SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
“Quality learning and teaching within a respectful and safe community.”
WELCOME
A warm welcome is extended to all parents and families who have children enrolling at Milson School in 2011 and beyond.
We trust your association with our school will be a happy one, with close cooperation between parents and staff, to the benefit of your children's education. This booklet will provide families with basic information about the school. If there are any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
HISTORY
Milson Primary School opened on 21 May 1928 and is set in the North East sector of Palmerston North City. It was once a three teacher "country" school, and the main contributors to the school came from the local railway settlement. The original three-classroom block was once situated on the site of the new hall.
1998 saw the opening of a new administration block housing:- library, computer lab, teacher resource centre, reception, office and staff room. Late in 2006 a new school hall was opened. The school is a co-educational State Contributing School, which is regarded as a friendly school with a sound academic record. The roll grew rapidly in the late 1970's reaching a total of 750 pupils. Today the school roll ranges from 310 to 370.
The Milson suburb has grown extensively over past years, and presents a rather varied cross section of society therefore giving Milson its own unique identity, history and aspirations.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE
Our Board plays a crucial role in the governance of our school. Elections are held three yearly with the next in 2013. Meetings are generally held at 5.30 pm on a Thursday in week 3 and 8 each term in our school staffroom. Meetings are open to the public.
SCHOOL DONATION and ACTIVITY FEE
This is vital income and supports many aspects of the school programme, such as:-
- Sports gear upgrades; Library and text books
- Computer replacement fund; Cultural and other activities
The school donation for 2011 is set at
$60 For one child, $90 for 2 children and $110 for 3 or more.
For 2011 there is a fee ($30 per pupil) to cover visiting performers, class trips (within 50 km of town). Note, this does not cover senior school EOTC costs, class camps or trips over 50 km from school or sports teams registrations, which are charged separately. If you choose not to pay this fee before the end of February, then you will be charged per event during the year – children’s participation in these events is dependent on the relevant fee having been paid prior to the event.
CURRICULUM
Our programmes are based around the national curriculum. We focus on our pupils' developing expertise and understanding in
- Numeracy & Literacy Skills
- The Arts (Music, Visual, Drama, Dance)
- Information and Technology
- Self-Management and Social Interaction
- Physical Education & Health
- Inquiry Learning (Science, Social sciences)
- Education Outside the Classroom
A strong emphasis is placed on the core learning areas of Literacy and numeracy. Our balanced curriculum is further enriched with inquiry theme units (based in science, social science, technology areas), drama, dance, art, music, P.Ed and Health. All classrooms have permanent access to at least two classroom computers (desktop & laptops). Our school is fully networked. The library is computerised and able to be searched from any classroom computer. We also have 6 pods of five computers (both apple & PC) which can be borrowed by classrooms throughout the school day. Milson School is connected to email, the Internet, and we have our own website (www.milson.school.nz)
Opportunities to perform and participate in clubs, dance, music and drama are actively encouraged at Milson School. A feature of Milson School is a fortnightly Friday School Assembly, where the school gathers to celebrate the events of the week, enjoy items and receive notices and certificates . The children play a big part in the presentation of the fortnightly assembly. Parents and friends of the school are encouraged to attend.
PARENTS AND OUR SCHOOL
CONTACT WITH PARENTS
Milson School is conscious that parents are the `first teachers' of our pupils. Our aim is to promote a working relationship between school and home. Regular weekly newsletters go home and these will keep parents informed of school events. Teachers are willing to meet with parents to discuss issues relating to their child. The Principal welcomes any feedback from parents and caregivers.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
Milson School has a long history of supportive PTA activity. These people give a great deal of time and energy to the school. They are our major fundraising team. Parents are warmly invited to join this Association. This is a great opportunity to meet with other parents, discover the way learning and teaching is unfolding and help meet the needs of our school. Each year they consider many innovative projects, undertake fund raising and hold meetings to further educate parents on school programmes. The PTA executive is elected each year. The PTA is also the organiser of school events such as the pupil discos which are held twice a year.
VISITING
Parents are most welcome to visit the school but must report to the office on arrival. We are pleased to arrange times for you to meet with all staff.
PARENT HELPERS
There are several avenues to help and we appreciate this volunteer assistance. We need parents for the following:
- Stationery sales (beginning of the year)
- Stocktakes
- Telephone check in
- Library help
- Reading Support
- Sausage Sizzles
- Casual help
- PTA fundraising events
Please notify the school office if you are willing to help in any of the above.
PARENT TEACHER PUPIL CONFERENCES
While these may be requested at any time, we will schedule two formal opportunities in term 2 and term 3. Pupils are also involved in these conferences. The pupils also complete a “Learning Journey” which comes home three times each year which gives parents a great summary of progress and achievement across the curriculum.
THE SCHOOL YEAR- 2011
TERM ONE
Tuesday 1 February Children return to school
Friday 15 April Last day of term 1
TERM TWO
Monday 2 May Children return to school
Friday 3 June Teacher Only Day
Monday 6 June Queen’s birthday
Friday 15 July Last day of term 2
TERM THREE
Monday 1 August Children return to school
Friday 7 October Last day of term 3
TERM FOUR
Monday 25 October Children return to school
Thursday 15 December Last day of term 4
SCHOOL HOURS
8.30 am Grounds open 9.00 am School commences
11.10-11.30 am Morning Interval 12.50-1.40 Lunch
3.00 pm School finishes
OFFICE HOURS & CLASS VISITS
Office staff are available between the hours of 8.30 – 3.30 pm.
While visits to classrooms may be arranged, we would ask parents to vacate classrooms promptly in the morning when school starts at 9 am and not to enter the rooms before the class is dismissed at 3 pm daily.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
ABSENCES
Parents/caregivers need to contact the school by phone (Ph 3585204) before school commences if your child is going to be absent. For your child’s’ safety all unexplained absences are investigated. You are also more than welcome to text (on ) or email notification of pupil absences (to office@milson.school.nz).
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Within classrooms a full range of positive activities is in operation. The majority of our students respond well to these. Please feel free to discuss these with your child’s classroom teacher should you require further clarification. Therefore, our behaviour management system relies heavily on encouraging children to make right choices, as well as providing a positive and encouraging learning school environment.
However we do run a system of consequences for pupils who make the wrong choice with their behaviours. We aim for this system to be fair and consistent across the school.
For behaviour that is deemed inappropriate by staff a detention may be the resulting consequence. If so the following actions will take place:
MILSON SCHOOL BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PLAN
ONE DETENTION – ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Student completes a Think Sheet. Issues discussed with teacher during detention. Warning of further consequences. Letter home to parents.
TWO DETENTIONS IN ANY ONE TERM – ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
Student completes a Think Sheet. Issues discussed with teacher during detention. Parents are contacted by a phone call from the child’s classroom teacher. The issues are discussed and possible solutions highlighted.
FOUR DETENTIONS IN ANY ONE TERM – ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
Student completes a Think Sheet. Issues discussed with teacher during detention. Parents are contacted and a meeting is set up with Senior Management and the child’s classroom teacher. Outside agencies may also be contacted at this stage. Parents, Senior Management and Principal to decide on further action.
FOUR DETENTIONS PLUS – ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
If the pupil's behaviour meets the requirements of the Education Act Section 14…
The Principal may stand-down or suspend a student if satisfied on reasonable grounds that:-
- The students gross misconduct or continued disobedience is a harmful or dangerous example to other pupils at the school, or
- Because, of the students behaviour, it is likely that the pupil, or other pupils at the school, will be seriously harmed if the pupil is not stood down or suspended for an unspecified period.
Our staff are skilled in working with children to ensure they reflect and model our core school values. These are outlined on the next page. Please note: all teachers run incentive programmes within their classrooms and these are acknowledged regularly in our fortnightly assemblies.
In 2009 our Milson School community (pupils , parents and staff) was surveyed to find the values that they considered most important. From these staff were able to put them together. and build them into our school ethos.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES/IMMUNISATION
These must be produced when enrolling 5 year old pupils. New entrant pupils commence on the Monday following their fifth birthday.
CYCLING
Unless actually accompanied by a parent, pupils are discouraged from cycling to school until the Year 5 & 6 class. All cyclists must wear approved helmets securely on their heads. There is no cycling in the school grounds. Breaking of these rules may mean the child is banned from biking. During school hours bicycles are to be kept in the racks provided. The School strongly recommends that all bicycles be secured with a lock.
FIRST AID
Parents will be contacted when any matters of concern occur. Please provide the school office with home, work and emergency telephone numbers.
FOOD AND RUBBISH
It is expected that children will take home any rubbish they bring to school. At lunchtime, they are expected to take their lunchbox out with them and return all rubbish to their bags. Having a spare plastic bag for their rubbish to go into each day is a good idea.
HOME DETAILS
Please alert our office to changes in address, phone number, guardianship and details affecting the child.
HOMEWORK
All pupils will have some reading homework and where appropriate basic facts.
LOST PROPERTY
Items will be housed in a box or rack in the school hall. It is strongly recommended that all items be named so they can then be returned to the owners.
MEDICATION
Please ensure class teachers and the office is fully aware of any medication, allergy or condition likely to cause your child stress. If medication has to be given regularly to a child then a permission form needs to be completed from the school office.
MONEY
When sending money to school for whatever purpose, please place it in an envelope with your child's name, room number, the amount and what it is for, clearly marked on the front. Children should not be bringing money to school for other purposes.
NEWSLETTERS
A newsletter is published each Thursday and sent home with the eldest child in each family. We acknowledge, with thanks the sponsors who help fund this weekly communication.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Milson School has an excellent programme of Outdoor Education suited to each class level from New Entrants - Year 6. Staff encourage students to face new challenges, experiences and learn new skills, thereby developing personal confidence. Educational activities off the school grounds range from short visits and day trips to overnight stays and camps. In 2010 the Year 5 & 6 pupils had a 3 day camp in Wanganui. In 2011 Year 5 & 6 pupils will have an overnight stay at Rangi Woods (Pohangina Valley)
POLICIES
The Board of Trustees approves all policies and these are readily available for parents to refer to in a Policy Booklet held in our foyer. Those most pertinent to parents are also available through our school website (www.milson.school.nz).
REGULAR SCHOOL EVENTS
- Swimming sports
- Tabloid sports
- School EOTC trips – Year 5 & 6
- Athletic Sports
- Cross-Country
- Winter Sports Tournament
- School Triathlon
- Parent Teacher Pupil conferences
SMOKING
School property at all times is a smoke free area.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Our school allocates part of its staffing entitlement to employ teachers and teacher aides to design and implement programmes to assist children with specific educational needs.
STATIONERY
Stationery is available before school starts in Term 1 for purchase from the office. All children must have the stationery required by Friday of Week 1 please. During the year notes will be sent home when extra stationery is required – this can be purchased through the school office.
SUN HATS
School Sunhats are compulsory during term 1 and 4 (starting around Labour weekend) of the school year. They are to be worn every time the child is outdoors. Children without a sunhat will not be permitted to play in the playgrounds. The bucket style hat, blue colour, is the regulation hat, and these are sold through the office (currently $10).
TEACHER NAMES
Some teachers opt to have their children call them by their first name if they choose. This is optional and if you prefer your child to still use the teachers honorific (i.e Mrs , Mr etc) that is quite acceptable.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Milson School has a compulsory school uniform for all pupils. This can be purchased through Postiplus (corner Church St & College St). Some parts of the uniform that do not have the school logo on them can be obtained elsewhere as long as they meet the policy on clothing (available on the school web site or from the office.).
Thank you for choosing to join our Milson family. We look forward to your participation in our school and hope you enjoy it as much as we all do.
Barrie Eccles
Principal