Other General Information

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General Information

Rules

We expect all students at Bombay School to think about the consequences of their actions before they act. If they do this, many incidents will be avoided

Remember, at all times - PLAY FAIR - DON’T GET UGLY

PERSONAL SAFETY - Take responsibility for yourself

NO - bullying, fighting, offensive language or swearing, spitting i.e. Physical or Verbal abuse.
Stand up for yourself and your friends, so that you are not led into breaking rules.
Respect other people’s opinions, even though you may not agree with them.

PERSONAL PROPERTY - Respect other students

Always ask permission before you borrow something from someone else - NEVER go into anyone else’s bag or desk without their permission.
No Jewellery at school except watches and stud earrings.
Don't bring toys to school, they may get stolen or broken.
Treat others and their property as you would like to be treated.
Mobile Phones are not permitted at school.

SCHOOL PROPERTY - Take pride in your school

Don’t climb trees or swing off branches.
Don’t go into ‘out of bounds’ areas.
Respect the school’s property and gardens.
Use the rubbish bins - Don’t litter - Friday is a 'No Rubbish Day'
No graffiti.
Return all sports equipment to the PhysEd shed when you have finished with it.
Animals are not permitted in the school grounds, except on ‘special’ occasions.

GENERAL RULES

Don’t go outside the school boundaries during school hours without permission from your teacher.
Always walk around corners of buildings, and only walk inside classrooms.
Take your hat off when you enter a classroom. Remember hats must be worn from 1 November to 31 March, when you are outside.
Stay out of Rooms at playtime and lunchtime unless your name is on the board.
Lunch eating is inside rooms, from 12.30 - 12.45 pm. Your classroom teacher will dismiss you when the bell rings at 12.45 or when you have finished eating.
Sweets, lollies, chewing gum etc are not permitted except on ‘special’ days.
Don’t skid on the wooden decks outside rooms when it is wet.
Wet Days - sunflower sign means the fields are closed.

rain bell - 2 rings - move inside quickly.

If you are absent from school, make sure your parents inform the school.
Buses: As this is now a fee-paying service, bus pupils cannot arrange to take home a friend on the bus.
No eating in Library or near computers.
No use of computers unless you have your class teacher’s permission. Internet access only during class time.
Students are not allowed in classrooms before and after school if their teacher is not present.

REMEMBER: These rules apply to YOU not just other students.

Bombay School is a Smokefree School

Code of Behaviour

Our school demands and promotes high standards of behaviour from all pupils at all times. This is called ‘The Bombay Way’. We expect the children to be well-mannered, to have respect for others and for property, and to respect their environment. When necessary, breaches of good behaviour may incur the loss of some school privileges, or require action on the pupil's behalf to make good a misdeed. We treat this as an important area of learning for all of our pupils. We will inform parents and seek their support when we have concerns about a child's behaviour.

Absences

If a child is to be absent from school on a given day, parents are asked to communicate this to school before school begins by:

a note to the classroom teacher
a verbal message with another child
telephone – 236 1012
email – admin@bombay.school.nz

This enables us to know who is in our care each day and immediately check on the whereabouts of absentees. The school office contacts families who do not notify the school.

Please write a note or call in person if you have a genuine reason for wishing your child to leave early from school. Please do not request this by telephone as we have no proof of identity. The children will remain in the classrooms until they are collected.

When parents are taking their children out of school for family holidays or overseas travel, they must advise the principal in writing. These letters are required for Roll Audit purposes.

Assemblies

Full school Awards assemblies occur twice a term, (usually mid term and end of term), on a Friday, between 1.45 pm and 2.45 pm. These are held in the School Hall. Parents are most welcome to attend. We also have a weekly morning assembly on the first day back after the weekend, prior to the start of school. The Junior Syndicate have assemblies on Friday at 12.00 noon.

Bible in Schools

A team of specially prepared helpers (untrained teachers) voluntarily take religious instruction for each class from 1.30 - 2.00 pm each Monday afternoon from March to end of November. Their teachings are quite interdenominational and all children attend unless there is a special request that this should not happen. The school is open, but closed for instruction, during this time.

Book Club

Lucky, Arrow and Teenage Scholastic New Zealand Book clubs are a means of obtaining paperback editions of good quality books at substantially reduced cost. Cheques must be made out to Scholastic NZ.

Approximately twice per term, children are supplied with an illustrated list to take home. The requirements are marked on the order form which is then returned to the school office, by a required date, together with payment. The books usually arrive about three weeks later.

Buses

Our school is part of the Pukekohe Bus Network served by Murphy Buses who provide the buses for our school. This is no longer a free service for ineligible pupils. We have a total of three buses which transport our children to and from school. The first two buses (F3 & F10) are for Bombay School children only (these depart school at 3.00 pm), but the other one (F1), which departs school at about 3.45 pm each day, has High School and Intermediate School children on it as well. Bus F3 travels into Pukekohe, and fee paying children may travel on this bus – the drop off and pick up for children in Pukekohe is the Bus Terminal in Roulston Avenue. Teachers and bus monitors complete bus list checks on all children. The bus driver is in charge of the pupils on the bus and school leaders have responsibility to assist.

Parents are asked to ensure that their children know if alternative travel arrangements are being made, so that the bus monitors can be informed. Please contact the office if you need to change your arrangements.

The same standard of sensible, responsible behaviour is expected on the bus as is expected at school. Continued misbehaviour on the bus may result in loss of the privilege of using bus transport.

[Pupils eligible for bus transport have to live more than 3.2Km or 4.8 Km from school if they are aged under or over 10 years of age respectively – bus travel for these pupils is Free. Eligible pupils may have to make their own way up to 1.6 Km to a bus stop. Ineligible pupils are required to pay $60 per term for this service.] As this a user pays service, no children can travel by bus unless they have a bus pass.

Enquiries about buses should be directed to the Principal.

Calf Club Day

Have a look at our Calf Club Day Information Booklet

Dental Clinic

Our Dental Clinic has been closed by the Ministry of Health. A team of Dental Therapists will assess all students at school and parents are advised if children require further treatment. This will be done at the Pukekohe North School Clinic. Our Therapists are Jann, Janet & Midge. The phone number is 237 1002

E-mail

All rooms can be accessed by electronic mail by room_@bombay.school.nz. Replace the _ with your child's room number.

Enrolments & Pre-School Visits

The school has had an Enrolment Policy and Scheme since January 2003. Evidence is required of proof of residential address for all enrolments.

Families who live inside the school’s enrolment 'home' zone have full entitlement to attend our school. Families who live outside the home zone will have to go through the ballot process. Pre-enrolments from out-of-zone students are sought in October each year, and applicants will know the result of the ballot by the end of October.

At present we have a Pre-Enrolment Policy and Programme for identified Pre-schoolers.

When a new pupil begins at school we require the following details:

The child's full name, address, parents or caregiver's name, telephone number. These details will be entered on the school's computer file. If a child is being enrolled at school for the first time, parents and caregivers are expected to show a birth certificate or some other official document as acceptable evidence of the child's date of birth. Children cannot be enrolled before their 5th birthday. A copy of the child's Immunisation Certificate is also required to be sighted

To assist parents, the following information is issued:

Health Record form, Dental Record form, School Information Booklet, Calf Club Booklet, ASB account opening form.

New Entrant Booklet - for 5 year olds only

We are not able to enrol Overseas Students.

Pre-School Visit Procedure:

Parents of four-year-old children about to enter school have the opportunity to join in orientation visits prior to starting school. Initial contact will be by the school to known families who are on our projected roll. Parents whose children don't attend Bombay Playcentre need to contact the school prior to their child turning five. Dates will be set at that time.

These orientation visits will consist of five consecutive morning visits. On the first visit, parents have the opportunity to stay with their child. Children may stay without a parent after their first visit.

At the first visit, an induction booklet is given to the parent, along with stationery. Enrolment procedures are also completed with the Principal at this visit. Evidence must be provided to prove that the residential address is within the home zone for Bombay School, i.e. power account or rates demand. We also require a copy of the Birth Certificate for Enrol records.

First Aid

The school runs a sick bay to deal with children who are ill or injured during the day. When children are not well enough to attend classes, parents will be contacted where possible and the child taken home. The Secretary and Receptionist carry the responsibility for this area of the school, and are responsible for the Accident Register.

Should a child suffer an accident at school, they will be well attended to, and if it is felt that a doctor's advice is necessary then parents will be contacted immediately. If parents cannot be contacted, and the situation is deemed serious, the school will seek medical advice. Any expenses incurred are the parents' responsibility.

Any medications required to be taken during school hours need to be sent to the school office with a covering note. The Secretary and Receptionist will oversee. All teachers have a current First Aid Certificate.

Home and School

One of the functions of the Home and School is to raise funds for our school, and these funds are primarily directed towards the children. The Home and School committee also promotes, organises and runs school events and plays a valuable communication role and helps build school tone and unity. Parents are welcome to attend all meetings to learn about what is happening at school and to share their ideas. The Home and School meet monthly, usually on the 3rd Monday of the month in the multi-purpose room.

Current Office Holders: Claire Nesdale (Chair), Mrs Diana O’Brien (Secretary), Treasurer duties are now provided by the School Secretary.

Homework

The amount of homework given will vary depending on the age of the child. Any homework is done to reinforce what has been taught at school. As parents, you may like to help with homework - encourage, or show your interest in the activities the children are working with. Teachers send home at the start of the year a "Homework Brief" to assist parents to help their children.

Kids After School Care

‘Kids After School’ are contracted to provide an after-school care. This service operates daily from 2.50 pm – 6.00 pm from the school hall. It may extend to before school care if numbers warrant.

An information brochure is available from the school office, or by contacting the Director of Kids After School: Carolyn Brunsdon 238 3760 or 027 433 5207

Library

The school is most fortunate in having a well stocked library. Mrs Sharron Hughes is the Teacher Librarian and Mrs Ikue Walley is the Library Assistant who process and repairs library books. Each class has a regular library period where books are exchanged. The library is open at lunchtimes, supervised by student librarians.

The library was fully automated in August 2001 and we operate the Access-It programme. Students are not permitted to use the Library Administration Computer.

Search Computers are available for student use. They have access to the internet and also carry updated Encyclopaedia Britannica programmes. Permission for use must be obtained from the class teacher or teacher librarian.

Lunches

Lunches may be ordered through school each Friday for the following Monday. These are made by Holme & School mothers. Price lists/order forms are sent home each Thursday with the Newsletter. Orders should be enclosed in a clearly named and sealed envelope containing payment. These are collected by a monitor each Friday morning at school. No late orders can be accepted. Lunches are delivered just prior to lunch time on Monday, from the Hall kitchen to rooms.

Technology Training

Year 7 & 8 students are transported by bus to Maramarua School on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday each fortnight. The main technological areas involve Food and Materials Technology. Fees are set annually by the BOT at Maramarua. Bombay BOT pay $15.00 per child for administration and plant maintenance. Parents pay an annual fee to cover the costs of all materials used.

Current Fees are $64.00 for both Yr 7 & 8.

These fees are invoiced in February with school fees and should be paid by the end of the first term.

Newsletter and Notices

Parents are kept informed of school activities through a numbered weekly newsletter, issued each Thursday. Class notices are sometimes included in this sheet. Each family is given a copy which goes home with the eldest child - unless they have asked to receive their newsletter via email, then no paper newsletter is sent.

Communication between parents and the school is most important and the weekly Newsletter serves this function well. However, the 'pony express' does not always succeed, as children sometimes mislay their piece of paper. Please check that you receive, read and return the reply section, when necessary, each Thursday. Do not hesitate to communicate with the school when you have missed receiving a notice. All newsletters are also placed on the website on Thursday afternoon.

Board of Trustee newsletters concerning consultation or providing information will periodically accompany the weekly Newsletter.

Money Sent to School

Money for lunches, stationery, school trips, book orders, etc should be enclosed in a named envelope with the amount and what it is for and the room number written on the outside. On occasions, cheques are sent as payment. These should be made out to Bombay School unless you are notified otherwise.

Personal Property

The school operates a Lost Property box that is kept outside the hall foyer. This is for items which are not school uniform - all school uniform items SHOULD BE NAMED.

Toys, electronic devices, dangerous articles and jewellery should not be brought to school, as they can be easily lost or broken and cause unnecessary problems.

Photographs

Our photographs are taken by Photolife Studios Ltd. A pre-order/payment system for both individual and class photos is used. Date for 2010 photos is Friday 11 June.

Public Health Nurse

Our Public Health Nurse, Molly Flay, visits the school fortnightly, to help us with any medical problems. Checks are made on all New Entrant pupils and support and assistance is provided for families in regard to any health issues that arise. The Nurse works directly with children by being involved in classroom programmes such as Health Care, Immunisation etc.

School Fees

This donation is made on a voluntary basis and is $95.00 per year for one child, $185 for two children and $275 for a family. An account is sent out at the beginning of the school year for these amounts which are usually paid with the stationery money in February or on enrolment. This school cannot operate on Government funding alone. While it is emphasised that contributions are voluntary, it is emphasised too, that we need the money. All children benefit from this scheme and without it we would have fewer books and teaching aids and less sports equipment. Unless otherwise requested, all cheques should be made payable to Bombay School. A receipt will be provided as this donation qualifies for an income tax rebate. Payments may be spread if necessary and can be made electronically straight to the school’s account if parents has access to internet banking. The school offers an EFTPOS service.

School starts at 8.50 am and closes at 2.50 pm. Morning interval is from 10.40 am until 11.00 am. Lunch interval is from 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm. Bells are rung at these times. Parents are asked to ensure that their children do not arrive at school before 8.00 am. On occasions when children do arrive before 8.00 am, they must not enter classrooms until their teacher is present. After the first bus arrives, children may put their bags in their cloak bay and play.

To make life easier for you for Back to School, we have teamed up with School Supplies Direct so that you can buy all your school stationery needs over the Internet or by mail order.

Buying direct means that you will also support our school because we will receive educational supplies rewards for every dollar ordered from School Supplies Direct. All orders placed by the end of February will earn reward points.

The easiest way to buy is online at www.myschool.co.nz using your credit card. All you need to do is search for our School, click on the “Order Using Quick and Easy Grid” button then follow the instructions on the web site.

Web site orders over $55 qualify for free delivery. Delivery must be to your home or place of work – not to the school.

To order by mail order and/or pay by cheque, all you have to do is go to www.myschool.co.nz and when you get to the check out, click on the Mail Order Form button. This will build a customised mail order form for you to print.

Conditions: All orders must be received prior to 20th of January to guarantee delivery before school starts.

This means that you will no longer receive your stationery lists on the first day of school in 2010 and we will only have a small supply of stationery for students to purchase at school. All children will be expected to arrive at school with all their stationery.

Any students starting school after Term One will be able to purchase their stationery from the School.

Due to changes in pool testing requirements, the pool is closed over the holiday periods. The maximum bather load is 250 students per day so we are also unable to open the pool outside normal school hours, or take lunchtime or after school swims. A timetable has been introduced this year which means that classes don’t swim every day. Our pool is solar-heated and the children enjoy the warmer water.

Children may use the school phone only with permission from their classroom teacher, the Secretary, Receptionist or the Principal. Permission will only be granted if the matter is urgent or important. Urgent or important messages from parents will be passed to children from the office.

We have a phone list of all families. The Privacy Act protects this information. It is essential that parents inform the school of changes of address and new phone numbers. It is necessary at times to send children home because of illness or accident and our task is made difficult if we are unable to contact you. This is very important when both parents work.

UNIFORM INFORMATION
A Uniform Sub Committee was set up earlier this year to plan and implement a school uniform, with consideration being given to feedback received at the recent community consultation, together with feedback from parents, teachers, and other schools regarding the costs, quality and pitfalls of introducing and having a uniform.
We have sourced a uniform that is cost effective, high quality and has the durability to withstand the daily wear and tear, rough and tumble of school life. Also the items are easy to wash and dry quickly.
QUALITY OF GARMENTS
The polo shirts have the UV protection factor in them. This is a compulsory requirement in all schools in Australia. No ironing is needed.

UNIFORM ITEMS
ENTIRE SCHOOL choices: Grey Marle Polo Shirt, Black/Gold Long sleeved Polar Fleece Top, Long Sleeved Grey Top, Black Polar Fleece Vest, Black Cargo Shorts, Black Skort, Black 3/4 Pants, Black Long Pants or Black Long Cargo Pants,
Year 4 through Year 8 — Optional White Blouse for girls.
Year 7 & 8 only—Optional Long Black Karleen Pants for girls, and optional Black/Gold Cap.
Other items may be worn underneath for warmth providing they are not visible.
FOOTWEAR—Sports shoes, flat school shoes, flat sandals or jandals (all preferably in black or dark colour)
SOCKS—Grey, black or white. Black leggings or tights are acceptable under the uniform items.
HAT—Bucket hats need to be worn during Terms One and Four (Sun Safe Policy)

BEANIES - a new addition to the uniform range, these are now available at $9.50 each. Iron-on label to enable you to name your child's beanie.

RAIN JACKET - a new addition to the uniform range, in child and adult sizes - $35 & $38 respectively.
HAIR APPAREL—Should be consistent with school uniform. No jewellery is allowed except plain stud earrings.
Easy wash and quick drying garments
SUGGESTED BASIC MINIMUM ORDER:
• 2 x Grey Marle Polo Shirts
• 1 pair Shorts or Skorts
• 1 x Black/Gold Polar Fleece Top

MISCELLANEOUS
All uniform items will be embroidered and this cost is included in the price on the uniforms.
All uniform items will be sold through Bombay School, eliminating the problem of stock not being available for purchase when required.
The uniform shop is presently open each Monday evening from 5:15 to 6:15 pm
Please select items and order carefully as items cannot be exchanged. (Refund or replacement of items—for workmanship faults only)
A 50% deposit will be required with each order so bring your cheque book or Eftpos card.
A Second-hand uniform shop will be set up at school in due course.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A UNIFORM
Security: Helps the school management to recognize any unfamiliar people entering the school grounds on a daily basis. Children travelling by bus can be recognized as Bombay Students.
Expense: Studies confirm that uniform reduces cost of clothing for a child overall. In 2003 the Department of Statistics recorded that the average a household spent on clothing was $96.00 a month!
Student Achievement: Uniforms promote good behaviour by influencing classroom discipline and provides an improved learning environment. Uniforms usually reduce the competition among students to wear certain (nearly always expensive) brands of clothing, and curtails peer pressure. Studies also show that children with self esteem perform better at school. By eliminating a reason to feel self conscious, uniforms can help improve children’s self confidence and may lead to greater class participation.
Parental Bonuses: Having a uniform reduces stress in the mornings. The added responsibility of the parents making sure their child wears their uniform to school, could also lead to stronger working relationships between the school and home, thus increasing parental participation.
School Image: A uniform can improve the image of the school, creating a sense of pride and belonging.

SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY
Purpose — To make school clothing compulsory so that pupils develop a sense of pride and belonging, are easily identified as attending Bombay School, and to remove “competition” in standard of dress.
Guidelines: To achieve this purpose, this policy will take effect from the start of 2009 school year— 4 February 2009.
1. The Board expects all pupils to wear the designated uniform.
2. The uniform is to be worn all year round, there is no summer or winter uniform. Children wear the parts of the uniform they need, depending on the weather and how cold they are.
3. The Board shall endeavour to ensure the uniform is attractive, practicable and affordable to parents.
4. A second-hand uniform shop will be available in due course. 2nd hand uniforms - procedure
5. Students will be permitted to wear the previous voluntary school uniform clothing until it is worn out.
6. If a student is not in school uniform, parents are asked to write to the Principal explaining the reason. Each request will be treated on a case by case basis.
7. If a student is consistently out of uniform, appropriate procedures will be upheld.
8. The Principal is available to discuss the Uniform Policy with parents/caregivers. Problems will be dealt with on an individual basis or referred to the Board for discussion.

In 2006 the board’s water only policy was introduced. Children are expected to bring a water bottle to school each day. Soft drinks are sold only on special days.