DAILY LIFE

ATTENDANCE & ABSENCES

If your child is going to be away from School, please ring the School office telephone 576 9027 and leave a message on the answerphone.  Alternatively you can register the absence on the @School App.  This will ensure that a close liaison between home and School is maintained, especially with regard to your child’s safety on the way to and from School. Teachers will be notified of children who will be absent each day.

For extended absences, we require a signed and dated note from home, outlining the dates and reason for absence, on your child’s return. While we realise this can be `a chore,’ legal requirements in respect to pupil attendance and appropriate record keeping are important to us.

SCHOOL LUNCHES

There are two systems available for students to purchase lunch on a Friday.  Matua Cafe offers a menu with orders able to be placed at the cafe before 9:30am each Friday.  Families can also order Subway from www.ezlunch.co.nz

STATIONERY

At the beginning of each year Stationery Packs are available for purchase online through www.thebacktoschoolstore.co.nz or from Bay Office Products Depot at 20 Christopher Street, Tauranga. During the year supplies of exercise books and other stationery requirements can be purchased through the school office.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We have two before and after school care providers available to Matua families.

sKids
Venue: School hall
Contact: 027 586 0408 or email matua@skids.co.nz.  www.skids.co.nz.

Play Time
Venue: Bellevue School – children are transported by the Playtime van.
Contact: www.playtime.co.nz

COMMUNICATION

@SchoolApp (eTap)
Our main method for communication with whānau is through the @School App.  It is important you have access to this system which will push notifications for important messages to your phone or email.  It is also available via a browser if you don’t use a smart phone.  An email invitation and instructions on how to sign up will be emailed to you when you child starts at school.

Website
Our website is updated regularly with news and useful information. If you can’t find what you are looking for through the website, please let the us know through the school office.

Newsletters
A fortnightly newsletter goes out to all families via the @School App. All newsletters can also be found on the school website in the ‘News and Events Hub’. Through this newsletter we look to celebrate learning that is happening, update parents on current topics and highlight upcoming dates and events.

Facebook
Our school Facebook is an opportunity for us to share news updates in a timely manner or celebrate events happening around the school with our community.  https://www.facebook.com/matuaschool/

Seesaw
Designed for classrooms and sharing learning, this app is used for connections between the classroom and home. Notices relevant to your child’s class only may be posted here and learning that your child has engaged with can also be shared directly to you through this online tool.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Our school uniform is provided by NZ Uniforms and can be purchased from the store at 94 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga.  The uniform policy and list of items is available at from the school office.

Sun Hats
As a sun smart school we have a ‘not hat, no play’ policy.  Please ensure that your child is provided with a school hat each day during Term 1 and 4.  We also encourage children to apply sunscreen prior to coming to school.

Lost Property
We recommend that all school uniform is clearly labeled with a child’s name.  Lost property is located in the lobby beside the library stairs.

Uniform Guidelines
To see our uniform guidelines, FOLLOW THIS LINK

TRAVEL SAFE

One of the benefits of going to school and living in Matua is that walking and cycling to school is a great option.  Children who walk may leave the grounds through Levers Road, Audrey Place, Clivedene Street or Strathmore Street.  There is a pedestrian crossing on Levers Road, adjacent to the School, which children are expected to use. The school operates a road patrol daily from 8.30-8.50am and 3.00-3.15pm.  We encourage to model safe practices by also using the pedestrian crossing when bringing children to and from school.

Cyclists
We ask that children that ride to school are made aware of road rules, wear helmets and are capable riders. The Police recommend that children should be at least 10 years of age before riding on their own to school. Bikes should be locked in the bike stands provided.

Wet Day Traffic:
A wet day brings major congestion. Wise parents meet their children on the School side of the road and assist them to cross, if they are parked on the opposite side. Parents are asked not to park their cars where they will impede the flow of traffic, and observe all road markings and signs.

Cars in the School Grounds:
Please do not drop off, pick up or park in the School grounds.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Medical Conditions/Allergies/ Blood Borne Viruses:
Medical information provided on the school enrolment form will be recorded in the Student Management System.
If your child has an allergy (eg bee stings) or a blood borne virus, please tell us about the medication / action required, especially if it needs to be given at School. The School holds medicines, pills, asthma inhalers etc in the Medical Room cupboard – labelled with the name of the child concerned and directions for use.

Dental Clinic:
The Mobile Dental Van visits Matua School once a year to check the dental health of students. Students requiring dental procedures are referred to the Super Clinic at Otumoetai Primary School. If you have any concerns regarding the dental health of your child please contact dental therapists at the Super Clinic – (07) 576 6752

Public Health Nurse:
Our school is supported by a public health nurse. Referrals can be arranged through the school office or if preferred by direct contact.

Civil Defence:
In the event of a civil defence emergency, children will be held at School until their safety elsewhere can be assured, or until their parent or guardian arrives to pick them up.