Myross Bush School

Information Guide
Information for parents of pre-school and
primary aged children, new staff and visitors to the school.
welcome

From strong foundations we

grow and stand tall together

Kia tu Pakari
Find out more at www.myrossbush.school.nz
 imagine

Dear Parents,
Welcome to the “Myross
Bush School Family”...
We are very proud of the learning we provide
for our children and the caring environment
where each individual has opportunities to
develop a strong foundation in their academic
and social life from which they can grow and
stand tall. Each child is encouraged to be
confident in themselves as an individual and
as a member of wider society.
The school has been on its current site since
1868 and has a proud tradition and heritage
of providing a special environment that
children can feel part of for their primary
years of education. Myross Bush School has
a current roll in February 2011 of 153 pupils
with 8 classrooms, and a team of passionate
educators who work together to make our
school as happy and as rewarding as
possible for all our pupils.
We believe in ensuring our pupils have the
fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy to
provide that strong foundation for continued
learning throughout life. To engage our
learners and to enhance our learning
programmes we look to ‘wrap’ these core
skills around the other essential learning
areas of the curriculum.
The attention to fundamental learning brought
to life across the curriculum enables us to
promote thinking skills and teach children
how to learn in an ‘inquiry’ based approach.
Each child’s learning pathway is unique and
we work in close partnership with home to
help understand and develop the whole child.
We have the expectation that children will
learn about themselves and how to treat
others the way they would wish to be treated.
We are also very pleased to be part of the
school’s immediate community and also the
wider Invercargill and unique Southland
Region. The wider community recognises our
school as an educational leader that is
prepared to take the initiative and be
innovative while at the same time, share our
passion for teaching and learning with others.
We encourage an open family environment
and invite you to visit us so you can see the
school in action for yourself. I am happy to
answer any questions you may have and to
show you around. Myross Bush School is a
special place.
Regards
Tim Lovelock
Principal

From strong foundations we

Our Vision grow and stand tall together
Kia tu Pakari

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 Desirable experiences
for pre school children
• Talk to them about starting school,
where they will meet new friends, play
games, sing and make things.

• Help them to learn to put on their

shoes and do them up.

• Give them duties to perform around

home which require one or two simple
directions. This will give them
confidence to complete small tasks.

• Take them to Auntie’s or a friends

house to stay awhile so they will
accept that they cannot always be with
their parents.

• Encourage them by admiring their

work when they bring it home. Give
their paintings and handiwork place of
honour for a few days.

• Select stories, picture books, radio and

television programmes for them. Strike
Myross Bush School Staff a balance between educational and
interest experiences.

Tim Lovelock Principal • Read regularly to them.

Mark Herring Assistant Principal, Teacher Year 5 & 6 (Rm 8) • As a family, GO, SEE, DO, DISCUSS.
Jan Forde Assistant Principal, Teacher New Entrant/Year 1 (Rm 1)
These experiences are vital for
Amy Polaschek Teacher New Entrant/Year 1 (Rm 2) building on at school. Children cannot
speak or write unless they have
Natalie Godby Teacher Year 1 & 2 (Rm 3) something to speak or write about.
Evelyn Aurik Teacher Year 1 & 2 (Rm 4)
• Encourage careful listening and clear
Kiri Kahukura Teacher Year 3 & 4 (Rm 5) speech.
Hamish Menlove Teacher Year 3 & 4 (Rm 6) • Provide opportunities for your child to
Paula Stewart Teacher Year 5 & 6 (Rm 7) make things.

Tania Faulkner-McKenzie Reading Recovery/Release Teacher Rm 2 /Librarian • By playing, a child is building up

experiences and knowledge especially
Heidi Wilcox Release Teacher Rm 8 useful in mathematics.
Mel Lemin Release Teacher Rm 1
Carolyn MacPherson Teacher Aide
Sue Blackmore Teacher Aide Enrolling 5 year olds
Irene Tresidder Office Manager The school organises a pre-school
Cristy Henderson Financial Officer meeting with parents enrolling their child
in school in the current year and including
Mary Christie Cleaner part of the next year. It gives parents an
opportunity to meet the New Entrant
Peter Tetai Bus Driver
Teachers and ask any questions about
this important transition. Staff will also
suggest some activities to help develop
Myross Bush School Board of Trustees pre-school Literacy and Numeracy
knowledge.

It is usual for all pre school children to visit

Mr Rod Sinclair Chairperson, Legal Responsibility, Disciplinary the school for part of a morning prior to
Mrs Sharon Donaldson Finance being enrolled. If you have not been
contacted by the school would you please
Mrs Jo McLeod Deputy Chair, Personnel, Disciplinary ring and make arrangements for a visit.
Mr Simon McKenzie Property When your child is enrolled the following
Mr Barry Smith Property are required:
Mrs Helen Weir Documentation & Self Review, Disciplinary • Enrolment form
Mr Tim Lovelock Principal, Curriculum, Privacy & NAG 1 • Child’s birth certificate *
Staff Rep, Health & Safety
• Immunisation Certificate *
Board of Trustees Meetings are usually held on Mondays twice a Term at 7.30pm and are
advertised in the newsletter. You are most welcome to attend. *The Ministry of Education and Ministry of
Health require the school to retain a copy
The School and Board hosts a “School Break-up Year 6 Farewell” barbecue in December. of these documents - (we must sight the
Families and community members are encouraged to attend. originals).

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 Our school values Our School
are the foundation of Values
our education
❛ ...each individual has
program
opportunities to
develop a strong
foundation from which
they can grow and
stand tall ❜

Celebrating Diversity
Rereketanga
“We are all different and
that’s exciting!”

Integrity
Ngakau Tapatahi
“Doing the right thing
even when no one else is
Myross Bush School Vision and Values looking”
Through our last round of community • Children are more able to reach their
consultation our community expressed the potential in a physically and emotionally safe Positive Relationships
following beliefs in the way they wanted their environment. Kotahitanga
children to be supported at Myross Bush School
throughout their schooling. • An attractive and orderly environment “Getting along together”
inspires pride and a sense of achievement.
• Well supported, highly skilled and
enthusiastic staff is our school’s most • Access to quality, relevant resources and
valuable resource. facilities enhances learning. Honesty
• A good grounding in Literacy and Numeracy • Positive working relationships between Mahi Tika
parents, staff, Board of Trustees, Friends of
will give children a sound basis for future
learning. the School and the wider community will be “Having the courage to
promoted. tell the truth”
• All students will be given the opportunities to
gain knowledge and skills across all
curriculum areas. Self Improvement
These beliefs are supported by our vision Whakapai Ake
statement and the six core values. These are
centred around the picture of the Kahikatea Tree. “Be the best you can be”
This was selected because it is the tallest
growing tree in our local Myross Bush area. It
grows up to 60m tall and is also known as ‘white Caring For The
pine’.
Environment
By using the image of the Kahikatea Tree this
helped inspire the development of our vision Te Papa Atawhai
statement which draws on the context of being
strong, confident and being prepared to stand “Reduce, reuse, recycle
above the crowd to be the best you can be! and restore, replenish”

• Children should take increasing responsibility

for their learning to enable them to be life
long learners.
• The diverse nature of individual children will
be acknowledged and catered for.
• An acceptance that risk taking and making
mistakes are part of learning.

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 School Guidelines and Procedures for Parents and Families
ASSEMBLY - School assembly is held
each Friday from 2.15pm onwards in
the Activity Centre. Parents are
welcome to attend.

ATTENDANCE - To ensure children

arrive at school safely, teachers are
required to enter daily absences on to
the Ministry of Education ENROL
programme.

Parents will be contacted for any child

who is absent when school commences
if we have not received a note or a
phone call to say they will be absent or
late. The reason for the absence is to
be stated.

Children who are absent from school

for any reason must bring a written
explanation when they return. If your
child’s absence is planned, please
notify the school prior to the absence.
AVIARY AND NATIVE GARDEN - The
school aviary is run by a committee of
Year 5 & 6 children who care for the
budgies, parrots, cockatiels and quail
on a roster system under the guidance
of our Office Manager. A number of
babies are hatched each year with the
best breeding ones kept and the rest
sold or given away.
The aviary is a source of great interest
for both parents and children. The
aviary has an outdoor flight and is set in
a native garden area with children’s
BBQ tables.
Small fundraising activities are run by
the committee to fund the seed,
ongoing care of the birds and usually
are able to contribute towards another
area of need in the school. The aviary
concept was developed,built and
fundraised for in 1999 from an idea by
a parent and the commitment of our
Office Manager.
CAR PARK - For safety reasons, we ask you to
use the car park on the north side of the school
when dropping off or collecting children.
As it is difficult to see some of the smaller
children when parking and reversing from the far
side of the car park, all parents are to come and
meet their child at the gate. Children will not then
feel the need to dash to the car.
Please do not park outside the front gate as this
area is reserved for the bus and staff car park
entrance. This also ensures the safety of your
children.
A disabled park is available in the staff car park.
All non bus children should be picked up at the
gate in the parents car park.
On wet days the children are encouraged to
stand in the Activity Centre.
All children walking or riding home must wait in
the bike shed until the bus has left, when their
departure onto or across Mill Road North will be
supervised. Safety Vests need to be worn.
It is the policy of the Transport Department that
no child under 10yrs should ride a bike without
parent escort. Cycle helmets must be worn,
please check that your child knows how to wear
his/her helmet correctly.
wait to be picked up. To avoid delays while
we sort out the confusion or children going to
the wrong destination, please send a note or
phone the school if there is to be any change
from their usual travel arrangements.
Safety Vest - bus children will be issued with
a vest. A charge will be made if the vest is
damaged.
CLOTHING - Every effort is made to trace
lost property. This is helped if clothing is
clearly named. The box of unclaimed clothing
is given to the 2nd hand shop at the end of
each term and is always larger than we would
like.
Hand towels are unnecessary as the school
provides roller towels for children.
FITNESS CENTRE - A community fitness
centre at the school provides cardiovascular ,
self esteem and confidence building activities
for our pupils and families in the community.
Outside the school hours of 8.30am - 3.30pm
children use the centre at their own risk.
Teachers are not on supervision duty outside
these times.

From time to time children become confused as

to whether they are to go home on the bus or

Camp - Every year the

Year 6 children attend a
school camp. At present
children, teachers and
parents spend 5 days at
Stewart Island in
November.

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 ❛ The value of
children of all ages
reading with their
parents is well
acknowledged ❜
FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL - This parent
group was formed to support many areas of
the school community. Fundraising activities
are one priority due to the school being
classed as a Decile 10 school (ie limited
funding). Different subcommittees are
formed for each activity so that the load can
be shared as much as possible.
GARDEN CLUB - A number of children
participate in the School Garden Club. The
children are responsible for the school
gardens and worm farms.
With some parent help they keep our school
looking neat and colourful. Most plants are
grown from seeds which the children
cultivate.
STUDENT CONFERENCES - Opportunities
are provided for interviews with teachers at
six weeks and also six months for first year
students early Term 1 and Term 3.
If you wish to discuss your child’s progress
at any other time please ring the school and
an interview time will be arranged.
Please feel free to contact the school if you
have any concerns. Children will receive
portfolio samples and a report each year.
LUNCHES - Children may bring food to be
heated in the pie warmer. This food should
be well wrapped and labelled with the child’s
name and room number. It will be delivered
to the classroom at 12.30pm.
On Thursdays in Term 2 & 3 the aviary
committee will sell sausages to fundraise for
the aviary.
The school has a “no wrapper” rule in the
playground to encourage children to bring
their lunch in reusable containers, snap
plastic bags etc.
LIBRARY - The value of children of all
ages reading with their parents is well
Parents of pre-schoolers are welcome to
use the library. Please contact Sue in the
acknowledged. We are fortunate to have office for a library users card.
a library which is well stocked with up-
to-date fiction and resource material
which children are encouraged to use.
It is important that children treat library
books with respect and we encourage
them to use a library bag to transport
their books to and from school. We have
the valued assistance of parents to help
in maintaining our library. Parents are
welcome to visit the library after school
to help children choose books.
If children bring individualised wrappers, the
wrappers are to be left in lunch boxes and
PET DAY - This is usually held around the
taken home. The only lunch rubbish to be
end of October. Pet Day is a day for
put in the bins are yoghurt pottles and fruit
learning more about animals as well as a
scraps. Please supply your own spoons/
community get together. Most children
forks if necessary.
bring a pet and activities and speakers are
organised throughout the day.
MOFFETT CUP - This annual rugby and
There are no formal classes on this day. It
netball competition between the Southern
is also used as a fundraising opportunity
Zone Schools is usually held in Term 3 for
with some stalls. The day is very well
children who are Year 3 and older.
supported by the local community.
MONEY - All money sent to school is to be
in a sealed envelope, and should state the ❛ Pet Day is a very popular
child’s name, amount enclosed and what it is
for, e.g. school account, clearly written on annual event. Grandparents,
the outside. The envelope is to be posted in
the office letter slot. Cheques are to be friends and members of the
made out to: MYROSS BUSH SCHOOL
BOARD of TRUSTEES community are most
Payments are able to be made by internet welcome to attend ❜
banking. Contact the office for details.
Payment of sports team entry fees are
detailed on the team entry form. Internet
banking is available, please contact the
office for details.
NEW FAMILIES MEETINGS - Friends of the
School group run one meeting a term for
new families. This helps create a smooth
transition into school, a chance to ask
questions in an informal setting and meet
other parents. Pre-schoolers are welcome.
Dates of these meetings are advertised in
the school newsletter.
WELFARE COMMITTEE - A group of keen
parents bake cakes as a thank you from the
school as well as acknowledging sickness or
bereavements in the community.
OPEN DAYS - From time to time the school
has special mornings or afternoons to which
parents are invited.
The events provide an opportunity for you to
catch up with what is happening in education
and in our school in particular. It is a
valuable opportunity to see your child in
action.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB - Books are
OUT of SCHOOL CLUBS - Children have
usually available once a term orders are
the opportunity to take part in Out of School:
collated by a parent who has volunteered to
Museum Club, Art and Music. Further
do this.. Instructions for payment will be
information is sent home as it arrives.
included with the order form.
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 ❛ During the
season, children
are able to
participate in a
variety of sports ❜

SPORTS - On several occasions

during the year the school participates
in sporting events with the Southern
Zone Rural Schools.

For these events children wear a

Myross Bush School polo shirt which
is available for purchase from the
school office.

During the season, children are able

to participate in a variety of activies,
depending on interest. These may STATIONERY - Children will be issued with a TENDERS & QUOTES - If parents have a
include: slip indicating items to be purchased from business or trade and would like to be
Office Max or other stationery store stocking considered for quotes for school work they
• Netball the item required. New Entrant Packs will be are asked to contact the office during office
held at the office for 5 year olds entering hours.
• Miniball
school.
Their name will be entered on a database
• Rugby which we update regularly and check before
• Hockey SUNHATS - Because of the danger of contracting work out.
melanoma, our school has introduced a sunhat
• Flippaball policy that ALL children wear sunhats when
outdoors at interval, lunch and for sports etc UNIFORM - Navy tracksuit pants (non
• Kiwi Cricket between Labour compulsory), and polo shirts (for cultural and
Weekend and Easter sporting events)are available.
• Squash
Hats in the school Please contact the school office for prices,
• Water Polo colour and with the sizes and availability etc.
• Touch Rugby Myross Bush logo on
the front will be WORKING BEES - Generally once a term
If you have experience in a particular issued to all new working bees are held to maintain the school
sport that you would like to share with pupils to the school at gardens and buildings.
the school, please contact us to a cost of $16. The school does not employ a caretaker/
discuss how you can become involved gardener at this stage.
in assisting, organising or coaching a You may also wish to
school team. apply sunblock to Generally parents choose either to attend 1 -
your child’s face and arms before they come to 2 working bees a year or take responsibility
school.. The wearing of zinc is not encouraged. for certain ongoing jobs ie: spraying, cleaning
spouting etc in their own time.

SWIMMING - Swimming is important because New Zealand has one of the highest number of
drownings of children aged five and under among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development) countries. The more confident and competent our children can be
in the water the better! School swimming is held during one term every year.

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school map PARENT CAR PARK
FITNESS CENTRE

ACTIVIT Y CENTRE

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Contact
Contact Details
Myross Bush Primary School, 288 Mill Road, RD2, Invercargill 9872
Ph: (03) 230 4817 • Fax: (03) 230 4819
Email: principal@myrossbush.school.nz
Office: office@myrossbush.school.nz

www.myrossbush.school.nz
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