Please read carefully the reminders below. This will help with the smooth running of our school.

Absences
If your child is absent from school, please notify the school office before 9a.m on the morning of the absence. When a child returns to school after an absence he/she should bring a written explanation from his/her parents or caregivers to give to the classroom teacher.

Accidents and Illness at School
Two teachers are on duty at all times during the morning and lunchtime breaks.
Accidents of a minor nature are treated at school in the medical room. Parents, or a nominated adult are contacted if an accident is of a serious nature. If parents are not able to be contacted, the school will use discretion in obtaining medical aid.
Parents will be notified if their child becomes ill and needs care at home.

Behaviour Management
St Mary’s uses a positive approach to discipline. All classrooms have negotiated a set of agreements and responsibilities. Playground behaviour is monitored by duty teachers and all students are expected to play in a positive, caring manner. Please see the behaviour management plan at the end of our first school newsletter. Please ensure that this is read to your child and that he/she understands the consequences of not complying with the school rules.

Bicycles
Children may ride bicycles to school. A helmet must be worn. Riding in school grounds is prohibited.

Buses
Safe and sensible behaviour is expected. Children who misbehave run the risk of being suspended from bus transport for a period. Each bus has a bus monitor traveling on the bus and will report misbehaviour to the Deputy Principal.
Duty teachers will supervise bus children in the afternoon.

Contacting the School
The office hours are 8.15am to 4.00pm. If you wish to contact any of the teaching staff, this is best done before school, between 12.40pm and 1.25p.m, after school or you may leave a message with the office staff. 

Dental
Students attend the Dental Clinic at Gate Pa School at no charge. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that children are at the clinic at the appointment time. Appropriate forms must be filled in by parents, before school dental care can begin.

Dogs
Please be aware that dogs are NOT permitted on the school grounds.  Please do not be offended if you are asked to remove you dog from the school grounds.

Lost Property
All clothing and other items should be clearly labeled. Unclaimed articles of clothing can be found in the lost property box on the deck outside Room 11.

Money
If your child is required to bring money to school for school activities please ensure that the money is put in a sealed envelope with the child’s name, room number and the purpose written on the outside.
Money must be given to the classroom teacher or deposited in the slot provided at the school office.
Newsletters
A copy of the school newsletter is available on our school website.  The newsletter is an update of all information found on our school website. A hardcopy of the newsletter is sent out every second Thursday. This will be sent home with the eldest child.

Parking
Our student’s safety is paramount. We request that all parents take due care and diligence in respect to parking at the school. Please do not park in the bus stop and if you are parked on the other side of the road, we ask that you meet your child/ren on the school side and escort them over the road. Do NOT drive your car into the school grounds to drop off a child unless special permission has been granted.

PTA
St Mary’s PTA can lay claim to a proud record of fundraising, pastoral care and providing a vital link between home and school. There are many facilities and school equipment that have been provided through the hard work of interested parents. A number of social activities are organised so that parents can get to know one another and can work towards a common goal. Any parent who wishes to join the PTA should attend the meeting on next week on Tuesday 16 February. 

School Property
One of our school rules emphasizes correct use and care of school property. If any damage occurs caused by careless behaviour or deliberate vandalism, parents will be invoiced for the full cost.

School Uniform
Please refer to the School Uniform Policy at the end of our first school newsletter.

Sun Sense Policy
In accordance with our Sun Sense Policy, regulation sun hats are to be worn during interval and lunchtime in Term 1 & 4. Those children without sunhats will be directed to stay in a designated shade area.

Swimming
Swimming is a mandatory part of the PE Programme. All children will participate with their class unless a note from parents is provided. Please ensure that all gear is clearly named.

Telephone
The use of the telephone is not for pupils except in exceptional circumstances. If you wish to contact teaching staff please restrict this to out of class time.  We request that you do not telephone the school with reminders for children unless it is urgent. Children are not permitted to bring a cellphone to school unless prior approval has been given by the Principal. In this case, the cell phone is to be held at the school office during school hours.

Website
Our St Mary’s School website is our primary source of communication to the school community.  It is updated frequently with important dates, events and other school information. 
Our website address is www.stmarystga.school.nz.