Absences : To ensure the safety of the children, parents are asked to ring the school before 9:30 am if children are absent. Unexplained absences will be followed up by office staff.

Accident/Sickness : We must be notified of any long-term medication or allergies to maintain an accurate medical history as necessary. In cases of sickness or accidents, parents will be notified so that children may be collected. It is necessary to have an alternative contact person on our school records.

Board of Trustees : Our board comprises elected parent members, a staff representative, and the Principal to serve Ardgowan School Board Members are available to listen to any suggestions you may have within our school environment.

Bus Transport : A Ministry Approved Bus Route operates during term time. Should there be any difficulties, contact the Principal or Jill at Ritchies.

Clothing : It is important that clothing of a removable nature be named. We encourage slippers during the winter months. Parents are able to order a school uniform for their child and all students will be expected to wear the uniform from the start of 2006.

Dental Clinic : Your child will attend the school dental clinic at either Oamaru North School or the Oamaru Intermediate School clinic. Contact is made via letter or phone and you will be advised which clinic to attend.

Expectations : We have high standards of behaviour, attitudes, values, involvement and academic achievement. We expect the family type atmosphere to pervade all areas of our school climate. It is a healthy, caring and wholesome learning environment for our students and all adults.

Health Nurse : Our Health Nurse, Mr Lindsay Oakes, visits our school regularly. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the school.

Home and School : We have a very active Home and School group who work tirelessly for the school especially in fund raising projects. They welcome new parents to their group.

Homework : It is school policy that all children will have homework at some time during week. Daily reading at home is expected at all levels. A “Homework club” for children who do not complete their homework is held weekly to assist children in time/behaviour management.

ICT : We encourage the use of technology at our school, integrating it’s use into many aspects of our programme. The children have access to the internet only after parental permission is granted.

Jewellery and Valuables: We recommend that jewellery and valuables are kept safely at home.

Money Sent to School : It is helpful if money is enclosed in a sealed envelope with name, amount and purpose stated on the front.

New Entrant Information : Beginning school is an important milestone. With your support and encouragement your child will soon adjust to the new environment. To make the transition to school a pleasant experience, participation in preschool afternoons and classroom visits are encouraged. Please feel free to talk with us to arrange both formal and informal visits. Please bring along a copy of your child’s birth certificate and your immunisation record when enrolling your child.

News Letters : Any general information is sent home with the eldest child currently at school. A newsletter should arrive home each Thursday, so please check your child’s bag. If you would prefer, the newsletter can be emailed to you. We welcome anything you may wish to contribute to our newsletter. Occasionally a larger newsletter/newspaper is sent out to the wider district.

Open Door Policy : One of the really neat things about our school is how many opportunities, in the course of a normal school week, teachers and parents have to interact with each other. “Housekeeping” messages can be shared and any minor difficulties/problems can be sorted out before they have a chance to grow. Children and Staff welcome visitors to our school and parents are encouraged to actively participate in special school activities. Teachers and the Principal are generally available for consultation. Staff and Parents are encouraged to contact each other as concerns arise, rather than wait for a formal Report or Interview.

Parking Cars Outside School : The new bus turning area may be used for dropping children off and collecting children but not for parking. Cars must park along the front of the school. For safety reasons, please do not park on the opposite side of the road.

Religious Instruction : The Board of Trustees approves closure of the school for thirty minutes each week for Religious Instruction. Students whose parents have advised the Principal that they do not wish their child to receive religious instruction, will not be required to attend.

Reporting To Parents : We provide a variety of reporting formats including written, interview, class and portfolio work samples. We encourage parents to approach the school at any time to discuss issues that may arise.

School Hours : The school day begins at 8.30am. Children attend class from 9.00am—10.40am with morning break from 10.40—11.00am. Classes commence again with lunch from 12.30—1.25pm. The afternoon finishes at 2.55.

School Lunches : A pie-warmer is provided to allow heating of food. This is successful when items such as pizza, pies etc are wrapped in lunch wrap and clearly named. Food for “hot eaties” is collected prior to 9am.

School Lunchtime : The whole school eats lunch together. All children are expected to sit down and eat for at least 15 minutes or until released by the supervising teacher.

School Office : Julie is in our office most of the day. She welcomes everyone to the school and manages the office and moneys coming into the school.

Stationery : The school supplies all necessary stationery throughout the year, although parents are welcome to buy from other suppliers. School packs are available from Paper Plus at the beginning of the school year. An account will be sent home at the end of each term for goods purchased from school. This system allows continuity within the classroom programme.

Sunhats : All students are provided with a gold school sunhat which they wear when outside during fine weather and on school outings during the warmer weather. All adults in the school model the same standards.