aarealways lookingfornewmembersandmeetingsareadvertisedintheschoolnewsletter.

PhotosClass, individual,siblings,sportsteamsandextracurricularphotosaretakenonceayearatadateadvisedthroughthenewsletter.

Physical EducationAllchildrenparticipateinregularphysicaleducationandfitnessactivitiesasacompulsorypartoftheschoolcurriculum.Weemphasisephysicalfitnessandthemasteryofskills.AllchildrenareexpectedtoparticipateinPhysicalEducationlessonsandfitnessunlesstheyhaveanotefromhome excusing them. It is expected that children have full PE uniform at school five days aweek.Ifyourchild’sPEuniformisneededforafterschoolsports,pleasemakesuretheyhaveasparet-shirtandshortsatschoolforPE,explainedwithanote.

ReligiousEducationInstructionReligious Education instruction is an integral part of the curriculum at StellaMaris. Childrenparticipateininstructionforbetweentwoandahalftothreehoursaweek,dependingontheiryear level, and will frequently have homework from the day’s lesson. This is often a goodopportunity for families to discuss the day’s learning and share with your child in this vitallearning. As part of our Religious Education programmewe ask that all families purchase aFamily Whanau book. This book provides a wealth of spiritual knowledge and valuableinformationtoassistfamiliesinthefaithformationoftheirchildren.

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 17 "

SacramentalProgrammeStudents at StellaMaris participate in the Parish based Sacramental Programme. The Parishadvisestheschoolwithregardtothestartingdatesof theprogrammewhichtheschool fullysupports.

SchoolHours8.15 Childrenareallowedtoenterclassrooms

(theteacherneedstobeintheroom)8.40 Childrenshouldbeatschoolbythistime8.45 Classesbegin10.00 BrainFood11.00 MorningTea11.20 Classesbegin12.20 LunchEating12.30 LunchTimeandActivities1.10 EndofLunchBell1.15 Classesbegin2.35 BusbellRings2.45 EndofClassesfortheday3.00 Allchildrenstillintheschool,seatedatfrontofschool3.00 Professionalmeetingsbegin3.15 AnychildrenstillatschoolwillbeplacedinSKIDSatparentscost

Children who are dropped off at school before 8.15am need to be in SKIDS until this time.PleasecontactSKIDSdirectlyonmobile:0278461725.E:stellamaris@skids.co.nz

Endofdayprocedures forparentsand/orcaregivers:Pleasewait in themainAtriumfor the2.35pmbusbelltoringbeforemovingintoClassAtriums.Thisistoensureminimaldisruptiontoteachingprogrammes.

SchoolDuesAndDonationsTheamountperchildpertermismadeupofthefollowingcontributions:

AttendanceDues:ItisyourundertakingasaconditionofenrolmentandattendancetopayAttendanceDuesasdeterminedbytheProprietorandapprovedbytheMinisterofEducation.Furthermoreyouwillacceptthattheschoolcandiscontinueattendanceofyourchildifyoudefaultthisundertaking.

! 18 " PARENT HANDBOOK

Special Character ContributionThiscontributionisusedbytheCatholicServicesBoardtoensuretheCatholicSpecialCharacterismaintainedinourschool.

ProprietorsContributionIsusedtorepaythesetupcostsofStellaMaristotheAucklandDiocese.

BoardofTrusteesTeachingandLearningDonationThis is requiredbytheSchoolBoardofTrusteestohelppayfor theshortfall in theoperatinggrantreceivedfromtheMinistryofEducationand isusedfor theextraresourcestoenhanceyour child’s learningat StellaMaris, alongwithgeneral runningof the schooland theactualcostofthis.

SpecialEducationServicesAt StellaMariswe have a Special EducationNeeds Co-ordinator (SENCo)who implements asystemof identification for early intervention if required. Should you, as a parent, have anyconcernatanytime,pleasefeelfreetotalktotheSENCoandPrincipalwithregardtothis.

GroupSpecialEducationandanumberofotheragenciesworkinpartnershipwithStellaMaristomeetthelearningneedsofourstudents.WearemostfortunatetohavetheservicesofTheResourceTeachersofLearningandBehaviour(R.T.L.B).Theyareavailabletosupportandenablethelearningandotherneedsofbothgiftedandtalentedstudentsandourstudentsrequiringsupport.

SportsTeamsplay ina large rangeof sports, andweencourageeveryone tohaveago.Most inter-schoolinvolvementbeginsatyearfive.Interestedstudentswillbringhomenoticespriortoeachseason.

StationeryStudents’stationeryrequirementsaresuppliedfromtheschoolofficeatverycompetitiveprices.Atthebeginningofeachyearyouwillberequiredtobuythestationerypackthatmeetsallthestationeryrequirementsforyourchild.

AtStellaMariswehaveverystrictguidelinesaboutthepresentationofexercisebooksandhowtheyaremaintained.Ifyouchosetocoveryourchild’sbookweaskthattheyarecoveredonlyina clear contact cover. This is optional. We believe this creates a level playing field in theclassroom,thatis,iteliminatespeerpressureregardingexpensivecoveringmaterials,eliminatestheuseof inappropriate imagesonbooksandsupportsthegoodconditionofthebooks.Welooktoparentstosupportthisprocedure.

PARENT HANDBOOK ! 19 "

UniformSchooluniformsareavailableforpurchasefromPositiveImage,18aSilverdaleStreet.(OldSilverdale)

Theuniformisasfollows:

WinterBoys SummerBoysBlackshorts BlackshortsStellaMarispoloshirt StellaMarispoloshirtStellaMarisjumper/polarfleece StellaMarishatLongBlackuniformsocks–kneehigh PlainBlackschoolsandalsBlackshoes StellaMarisvest

WinterGirls SummerGirlsBlackculottes BlackculottesStellaMarisblouse StellaMarisblouseStellaMaris jumper/cardigan/polarfleece PlainblackschoolsandalsBlackshoes StellaMarishatLongblackuniformsocks–kneehigh StellaMarisvestBlackHairribbons/ties. BlackHairribbons/ties

P.E.Uniform(BoysandGirls) OtherUniformItemsBlackShorts StellaMarisJac-PackStellaMarisT-shirt StellaMarisscarf

StellaMarisbeaniePolarFleeceJacketallstudentsOptionalBlack/GreysunglassesRaincoat-Blackispreferred

SportsUniformistobewornforgamesonly,NOTPractices.ShoesSummerShoes.PlainBlackRomanorMcKinlaySafariSchoolSandal,inTerm1and4.

WinterShoesareplainblackleatherlaceup,buckleuporvelcro.Shoesneedtohaveflatheelssothattheyaresuitableshoesforactivechildren.Pleasenotethatshoesneedtobepolishedregularly,weencouragestudentstotakeresponsibilityforthistask.

‘Street-Wear’shoes,arenotpartofourschooluniformandarenotpermittedatschool.Pleasespeaktotheofficestaffifyouneedclarification.

HairBlackhairtiesandribbons.

Allhairtouchingthecollar,bothboysandgirls,istobetiedupandofftheface.

Shorthairisrequiredtobetidy,outofstudent’seyesandappropriateforastudentparticipatinginlearningandsports.Bothstudentsandfamiliesareaskedtosupportthisregulation.

JewelleryChildrenwithpiercedearsareonlyallowedtoweargoldorsilverstuds,nosleepersareallowed.Childrenmaywearanecklacewithacrossorofculturalsignificance.

! 20 " PARENT HANDBOOK

Wethankallfamiliesfortheircommitmenttoourschool,itisthesupportofourfamiliesthatmakeallthedifference,thankyouandGodbless.

ThereIsAnExpectationThatSchoolUniformIsWornCorrectly,WithAPrideThatReflectsThe‘SpiritOfStellaMaris’.