DAILY LIFE

ATTENDANCE & ABSENCES

If your child is going to be away from School, please use HERO to record the absence. Alternatively, you can call the school office at 576 9027 and leave a message on the answerphone. This will ensure that a close connection between home and school is maintained, especially regarding your child’s safety on the way to and from school. Please don’t send a message to the teacher; they will be notified of children absent each day.

For extended absences, we require a signed and dated note from home or email outlining the dates and reason for absence.  All attendance data is recorded in Hero, and you can see what has been recorded via the parent app.

SCHOOL LUNCHES

Subway lunches are available for families to order on a Friday from www.ezlunch.co.nz

STATIONERY

At the beginning of each year Stationery Packs are available for purchase online through Office Max.  Please discuss stationery requirements with the school office if you arrive mid-year.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

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

COMMUNICATION

Hero
Hero is our main method for communication with whānau, and is available on your computer browser or via the Hero App on your smartphone.  It is important you have access to this system which will push notifications for important messages to you.  To connect, download the Hero App and sign up as a new user, using the email address you provided to the school.  Both parents are able to create personal accounts.  If you need support, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.

Kindo online school shop
Our Kindo online school shop is designed to make it easy for you to pay for sporting events, school donations, trips and special occasions.  No paper, no cash, no hassle!  Follow THIS LINK to set up your Kindo Account.  Please contact the school office or the Kindo helpdesk on freephone 0508 454 636 if you have any problems.

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

Newsletters
A fortnightly newsletter goes out to all families via Hero. 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/

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 ‘no 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 on the trolley outside Room 11.

Uniform Guidelines
To see our school uniform items, FOLLOW THIS LINK
Children can choose to wear any combination of the items in the uniform range.  They can select from polo or sports tops, fleece or rain jackets, and short or long bottom options.  No specific shoe is required, however those worn should be appropriate for an active day at school.

In the winter children can choose to wear a long sleeve thermal under their polo.  However, the thermal should be navy or black.

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 are pedestrian crossings on Levers Road and Clivedene Street, adjacent to the School, which children are expected to use. The school operates a road patrol on Levers Road daily from 8.30-8.50am and 3.00-3.15pm.  We encourage parents to model safe practices by also using the pedestrian crossing when bringing children to and from school.

Cyclists
We ask that children who 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 Ōtūmoetai 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.