General Information
School Hours
| Classrooms Open |
8:30 am |
| School Begins |
8:45 am |
| Lunchtime Starts |
12:30 pm |
| Lunchtime Ends |
1:25 pm |
| School Closes |
3:00 pm |
Mass Times
School Mass times are generally held 3-4 times a term on Fridays at 9:00am in the St. Mary's Church, as notified in the calendar of events.
Parent /Teacher Communication
The teachers at St Mary's are happy to discuss a child's performance and progress with parents/caregivers at a suitable time outside of class hours. Prior arrangments should be made if possible.
Contacting Teaching Staff
If you wish to contact teaching staff this is best done before or after school. At other times the school office staff will take messages.
Concerns and Complaints
If you as a parent / caregiver have a concern or a complaint please contact your child's teacher or the Principal in the first instance.
Early communication can often prevent unnecessary worry.
Interviews and Reports
Parent/teacher interviews for years 3 to 6 (the middle and senior school) are held at the beginning of February and again in July to discuss your child's progress.
A written report is sent to parents/ caregivers of senior pupils at the end of the year.
Teachers of junior pupils in years 1 to 2 meet with parents/caregivers when a child has completed one month, six months and one year at school.
A written report is sent to parents/ caregivers of junior pupils at the end of the school year.
Newsletters
All children are given a weekly newsletter on a Wednesday to keep you up to date with school happenings. If you do not receive these please query your eldest child or view online.
School Stationery 2010
Please select the links below for the website for St Mary's school stationery lists.
Parent Helpers
There are many occasions when parents/caregivers are able to help with school activities, and teachers recognise and are grateful for the support they receive at these times. Opportunities arise at such times as sports days, out of school visits and camps.
Lunches
...may be ordered daily at school BEFORE 9.OOam. Correct money must be in an envelope with the order and the child's name and room number written on the outside. Price lists are given out on commencement at school or can be viewed here: School Lunch List 
The Parent Support Group hold sausage sizzles, these are advertised in the school newsletter when they are being held.
Medical Conditions
At the beginning of each year please inform us, on the form sent home, if your child has any special medical problems and/or needs any special medicine or treatment. If conditions arise during the year please keep us informed.
Special medication for allergies, stings, etc, should be clearly labelled and sent to the medical room via the classroom teacher.
Playground Supervision
At least two teachers are on playground duty at all times during morning play and lunchtime.
Accidents of a minor nature are treated in our medical room by a teacher or a trained first aid monitor. Parents/caregivers are contacted if an accident is of a serious nature, or if there is any doubt as to the problem.
Parents/caregivers are notified if a child is sick and should be at home.
It is important that the school has current phone numbers of your home, your workplace and an alternative contact, in case of emergency.
Please update the office as changes occur.
Parking
To ensure the safety of all children parents / caregivers are asked not to drive into the school grounds.
Children may be dropped off at:
-
Carnot Street (in the cul-de-sac)
-
Ranolf Street (clear of the yellow lines) (do not drive in the blue gates)
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Church carpark in Seddon St
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Lightheart Street
Bus
The Ministry of Education provides a free bus service for pupils from the Lakes area, Owhata and Lynmore.
The school provides a private bus service within the city for a small charge.
Details of these services are available from the office.
Bicycles
...must be wheeled when in the school grounds and be placed in the bicycle stands during the school day. It is wise to provide a lock. Cycle helmets must be worn by all cyclists.
The Police recommend that only children over 10 years ride bicycles to and from school.
Dental Care
Dental care is provided free to all pupils by the Dental Therapist at the Clinic at Glenholme School.
 Swimming
St Mary's is fortunate to have a heated learner' pool.
In Summer, all children participate in the swimming programme as part of the normal school curriculum. Please see that your child has togs, cap and towel on their allocated swimming days once the swimming season has commenced.
Other Opportunities
Opportunities exist for pupils to participate in a variety of extra curricular activities.
There are inter school competitions in spelling, maths, and newspaper knowledge, sports teams such as netball, soccer, cricket, miniball, waterpolo and hockey, the Maori festival, school camps and biennial Marae visit.
Each class has a fortnightly speech lesson and an inter-house speech and poem competition is held annually.
Public Health Nurse
The Pubic Health Nurse can be contacted on 07-349 7275 concerning health or welfare matters.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of St Mary's is made up of five representatives elected from the community and four appointed Bishop's representatives, plus the Principal and a staff representative. Elections are three yearly.
School Support Group
The active School Support Group (formerly known as the PTA) is involved with fundraising, hospitality, community support and social events. They always welcome new members.
St Mary's School parents and students are part of a nurturing and caring community, which prides itself on sharing these qualities within the wider community. We look forward to welcoming you and your child. |
