Tauraroa Area School

Tauraroa Area School Te Kura Takiwa O Tauraroa

PROSPECTUS 2012 Vision: To be the best we can be Updated December 2011

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SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS Phone Fax Postal Address

(09) 432 2643 (09) 432 2436 Box 36, Maungakaramea, Northland 0146 www.tauraroa.school.nz general@tauraroa.school.nz Cnr Omana & Tauraroa Rd, Tauraroa, Northland

Web Site email Physical Address

TERM DATES 2012 Term One Term Two Term Three Term Four

2 February 23 April 16 July 15 October

to to to to

5 April 29 June 28 September 11 December

Public Holidays when School is closed Waitangi Day Easter ANZAC Day Queen’s Birthday Labour Day

Monday, 6th February falls within the April holidays Wednesday, 25th April Monday, 4th June Monday, 22nd October

PERSONNEL SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Principal Deputy Principal (Yrs 0-6) Deputy Principal (Yrs 7-10) Deputy Principal (Yrs 11-13) DEANS Yr 1 - 3 Yr 4 - 6 Yr 7 - 8 Yr 9 Yr 10 Yr 11 Yr 12 Yr 13

Grant BURNS Danny JEWELL - Bus Controller Joan EVE Sue HOWES –NCEA, HOD Social Sciences

Ruth PHILLIPS - HOD Learning Support Jo SEARLE Ann-Marie ANDERSON Chris JENKINS Derek HOPPER – HOD Music Ray PETRIE – HOD PE & Health Catherine DYSON – Gateway & Careers Bruce COLE

TEACHING STAFF Keith CAVE – Technology, Specialist Classroom Teacher Brian COHEN – HOD Sport, Science, P.E. Ellen CURNOW – Drama, English Judy DORSET – New Entrants Teacher Justin DOWNES – Art 2

Francis ESVELD – Junior Music Chris EVE –Chemistry Sandra GUEST – HOD Technology Mary HACKETT – Learning Support Unit Jeremy HILL – HOD Mathematics, Economics Rachel HILL – HOD Science Adrienne KYD – Graphics, Technology Don McDONALD-SPICE – HOD Languages, Maori, Year 7 Teacher Maree MIDDLEMASS – Year 2 Teacher Nigel MILLS – French, Social Studies, Mathematics Janine MOORE – Year 4/5 Teacher Sarah MORRIS - Health Ross OSBORNE - Guidance Counsellor Victoria RUDMAN – English, Social Studies Maria QUIN – Library, English Paula SADGROVE – Year 5/6 Teacher Helen TOR – HOD English Christopher TOWNSHEND – Science, P.E Alister WILLIAMS – English, Year 8 Teacher Ginette VAN PRAAG – Director ICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairperson Deputy Chairperson Staff Representative Student Representative Other members SUPPORT STAFF Executive Officer Principal’s Secretary Receptionist Office Administration Caretaker Computer/AV Technician Gateway Coordinator Library Assistant Sports Coordinator Arts Coordinator Teacher Aides Newsletter

Michael TOR Sue SKELTON Rachel HILL Natalie WILSON Alan WILSON, Grant MATSON, Shelly PRISK,Chris BUDGEN, Ringi SMITH (Whanau Group Contact) Debby KEAY Janine BURNS Avril CHILD Elaine PIENAAR Jim COATS UIT Consultants John SCHOLLUM Delwyn MORRIS Julie TARR Fiona SNEDDON Julie GRINDLE, Fiona SNEDDON, Louise TORKINGTON, Francis ESVELD Janet MACMENIGALL

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INTRODUCTION The school was founded in 1958 as a District High School, becoming Tauraroa Area School in 1976. We are proud to continue the tradition of providing a high quality education in a caring and supportive environment for students from Year 0 – Year 13.

Tauraroa Area School is sited in a rural setting, 22km from Whangarei, and 4km from the township of Maungakaramea. Facilities include a gymnasium, heated swimming pool, technology areas, two computer rooms, ‘Astroturf’ courts, kiln and community library.

Skilled and dedicated staff ensure that every student is valued and cared for. Students are encouraged to reach their potential in all fields of endeavour – academic, sporting and cultural. In all activities students build a sense of self worth through achievement. As an Area School, we provide a unique environment for students’ growth and development, providing continuous learning pathways encompassing primary, intermediate and secondary levels.

An outstanding report from the Education Review Office (Dec 2010) highlighted the positive and caring learning culture of the school. NCEA success rates are among the highest in the country, providing lifelong opportunities for our students.

Tauraroa Area School strives to meet the changing needs of our times by providing continuous professional development for staff and top quality buildings and equipment.

The school and community offer a wide range of sporting activities, including clay bird shooting, squash, netball, rugby, football, swimming, martial arts and hockey. Students are encouraged to become involved. Events such as swimming sports, athletic sports, top house and cross country feature in the school calendar. All students are required to participate for their house in these events. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual Northland Area School sports tournament and sports exchanges with other schools.

Many other activities take place including camps, field trips, music groups, speechmaking, debating, Kapahaka, Mathex, drama and environment club.

Specialist music tuition is offered in piano, guitar, woodwind, brass and drums. A range of performance opportunities and groups exist for students.

The annual Country Day still thrives in our rural community, giving students the opportunity to raise and show calves, lambs and kids.

The wealth of activity offered to our students - grounded in the principles of Cornerstone Values, ensures that when students leave us, they leave as well rounded, caring individuals who are ready to make a significant contribution to society.

CORNERSTONE VALUES Tauraroa Area School has adopted the Cornerstone Values approach to learning and teaching. One value is highlighted every term and is reinforced in every subject at all year levels. Parents are encouraged to highlight the current term’s value through practices in the home.

The eight values have been found by researchers to be common to many religions and cultures over a long period of time. As a school, we believe that by clearly articulating, teaching and actively demonstrating the Cornerstone Values, our students will be equipped to deal with the complexities and uncertainties of life beyond school.

The 8 Cornerstone values are: Responsibility, Kindness, Respect, Duty, Honesty, Consideration for others, Compassion and Obedience.

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DISCIPLINE AND PASTORAL CARE PASTORAL CARE We are committed to equipping all students with the skills, values and knowledge necessary for them to become responsible and contributing citizens. Accordingly, the following student support systems are in place: Years 0 – 8: the student’s home room teacher works with each class for the majority of the school day Deans at each year level support students and teachers Form teachers for each form class at each level from Year 9 – 13 Deans, Form and Class teachers support subject teachers in matters of discipline The Senior Management Team provides support to all staff The Guidance Counsellor provides counselling services for students and staff, involving outside agencies as required.

Public Health and Family Planning Clinic Nurses visit each week and are available for consultations If desired, assistance from outside agencies is available to meet student’s individual needs The School has an open door policy in terms of access for students and parents/caregivers to consult with Senior Management and other staff DISCIPLINE Tauraroa Area School expects all students to act with courtesy, consideration and initiative. We aim to encourage and develop self-respect and pride in appearance. To this end discipline is firm and fair.

The school uses a restorative discipline system.

Students are rewarded for all the good things that they do (Kowhai awards) Students are given ‘Cause for Concern’ tickets where teachers have concerns regarding behaviour, demeanour or performance. These will be noted by Deans and may involve Parent / Teacher / Student interviews.

White or red reports, which assist with the monitoring of student behaviour, and/or behaviour contracts may be used.

Offenders are expected to take responsibility for their behaviour and co-operate with strategies put in place to prevent re-offending.

Students are expected to: Arrive at class quietly and on time.

Wear the correct uniform and bring the right equipment.

Listen to their teacher and follow instructions.

Respect the rights of others to work and learn Treat others with care and consideration Violence, either verbal or physical, is not tolerated.

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COMMUNICATION The school endeavours to provide parents/caregivers with up to date information on the school and the progress of their children. We are also committed to ensuring that you do have a say on topical issues.

WEBSITE The school website is regularly updated and developed to provide current information about the school.

Its address is www.tauraroa.school.nz .

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees governs the school. After consulting with the general school community, the Board sets policies and agrees to procedures that are in accordance with the school’s Charter. Board policies are available in the school library and parents should familiarise themselves with these. The Board is elected by parents and caregivers and meets approximately once per month. Board meetings are open to the public and will be advertised in the school newsletter.

PTA The PTA meets each month during term time and is a forum for parents and teachers to exchange ideas. It is also a consultative group for development of school policies and other matters related to the Board of Trustees. The PTA maintains a focussed fund raising programme.

TE WHANAU O TAURAROA The aims of this group are to give support to students, teachers, Principal and Board. This is as a consultative group that meets regularly to explore issues relating to the learning needs of Maori students. A further aim is to support students, parents and others who have a particular interest in Maori Studies and the teaching of Te Reo and Nga Tikanga.

NEWSLETTER A newsletter is issued fortnightly on Tuesdays. Community members may place casual notices and advertisements as long as they are given to the office or e-mailed to janet.macmenigall@tauraroa.school.nz by 12 noon on the Friday prior to publication. The newsletter is an official method of communication to parents. Current and archived newsletters are available on the school website www.tauraroa.school.nz .

PROGRESS REPORTS Reports are issued twice each year. Written reports are issued at the end of term two and at the end of the year. An opportunity for parents to meet and discuss the year ahead with subject teachers is given in term one.

Parents are encouraged to contact teachers at any time to discuss their children’s progress.

EXAMS Y11 - 13 students sit internal school exams in June and October and have external exams in November.

Year 9 and 10 students have examinations in English, Maths, Science and Social Studies in November.

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COURSES OF STUDY YEARS 0 TO 8 Through engagement in the eight learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum, our students encounter the essential principles, values and key competencies to support success in their senior schooling years and life beyond the classroom. The core programme is delivered by home room teacher(s), with specialist teaching in areas such as PE, Technology, Te Reo and The Arts where timetabling allows.

Where possible, units of work are integrated into multi-disciplinary studies. All pupils from Year 0 onwards have experience with computers. An independent learning approach to classroom work encourages high levels of accountability, motivation and self-management in our students. A Reading Recovery programme operates for the pupils who, after their first year at school, have shown that they have not made the progress expected in all aspects of their reading. The number of students entering this programme is dependent on Ministry funding.

From year 7, students receive an introductory course in French.

YEARS 9 & 10 All pupils study English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education. The remaining curriculum areas will be covered by a multi course structure of part year modules.

YEAR 11 Students take six subjects to present for the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1.

Courses in English, Mathematics and Science will be compulsory with three further subjects chosen from: Economics, Geography, Health, Graphics (with CAD), Hospitality, Information Management, Physical Education, Materials Technology, Music, Textiles, Drama and Visual Art. The list of available subjects may change, depending on student demand. Other subjects may be available through Te Kura (Correspondence School).

YEAR 12 Students take six subjects to present for NCEA Level 2. English and Mathematics are compulsory. Four further subjects can be chosen from: Agricultural Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, Geography, Graphics, Health, Hospitality, Materials Technology, Physical Education, Physics, Music and Visual Art. This list is not, however, exclusive. Students will be able to make up a course from Level 1 and 2 subjects, after consulting with the Deputy Principal, Mrs Howes.

YEAR 13 The following subjects are offered at Year 13: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geography, Graphics (with CAD), Health, Physics, Physical Education and Statistics with Modelling.

These allow sufficient NCEA level 3 credits for university entrance. We can also provide subjects and qualifications to meet the needs of students not going on to university by linking some students with Year 12 classes. Credits are thus available at NCEA Levels 2 and 3. Work placement and leadership opportunities are available.

Courses tailored to student needs are developed after consultation with Mr Cole and Mrs Howes.

Separate handbooks Years 11, 12 and 13 are available from the school office or on our website.

GATEWAY All year 11-13 students may apply to take part in the Gateway programme. This programme allows students to explore career options by completing work experience in school time or in the holidays, while completing Unit Standard credits. As well as permission from parents/guardians, a commitment to keeping up with classroom work and homework is required.

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HOMEWORK All students from year 7 are issued with a homework diary. Parents are asked to support their children by being aware of homework that may have been set and providing a suitable environment at home in which to complete homework.

Some homework will be set over extended periods, and parents can assist the student to plan out their work programme to meet deadlines.

The class and/or form teacher can give you a better guide once the school year is under way.

Homework may include:  ‘PRIDE’ assignment work  reading  completion of work started in class  learning vocabulary and spelling lists  preparation of projects or assignments  revision and practise exercises  background research

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UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE The official school suppliers are BETHELLS (The Strand) and Northland School Wear (Kamo). All uniform items have the school logo.

Hair should be clean, neat and tidy and avoid extreme styles.

Second-hand clothing is available. Please check with the office for a suitable time for viewing/fitting.

It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that all uniform requirements are met.

Years 0-6 2012 sees the introduction of an optional uniform polo shirt for primary students. This may be worn with black shorts, skirt, track pants or trousers. This uniform is to become compulsory from 2013.

Early in 2012 a decision will be made on a suitable uniform sweatshirt, jersey and/or jacket.

Years 7-13 Uniforms are worn by all students in Years 7 to 13.

No nail polish, or any other form of makeup, is to be worn.

No jewellery is to be worn, with the exception of up to a maximum of four small studs in ear(s).

Other forms of body piercing are not permitted.

Young men are expected to be clean shaven GIRLS

Years 7 - 11

Black dress skirt of length just above or below the knees; black shorts or trousers (with logo). White POLO shirt with school logo & striped collar. Uniform (bottle green and gold) polarfleece or school jersey. White or black socks or black tights. School jacket is optional (new style available from 2012).

Years 12-13

As for Y7-11 with optional white uniform blouse with school logo.

BOYS

Years 7 - 11

Shorts or black trousers. White POLO shirt with school logo & striped collar. Uniform (bottle green and gold) polarfleece or school jersey. Plain white or black long or short socks. School jacket is optional (new style available from 2012).

Years 12-13

As for Y7-11 with optional white uniform shirt with school logo.

Prefects can purchase a plain black dress jacket (girls) or blazer (boys) from the uniform suppliers.

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SHOES Shoes must be plain, black leather (or similar), or sandals with ankle straps. A 5cm maximum height restriction applies. NOTE: For safety reasons, the wearing of enclosed shoes in technology and science classes is required.

HATS

Sunhats are compulsory for all outdoor activity for students in Years 0-8 in terms 1 and 4 and strongly recommended for all other year levels. Bottle green, wide brim or bucket style hats are available from the school. Plain black peak caps may be worn in Years 9-13.

A black ‘Beanie’ with school logo may be worn outside in cold weather, in terms 2 and 3.

SCARF During periods of cold weather, students will be permitted to wear a PLAIN BLACK scarf.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION T-shirts and shorts or tracksuit pants are to be worn during Physical Education classes. Sneakers are to be worn when using the ‘Astro-Turf’ courts. Everyday uniform clothing is not appropriate. T-shirts that leave the shoulders and/or midriff bare, or are ‘low-cut’ are NOT acceptable. All students MUST tie back long hair. Swimming caps are recommended for students when in the swimming pool. The wearing of rash vests is encouraged.

TEAM UNIFORMS Black shorts and the school’s sport top are worn by all teams. A small rental is charged to cover laundry costs.

SCHOOL MUFTI DAYS Clean and tidy mufti may be worn. Clothing advertising alcohol, illegal substances or any messages or images inappropriate in a school setting will not be permitted. Makeup and jewellery may be worn on mufti days. Any jewellery worn is done at the students’ own risk. Teachers reserve the right to ask students to remove jewellery deemed inappropriate or dangerous for a particular activity or if health or safety issues arise.

TRANSPORT Most students travel to school by bus. Year 11 - 13 students may, with school permission, use a car or motorcycle. Licensed students must apply to Mr Hill for a driver’s pass. Students permitted to drive must adhere to the conditions of their licence and must not carry any other students to or from school unless permission has been obtained from the school and all parents involved.

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BUS SERVICES Bus Services currently running are:

Ministry of Education provided (free):

Omana, Maungakaramea, Haywoods Road, Ruarangi, Waiotira, Mangapai, Oakleigh, Maungatapere (via Snooks Rd) Due to the nature of Ministry of Education regulations, the eligibility of students at differing year levels may vary on the same service. Families may be eligible for a Ministry of Education allowance if they live a long distance from the closest bus pick up point. Please contact the school’s bus controller, Mr Jewell, for details.

Whangarei Buses (fare paying)

Whangarei City (from Rose St), Otaika Valley / Portland.

For details of pick up points contact the contractor, Whangarei Bus Company (09) 438 6005.

Note: to support families with more than one child on a fare paying service, the school offers a refund of 30% of the cost of a term concession ticket to second and subsequent siblings for 2012. Eligible families may opt to apply the equivalent of this subsidy to the cost of private transport. For details of the conditions of this offer, please contact Mr Jewell. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

School buses are a form of transport assistance only, and are subject to strict guidelines regarding eligibility and routing. It is likely that routes will be reviewed each year and that some changes may occur.

Rules covering the safe use of buses will be distributed to all bus students at the beginning of every school year.

Senior students, appointed as Bus Wardens on all of our routes, have the school’s authority to enforce rules and award ‘Kowhai’ on buses.

Parents must notify the school of any changes to a student’s bus travel arrangements by note or telephone call by 2pm on the day of the change. If the change is to be ongoing, such as for a weekly sports practice, then one note per term is sufficient, but students must report the change on the actual day to the office. Please be aware that there may not always be space available on another bus.

The Board reserves the right to ban any student from a bus who displays dangerous behaviour or harasses others.

MISCELLANEOUS ATTENDANCE All pupils are required to attend on every day the school is open. Only sickness or other serious and unavoidable causes should be allowed to interfere with the pupil's attendance. Parents are to contact the school by phone, email (general@tauraroa.school.nz) or fax by 9:30am if their child is away on any day. All absences require an explanatory note (may be in homework diaries). Parents will be contacted in the case of any unexplained absence.

CARE & MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY Pupils must be careful with all school property and promptly report any damage. Deliberate damage or damage caused by carelessness will be charged to the offender.

CELL PHONES, MP3 PLAYERS AND OTHER VALUABLES (including Jewellery) 11

If any of these items are seen/used at school they will be removed and handed to the school office for safe keeping. They will be receipted and may be picked up at the end of the following school day on production of the receipt. Persistent offenders may be required to ask parents to collect, or have items held for longer periods of time.

CONTACT DETAILS It is important that the contact details of students and their families are kept up to date. Please inform the school office if there is change of email, phone or address.

ENROLMENT Enrolment at the school is subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees through authority delegated to the principal. Prospective students and their parent(s) may be asked to meet with the appropriate year level dean as part of the enrolment application process. When enrolling a student, please provide a copy of the student’s birth certificate, most recent report from the previous school and immunisation certificate. Upon enrolment, students are expected to sign a student contract regarding school rules, homework policy and uniform regulations.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS All students must sign out at the office if leaving the school grounds during school hours. If a parent wishes to collect a pupil during the school day for a medical appointment (or other reason) they are asked to call at the office to arrange for the student to be sent from class.

LIBRARY The library is also a community library. It is open at interval and lunch time for all students. The community is welcome at any time throughout the school day. In addition, the Whangarei Community Library bus visits monthly. Dates are notified in the local papers.

The library has a computer based issue and catalogue system. All students are assigned an identity barcode. Community members may obtain one by contacting Maria Quin or Delwyn Morris.

There is a photocopier available for students and the community to use at 10 cents per copy.

LOST PROPERTY Lost clothing is kept by Mrs. Eve (senior school) and Ms Searle (junior school). Students should go to those teachers in the first instance if they have lost clothing items at school. Lost clothing is occasionally aired at assemblies and if not claimed by the end of the year, it is given to charity. Other lost property is held in the office by Mrs Burns. The loss of an item should be reported to staff as soon as possible. All clothing and other property must be clearly named.

LUNCH ORDERS The school tuck shop is currently operated by the PTA on Mondays and Fridays. Lunches must be preordered and pre-paid on the day they are required. Menus are published from time to time in the school newsletter.

SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS No student will smoke, or consume any intoxicating liquor or other harmful drugs when they are within the school’s jurisdiction. This includes during travel to and from school, school camps, trips, visits etc.

No matches, lighters or other smoking equipment is to be brought to school. In line with New Zealand law, the school’s policy prohibits smoking in all areas (including outside). Students who are suspected of using drugs may be required to undergo ‘Rubicon’ drug testing and counselling.

STAND DOWNS and SUSPENSIONS A student is likely to be stood down if they fail to respond to other disciplinary measures, or is engaged in dangerous behaviour. Immediate stand-downs will occur in cases of serious misconduct. A suspension is given if a student’s stand down record exceeds 5 days in a term (or 10 days in a year) or the nature of the offence is of a very serious nature. In this instance the Board of Trustees will hold a hearing within seven school days. At the hearing, the student and their parents / guardians and or 12

supporters may address the Board and make a case for readmission. The Board may lift the suspension with or without conditions, extend the term of the suspension or exclude (under 16 years old) or expel the student if 16 years or over.

STATIONERY Students will be issued with list of stationery requirements for the following year, with their end of year report. Stationery lists are available on the school’s website. Students are expected to arrive at the beginning of the year with their correct stationery.

STUDENT USE OF PHONES Office phones are permitted to be used when directed by a teacher for study or research purposes, or when urgent communication with parents/caregivers is required.

VALUABLES AND CASH The school will take no responsibility for money or other valuables which have been lost. Students should not bring large sums of money to school. Small items of value may be left at the front office for safe keeping during the school day.

COURSE COSTS These are set annually and are detailed below. The subject levy fees cover the materials that are specially provided for each subject.

GENERAL CONTRIBUTION Parents and caregivers are asked to contribute to school funds to enable us to continue to offer a high standard of educational resources: one child $75: two children $110: three or more children $140.

OPTIONS Indicative costs only: 13

Technology Prices vary as to the year level ranging from $20 – 50. Any projects requiring additional materials will be charged according to materials used.

Visual Art Year 9 & 10 $42, Year Y11 to 13 $45.

Workshop: Years 10, 11 & 12 according to project Graphics Year 11, 12, 13 - $30 (this includes paper and worksheets) Hospitality: Year 11 and 12 - $45 Note: Actual costs may differ slightly from those quoted as they may be linked to numbers opting for coursed and what deals are on offer at the time.

Detailed individual accounts will be mailed to each family early in the year. Please refrain from paying until you receive an account.

Parents should contact the school if there are going to be any difficulties in meeting due dates for payments.

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