Encouraging the wellbeing of our Students 

We do this in may ways, including:

• Engaging students in a rich, purposeful curriculum connected to our vision, values and strategic priorities,
• Providing opportunities for students to make decisions about their wellbeing and to be active in leading their learning in agentive ways,
• Developing student voice, student agency and student leadership,
• Encouraging physical activities for healthy kids,
• Promoting healthy lifestyles,
• Supporting high health needs students,
• Developing a positive school culture,
• Developing empathetic behaviours and knowledge of different cultures,
• Strengthening the relationships and connections between all members of the school community,
• Developing personal skills (such as problem-solving, conflict resolution), and helping young people to build resilience in the face of life challenges,
• Targeting specific problem areas such as the transition between schools, behavioural problems and bullying,
• Using researched programmes that prevent and deal with bullying,
• Teaching Te Reo and Tikanga to develop a strong understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are not to be used by children during school hours. If children need a mobile phone for safety reasons, parents need to make an arrangement with the class teacher. Students mobile phones should be handed in to the school office before 9.00am for safekeeping, they can then be collected again at 3.00pm.

Spare Clothes for rainy days

We encourage our students to have active, creative play outdoors including interaction with the natural world (climbing trees, jumping in puddles, sandpit play etc). In the winter months this does become more of a challenge, so we ask that parents please provide their child/ren with a spare change of clothes.

Guidelines for Safety

Children must not bring dangerous items to school e.g., matches, knives, razor blades, firecrackers, etc. Valuables, especially toys or money, are not permitted. The school cannot be responsible for loss or damage to any property brought to school.

Bicycles & Scooters

Hobsonville School encourages its students to walk or ride to school, a well-fitted helmet should be worn at all times when riding a bicycle or scooter. Bike stands are available throughout the school, please check with your child’s teacher as to where they should park. Bicycles and scooters can be ridden in the school grounds at break times, we also have a dedicated bike track located in the school field. We just ask that our students observe the school rules around busy areas on school grounds, and to be mindful of their peers.

Dental Clinic

Dental care is free for children under 16 in New Zealand so we advise registering your child with a local children’s clinic, The Auckland Regional Dental Service also visits our school in a mobile van during the year to assess children who have not had a recent check-up. They will then advise you if you need to follow-up with an appointment at a clinic for any dental work. If you have a problem concerning your child’s dental care or would like to book a free check-up, please contact the WESTGATE COMMUNITY DENTAL CLINIC on (09) 832 2116 for an appointment.

Head Lice

We strongly encourage parents to make regular inspections of their children’s hair to detect occurrences of pediculosis. If you find head lice or their eggs in your children’s hair, please notify your child’s teacher immediately. Information sheets on head lice are available from the school office or you can download them below. When a case is detected in a classroom, then usually all parents with children in that class will be notified of the occurrence, and requested to check their children’s hair. Head lice are highly infectious so children may be sent home for treatment. If you suspect your child has head lice please read this information leaflet below.

TREATMENT OF HEAD LICE >

Health

The Health Room (or sick bay) is located in the school office and is a short term treatment room only. Children who become ill at school are sent home after the parent/caregiver or emergency contact person has been notified to collect them. If your child has had a stomach upset, they must stay away at home for at least 24 hours from the last symptoms. If you are unsure whether or not to send your child to school due to an illness, feel free to contact the school office or speak with your doctor.

Medical

Please let the school know if your child has any medical issues. No medication will be given to your child without your permission. Children who suffer from asthma, or who have known allergic reactions, must have appropriate medication and an Action Plan filed in the Health Room. If long term medication is necessary parents/caregivers must complete a MEDICAL ACTION PLAN which will be kept on file. Prescribed medication must be provided to the office in a container or envelope clearly marked with the child’s name, the dosage and clear instructions for dispensing. Medicines and cough medication (including lozenges) are not to be included in lunch boxes. Please complete the form below and return to the school office ASAP if your child has any medical issues.

STUDENT MEDICINE AUTHORITY & ACTION PLAN >

Vision and Hearing

Waitematā District Health Board provides free vision and hearing screening for eligible children. Vision and Hearing Technicians visit our school to test students at various times during the year. A hearing/vision test is administered to every child in their first year at school if they have not been previously tested at an Early Childhood Education Centre. Please complete the consent form given to you at enrolment or download a copy below and return to the school office.

VISION & HEARING CONSENT FORM  >

The Independent Child

Managing Self

One of our goals at Hobsonville School is to foster a child’s independence, we call it ‘managing self’. As a parent you can also help with this, here are some suggestions that will encourage and support your child on their journey to independence…

• ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO WALK INTO SCHOOL
  Please do not carry them in! As soon as possible encourage your child to enter and leave the school grounds independently.
• GIVE YOUR CHILD FOOD THEY CAN MANAGE THEMSELVES
  If there are packets (please limit these as we are a Waste Wise School) in their lunch box, can they open them? Put a small slit in the package when you pack their food so they can just rip the packets open. Or even better empty them into smaller containers.
• CAN THEY PEEL THEIR FRUIT?
  You might want to put peeled and chopped fruit in a small container for them to eat, or put a slit in the top of a banana. In general children do not want to spend any more time eating than necessary so as soon as the moving bell goes they are off to play.
• FOOTWEAR
  Encourage them to wear footwear that they can manage. Velcro shoes and sandals are much quicker and easier than laces and buckles.
• SCHOOL BAGS
  The children are encouraged to pack their own bags and take care of possessions. Is their bag big enough? The bigger the better to fit their lunch boxes and book bags. Try not to do it for them at the start and end of the day!
• GETTING CHANGED
  At times the children will need to change themselves, especially in the winter when they get wet and muddy (please supply a change of clothes, it doesn’t need to be uniform). During Term 1 and Term 4, the children go swimming and need to be able to change in and out of their swimming togs. Can they manage their zips, belts and buckles?