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St Theresa's School
A to Z



The A-Z booklet provides whanau with a reference point as to the various processes, events and programmes associated with our school.  Future changes and or additions/deletions will be communicated through the newsletter and website.  We hope you find it a useful resource in supporting your child's time at St Theresa's School. (information in this booklet is correct as of June 2018)  

ABOUT US

St Theresa’s School is a state integrated co-educational primary school situated in Invercargill, Southland. It caters for up to 300 Year 1 to 6 students. The school was opened 1st February 1931 by the Bishop of Dunedin, James Whyte. Our school has a strong tradition of quality education that teaches the values of Jesus Christ in a caring environment, challenging all students to reach their full potential. The school is well resourced and appointed. In addition to the 13 classrooms there is a hall, a library, an administration block. The outside environment includes tennis and netball courts and two playing fields. There are also two large playgrounds and a sandpit area. The school is future focused with the continual development of the use of technology within a child centred environment. 

ADMISSIONS – PRE-ENROLMENTS

St Theresa’s has a maximum roll of 300 students and enrolments are made up of students with preference (students that have a Catholic connection as described by the Bishop Conference), and a 5% allocation of places for ‘open enrolment’ for those students who can’t get preference or have a Catholic connection.

To enroll at St Theresa’s School the following needs to be completed:

• Birth Certificate or valid passport

• Immunisation Certificate (if applicable)

• Completed Enrolment form

• Well Child form

• Baptism Certificate

• Visa if applicable

• Preference or Open Placement form (signed by Priest).

• Attendance Dues form.

Enrolment packs are available from the school office foyer. A meeting with the school Principal is required. Appointments can be made through the school office manager. Parents/Caregivers are required to meet with the Parish Priest at the Sacred Heart Presbytery in Waikiwi. He will require a copy of your Baptism Certificate and the Preference or Open Placement form. 

Presbytery Details: North Road, Waikiwi, Invercargill. Ph: 027 282 0932 , Father Anthony Harrison. Email: sttheresas@xtra.co.nz Once your child is enrolled at the school we will make contact with parents/caregivers to arrange pre-school visits.

ABBREVIATIONS
Schools have many abbreviations/education jargon. Below are some of the main ones families need to become familiar with.

BoT – Board of Trustees (governing body of the school)      
CRT – Classroom Release Time
DRS – Director of Religious Studies
MoE – Ministry of Education
ICT – Information Communications Technology
OTJ – Overall Teacher Judgement
PTA – Parent Teacher Association
RTLB – Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour
RTLIT – Resource Teacher of Literacy
TA – Teacher Aide
VHT – Vision and Hearing Technician
ABSENCES
Parents/Caregivers must inform the school office prior to 9am if a child is absent from school. The school has a dedicated absence line for this purpose. When you call the main office line please select option 1 to record the absence. Absences can also be reported using the School Stream app. Parents/Caregivers of children whose absence has not been explained will be contacted by the school office. The school’s attendance registers must be an accurate record of a child’s attendance at school and are a legal requirement.

The register is taken twice a day, morning and after lunch. If you know your child is going to be away from school for an extended period the school office must be informed in writing via a hand-written note or email: admin@saint-theresas.school.nz. The child’s classroom teacher must also be informed.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Our school doesn’t offer after school care. If you need to arrange this please contact the providers directly to arrange care for your child. The common providers that collect children after school are: OSCAR, Cornerstone, YMCA and Chipmunks. The pick-up point is directly outside the gate on Leith Street. It is the responsibility of families to inform the after-school provider if a child is absent, not requiring transport, or if the school is closed.
ASSEMBLIES
School assemblies are typically held every second Friday at 2pm (odd weeks). Awards are given out, successes are celebrated and items presented etc. Parents/Caregivers of the school are encouraged to attend. Special assemblies are also called as required.
ATHLETICS
Our school is part of the ‘All Saints Zone’ for Athletics. Students who are 8 years of age and over compete annually at Surrey Park. Those students who qualify in certain events then progress to represent the All Saints Zone at the Southland Athletics Competition. This occurs in Term 1.

The All Saints Zone is made up of the following schools: St Patrick’s, St Josephs, Sacred Heart, St John’s Girls School and the Southland Adventist Christian School.
ATTENDANCE DUES
As part of the enrolment process families sign a document with the priest acknowledging they will pay the annual attendance dues. This account is sent to families directly from the Dunedin Diocese office in Rattray Street, Dunedin.

Phone: 03-474-1994 extn 716

Email: dues@cdd.org.nz
BELL TIMES
8:30am – school grounds open, students can arrive after this time. Students are not to be on school grounds prior to 8:30am, unless attending a school practice or event.

8:55am – classes start

10:15am – morning tea

10:35am – classes resume

12:30am – lunchtime

1:15pm – classes resume

2:45pm – school finishes for the day

3:00pm – all students to be collected from school grounds
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
St Theresa’s School BOT consists of 5 elected parent representatives, 4 proprietor representatives, 1 staff representative and the school principal. They hold this role for 3 years.
The BOT governs the school and works on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Dunedin Diocese and the school community to ensure the benefit of all its students. The BOT use the School Charter, Strategic Plan and Governance Policies as key tools in performing these tasks. Copies of these documents are available on the school website or in the school office.
The BOT meets throughout the year on a regular basis. The meetings are open to the school community and are advertised in the key dates in the school newsletter. Minutes of each meeting are available for viewing in the school office.
The names of our BOT can be found on the school website: www.saint-theresas.school.nz
CAMP
As part of our Outdoor Education Programme our Year 6 students attend a camp at Bannockburn in Term 1. The Year 5 students hold a day camp here at the school.
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS
If a school event is cancelled or postponed we will announce this on the school Facebook page and/or over the local radio stations, More FM 89.2 and The Hits 98.8FM
CAR PARKING
Car parking is available on King Street, Leith Street and Perth Street. Please refrain from parking in the bus stops at 2:45pm as these are reserved for the after-school buses who collect children from the school. We also ask that you respect our fellow neighbours and residents of the surrounding streets by not parking over their driveways. Leith Street has a 2 minute drop off / pick up zone.
CATHOLIC SPORTS TOURNAMENT
Each year a sports tournament known as the Convent Cup, is held for Year 5 / 6 students from Catholic Schools of Southland. This is hosted by Verdon College.
CHARTER
Every state and integrated school Board of Trustees must have an approved written charter of goals and objectives. A charter is a signed agreement by the Board of Trustees to the Minister of Education to ensure that the school is managed, organised, conducted and administered for the purposes set out. It is the key guiding document of the Board of Trustees. Our charter can be found on our school website.
CHURCH
Our Parish is St Theresa’s. The church is situated near the school, 40 Perth Street. Class and School masses are held here. Dates for these are advertised through the newsletter.
CLASSES
The make up of classes each year is determined by a number of factors including the number of students within a year group, class size and gender balance. Whether classes are composites (a mix of two year groups) or one year group level the teaching programme targets the needs of the students within any given class.

Depending on the enrolment dates each year for our new entrants classes some students may move through to another class part way through a year. 
COMMUNICATIONS

School Office Telephone: 03 217 6502
School Office Email: admin@saint-theresas.school.nz
School Website: www.saint-theresas.school.nz
Our school office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 2:45pm.
Our school has an official Facebook page which is updated on a regular basis – please check this often as it also lists key dates.
Every Thursday our school produces a Newsletter. We email this electronically and also download this onto the School Stream app. There are limited paper copies available from the office foyer.
Our school website is a very useful tool to also become familiar with. A lot of the information is also available via this as well. Including our school charter and strategic plan.
The school uses the school stream app, which is available on all iPhone and Android mobiles. Please download this app to your phone so you can be kept up to date with the schools daily, weekly, monthly news.

CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS
Our concerns and complaints policy and procedure is available from the school office. It can also be found on our school website. We recommend that if you do have a concern to speak with your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance. If you wish to meet with the Principal please make an appointment with the school office.
CONFECTIONERY
Chewing gum and sweets are not permitted at school. Snack bars may be eaten as part of a normal lunch during the seated lunch eating times. Teachers may include sweets as incentives/rewards on special occasions on a limited basis.
CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY
Consultation with the community can occur in a variety of ways including parent/caregiver surveys, parent/caregiver evenings, school wide events and school newsletters.

CROSS COUNTRY

A school wide cross country is held in Term 2. Those that qualify in the 10-11 year olds (Based on their age as of 31st December) proceed to the All Saints Cross Country.  

CYCLING
The police recommend that unless accompanied by an adult, pupils are not permitted to cycle to school until Year 5. All cyclists must wear approved helmets. Bikes are kept in the racks by the school gates. Scooter racks are also provided. Pupils are strongly recommended to have them secured with a lock.
DAYBOOK
Each morning senior students will bring the day book around classrooms which has important daily messages/notices for students. It is important that students take note of these messages.
DEADLINES
There are a number of deadlines for various aspects associated with the smooth running of our school, e.g. sports team’s registrations, book orders etc. It is essential that families please ensure the necessary requirements asked are fulfilled by families by the given deadline.
DENTAL NURSE
Our school’s dental nurse is the Waihopai Dental Clinic (situated on the grounds of Waihopai School). They make contact directly with parents/caregivers to book appointments for your child.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL

Junior Syndicate: Rooms 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

Middle Syndicate: Rooms 1 / 2 / 3

Senior Syndicate: Rooms 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Administration Block: Principal’s office, School office, Staffroom, First Aid Room, Adult toilets

DIGITAL CITIZEN

A digital citizen is someone who is confident and capable using ICT in a variety of activities. They do so with integrity, demonstrating critical thinking skills, recognising and managing the challenges in the digital world. They are ethical, developing positive, respectful relationships with others online.


DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS
At St Theresa’s School, Invercargill we operate a ‘step’ system for those children who at times may choose not to make the “right choices”. The expectation is that positive reinforcement will play the major role in any system of Student Behaviour Management. 

An example of this is Friday free play held at 10:35-10:45am for those students who have displayed a consistent positive attitude and work ethic throughout the week.

Positive behavior awards operate during the breaks. Any student that receives one of these from a duty teacher is to place it in the box found in the office foyer area. Two names are drawn from the box at school assemblies where the students are recognised.

We have kept our school rules as short and few in numbers to aide in clarity for pupils, whanau and staff.
1. Respect (Tapu) for People

2. Respect (Tapu) for Learning

3. Respect (Tapu) for Property and the Environment  

Senior students are trained to provide peer mediation in the playground.

When a child blatantly breaks one of these school rules they are placed on a step, with our five-step plan. Further details of the steps are available from the office.
DOGS
Dogs are not permitted on school grounds.
DOMINICAN ORDER
Our school is a Dominican School, as such our charism reflects the essence of the Dominican way.
DUNEDIN DIOCESE
There are around 5,000 young people enrolled in 24 primary schools and the 4 secondary schools in the Dunedin diocese (covering Dunedin and Southland). The Bishop is Proprietor of Verdon, St Peter’s and Kavanagh Colleges, and all primary schools. St Kevin’s College operates under a difference administration.

The Dunedin Diocese is located in Rattray Street, Dunedin.
EMERGENCY DRILL
The school has an emergency plan to guide staff and students in the event of an emergency. The assembly area is on the school tennis courts.
END OF YEAR EVENTS
At the end of the school year we gather together as a whole school to celebrate the successes of the year and acknowledge the Year 6 leavers. The end of year Mass is held at St Theresa’s Church. Children are expected to attend in school uniform for this occasion.
EOTC (Education outside the classroom)
As part of our programme there are times in which groups, classes, syndicates or the whole school visit places away from our school. Details about any of these trips are provided through the newsletter and notices. Some trips will require permission slips and/or documentation eg. Camps/overnight events
EXERCISE BOOKS
Each student is responsible for the quality of work produced in each exercise book. Students are not to write on the inside or outside of covers. Books should be labelled with care, demonstrating the standard to be maintained and clearly named.
FATHER O’BRIEN ROOM
The Father O'Brien room is found within St Theresa's Church. Meetings and some Masses may be held in this space from time to time.
FIRST AID
Our school has a first aid room located in the administration block. If a student is injured during school time a staff member will assist with administrating basic first aid which is recorded in the school’s first aid register.

• Head injuries (including teeth injuries), parents will be notified via a phone call.
• If Panadol/pamol is required we will always call parents first before administering.
• All accidents, beyond minor discomfort and abrasion, are recorded in the Medical Register in the first aid room.
• For any serious injuries, an ambulance will be called.
• If your child has been vomiting or has diarrhea they can return to school once well (48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting).

If your child is very unwell we will always call the primary contact in the first instance and if we are unsuccessful in contacting them we will continue onto the secondary contact and/or emergency contacts.

It is appreciated that you keep us informed of any contact or medical changes.
HAIR
Shoulder length hair or longer is required to be tied back for safety reasons and to reduce the likelihood of catching/spreading of head lice. Hair ties must be black, dark green, white or hair colour. Dyeing of children’s hair is discouraged. Unnatural hair colour e.g. Blue or green is not permitted. Head lice are an ongoing issue for schools. If you become aware your child has lice, please inform the school immediately. The school holds information that can be handed out to parents.
HEALTH NURSE
The Public Health Nurse visits the school throughout the school year. Dates of the visits are listed in the school newsletter key dates.
HOMEWORK
At the beginning of the school year expectations of homework are provided by the classroom teacher. To assist with the home/school relationship we strongly encourage all children to be read to and with. Conversations with your child about their learning each day will further assist their understanding and develop their oral language skills.
ICAS EXAMS
All students in Year 4 – 6 have the option to participate in these Australasian exams. The categories are: Maths, Writing, Spelling, Digital Technologies, Science and English. The tests are optional and the entry costs are paid for by families. The exams have set dates and are held under teacher supervision at school. An enrolment form is sent home in Term 1.
INQUIRY LEARNING
Is a process where students gain knowledge about an area of interest by posing questions for investigation, seeking answers, applying their new understandings and sharing their findings.
INTEGRATED SCHOOL
St Theresa’s School, Invercargill is a state integrated School. As such it is entitled to provide the NZ Catholic Religious Education Curriculum.
INTERNET SAFETY AND USE
We ask that parents sign an internet safety agreement for students to use the internet and digital devices while at St Theresa’s School. We discuss the safeguards with the students regularly. Students may be provided with a student email and/or passwords to support various digital programmes used within our school.
INTERVIEWS
Each year the school holds 3 way conferences (student, parent & teacher interviews).
Mid-March are the goal setting interviews which are booked in 15 minute slots via the school interview system.
The mid-year interviews are held end of Term 2. Interviews with New Entrant whanau are held around 6 weeks after starting school.
If you wish to meet with your child’s classroom teacher please liaise with them directly to book an appointment as often teachers have meetings after school to attend. If you wish to speak with the school Principal please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.
JEWELLERY
The following are the school guidelines relating to the wearing of jewellery for health and safety reasons:
• No facial piercing

• One small stud (or keeper), is acceptable per ear. (Silver/Green or gold).

• Students may wear a Cross or Taonga – no other jewellery is permitted

• Dangly earrings, rings and other adornments that may be a danger to themselves or others will not be permitted. If any item is being worn that is outside these guidelines the child will be asked to remove the item. It will be available to collect from the teacher at the end of the day.
KAPAHAKA ROOPU
Our Roopu name is Te Ako Kotahitanga - 'Learning together as one'. We have two main events we participate in: Polyfest: This Kapahaka group is open to all students. It is a fun, have-a-go whanau (family) group, where the seniors support and help teach the juniors the waiata and protocols. The Polyfest festival is usually held over a week at the end of August or the beginning of September. Practices are held during lunchtime. Nga Putangitangi: Is a competition for which we enter a senior roopu. This is more serious and therefore we have more practices and expectations. Putangitangi is traditionally held near the end of October.
KEY COMPETENCIES
As part of our NZ Curriculum we have Key Competencies, they are Thinking, Using Language Symbols and Text, Managing Self, Relating to Others, and Participating and Contributing. People use these competencies to live, learn, work and contribute as active members of their communities.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during school hours. Unless they are attending a school trip or have permission from a staff member, or have been signed out by their parent/caregiver for an appointment.
LIBRARY
Our school library is a fantastic resource for the students. Each week they can take out up to two books. Any damaged or lost library books will incur a charge to the family term account. Books are overdue after two weeks but can be returned and renewed if required.

LOST PROPERTY

The lost property is found in the Senior Syndicate by the double doors. Pupils and parents are encouraged to clearly name all uniform items. At the end of each term we display lost property in the quad for parents/pupils to look through. Any unclaimed items are donated to the school’s 2nd hand shop or Vincent de Paul charity shop on North Road.


LUNCH ORDERS & HEAT UPS
Subway: is delivered to school on a Wednesday. It is ordered online by families, further information can be found in the office foyer, or online www.subway.co.nz/schools 
Pita Pit: is delivered to school on a Thursday. It is ordered online by families, further information can be found in the office foyer, or online www.lunchonline.co.nz
Sausage Sizzle: Is held on a Friday lunchtime. The school PTA run this on a roster basis. Orders must be made at the school hall kitchen by 8:55am and cost is $2 each sausage. A $10 or $20 concession card can also be purchased from here.
Heat-ups: If your child has a heat up for the day please ensure it is clearly named with classroom number and wrapped in tin foil or a heat proof container that can be heated over a few hours – we recommend a permanent black marker for naming items as this stays on tinfoil. Heat ups are collected in classrooms and taken to the kitchen for heating at morning tea. Class monitors collect their respective class lunches at 12:30 and bring back to the class. Please do not bring noodles or other food items that require hot water.
Rubbish is to be recycled if possible.
Lunches and snacks are to be confectionary free. Drink bottles are to be filled with water only. There may be other food restrictions at times due to student allergies. 
MEDICATION
If a student is to be given prescription medication during school time, parent/caregivers must complete a consent form available from the school office. Medication is kept in a locked cupboard in the administration block and only accessed by staff. Medication is not to be kept in student’s school bags during school time and must be handed to the school office at the beginning of the day. If any medication needs to remain in the class room i.e. Epi-pens please give these to the classroom teacher. Medications for specific allergies or other will be stored in a locked cabinet in the first aid room. Staff have access to their student’s medical information if required. If your child requires an EPI Pen, Inhaler or Diabetes equipment these are to be kept in the classroom. Arrangements need to be made with the teacher. It is the responsibility of families to ensure this medication is current and inform the school of any changes. If the school is to administer medication on behalf of your child during school time a medical authorization form will be required to be completed by families allowing the school to do this.
NEWSLETTER
Each Thursday a school newsletter is produced and posted on the School Stream app. The office also emails a copy of the newsletter out. There are limited paper copies available in the office foyer.
NOTICEBOARD
Notice boards are situated outside the library and the senior block, where sports draws and various other information about events are posted.

PARENTS IN CLASSROOMS

From time to time classes appreciate parent assistance with various projects or programmes. Parents doing this must sign in at the school office on their arrival and must sign out when finished.


PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
Our purpose is to provide support for the school. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is an integral part of the St Theresa’s School community. The PTA contributes towards social and fundraising activities within the school community. The PTA supports the Principal and BOT to ensure the best possible opportunities are available for the students within our school.

We welcome all parents/caregivers to the PTA.

• Support for families, parish priest and staff
• Community events
• Support school / class masses and liturgies
• Fundraising for various projects and resources
• School Disco
• Support school extra curriculum activities
• School sports uniform
• 2nd hand uniform shop

Membership: Any parent/caregiver of St Theresa’s School can be a member of this Association. Officers: The officers of the Association shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The officers shall be elected at each Annual General Meeting of the Association. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the operation of all activities under the name of the St Theresa’s School PTA. Sub committees will be set up to work on specific projects as and when required. Meetings are advertised on the school calendar and within the school newsletter. All parents/caregivers are most welcome to attend.
PARISH ROSTER
The St Theresa’s parish has a number of items that require the assistance of our parishioners. These include cleaning of the church, readers, altar servers etc. The parish always appreciate families from our school assisting where they can.
PEER MEDIATORS
Senior students have the opportunity to be trained in peer mediation and are on patrol during the breaks to assist other students. They are identified by their blue vest.
PERFORMANCES
Our school is involved in the Polyfest, Nga Putangitangi and Singout. We often have visiting performers to the school who bring a wide variety of culture and the arts for the students to experience and enjoy. Any costs associated with these is included in your child’s school term account.
POLICE VETTING
As part of our Health and Safety procedures adults may be requested to have a police vet completed prior to an event.
PRAYER GARDEN
A student developed prayer garden is situated outside Room 4.
PROPERTY
Money and valuables should not be left in student’s school bags. Damage to buildings or property is to be reported to the Principal. Students may be asked to contribute in part of full when the damage is deliberate or the result of reckless behaviour.
ROAD CROSSING
The Year 6 students wishing to be road patrol monitors are trained by a local police education officer. The zebra crossing on King St. is patrolled between 2:45pm and 3:00pm. We would appreciate both adults and children using this crossing and following the instructions of the patrol monitors.
RELEASE
Teachers will be released from their classes at various times over a year to work on various school projects, assessment etc.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our school is part of the Diocese in Dunedin. This encompasses the Catholic Primary Schools and Colleges from Oamaru South.

The morning starts with class prayer time. There are children responsible for setting this up. Classes begin at 8:55am. Class prayer is a quiet, respectful and reflective time. Whanau are welcome to join us.

The St Theresa’s Church is located behind the school in Perth Street. Between the church and school on Perth Street is the Presbytery. 

Each class is responsible for class masses twice a year. Classes take part in schoolwide Masses and celebrations throughout the year. Some school masses are held on a Sunday, with the expectation that all students attend.

Our school website has a link called ‘Special Character’, which has useful terminology for whanau.
REPORTING TO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
Reporting to parents/caregivers will take the form of:

1. A goal setting interview between Teacher - Students – Parent/Caregivers in Term 1

2. Parent – Teacher – Student conference Mid-year, with a written report

3. End of Year written report

Interviews with New Entrant whanau are held around 6 weeks after starting school.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME
The Sacramental Programme is led by our school DRS. It is typically offered in Year 4, as the students reach an age where they are considered mature enough to complete the Sacraments of Initiation. The following sacramental programmes are completed through-out the year:

• Reconciliation

• Confirmation

• Holy Communion

As a school we can assist whanau with any baptisms.
SCHOOL VALUES

Truth (Pono): to be accountable and act ethically. Truth is defined by one source as “sincerity in action, character, and utterance.

Respect (Tapu): for our faith, self, others, and human rights. God created all people, and created them differently for reasons and purpose we may not understand. Regardless of how we perceive other people to be, they are God's creations, and it God's will for us to show respect to everyone. 

Perseverance (Hiringa): to aim high, to be innovative and inquire, participation for the common good. Perseverance is vital to growing in your faith, and God wants his people to persevere no matter what happens, so we have to learn how to overcome obstacles, difficulties, trials, and tribulation to experience victory in Christ.

Courage (Maia): to give things a go. The ability to do something brave out of a motivation of the heart. Courage is indispensable for both spreading and preserving the truth of Christ.

Love (Aroha): for our faith, self, our achievement, for others and the environment. Love is God's essence, His whole being. Everything in Him is love. God is love and has demonstrated that love in everything that he does. 
SCHOOL CLOSURE
If the school closes for any reason the Principal will make this decision or the next delegate if they are not available. If it is during term time parents/caregivers will be notified to collect their child. If it is outside school hours it will be placed on the school Facebook page and on local radio stations, MORE FM 89.2 and The Hits 98.8FM.
SCHOOL LEADERS
Four Year 6 students are elected each year to represent all students. They meet with the Principal to develop new initiatives and provide a student voice.

SCHOOL EVENTS

The school events calendar can be found on our school website and is regularly updated www.saint-theresas.school.nz

Key dates are also located each week in the school newsletter, the school Facebook page, and the School Stream app.

Events are subject to change and we are dependent on adult assistance. 

School production is held every three years. Visiting performers are throughout the year.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
During the year, the school offers students the opportunity to purchase from the Scholastic Book Club brochure. These can be ordered online through the scholastic website (instructions are available from the school office and are also given to students with the Scholastic ordering brochure).
SIGN OUT / SIGN IN BOOK
If your child has an appointment to attend during school hours please ensure he/she is signed out in the book in the office foyer. If they are returning to school after the appointment please ensure you sign them back in.
SIGNAGE
As part of our health and safety, various signs are found around the school to indicate potential hazards etc.
SMOKING
Our school is a non-smoking zone. No smoking is allowed in any of the school buildings or grounds. Parents and adults are asked not to smoke around students at outdoor situations. Our policy can be found on the school website or available at the school office.

SKATEBOARDS

Skateboards are not permitted at school. 

SPECIAL CHARACTER
Fundamental to integration is the Special Character of the school. This is defined in the Integration Agreement as follows:

”The school is a Roman Catholic school in which the whole school community, through the general school programme and in its religious instructions and observances exercises the right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ. These values are as expressed in the Scriptures and in the practices, worship and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, as determined from time to time by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the diocese.” 
SPORTS
We offer various sports options for students. Notices and/or Permission forms for these must be returned/completed by the given deadline as we cannot guarantee your child’s inclusion in the sports if they are late. The links for various sports offered and cultural events can be found on the ‘Registration’ link on our school website.

Term 1: Summer Football (Y1-6), Touch Rugby (Y1-6), Water Polo(Y1-6), All Saints Zone Athletics (Y4-Y6), Southland Athletics (Y5-Y6 qualifiers)
Term 2:  Future Ferns Netball (Y1-6), Hockey (Y1-6), Aerobics Festival (Y4-6), School Cross Country (Y1-6), All Saints Zone Cross Country (Y5-Y6 qualifiers), Southland Cross Country (Y5-Y6 qualifiers).

Term 3:  Miniball (Y3-Y6), Hockey (Y1-Y6), Netball Tournament (Y5-6),Water Polo (Y1-Y6), Futsal (Y1-6)

Term 4: Summer Football (Y1-Y6), Miniball (Y3-Y6), Touch Rugby (Y1-Y6), Water Polo (Y1-Y6), Convent Cup (Y5-6).
SPORTS UNIFORMS
Sports uniforms are expected to be worn by students representing the school. This is a school sports polo top and black shorts. Some uniforms are issued for special events such as aerobics. We have All Saints zone uniforms for Athletics and cross country.
School Hoodies are available for purchase, please collect an order form from the school office.
These are to be worn for sports events, PE sessions, or after school sports only. They are not to be worn any other times during the school day.
STATIONERY
At the end of the year each child is given their classroom stationery list for the following year. The school works with OfficeMax ‘Back to school’ ordering and stationery lists are available on their back to school website.

Any new students coming throughout the school year will be provided with a stationery list for their respective classroom.

There is a limited number of stationery items available in the school office available for purchase.
STUDENT DUTIES
In the Senior Syndicate students will be responsible for various tasks within the school. These include:

• Monitoring the canteen at lunch time (handing out classroom heat ups).

• Emptying recycling bins at end of each day.

• Student Librarians

• Heat ups are collected and distributed

• Lead the Whanau house groups

• Buddy classes

• School Leaders

• Lead Young Vinnies initiatives

• Road Patrol (Y6)

• Prayer Garden
SWIMMING
The school’s swimming programme (Swim Safe), is run at Splash Palace. Each syndicate is allocated dates and times by the pool.

For health and safety reasons appropriate swimwear must be worn at Splash Palace Pool. Generally, this means boys should be wearing swimming shorts/togs and girls swimming togs. This could include one piece swim suits and swimming shorts. Unsuitable clothing is as follows: cargo shorts, cutoff jeans, underwear, t-shirts. The children are transported by bus arranged by the school.
TEACHER AIDES
We have teacher aides who work with individuals and groups across the school.
TEACHER APPOINTMENTS and COMMUNICATIONS
If you require a meeting with your child’s classroom teacher please speak with them directly, as they often have after school meetings or training to attend.
If you are needing to contact your child’s classroom teacher we recommend emailing them or telephoning the school office to arrange an appointment time.
Teachers are not available for parents meetings during class time.

TEACHER ONLY DAY
At times the school may have a teacher only day or part day, this is usually to have training. The school is closed at these times. Advance notice is given through the school newsletter.
TELEPHONES
Students can use the office or classroom telephone with permission of the classroom teacher or office manager in special circumstances. No mobile phones are to be used by students during school time. If a student does have a mobile at school, it must be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of each day and will be returned at 2:45pm to the student.
TERM ACCOUNTS
Towards the end of each term the school processes each family’s term account. Items that get charged to your school account are ie. sports tops, sunhats, day trip costs, visiting performers, sports’ entry fees, competition fees etc.

Payment plans are available with prior approval from the school Principal.
THE TABLET
The Tablet is a booklet that is produced by the Dunedin Diocese each month. It has within it various articles relating to the parishes, schools and groups associated with our diocese as well as national and international stories of interest. The Tablet is sent home with the oldest or only children.
TOILETS
Student toilets are situated in the Junior block between Rooms 11 – 12, Middle block between Rooms 1 – 2 and Senior block corridor. Adult toilets are situated in the administration block.
TOYS
We discourage children from bringing along toys to play with at school. The school supplies games, activities and sports equipment for the children to play with. The school takes no responsibility for personal items brought to school.

UNIFORM

Please refer to the uniform page that outlines the school’s uniform requirements.

The 2nd hand uniform shop is run by the school’s PTA and is open twice a month on a Wednesday. Please keep an eye on the school website / Facebook page for the next date it will be open.

If you are unable to make the date the 2nd hand uniform shop is open please make an appointment through the school office.

School Sunhats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4 for all students, these are $15.00 each and come in 3 different sizes, 55cm / 57cm / 59cm. They are available for purchase from the school office.

If children are representing our school they are to wear a St Theresa’s School sports top, these are available for purchase from the school office for $30.00. Sizes available, 4yrs, 6yrs, 8yrs, 10yrs, 12yrs, 14yrs.

The school hoodies are available to order and are optional only. They are to be used for sports events, PE sessions or after school sports only. They do not replace the school jersey or vests and are not to be worn any other time during school. Order forms are available from the school office. Hoodies take approx. 2 weeks for the supplier to make.

Footwear is to be worn when leaving the school.  

VISION AND HEARING TECHNICIAN (VHT)
The VHT is associated with the hospital and will make visits to the school. If a teacher has a concern about your child’s hearing or vision they will refer them to the VHT.
The VHT will send home any referrals for an optician or audiologist. 
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
All visitors to the school are asked to report to the school office first and sign in. This also includes any parents/caregivers who may be helping in classrooms.
WEBSITE
The school website is www.saint-theresas.school.nz

We recommend that every family makes themselves familiar with the school website as it holds a lot of information regarding the school. The school also has a school Facebook page that is regularly updated.
WHANAU GROUPS
Each student is placed into a Whanau House when they start at St Theresa’s. The four houses are: St Therese (Green) / St Dominic (Black & White) / St Mary (Blue) and St Vincent de Paul (Red)
As new children start at school they are welcomed into their Whanau group by their Whanau group leaders. Each group has a Whanau cloak that is used during this short ceremony which happens at whole school assembly. Parents are most welcome to attend. 

Various competitions are held throughout the school year. House points are available at these events. We encourage our students to dress in their respective whanau house colours for some of the competitions. Points are displayed in the school hall, with the Whanau Champions trophy presented at the end of the year.

St Dominic: Honesty (Ngakaupono) Brave (Toa)

St Vincent de Paul: Compassion (Aroha) Courage (Maia)

St Therese: Doing the little things well

St Mary: Love (Aroha) Kindness (Manaaki)
WHANAU SUPPORT
Our website has a link entitled 'Whanau Support'. Within this section is a number of links to websites and suggested apps that can support families with their child's learning at home.
YOUNG VINNIES
Young Vinnies is a group of students from Y3-Y6 who work on various projects to assist local, national and international communities. This is done through a variety of means which may include coin trails, mufti days, sleep overs, food drives etc.