Rooms 18, 19, 24 & 27
Term One 2009
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome to the 2009 academic year and a special welcome to all of our new children and parents starting at Epsom Normal Primary School this year.
We have four classes in Manuka syndicate this term : Nicki Kirk teaching in room 18; Jocelyn Goodman teaching in room 19; Andy Faulder teaching in room 24; Andrea Morgan teaching in room 27.
Shelley Quinlivan (Junior School Liaison) is available if you have any queries that cannot be answered by your child’s classroom teacher. Please make an appointment through the school office or email her on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Year One team of teachers plans together during weekly planning meetings to develop a well balanced and stimulating programme that is delivered in each of the classes. Our major topics for term one are ‘Now I Am Five’ and ‘ Under The Sea’.
You are always welcome to visit your child’s classroom and we look forward to forming a close partnership with parents and caregivers over the coming year. Classroom teachers are usually available before and after school to answer quick queries. If you have concerns or require a longer interview it may be necessary to make an appointment. Official parent/teacher interviews will be in week 9 of the first term. You will be advised of appointment times.
There is an earlier chance to meet teachers, parents and other members of the school community at the School Picnic to be held on 24th February. A notice will be sent home closer to the time.
School starting/Finishing times
School begins at 8:55 each morning. We suggest arriving earlier to allow your child time to hang up their bag and to follow the routines for book-bags, work folders, etc. We aim to develop independence in children and we ask you to encourage your child to complete these routines themselves. The start of each day is an important sharing and learning time so it is important that children are in attendance by this time. Children should not be on site before 8:30. If you are early to arrive, children must wait on the hall steps for safety reasons until the 8:30 bell.
School finishes at 3pm (New entrant children finish at 2pm for the first 2 weeks). Please note that teachers have planning meetings beginning at 3:15 so any children not collected by 3:10 will be taken to the office to wait. This service is for emergencies only and for children requiring regular care after 3pm there is an ‘after school’ (and before school) programme available. Please see the office for details.
Absences
If your child is absent from school please notify the school office by phone between 8:30 – 9:00am.
Morning tea/Lunchtime
Morning tea is from 10:30 – 10:50am
Lunch is from 12:30 – 1:25
Children are required to sit and eat their lunch under teacher supervision before playing. It would be helpful if, in these early days, you could explain to your child which foods he/she should eat at morning tea/lunch. Children are asked to take their rubbish home in their lunchbox. Food allergies are common, so please discuss with your child the importance of never sharing food at school as this can be dangerous to some children. Please note that ‘fizzy’ drinks and lollies/chocolate should not be included in lunchboxes.
Book-bags/Homework
Book-bags go home every afternoon and need to be brought to school every day. Book-bags are part of the communication between school and home. Please check the book-bag each day as notices, newsletters etc, as well as homework are placed in it.
Children should bring home letters/words to learn and/or a reader in their book-bag Monday-Thursday. On Friday they will bring home a folder containing work samples, poems, or a poetry book etc to share with you. Please discuss your child’s work with them and praise and encourage their efforts. Please return these folders to school on Monday. It is helpful to encourage your child to share interesting objects, facts and personal news as part of the oral language programme, although they are not expected to share news every day.
The most important thing about homework for junior school children is to praise and encourage their efforts often. Try to make the learning experiences as rewarding and as much fun as possible.
Toys
Toys and other precious items should not be brought to school. Such items can get lost or broken and this can be a cause of sadness and concern for children and teachers.
Parent Help
We love to have offers of help from parents. There are many jobs to do; making/preparing resources, helping with the reading and writing programme, working in the book room. If you are able to help please see Shelley Quinlivan or your child’s classroom teacher. Sorry but we are unable to cater for preschoolers. Also if you have any art/craft items that you think may be useful at school please see your child’s teacher. It would also be greatly appreciated if each child could contribute one box of tissues each semester please. Junior classes go through a LOT of tissues!
Uniform
Thank you to all those who have purchased the new uniform for their children this year. Our school-run uniform shop has any items your child may need. Please ensure your child has a hat at school every day during term one for sun protection. Please be aware that all new Year One children are expected to wear the new uniform.
Swimming
We will soon be teaching our swimming programme during term one.
Rooms 18 and 19 will swim on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Room 24 will swim on Tuesdays.
Room 27 will swim on Thursdays.
Please ensure children bring togs, towel and a bathing cap (compulsory – available through the school resource room) on the appropriate days. As always with all items brought to school make sure everything is clearly named.
We look forward to happy and successful learning in the Manuka syndicate and sharing this important year with you and your child.
Thank you,
Manuka syndicate teachers
Nicki Kirk Room 18
Jocelyn Goodman Room 19
Andy Faulder Room 24
Andrea Morgan Room 27