Student Experience

Pastoral Care and Behaviour Management

The relationships we build with our boys are paramount to the development of each child. Boys have the propensity to switch off if they don’t have a good relationship with staff. We encourage staff to build strong professional relationships with our boys by getting to know them, their interests, hobbies, sports, likes and dislikes. We are the adults in this situation and should role model the behaviours we wish to see from our students.

See the Schools Behaviour Management Policy for more details.

Click this link about the school’s policy on Physical Restraint

Classroom Management

Classroom timetables should be clearly displayed. Copies with planning to DP by day one of each term. The teaching programme should be completed at 2.55pm and the last ten minutes spent packing up, tidying the classroom, completing homework requirements in the school diary and preparing the students for home. ‘Student Diaries’ should be sighted and/or signed on a regular basis.

Classroom programmes must be carefully planned to meet the needs of each individual boy. Each class is to have clear, well communicated attention signals. Each classroom is to have clearly defined procedures and rules worked out in collaboration with the boys. Consequences of inappropriate behaviour should be known by the boys and should be a natural consequence of that behaviour. Teachers are to ensure that all new boys are fully introduced to both classroom and school based behaviour expectations. The merit card system is a positive way of supporting behaviour and good work. We also have a Values Card system for monitoring behaviour.

Wellesley Behaviour Management

At Wellesley values are encouraged, modelled and explored.

We believe that although our school community comes from a range and diversity of experience, we collectively believe and uphold a range of values that are reflected in the way we think and act.

Our 3 Core Values are

  • Respect and Empathy for self and others
  • Perseverance for personal best
  • Risk taking in learning

Student Welfare and Taking Responsibility

At Wellesley, we like to work with our students to help them build the skills they need for both now and for the future.  The social and emotional welfare of our students is important, as this provides the foundation for academic success.  We do this by:

  • Providing opportunities for our students to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to “get it right”, to learn, to practice, and to understand the importance of acceptable social behaviour.
  • Ensuring our students understand that all behaviours have consequences, and that their choices have consequences, both positive and not so positive.
  • Ensuring our School Values are encouraged modelled and taught by all staff.  Values are an integral part of our school and classroom culture.  The schools 3 key values are perseverance, Risk taking and Respect, which were determined through community consultation.  The Wellesley values are integrated across the school curriculum and day.

An A-Z of School Life

The following alphabetical section covers some key aspects of Student Matters while at Wellesley.

ABSENCES

An explanation is required from a parent / caregiver whenever their child is absent from school. To report an absence parents/caregivers are requested to phone the Absence line on our school phone: 5628030 (option #2)

The information will be relayed to the class teacher. If no notification has been received, parents/caregivers will either receive an automated text message or a phone call as a reminder.

If you wish to take your children on an extended holiday during term time, then it is a Ministry of Education requirement that you write to the principal prior to the holiday, seeking permission to remove them from school.

CHANGE OF PERSONAL DETAILS 

In order to maintain efficient records and communication it is vital that the School be kept informed of new addresses, phone numbers, emails and other changes in family circumstances affecting our students. This is especially important in the event of an accident or emergency. Please advise the School Office of any changes by contacting us at office@wellesley.school.nz

CLASS INFORMATION

The school is divided into three syndicates; Y1-4; Y5-6 and Y7-8. The T1-4 syndicate has 5 classes; the Y5-6 syndicate 4 classes and the Y7-8 syndicate 7 classes.  We also have a number of specialist teachers that offer challenging and diverse learning programmes in STEM, PE, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Languages (French and Mandarin).

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME

The School website is the primary source of information for parents. A newsletter will be published on the website each term. Class teachers email parents on a Friday with weekly events and news.

The school places an emphasis on building good home and school relationships.  We believe that when working in partnership with parents we can make the greatest impact on student outcomes.

The school has an ‘open’ policy towards parents who are welcome to visit school and discuss concerns with the staff.  All we ask is that you make an appointment.  Any concern about children at school is our business and concern, no matter how ‘trivial’ it may appear.  If you have a concern please first discuss it with the child’s teacher. If you need to take the matter further, please then see the senior teacher in charge of the syndicate, the Deputy Principal and then the Principal (in that order).

ESOL

All international students are provided additional ESOL tuition, which focuses on accelerating their English language acquisition. The children will be regularly withdrawn in small groups from their classes for English lessons. Children sometimes miss out on their ESOL lesson due to class events, where they are unable to be excused.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

In NZ dial 111 for any emergency service such as police, ambulance or fire engine.

In NZ people generally locate a doctor close to their homes to visit if they are feeling unwell. However, international families must pay for this service and claim back any expenses from their medical insurance provider.

  • If it is a medical emergency needing immediate assistance and treatment dial 111
  • The school staff 24/7 contact Mr Steve Girvan 021 711 740
  • If a desperate situation arises where specialised counselling services are needed during non-school hours, care givers should take students to be assessed by a medical doctor and they will refer them to the relevant specialist organisations.

Counselling:

We have superb counsellor at school who listens to concerns students may have and guide them accordingly. Students can make an appointment on their own or staff may request for the counsellor to see a student. If further specialised support is needed the counsellors will refer students to relevant specialist organisations.

Support Services and Advice Websites and Phone Numbers

Chinese New Settlers Service Trust www.chineseservice.org.nz

Earthquakes and other natural disasters: http://getthru.govt.nz

Ethnic Affairs Language Line www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz

Human Rights Commission www.hrc.co.nz

New Zealand Drug Foundation www.nzdf.org.nz

New Zealand Immigration www.immigration.govt.nz

Sun safety: http://www.sunsmart.org.nz

Water Safety in New Zealand www.watersafety.org.nz

Youthline www.youthline.co.nz   or Ph 0800376633 or free text to 234

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The School has procedures in place in the unlikely event of a civil emergency or lockdown. These procedures have been developed in conjunction with an independent company that specialises in emergency management for schools. We will be implementing emergency protocol exercises regularly throughout the year to ensure all staff and students remain familiar with our processes. Should you hear of a lockdown or evacuation at the school or in the event of a civil emergency, please do not attempt to attend or phone the school, as School Management will not be in a position to respond. Your presence or contact may make it more difficult to manage the situation. Any information pertaining to an emergency occurring at School will be updated on our website as regularly as possible and if we are in a position to do so we will text you.

FACEBOOK PAGE

The School has a facebook page. This is where we post all our photos and events.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

If you wish to take your child out of school during the school day please contact your child’s teacher and the school office by email in advance. You must arrange for your child to meet you in reception at the time you have organised and he will sign out. Students will not be permitted to leave the school unaccompanied or leave directly from the class. They must come to the office if leaving the school. Please note when your child returns to school he must return to the office to sign in again.

LIBRARY

The library books are to be enjoyed.  We like children to take them home but ask that you see they are well cared for.  Damage and losses are costly, and we require parents to pay where books are lost or abused. Classes are taken to the school library regularly to learn library skills and select books to take home to read.

LOST PROPERTY

All student’s property should be clearly labelled with their name so that if it is mislaid it can be returned. All items of lost property items are displayed in the Old Library. Please remind your children to check these regularly, and you may also want to check yourself from time to time.

Any unclaimed, unnamed uniform items will be washed and re-sold by the school after the end of each term.

LUNCHES

We encourage packed lunches from home to include healthy eating choices, as we know this supports optimum learning in the classroom.  We have three opportunities for children to eat in the day (crunch & sip, morning tea and lunchtime).    Our canteen offers a range of yummy snacks and healthy food which can be purchased from the canteen during the breaks. We also offer a convenient online pre-ordering service for lunches.

MEDICAL

Accidents and illnesses of a minor nature are treated at school.  Our policy is to contact parents / guardians to take home children who are too ill to return to the classroom.  Serious head clashes / injuries will be reported to the parents / caregivers concerned.

If a child needs to take medication please fill in the Administration of Medication form (available from the office or on our website) and hand it, along with the medicine, to the office.  A fridge is available to keep the medication cool.

Our Administration Staff try their best to ensure all children requiring medicine receive it, but they cannot be held responsible for any missed.  We suggest that a note is put in the child’s lunch box to remind them to come for their medicine. We do have Pamol available on site to administer but this will only be given with parental permission.

MINDFULNESS

All of our classes practice Mindfulness.  Mindfulness was researched and designed by the Mental Health Foundation of NZ.  It is a programme that develops skills and dispositions that help us to pay attention to the present, be able to focus on what is important, and utilise positive strategies to cope with life’s ups and downs.  Mindfulness is a quiet time where children focus on their breathing, and pay attention to what is presently occurring, with kindness and curiosity.

MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are welcome to bring their mobile phone to school. Teachers will have a lockable cupboard in their classroom if students choose to have them locked away during the day. If student’s use their phone inappropriately they will have a ban imposed. We accept that mobile phones are an important learning resource and a big part of the emerging adolescent’s life in addition to helping parents check on their son’s whereabouts and safety. However the school cannot accept responsibility for damage or theft so please no expensive mobile phones at school. Students are also welcome to bring their own devices (smart phone, iPad, tablet, notebook etc) to school to assist learning. Should students wish to store their device during break times teachers have the facility to do this. At the beginning of the year it is timely to remind parents of students of the importance of acting as good digital citizens and cyber safety. Each student who comes to Wellesley completes a Digital Use Agreement and this form allows them to bring their own device (any device).  It is very important that parents and students read these forms before they sign them and also be aware that by signing the forms, you do NOT have to bring in an electronic device.  Basically the forms state common sense responsibilities and conduct for students using devices at Wellesley. We request that parents check devices regularly to ensure there are no ‘R’ rated games or apps on them. We also recommend that parents check their insurance policies as the school cannot accept any liability for the loss or damage of any device brought to school.

MONEY AT SCHOOL

Children are not encouraged to have money at school but if they do have to bring some, it must be in a sealed envelope and handed to the teacher for safekeeping.

NEWSLETTERS

Newsletters are weekly and are emailed out to all families and put on the school website.  Important dates, for the coming weeks, are also included in each newsletter.

PARENT HELPERS

We have a strong belief that it takes a whole community to educate our children.  Learning happens at any time, in any place and from anyone.   We value parents as partners in learning.  Strong engagement and contributions from families and whanau can only result in positive outcomes, both academically and socially, for our learners.

SPORTS

The following school sports teams are organised by the school (depending on numbers) for children in Year 4 and upward: Cricket,  Tennis,  Rugby,  Football,  Softball,  Water polo,  Basketball,  Hockey,  Touch Rugby.

Saturday sports are organised by clubs or community organisations, e.g. Football Cricket, Hockey and Rugby.

STAFF CONTACT

Staff can be contacted by email, contact details are on the school website

STATIONERY

All stationery required will be provided on the first day of school.

SUN PROTECTION

All students are required to wear sun hat during outside activities in terms one and four. This is strictly enforced – no hat, no play.

SWIMMING

Children are expected to take part in the school’s aquatic programme that aims to develop confidence in the water, water survival techniques, and progress in swimming proficiency. All children are expected to participate unless a note with a valid reason is received from parents / caregivers.

TOYS

We do not encourage children to bring toys (including collectable cards) to school.  No responsibility will be taken for toys – expensive or otherwise.

UNIFORM

Please ensure that all garments and other belongings are named.  It is much easier to find the owner of misplaced clothing if it is named. All children must wear the agreed school uniform items.

During Terms 1 and 4 sunhats must be worn at all times when children are outside.

VISITORS

Parents are welcome in the School. In the interests of security and safety for staff and students, all visitors to the School are requested to report to Reception and sign in.