Expanding Horizons
Parent Information Handbook
Introduction
Welcome to Clifton Terrace School.
Clifton Terrace School is located in the Atawhai area approximately 8 km from the city of Nelson. A bus service is available for children coming from town, The Glen and Dodson’s Valley. The school is set in a park-like setting with many trees included within our property for everyone to enjoy.
Staff at Clifton Terrace are fully committed to providing the very best for children. Currently, there are 9 classes occupied ranging from New Entrants to Year 6 children. Each classroom is very well equipped with up-to-date technology and resources for the benefit of children and their learning. We are also very fortunate to have a separate art and music room, a large, fully equipped hall, two computer suites and a fabulous library.
Much thought has gone into the design of playground equipment and children are very lucky to have a junior playground, senior playground and a fitness track.
During 2008, an observatory was opened on site. We have access to the observatory which makes for some very exciting science topics!
Children are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular programmes which are available to them. These include, but are not limited to, in-school music lessons with specialist teachers, gymnastics, dance and drama classes and a variety of weekend sports. The school also supports children in a variety of ways through extension groups and special needs programmes .
We believe we have something really special to offer your children and we look forward to having your family at our wonderful school. If you have any questions after reading this information booklet, please feel free to contact me.
Kind regards
Rob Wemyss
Principal.
Yesterday’s Schools
Clifton Terrace and Hillside - A Remembrance.
While the centennial of the opening of Clifton Terrace School was celebrated in 1959, the
official opening date is historically uncertain.
The three day centennial celebrations of the Atawhai School was held on February 13, 1959 -
and also marked the opening of the Hillside School which was situated on the Glen side of
Clifton Terrace.
However, records of the official opening of the two schools are not available and the actual
opening dates are not certain.
It is believed that the Hillside School opened in 1857 or 1858 and closed in 1926. Pupils from
the area it served attended Clifton Terrace.
The first mention of Clifton Terrace is in the Nelson Central Board of Education’s records in
February 1859. However, either Hillside or Clifton Terrace School must have been in existence
for some years.
The Education Board was formed in July 1856 and Mr Wastney was listed as its member for
the Suburban North district which contains the two schools.
The board’s 1859 records note that the master’s residence at Hillside was completed.
Three years earlier the board, when it was formed, set aside 250 pounds for the Suburban
North school district, to be spent as the
school committee decided.
Also, at its first meeting the board struck a rate on the district for education. It was one
pound for every household in the district and 5 shillings for each child between the ages of
five and 14 years in a household. The collecting place was the home of Mr Mansenn, of
Wakapuaka.
In January 1860 the board granted five pounds to the Suburban North School Committee to rebuild a school.
Since the original small wooden structure was erected, Clifton Terrace School has been rebuilt twice. In 1878 a complete new building was erected and in 1892 additions were made.
The first Hillside School, built about 1856, was replaced in 1889, the second building lasting until its closure in 1926.
The old Rooms 1 and 2 at Clifton Terrace School were built in 1927 to house the sudden increase in the school roll caused by Hillside’s
closure. These rooms were replaced again in 1989.
Clifton Terrace was a sole teacher school until 1923 when a second teacher, a probationer, was appointed.
In 1924 it reverted to sole teacher again but from 1925 the school had two teachers or more.
In November 1966 it had three class teachers; by February 1969 it had four, and then eight by February 1972 and nine class teachers in April 1974.
Since 1989 eight new classrooms have been built, as well as a hall in 1998 and a new administration area in 1999.
The 125th Jubilee was held on March 13-14, 1982, only 23 years after the centenary. The jubilee now means the official opening of Clifton Terrace School is put at 1857.
The 150th Jubilee celebrations were held during Labour Weekend, 2006.
Clifton Terrace’s Vision
The location of our school and the Godwits which frequent the Atawhai Estuary were instrumental in developing our vision. Godwits fly thousands of kilometres each year around the world. We believe our students should be like the Godwits and extend themselves to achieve great things. Our Keys For Learning are the areas which we believe are essential for students at Clifton Terrace.
School Organisation
The school is organised in to two areas or syndicates.
1. Junior School (Year 0 - Year 3 children) under the supervision of
the Deputy Principal.
2. Year 4 - Year 6 under the supervision of the Assistant Principal.
Each teacher is responsible for the effective day-to-day management, programmes of work and progress of children in the syndicate or sector of the school supervised by them.
With composite classes there is some overlap of responsibilities depending on the numbers in classes.
English and mathematics form an important part of the daily learning programme in all classrooms.
In most cases, children are considered for class placement classification towards the end of each year at school. Class placement is mainly based on a combination of the following: Placing children with others of a similar age; parental considerations; learning needs and skills specific to an individual child.
Classes are not streamed in the school but each has a range of abilities which are catered for by the class teacher through grouping within the classroom and school: (e.g. individual learning programmes, specialist teacher support, grouping, developmental, class interchanges).
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees comprises five elected members, a minute secretary, the principal and a staff representative. The board is elected every three years to undertake the management of the school, the provision of its facilities and all major matters related to the welfare of the children. The current board was elected in April, 2007. Members spend much of their time attending to the governance and business needs of the school.
The board is responsible for governing this school. Other responsibilities include:
- developing the charter in partnership with the community.
- establishing policies that will guide the school in management and their instructional programmes
- reporting to and consulting the community
- buildings and grounds’ maintenance
- staff appointments
- management of finances
Home and School Association
Clifton Terrace School has a very active Home and School Association. All parents of the school are
most welcome to attend meetings. The group is always looking for new members.
This group is the “backbone” for any fund-raising and social ‘get togethers’ for the school.
Fund-raising
Projects to raise funds to buy equipment and books are carried out annually. Every year a major
fund raising event is organised by the Home and School Association when all parents are asked to
assist in various ways. As well as being a fund-raising venture, it is also a social occasion for
families in the community.
The money raised directly helps your child’s education, for the grants received from the Ministry
of Education are insufficient. It is hoped that your support will be forthcoming in these worthwhile
ventures.
You are always welcome at Clifton Terrace School and do not need to wait for an invitation. You
are welcome any time you would like to help, join in, or have a concern you wish to talk over with
members of the staff or the principal.
This Is Your School
Absence Procedure
Absence notification is very important. All children who are absent will be checked on if the office
is not notified. This is for your child’s safety.
The following are ways this could be done:
• Phone: 5450532
• Fax: 5450148
• Email: office@cliftontce.school.nz
• Text: 027 715 4058
• A note to the office with another student.
Accidents
Although every reasonable precaution is exercised accidents do happen. Minor ones receive first-
aid treatment from the teacher on duty. In all cases of head injury, suspected bone injury, bad
cuts, etc. the parent is notified immediately for the necessary medical attention to be sought.
All accidents at the school are investigated, recorded and if serious enough, reported to the Board
of Trustees.
In order to keep our Emergency File up to date, would parents please notify the school of
any change of alternative contact, (for when a parent is not at home) and change of doctor.
Also ensure the school is aware of allergies and has treatment for these at school.
After School Play
Children should report home after school before going to a friend’s house to play, or where arrangements have been made by the parents concerned. The school should be notified.
No child is permitted to make other arrangements after arrival at school.
Buses
Three buses, operated by the Nelson Suburban Coachlines, convey children to school - Town, Dodson Valley and The Glen. Only The Glen bus is an official bus for children from The Glen turn-off to The Glen. The other buses backload children to their respective stops. Each bus has Year 6 children appointed as monitors to ensure that behaviour both on the bus and while waiting at the bus stop in the mornings, is of the highest standard. Any irregularities in behaviour are reported to the bus controller, Mr Murray Burt.
If children wish to travel to town, or on another bus, or are not going home by bus, a note is required to be sent to the office. (Bus times are available from the school office.) Parents should wait at the bus stop with children where possible.
Charter
The Clifton Terrace School charter is an agreement between the Board of Trustees and the
Ministry of Education.
There are statements in the charter which are compulsory, but there are also some local goals and
objectives proposed and framed by the Board of Trustees after consultation.
(i) A Vision Statement for Clifton Terrace School.
(ii) Our school’s aims
(iii) Our school’s objectives
(iv) A Long–Term Strategic Plan
(v) Targets
Computers
Clifton Terrace School is well resourced with computer equipment. Computers are found in every
classroom, a suite containing 16 Mac computers is available and laptops are available for classroom
use. Our library is also equipped with another computer suite. A vast array of other ICT
equipment is available to complement the computers and to support children’s learning.
Concerns
All complaints must be referred to the class teacher concerned. If not resolved, then contact the principal who will take any necessary action.
Parents are most welcome to discuss any concern they have about their child’s progress with the class teacher first, then the principal by appointment.
Parents and teachers have the same goal - the best possible education for the children. However, differences in approach, and in ways of attaining these goals could lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Regular discussions between parents and teachers are extremely valuable.
Cycling to School
Parents are urged to ensure that children are not only proficient cyclists but that they also have an adequate understanding of basic road rules before allowing them to ride to school.
The new shared pathway from town to Clifton Terrace has made cycling to school much safer. However, children should still take good care on this stretch of cycleway. Cycle helmets are compulsory for all pupils cycling to school.
Dental Clinic
Most children have been enrolled at the dental clinic before coming to school. If this is not the case it is important that parents enrol the child for dental treatment. This can be done at the school's dental clinic. The telephone number is 545 0491.
When the dental therapist is not at Clifton Terrace School, she can be contacted through the school office, or preferably, directly, at
548 9722. This number may be a recorded message.
Grounds
Our community are most welcome to use the grounds outside of school hours. We believe that the school is a community asset to be shared by all.
Hats and Sunscreen
During Terms 1 and 4 hats are compulsory, as is sunscreen for all outdoor activities. Children who forget to bring their hat to school are asked to play in the shade.
Health Nurse
The school has regular visits from the Health Nurse who can assist teachers or parents with any queries. She observes all new entrants in their classroom. If she considers a child has a particular need, she will notify the parent/caregiver. Alternatively, if you have any concerns, you are most welcome to contact her.
Enrolment
Enrolment Requirements
Children are entitled to start school on their fifth birthday. Please bring a
copy of their birth certificate or their Passport to verify their date of birth and their immunisation certificate if you have one. These can be requested from your doctor.
Parents / Caregivers will be asked to:
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•Complete formal enrolment with the principal.
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•Complete an Emergency Card and a Medical History Health Card which will be issued by the teacher.
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•It is important that special medical needs are notified at this time.
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•Sign the enrolment form.
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•Sign the school Cybersafety Agreement
Fees
School Donation
The Parent Donation is just that, a donation. However, it has, over the years, become a very important part of the school finances due to the government not funding schools enough to cover the varied elements of the curriculum. Compared to other schools, our parent donation is very reasonable.
Education Outside the Classroom Fee
The Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) fee is compulsory. This covers any performances or costs incurred on trips etc. A ‘running total’ is kept of individuals’ payments.
