Please click on the below link to view the Parent Information Guide.
Parent_Information_Guide_15-7-2010.pdf
Please click on the below link to view the Uniform Order Form.
Uniform_Order_January_2010.pdf
Please click on the below link to view the School Lunch Menu.
OUR SCHOOL
Epsom Normal Primary School is a state school, which celebrated its centennial in 1986. We are very proud of our reputation as a school which provides education of a high quality in terms of student achievement. This is as a result of excellent planning to cater for individual learning. The school caters for the first six years of primary education and lays a strong foundation for later intermediate and secondary education.
While our first and foremost function is to provide the best possible education for children, we are heavily involved in the professional development of the student teachers from the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland. Teachers at our school are specially selected to demonstrate current educational ideas and methods and both children and teachers benefit from access to the full resources of the Faculty of Education.
HISTORY
Epsom District School opened in 1886 across the road and moved to its present site in 1897 with 4 1/2 acres of purchased land for five hundred pounds from Samuel Vaile Ltd. The puriri trees, which line The Drive at the front of the school, were planted by Sir Logan Campbell in 1901. Of interest also, the first recorded concern about over-crowding was in 1904 when the Headmaster reported that the roll was 272 in a school built to hold 232. The wooden buildings which through this earlier period made up the school, were largely destroyed by fire in 1923 and replaced with a concrete and brick structure in 1925. When the ‘Training College’ was made Allied Headquarters during the Second World War, Epsom District School became the site for training teachers and its pupils were accommodated in nearby schools. In 1945 the Country Model School was brought under the umbrella of Epsom which became a Normal School. The present buildings were erected in 1976 and it was at this time that the Model School came on site.
OUR LOGO
By way of explanation, the beehive represents the abundance with which nature has blessed Auckland, the sheaf of wheat is a symbol of the fruit of toil, the pick and spade signify hard work and the plough represents pioneering. The Latin words “Totis Viribus” can be translated as “With all my strength”, while the triple star refers to the three major islands which make up New Zealand.
OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Our prime purpose at Epsom is to cater effectively for the learning needs of the children. We aim to foster secure and caring environments, which promote the highest realistic standards achievable for each child across a broad, balanced curriculum.
A second priority in terms of our normal school status is to take a leading part in the professional development of student teachers. We recognise that, in order to achieve these goals, the school and its staff must be at the cutting edge of trends and developments in education, particularly in teaching and learning.
Very briefly, our principal aim is to provide a warm, accepting, learning environment where all children can grow and develop from entry to the highest possible level and become life long learners. We teach children in groups to cater for all learners, providing opportunities to reach their maximum potential.
OUR MISSION
To promote:
secure and caring environments
excellence in all endeavours
self-esteem through pride and achievement
responsible individuals
respect for others
We teach the New Zealand National Curriculum which comprises of seven essential learning areas:
English
Mathematics
Health and Physical Education
The Arts - Music, Art, Dance and Drama
Social Sciences
Technology
Science
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
Particular attention is given to developing positive self-concepts, independent work habits, working effectively with others, manners and courtesy. We have a reputation for good discipline and excellent school tone.
Class Levels - organised as below:
Year 1 5 year olds
Year 2 6 year olds
Year 3 7 year olds
Year 4 8 year olds
Year 5 9 year olds
Year 6 10 year olds
It is our policy for children to spend at least two years at school before moving into Year 3. The timing of birthdays, level of social and emotional maturity and level of achievement are determinants. While we are flexible making an educational decision for each child, typically those with April/May birthdays onwards spend the remainder of the year in Year 2. This decision is made in consultation with parents. Children work at their own levels of achievement. We are laying down the foundation for future formal learning. We will not pressure children to ‘keep up’ with others when it is not possible for them to do so and we provide opportunities for small numbers of socially mature and very gifted children to move at a faster pace.
Social Structure - grouping organised as below:
Junior School: Years 1 and 2
Middle School: Years 3 and 4
Senior School: Years 5 and 6
Each grouping is managed by a member of the school’s Senior Management Team. Please contact the Head of School at any time.
SCHOOL HOURS
First Bell 8.55 am
School Commences 9.00 am
Morning Tea Interval 10.55 - 11.20 am
Lunch Interval 1.00 - 1.55 pm
School Finishes 2.55 pm
The grounds are open at 8.30 am. Parents’ co-operation is sought in not sending children to school before this time. If necessary, Before School Care (supervision only) is available from 7.30 - 8.30 am, paid in advance (contact the school office for information). Please note that our school does not have a shortened lunch hour or a shortened day on wet days.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
The roads immediately surrounding our school are extremely busy. Instruction in road safety is a regular part of our programme as are visits by Police Educational Officers who supervise and advise on road safety problems.
We specifically request that parents model aspects of road safety; in the way they use and respect pedestrian crossings especially when supervised by our school patrols and their manner of parking which recognises the “No Parking” signs and road courtesy.
Child patrols of Y6 children with teacher or parent supervision are on duty for thirty minutes before school and approximately fifteen minutes after school as a direct measure to improve safety. Pedestrian crossings controlled by traffic lights at the corner of Greenlane Road/The Drive and Gillies Avenue/King George Avenue have traffic wardens who ensure that children cross correctly. Flags are provided so that children can be seen more easily.
Contact the Office to learn about the “Walking School Bus” programme.
BICYCLES
Because of the density of traffic in the surrounding area of the school, we do not allow the riding of bicycles to school. This is on the recommendation of the School Traffic Educational Officer.
ABSENCES
It is imperative that the school is notified by 9.00 am on the morning of a child’s absence. Un-notified absences are checked with parents each morning. Children arriving late to school are requested to call at the office before going to the classroom.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION
Our school is a venue for a privately run before school and after school care programme. Please note the school simply provides the venue and not the service. This programmes are run by Parnell Trust, Programmes for Children. Places are limited. For an enrolment form and more information, please contact the school office.
These programmes operate in ‘The House’ which is a brick building located behind the music classroom. Parents deliver their enrolled children to the morning programme. As soon as school finishes, enrolled children go directly from their classroom to ‘The House’.
Please contact Parnell Trust for further information.
Tel: 379 2095
Fax: 379 2091
www.parnell.org.nz
email:pfc@parnell.org.nz
After_School_Programmes.pdf
SCHOOL ROAD PATROLS
Teachers and children are rostered on a daily basis to patrol the crossings outside the school. Because of the very busy roads, we require ongoing assistance from parents in the mornings and afternoons to help ensure the safety of the children, ie at the traffic lights at the regional road (Greenlane Road) and King George Avenue.