Absences
We take our responsibility for children’s safety seriously, if your child will be absent from school please phone the office to inform of the reason for absence. All absences are recorded on our Student Management System and each 'reason for absence' has a particular code that teachers need to enter.
Assembly
Whole school assembly is held weekly on Thursday at 11.15am. Senior students take turns to lead assembly. Children receive certificates for their achievements, share learning, and have school singing. Years 0-4 have a junior assembly once a fortnight, they share their learning, sing and have notices relevant to the junior school.
Appointments with Teachers or the Principal
We welcome you to come and discuss your child’s progress with the teacher. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns. Please make an appointment with the staff member involved, allowing reasonable notice for scheduling a meeting.
Bus
The school bus is free to children who start Netherton School as New Entrants, or to children living within the Netherton Zone and who are eligible. Private taxi buses are also available for children coming from town and around the district. Contact details are available from the school office.
Camp
School camp happens every year and is on a triennial rotation; water, bush, city. All children have the opportunity to participate, the junior school usually go on a day trip, sometimes staying one night (or 2 for the year 3/4 children). Years 5-8 usually stay away for a minimum of 3 nights, a maximum of 5.
Chromebooks
In the Hub (Years 5-8) we are 1-1 computing. Families have the option of purchasing a Chromebook to use for their learning. These are available from Noel Leeming, or they can also be purchased online from PBTech. Currently the preferred model is the HP Chromebook, however, this is subject to change as technology is updated. Please check with the school before purchasing a Chromebook.
Enrolment Scheme
Netherton School has an enrolment scheme in order to manage numbers. Details of the school zone and procedures to enrol can be found on this site under 'Enrolment,' alternatively, make an appointment with the Principal to find out more about the school and the enrolment process.
Enviro School
Sustainable practices are promoted and expected at school. Children take responsibility for rubbish, recycling, food scraps, worm farming, composting, gardening and many other aspects of daily school life. The Enviro Team work with teachers to prepare a vision each year to present to the board of trustees. This provides a 'map' for the school. More information can be found on the 'Enviroschool' tab.
Enviro Stall
Once a month, on the last Friday of each month the children hold an Enviro Stall. They sell produce grown at school, crafts and baking they bring from home and any surplus produce from the community. The children get 50% of their takings and 50% goes to the 'Enviro Team'. A koha table is also available for anyone who has surplus produce.
Food
Netherton School encourage healthy eating. 'Nude Food' is promoted to reduce packaged and processed food. No lollies or fizzy drinks/sugary drinks are allowed at school. Occasionally there is an exception to this rule if there is a special day or 'treat day'. Subway can be ordered for lunch on a Wednesday, the children receive a 6 inch sub and a cookie for $6. Orders need to be into the office on Tuesday.
Hours
Our day begins at 8.50am. Morning tea is from 10.30am- 10.50am. We have a 45 minute lunch time from 12.35pm-1.15pm. The school day ends at 2.40pm (due primarily to bus availability).
Information Communication Technology
Netherton School recognises the need for children to have good access to Information Technology. We are committed to enabling our students to learn to use technology as a tool. The Board of Trustees have worked to provide a pod of Chromebooks that are used in the junior classes. The school has a strong wireless network with ultra-fast broadband. In 2014 the BOT introduced 1 to 1 computing in years 5-8 of the school. Each child in years 5-8 has the option of (and we have a 100% uptake) purchasing a Chrome Book to be used in class for areas of their learning.
Kahikatea Project
As part of being an Enviro School, children grow native plants and are working together with local land owners to under plant Kahikatea Stands. We have under planted three local stands and have a further three that are due to be planted during autumn and winter 2017 and beyond.
Library
Our school library is fully computerised and offers a wide selection of fiction and non fiction books. The library is an important component of children’s learning and the children have regular access to books. The children are expected to issue books regularly and home reading is actively encouraged.
Lost Property
Teachers do not pick up after children. We teach children to manage themselves and care for their belongings. However, when belongings are not claimed they are put in a box outside the office. Children regularly display lost property for collection at assembly. We strongly advise that all items of clothing are named, this ensures that belongings are returned to the correct family.
Parent Help in School
Parents/Grandparents/Whanau and their help are always welcome with the school. We appreciate the time and expertise given by our parent helpers, if you are interested in being involved in the classroom, please contact the school office.
Special Needs/Gifted and Talented Students
Netherton School is committed to providing all students with a rich and balanced education, children are extended and supported when needed. Netherton Schools Board of Trustees provide funding for teacher aides and/or part time teachers for specialist programmes. We have taken advantage of Ministry of Education funded contracts over the past two years and used expert teaching in order to support the learning of children who were below expectations; these programmes have shown excellent results.
Sick Bay
We appreciate you keeping your child at home if they are unwell. If children become sick during the day, parents will be contacted to come and collect them. In the case of a child requiring immediate medical assistance, we will contact parents whenever possible. First aide will be given in cases of minor accidents. It is essential that the school be notified of any condition that should be taken into accordance with children for minor injuries or ailments.
Touch Rugby
Most students participate in the Paeroa Touch Rugby tournament each year. The school enters 8-10 teams each year into the competition, all children are encouraged to participate. The season is usually 7 weeks long and is in the fourth term. It is played on a Thursday and held at Paeroa Centennial Park. The first round normally commences at 4.30pm.
At Netherton School we have a compulsory school uniform. The polar fleece is maroon in colour with a gold Netherton School logo embroidered on the chest, the polo shirt is maroon with gold embroidery. All children are expected to wear black shorts, skirts or pants. The school office stocks our uniform. A uniform bucket hat is compulsory in terms 1 and 4 and is available for purchase from the school office. A school jacket is available from the school office. See our Uniform page for more details.
Winter Sport
All children are encouraged to participate in a winter team sport. The school has netball and hockey teams. Paeroa and Ngatea have club soccer, rugby and rugby league teams.