> HANDBOOK
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Terms & Holidays 2009
| Term One |
Wednesday 4 February to Thursday 9 April |
| Term Two |
Monday 27 April to Friday 3 July |
| Term Three |
Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September |
| Term Four |
Monday 12 October to Thursday 17 December |
Terms & Holidays 2010
| Term One |
Thursday 4 February to Thursday 1 April |
| Term Two |
Monday 19 April to Friday 2 July |
| Term Three |
Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September |
| Term Four |
Monday 11 October to Friday 17 December |
We will begin the 2010 year at Glenfield Intermediate School with a ten minute interview
on either 2 or 3 February. You will be notified in writing at the end of Term 4 2009 of your
interview time and further details. The interview will take place between you, your child
and the classroom teacher.
School Hours
| Classes commence |
8.45 am |
| School finishes |
3.00 pm |
The School Day
Senior Management Team
| Mrs Raewyn Matthys-Morris |
Principal |
| Mrs Brenda McPherson |
Associate Principal and
Director of Academic Support and Wellbeing |
| Mrs Dominique Mouw-Smith |
Dean and International Student Support |
Members of the Board of Trustees
| Bridgette Ferguson |
Chairperson |
| Kevin Chow |
Board Member |
| Paul McPherson |
Board Member |
| Raewyn Matthys-Morris |
Principal |
| Debbie Fox |
Staff Representative |
Mission Statement
'The mission of Glenfield Intermediate School is to provide high quality intermediate
education in a positive environment.'
Our Core Values
- High expectations of behaviour, learning and relationships
- Best practice teaching strategies implemented
- Recognition of diverse needs and students catered for
- A culture of mutual trust and respect
Strategic Vision
- To be the preferred provider of a 'Middle Years' education for our community
- To deliver an academic programme that aims to develop students who are literate
and numerate in all disciplines, know how to think critically, lead a healthy life,
behave ethically and assume responsibility for citizenship
- To promote quality teaching which focuses on student achievement and is
responsive to student learning processes
- To ensure effective links are created between home and school and other cultural
contexts in which students are socialised to facilitate learning
- To develop cluster alignment to optimise student learning within the Glenfield
Learning Community
- To staff the school with people who are expert at teaching young adolescents
- To provide an environment which supports quality teaching and learning
The School Vision
Our learning community provides our students with powerful, rich, deep and authentic
learning experiences. At Glenfield Intermediate School we believe that our students are
central to their own learning. We see learning as a partnership based on a culture of
mutual trust and respect. Our students apply their learning to their everyday lives.
Teachers use innovative teaching strategies based on best practice research to meet the
learning needs of our students. Our focus is on engagement of all students in their
learning and at Glenfield Intermediate we recognise the diverse needs of all students. Our
goal is for students to develop a sense of pride through their achievements. Our
organisational structures and resources support our commitment to the physical,
emotional, and psychological safety of our students. There is an alignment of financial
resources to support students in classrooms.
At Glenfield Intermediate our students are independent learners who have the capability to
take responsibility for their own learning and develop their talents. Our students are able
to articulate what they are learning, what they need to learn and what new learning and
skills they need, to achieve their new goals. Reflection and evaluation are embedded in
our daily learning processes. Students are equipped with a repertoire of thinking skills that
enable them to solve problems and process information creatively, critically and with
empathy. Time is provided for everyone to receive rich, regular feedback.
Building and maintaining a quality relationship with our parent community is valued. All
staff have open, honest and respectful discussions with parents where they have quality
dialogue about student learning, and actively celebrate progress. Learning is assessed
using a range of strategies. We have clear reporting systems in place to communicate
with parents and caregivers accurately, honestly and respectfully.
All staff have equitable access to professional development relevant to their needs and
role in the school. The professional environment is accepting and conducive to teachers
taking risks in a nurturing, non-judgemental environment. All staff engage in constructive
professional dialogue and support each other in their growth as educators.
We articulate and model high expectations of behaviour and interpersonal relationships
and these are embedded in every aspect of school life. Our staff are committed to building
strong, positive and approachable relationships with students and with each other. At
Glenfield Intermediate School, both staff and students feel safe, comfortable and
respected. The contribution of all staff is essential within our learning community. We are
a professional learning community that generates ideas, identifies best practice and
engages in collaborative decision making to ensure all actions are aligned to our shared
vision.
Student School Vision
Glenfield Intermediate School provides us with a range of learning opportunities and we
are encouraged to apply ourselves and do our best. Our school believes that we are
central to our own learning. Learning is a partnership between our teachers and us.
Our teachers have the necessary qualities to support our learning. These include being;
helpful, understanding, kind, a good listener, firm and fair, knowledgeable, able to make
learning fun and be available to give quality time for each student. Teachers know what
they are teaching, guide us with clear and co-constructed success criteria and they
challenge us to reach our full potential. Teachers openly praise us for our achievements,
display our work with pride and celebrate our learning through sharing and team
assemblies. We get rewarded for our efforts and successes through receiving merit
mentions, team points, certificates and trips to name but a few. Teachers value us by
giving us time, caring for us and by remembering our achievements.
We get respect from our teachers and we are treated equally among our peers. Our
teachers explain things well, are approachable and they never give up on us. Our
teachers help us realise our mistakes and we trust them to teach us what we need to know
for our future.
We believe that the interpersonal skills we learn through working in effective group
situations are necessary for the future. We like to work towards exemplars, ask questions,
have clear explanations from our teachers and learn in a motivational and tidy
environment. Teachers meet our learning needs by understanding and encouraging us.
They adjust learning experiences for individual students to ensure they can access the
opportunities available. This can be as simple as explaining things with easier words.
Our teachers listen to us, respect our ideas and value our input to the teaching and
learning process.
We aspire to learn subjects that will prepare us for the future, enable us to use our
imagination and work with others. Developing independent skills is also important and we
are provided with many opportunities to develop them.
Our forecast for the future is bright. We respect the importance of education and believe
that if we work hard, learn from our mistakes and challenge ourselves we will have fulfilling
futures.
Attendance / Absences / Appointments
The Board of Trustees has the responsibility for our pupil attendance. Parents/Caregivers
are asked to ensure that children attend regularly. It is essential that you telephone the
school office or leave a message prior to 9.30 am to advise us if your child is going to be
absent on that day.
Students are required to be at school by 8.30am for an 8.45am start.
If your child has an appointment or is leaving school during the day, a Parent/Caregiver
must firstly advise the school office or provide a written note to the classroom teacher.
Students must be collected from the school office and signed out by their
Parents/Caregivers.
If your child is late for school on any day, he / she must sign in at the school office prior to
going to class.
Repeated absence or lateness will be followed up by school staff, and may be referred to
Student Support Services.
Buses
School buses are provided by the Ministry of Education, and tendered for by various bus
companies.
Students and Parents/Caregivers are required to sign a bus contract detailing expected
bus behaviours and standards. Students whose behaviour causes concern for others may
be removed from the bus service for a period of time, or in extreme cases, permanently.
 Information on 2009 bus routes.
Information on 2010 bus routes.
Cell Phones
Should students require a cell phone to support their pre and after school arrangements, it
must be handed in to the office before school. (Parents/Caregivers will be required to
complete an application for permission for their child to bring a cell phone to school). Cell
phones are not allowed in class during the school day.
Class Captains
Class Captains are elected each term to represent their class at Student Council, where
issues of concern are raised with the Dean. Class Captains are involved in fundraising
activities.
Class Captains receive a school badge to recognise their commitment to the school.
Communication with Glenfield Intermediate School
If you need to contact your child during the course of the school day, please phone the
school office and every effort will be made to pass a message on.
If you need to contact a teacher, please phone or visit the school office to arrange a
suitable time to meet.
Cultural Activities
The school promotes a range of cultural activities including choir, rock band, orchestra,
Kapa Haka, Pasifika and dance groups for those interested students. Opportunities arise
throughout the year for student performances.
Custody of Children
If there are any custody issues, parents and caregivers are asked to contact the school in
confidence.
Copies of legal documents regarding custody are kept on file in the school office.
Cyclists & Pedestrians
Students who walk or cycle to school must always wear the correct uniform and behave
appropriately. The wearing of cycle helmets is compulsory when a bicycle is ridden to or
from school. Bicycles are expected to be maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition.
They should be locked into the cycle racks at school. The school accepts no responsibility
for any bicycle that goes missing from school, although every effort will be made to prevent
this happening.
Pedestrians and cyclists are required to follow all the normal road safety rules and act
responsibly on their journey to and from school.
Damage to School Property
The Board of Trustees has a policy that students who are responsible for breakage or
damage to school property should reimburse the school for the costs incurred. In the first
instance, after responsibility has been established, a letter is sent home outlining details of
the incident and the approximate cost of the repairs.
Dental Clinic
If your child requires attention at any time during the school year please contact the Dental
Nurse directly on her dedicated phone line (444 6160).
Enrichment Classes and Groups
The school provides a range of enrichment opportunities for students, both academic and
cultural, which students have the opportunity to take part in. Some groups are open to all
students and others are by invitation. In 2009 these groups included Te Reo Maori
bilingual classes, Ski Camp week, Mathex, Technology Challenge, Art extension, Rock
Band, Fitness Centre, Sports Camp, CREST, and Australasian Tests (ICAS).
Fitness, Physical Education and Sport
Our aim in this school is to develop the physical skills and enhance the healthy growth and
well being of every child. We aim to improve each child’s level of fitness and give students
the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports. Please note that all students must wear
the school-issue sports / physical education uniform. Sports shoes are optional but
recommended. This will ensure that children are adequately dressed for the range of
activities they are expected to undertake. For hygiene reasons, it is necessary to change
out of school uniform for physical activity.
Students are excused from physical activity only if they present a medical certificate or a
note from a Parent/Caregiver, specifying the nature of the illness or injury and the length of
the exemption.
School teams who take part in interschool competitions include athletics, badminton,
basketball, cricket, cross-country running, gymnastics, hockey, boys’ league, girls’ netball,
orienteering, boys’ and girls’ rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, and water polo.
Glenfield Music Centre
Glenfield Music Centre classes are held at Glenfield Intermediate School after school and
on Saturday mornings. Qualified tutors teach weekly lessons in small groups for students
from Years 3 – 8. Students must first learn to read music and play the recorder in groups
for two years, before choosing a more difficult instrument. Keyboard and guitar classes
are available for advanced students already enrolled at the Music Centre. A string
orchestra, wind band and recorder ensemble provide children with performance
opportunities, without further cost.
The yearly subscription required is $90.00 (incl GST).
The Ministry of Education helps to fund these music classes.
For more information on the Music Centre, please contact Khalia Phone 444 4998 or email glenfieldmusiccentre@win.co.nz
Health
Students are encouraged to develop a range of assertive communication skills to enable
them to interact appropriately with other people. The students are given opportunities to
discuss how to make and action safe choices in a range of contexts.
The school is a smoke-free zone.
Waitemata Health visits the school each year to complete the Year 7 and Year 8
immunisation programmes. Your child will bring home information and consent forms prior
to the visits. Waitemata Health carry out vision testing on all Year 7 students. Selected
Year 8 students are re-tested as required. If testing shows any areas of concern,
Waitemata Health will contact you directly.
Homework
As well as being a discipline in establishing and maintaining good work habits, homework
provides a means for Parents/Caregivers to monitor and assess their child’s progress.
Homework is an extension of schoolwork and should not be excessive or beyond the
ability of your child. We ask that Parents/Caregivers make provision for time and space at
home for children to study independently. Teachers seek your support and
encouragement where homework is assigned and ask that you contact them if there are
any problems.
Houses
Each House comprises of four or five classes, which meet regularly and attend specialist
classes and school trips together. The teachers in each House plan together and provide
a level of pastoral care for the students in that House.
We have four House groups in the school and students are placed in these groups for
sporting and other events. Houses compete for points which are rewarded for participation
and achievement. Houses are vertically grouped, in that there is a mix of both Year 7 and
Year 8 students in each group.
Internet and Computer Access
Students and teachers have access to a wide range of information and communication
resources, including digital, and still video cameras, computers, printers, scanners and
data projectors.
All students have access to the school network through a unique login and password. This
allows us to track an individual user’s history and use of network resources, both with
printing and internet use.
Students and Parents/Caregivers are required to sign an internet agreement which
outlines the rules of use at Glenfield Intermediate School. Any student who is found to
have broken these rules may have their internet or network access removed for a period of
time, or in extreme cases, permanently.
Jewellery & Valuables
Students are responsible for any valuables they may bring to school. Please ensure that
your child’s belongings are clearly named. Electronic equipment (iPod, mp3, PSP etc) is
not to be brought to school.
For safety reasons, only a wristwatch, and one pair of plain ear studs or sleepers for
pierced ears may be worn. Any jewellery items of religious or cultural significance may be
worn once an exemption has been obtained from the Principal.
Library
Glenfield Intermediate School has an attractive library with an extensive collection
focussed on the specific reading needs of young adolescent students. The library is
staffed with a qualified Librarian and is open daily. Students have access to book and
non-book items, as well as the Library ICT suite for internet and computer resources.
Lost Property
From time to time, personal items are handed in to the school office. If items remain
unclaimed, the finder is entitled to take possession after a period of three weeks. Lost
clothing is situated outside the Dental Clinic and is available for checking during school
hours. Named items found in the lost property will be returned the owner as soon as
possible.
Merit Mentions
Each week teachers acknowledge students who display excellence in a variety of different
categories. These students are recognised and once a student has three merit mentions
they receive a Merit Certificate.
Newsletter
Glenfield Intermediate School publishes a fortnightly newsletter for parents and caregivers.
Wherever possible we like to include students’ achievements both in and out of school.
Should your child have performed well in an activity outside the school, we would welcome
a brief message from you describing the achievement. Please contact the school office.
The newsletter is also available on this web site - please click here.
Outdoor Education
Education Outside the Classroom is a specialist subject, and we aim to provide a range of
additional outdoor experiences including camp and ski camp.
PTFA (Parent Teacher Friends’ Association)
Early in the New Year, the PTFA will be looking for new members. The PTFA are a group
of people who share ideas and carry out fundraising activities for the school. If you feel
you would like to be part of this friendly group, you will be welcome to attend the Meetings.
Reporting to Parents/Caregivers
The school reports to Parents and Caregivers, on the progress of their child. This is done
through a formal written report and a Portfolio. Interviews are done between the
Parent/Caregiver and the teacher, and also in student-led conferences involving the
student, their parent or caregiver and the teacher.
We consider the best reporting is in an interview, and this is formally arranged. However,
Parents/Caregivers are always welcome to telephone the office to arrange an appointment
with their child’s teacher to discuss any aspect of their child’s time at school.
The yearly programme is –
- February – Student / Parent /Caregiver / Teacher interviews – a 10 minute interview
on either
2nd or 3rd February to provide an opportunity to talk with your 2010 teacher
- March – Parent/Caregiver / Teacher / Student discussions and student-led
conferences based on classroom portfolio work and assessment data
- July – formal report
- July – Parent/Caregiver / Teacher / Student discussions and student-led
conferences
- December – Final report issued – no interviews scheduled
School Activities
During the year, students will also be invited to take part in field trips, activities and
undertake projects, the cost of which will be notified to you in the school newsletter or
detailed on a parental permission letter.
Students are requested to pay money for activities to the Activities Room between
8.15 – 8.45 am on any school day. The correct money and permission slip must be
presented in a sealed envelope, clearly showing the student’s name, room number and the
activity for which the money is required.
School Assemblies
School assemblies are held regularly to celebrate student success and maintain school
culture and traditions. Assemblies are organised at team and whole school level.
Parents/Caregivers are most welcome to attend these and dates and times are available
from the school office.
School Badges
Badges are worn to identify students as part of a House group. They are worn on their
school shirt / blouse and PE shirts. Other badges are awarded to students who achieve
excellence in academic, cultural or sporting endeavours.
School Discipline
Incidents are dealt with by teachers and passed on to House leaders or other senior staff
as appropriate. Parents/Caregivers will be contacted if the incident is considered serious,
or if the behaviour is repetitive.
School Rules
At Glenfield Intermediate School we focus on helping students become self-managing
learners. We use ‘Four R’s’ – Relationships, Resilience, Reflection and Resourcefulness
to encourage our students to be the best learners they can be. Within these standards are
expectations of behaviour, manners, responsibility and service that are made clear to
students and contribute to our goal of mutual trust and respect.
School Uniform
The Board of Trustees requires that all students are in school uniform. It is expected that
students will care for their uniform and maintain a good standard of personal hygiene. All
items must be clearly named and with your child’s room number also.
All items of uniform except footwear are available only from the school’s uniform shop.
Please contact the school for uniform shop opening hours.
Girls’ Footwear
- Black plain, flat heeled, leather lace-up school shoes (not buckled, ballet, suede or
sports style)
- White mid-calf socks (plain, not sports ankle socks)
- Navy opaque tights may be worn in winter
- Summer option – Black sandals with heel strap (plain, flat-heeled, no socks)
Boys’ Footwear
- Black plain, flat heeled, leather lace-up school shoes (not suede or sports style)
- Grey knee length socks
- Summer option – Black sandals with heel strap (plain, flat heeled, no socks)
Sun Hats
Every student must have a school sun hat as part of our school-wide approach to sun
safety. The students name their hats and the hats stay at school. Students are
encouraged to wear their hat whenever they are outside during Term 1 and 4.
Sickness / Accident at School
From time to time students are unwell and it is necessary for Parents/Caregivers to collect
their child from the Heath and Well-being Room. It is important that the school is able to
contact Parents/Caregivers in an emergency so please ensure that all contact numbers
are kept up to date.
To help us to care for your child in the event of illness or emergency, please complete the
Health Information form in the enrolment pack. If there are any health issues, the office
staff may contact you to discuss these further. On the forms you may indicate your
willingness for your child to receive Panadol. It is a legal requirement that the school
seeks your permission.
It may be necessary for your child to bring medicine to school. Parents/Caregivers are
required to complete a Medical Consent Form if a child requires special medical treatment
at school. Parents/Caregivers must ensure that containers of prescribed medication are
clearly named and instructions are explicit. Medication will be kept in the Health and Wellbeing
Room.
We reserve the right to phone for medical support in the case of an emergency. That
support might be in the form of a visit to the local White Cross Medical Centre or we may
phone for an ambulance. You will be contacted by the office in the case of your child
being injured at school.
If at any time Parents/Caregivers have any concerns, they may contact the school office
on 444 6582.
Stationery
Stationery packs will be available for purchase from school. Year 7 packs - includes a
dictionary and thesaurus. Year 8 packs – a dictionary and thesaurus is available as an
extra if required.
Tikanga Maori
Glenfield Intermediate School recognises our responsibility to provide an appropriate
education and engaging experiences for all our students, in keeping with our commitment
to the Treaty of Waitangi.
We celebrate and incorporate Maori culture within our school traditions and practices, and
provide opportunities for students who wish to learn more.
Tuckshop
The tuckshop is open daily for morning tea and lunch breaks. Every effort is made to
ensure that nutritious food is available for students to purchase. Lunch orders should be
placed by 9.15 am.
Glenfield Intermediate School is committed to meeting the requirements of the Heart
Foundation ‘Big Tick’ programme.
We would appreciated if you could support the school’s focus to provide a healthy food
environment, by discouraging your child from buying less nutritious food and drinks from
the dairy before and after school.
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