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We are very proud of our school, our reputation is based around a very successful partnership with parents and we look forward to working with you to make your child’s time at Omata a quality learning experience.

Our PeopleSTAFFKaren Brisco Principal Pat Murphy Deputy Principal Room 6 Year 7 & 8 Viv Norris Assitant Principal Room 4 New Entrants & Year 1Bridgit Barleyman Room 1 Year 2 & 3Stuart Bennett Room 2 Year 5 & 6Vicky Aylward Room 3 Year 4 & 5Alex Hood Room 5 Year 1 & 2Jemma Glasgow Teacher Bronnie Read School SecretaryKaryn Humphries Teacher AideCaroline Shotter Teacher Aide

CONTACTSSchool Phone & Fax (06) 751 2308Email office@omata.school.nzWebsite www.omata.school.nz

Resource Teacher of Learning and BehaviourOmata shares an RTLB, Adrienne Ansley, with Woodleigh, Westown and Frankley Schools. Adrienne works with children, parents and teachers to provide support where specific behavioural or learning needs are identified.

Resource Teacher of LiteracyNew Plymouth schools are supported by Chris White, our RTLit. Chris works with older students, their parents and teachers to provide support where specific reading needs are identified.

Reading RecoveryWe employ a Reading Recovery teacher, Angela Bayly, to give support to selected children at 6 years old.

Health NurseChris Bowden is our Public Health Nurse appointed to work with Omata School, based at the Child & Adolescent Centre. Chris is available to help in the following ways:

• With information you require on health matters relating to your child• To assist where necessary in helping you make contact with doctors and other health related people.• To assist with the implementation of the school’s health programme.

If necessary you can contact Chris through the school, or by phoning the Centre on (06) 7537795.

BOARD OF TRUSTEESThe Board of Trustees are the school governance team. They are responsible for:

• School finances • Policies • Consulting and reporting to the community • Appointing staff • Health and Safety • Development and maintenance of all buildings and grounds• Self Review

Tracey Lusk Hamish Logan Andrew CrawshawBridget EldershawJoss Hobson Pat Murphy (Staff Rep) Karen Brisco (Principal)

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONOmata Home and School would like to welcome all families to the school. We are a group of dedicated parents who work together with staff, for the benefit of our children and school as a whole. Through various fundraising activities, money is raised and donated to the school to provide; classroom and sports equipment, games, computers, cameras, books, etc.

In addition to our fundraising we are a very social group and work towards involving parents and extended families in various school community events throughout the year. For example; cafe mornings, sports exchanges, lunches, discos and BBQ’s.

In February each year, an annual meeting is held and the committee elected. If you feel that you would like to play an active role on this committee, please contact one of the existing members for more information.

Jodi Astwood Chairperson (06) 751 4359 Karen Glenny Secretary

STUDENTSThe school roll has grown steadily since self-management and is at present around 150 pupils. This is expected to increase as new subdivisions continue to be developed around the Omata area. Omata is a co-educational state funded, full primary school providing education for students from 5 - 13 years old in years 1 - 8.

COMMUNITYFamilies are encouraged to visit the school regularly and become a part of the learning team. Many parents play an active roll in school affairs through supporting class programmes and school events. Class trips, sports days, and special events are well supported. The Home and School Association plays an active role in school activities. A pre-school group meets in the hall fortnightly with parents and pre-schoolers able to mix and mingle.

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Our EnvironmentOmata School is set in attractive grounds with extensive playing areas and a large area of native bush on the boundary. The school comprises one main building, recently upgraded, containing; three classrooms, a theatre, the administration area, resource rooms, reading recovery room, a new library and the staffroom. Three new classrooms on the far side, have been built since 1995. A community hall is sited on the school grounds which the school has full access to during school hours and for evening activities. The swimming pool area with shade areas, paving, toilets and changing rooms, is widely used by the community outside school hours during the summer season. A skateboard park was constructed in 2001, an extension to the playground was completed in 2004. In 2007 an artificial cricket pitch was laid and the development of the tennis, basketball and netball court area was completed in 2008.

ZONEIn 2009 the Ministry of Education required that Omata School put an enrolment scheme in place. This means that students living within the designated zone are automatically able to enrol. The Board of Trustees may open spaces for out-of-zone students. There is a process for parents who wish to have their child enrolled from out of the zone. Please contact the office for further information and a map of the zone.

HERITAGEThe first school was established in the Omata area in 1853. This makes Omata Primary the oldest school in Taranaki. Easter 2003 was our 150th Jubilee. The school has always played a key role in local community life and events. The pool has been available for community use since the early 1950’s and with a new hall built on the school grounds in 1994, sporting, culture and social events regularly take place.

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Our Vision‘A supportive environment challenging children to become responsible learners.’

‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us’ - Ralph Waldo Emerson

GOALSTo be responsive to the individual needs of students

To develop independent responsible thinkers High quality programmes with particular emphasis on literacy, numeracy and physical activity

To have an effective partnership between community and our school Maintain a safe, stimulating environment that enhances the development of the whole child (Hauora)

CRITICAL AREASStudents

BehaviourAchievementCommunity

Health and Safety

KEY RESULTSEngaged Learners

Responsible BehaviourHigh Achievement

Community PartnershipSafe and Healthy Environment

Communicates effectivelyWriting, Reading and Mathematics at age 13+

Able to speak confidently in a range of situations and connect with the audience

Shows respect and listens

Contributes positively to societyAble to lead and motivate others

Looks after their environmentTakes opportunities to become involved in

their school and communitySees and responds respectfully to other’s

points of view; is empathetic

Has the skills and desire to continue to learnHas a range of ways to think creatively, critically and reflectivelyHas a ‘can do’ attitude and perserveresAdopts and adapts technology

Makes good choicesShows initiativeTakes responsibility for own actionsAble to set goals and work towards meeting themConfident to explore opportunities and make their own decisionsSees themselves as confident and successful

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YEAR 8 GRADUATE PROFILE

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Our ApproachOUR FOCUS IS TO:Create and sustain a culture of empowered learners to achieve our vision

HEALTHY LEARNERS• Fuel break taken at 10:35am - 10:40am in classrooms before play with encouragement to make healthy choices.• Brain food break in the afternoon at teacher discretion.• Access to water bottles throughout the day.• Physical activity will be encouraged; through the promotion of and involvement in sports teams, at play and lunchtimes through ambassador programme, by duty teachers and teacher aides, through Physical Education/Activity programmes and with the provision of sports equipment and facilities.

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT• Annotated, attractively displayed current and past learning that is updated regularly.• Quality Learning Table which holds student exercise books and newly completed learning illustrating a high standard of achievement for that student.• Current learning steps and goals for current topic displayed around the room and for other learning areas. Learning steps should be readily accessed by students; whether in modelling books, exercise books, on desks or around the classroom.• Classrooms will reflect each teacher’s individual creativity, professionalism and style.

CURRICULUM COVERAGE• Strong emphasis on English, Mathematics and Physical Education/Activity which will be timetabled throughout every week• Music is taken by a specialist music teacher from April, with a school production every even year in December. Dance and Drama have particular emphasis during production years.• Science, Social Sciences, Technology, The Arts and Health are covered through our school-wide rich topics which occur twice a year and by units of work within each classroom during alternate terms to ensure all strands are covered over a two year period. Technology and Home Economics for Year 7 and 8 students are provided at Devon Intermediate once a week.• Learning Languages is offered during term two as an option to year 5 - 8 students according to the availability of a suitable teacher. French and Spanish are the current languages available.

OUR BUSH• Every two years we have a rich topic focus involving our native bush area. • In between times each class maintains regular contact with our bush through on-going sustainability projects. • All new entrant students will plant a tree with a their name, date and label: ‘Growing our Futures’ so that they will have a long term connection to our bush area and its sustainability.• Coinciding with their assembly week, buddy classes will take time to maintain, explore, and connect with the bush and its sustainability.• A Bush Council of students of all ages, will keep a watchful eye on the bush and meet once a month about bush related issues and report back to the classes.• A modelling book/photo display will be in the library and added to by classes and the Bush Council as they engage with the bush area.

KEY COMPETENCIES• Participating and contributing, thinking, relating to others, managing self and using language, symbols and texts are the key competencies• Our students are encouraged to recognise when, how and why to use them• We provide opportunities for competencies to develop over time in increasingly complex and wide ranging contexts

VALUES• Values are to be encouraged and modelled at all times, with specific values to be explored during each term as they connect to the current topic• Students use self assessment tools to make judgement about their own progress• We believe in our students taking responsibility for themselves, others, their environment and their actions

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP• We have an open door policy which means we encourage the community and particularly our parents into the school, the staffroom, and our classrooms with the expectation that they are respectful of teachers, staff, students and the learning taking place. • Parents are made to feel welcome and are encouraged to become involved with the school and their child’s learning• We hold open days to share student involvement in rich topics and other learning or school events• We encourage visitors to our Friday assemblies and have parent help in the classrooms regularly• We embrace the cultural diversity of our community

Parent Consultation Comments• “The children have a sense of pride in the school”• “Great teachers who are friendly and approachable”• “So happy to have my children at a school where they are happy and relaxed”• “Rural setting. Good fellowship. Principal availability”• “Always made to feel welcome”• “It has very good facilities outside and indoors, great recreational facilities too, and a very safe environment”• “The family involvement and family atmosphere”• “I feel the teachers care about my kids - that’s very important”• “The education my children get is great”• “Interaction of all children regardless of age”• “The friendly positive atmosphere”• “The open door policy and quality teaching staff”• “My kids always seem to have a great day. A big smile on their faces after school”• “I like the fact that all the kids get on so well together, they care about each other”• “The sense of belonging”• “Smallness, intimacy, openness means I can be in my child’s class and feel welcome”• “Omata is a lovely friendly school which I will continue to recommend to others”

SPECIAL NEEDS• Teachers identify students who have special abilities or who are not achieving or at risk of not achieving.• Adaptation within the classroom or special programmes are put in place to address these needs.• Outside agency and school resource personnel, teacher aides and extra teaching support are employed to enhance student achievement and meet the learning, behavioural and emotional needs of our students.

LEARNING TO LEARN• We challenge and support students to be successful and teach students how to learn • Teachers engage in conversations with students and parents about how they learn, how to improve and how they will know when they have.• Students identify and talk about what helps them to learn and what hinders their learning• The language of learning is central in teacher’s feedback to students and reinforced in messages home to parents. We use the words for learning, rather than ‘work’.• Students are supported to make links; personalising and connecting their learning beyond school to other aspects of their lives and futures

• We use an adaptation of the Diana Pardoe jigsaw model from ‘Towards Successful Learning’ and Guy Claxton’s ‘Building Learning Power’ to exemplify effective teacher practice, student engagement, ownership and understanding of their learning.• In term one we have a focus on learning to learn and learner profiles• Student voice is conveyed to management and Board of Trustees through our Student Council

KA HIKITIA MAORI EDUCATION• Knowledge and appreciation of Maori culture and language through song, story, dance, games and art• Applying the correct pronunciation of Maori in the everyday language environment, (e.g. phrases, greetings, names, commands etc.)• Know about and respect Maori values, beliefs, customs and protocols• Teachers demonstrate manaaki (caring about culture) and whakapiringatanga (classroom preparation) which respond to their understandings about effective teaching strategies for Maori students

EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIESSports and Cultural Activities are an integral part of Omata School. Every second year the school puts on a show in which all children take part.

The ‘WOMATA’ festival in 2006, displayed the students talents and reflected their learning about many cultures. In 2008 performances of ‘Babushka’ by the junior school and ‘Time Trek’ by the senior school, wowed audiences. Shows of such high quality reflect the talents of our teachers and Jan Aiello our music specialist in promoting music, dance and drama. Piano, guitar and ukelele lessons are available during school hours.

Sports are also widely promoted with teams participating in cricket, roller hockey, netball, soccer, touch rugby, miniball and basketball leagues. Omata belongs to a sports group with Oakura, and Coastal Schools and all children are involved in sports days over the year. During the year we ask sporting codes to send coaches along to school to introduce class groups to a variety of sports.

Children from years 5 - 8 have the opportunity to take part in two camps. Children in year 8 have the opportunity to attend the annual Young Leaders’ Conference. The school also visits Oakura Marae in alternate years. Children in years 4 - 8 have an opportunity to participate in the annual International Schools’ Competitions which are academic tests in various subject areas.

OUR REPUTATIONParents, Boards of Trustees, teachers and principals from other schools in Taranaki and wider afield are regular visitors to our school and this is a reflection of the quality learning and teaching that takes place. A further advantage of having a good reputation in education circles, is that it greatly assists in attracting quality staff when positions become vacant.

EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE (E.R.O) REPORT NOVEMBER 2008Comments:‘Students at Omata School learn in a challenging, supportive environment that promotes personal responsibility. Strong relationships and partnerships connect home, school and the community. Families enjoy high levels of engagement in school activities. Mutual respect between students and with teachers is highly evident. For students, being a member of the school’s community and achieving personal excellence is valued.

‘Students’ diverse social needs, academic ways of learning and abilities are well understood and catered for by teachers. Programmes are highly interactive, interesting and challenging. Confident students enthusiastically participate in well-planned school-wide (Rich Topic) learning. Responsible students actively engage in purposeful, cooperative and collaborative learning, both in class and between classes. Motivated learners persevere at tasks, take educational risks and demonstrate enjoyment when learning.

Teachers closely monitor students’ progress and achievement throughout the year. Most students read at or above age appropriate expectations, with some students excelling. A significant number of Years 5 to 8 students have enrichment/extension learning. Mathematics assessment in July 2008, indicated that many students are in the category of high achievers. The principal and senior managers provide strong leadership, supporting staff professional development and encouraging initiative and creativity. Adults are positive role models. They provide students with innovative experiences beneficial to learning. Teachers have confidence in, and respect for, students’ increasing capability to take responsibility for their learning.

Positive organisational culture, based on the premise of being a learning community, encourages strong team rapport. Experienced trustees have a good understanding of their governance role. The board, principal and staff work collaboratively to action the comprehensive strategic plan. Self review and evaluation successfully leads to improved teaching and learning. A planned approach to monitoring and refining implementation of the school’s curriculum is in place. The board generously funds teaching resources, staff professional development, and provides opportunities for students to develop their talents and reach potential.’

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Our OrganisationABSENCESIf your child is absent for any reason, we are required by law to have an explanation from the Parents/Caregivers and all absences are reported electronically to the Ministry. We have an electronic system of daily checking absences so that we ensure the safety of pupils to and from school. Please ring or email the office by 9am if your child will be absent from school. If your child arrives late to school please have them check in at the office before going to class.

ACTIVITY FEEWe charge $10 per term to cover the costs of trips, shows and other activities. This can be paid at the start of the year or at the start of each term. The activity fee saves you having to regularly provide small sums of money for events during the year, and saves us handling this cash in the office.

AMBASSADORSYear 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to train and become ambassadors whose job it is to organise games at lunchtimes for students of all ages and support and help children in the playground. We have an ambassador ‘bus stop’ which is a place students can go if they need an ambassador to help them. Our intention is to keep children safe, active and included at break times. Seniors take this role seriously and gain many leadership skills and learn about taking responsibility.

ASSEMBLYSchool assemblies are held in the hall on Friday mornings from 9 - 9.45am. Parents, Caregivers and families are welcome to attend these assemblies, at which class work is shared and awards made. The playgroup has made a toy box available for young children during assembly.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENTOur ‘Go for Gold’ positive behaviour plan is based on the belief that children have a right to feel safe and happy in the classroom and playground, children have a right to learn without others disturbing them and teachers have the right to teach without being disturbed. We all take responsibility for our behaviour and the choices we make.

BUSESMany of our children travel by one of two bus services provided by Tranzit Bus Lines (ph 7599039). A daily record of children

travelling on the bus is kept by the duty teacher. If a child is not going to travel home by bus, please notify the school or make a note on the bus list which is located by the office door. A high standard of behaviour is required of our children travelling on buses. We ask parents to assist us in setting these standards.

CELLPHONESCellphones should be left at home. If you do require your child to bring a cellphone then it must be passed in to the class teacher at the start of the day.

CIVIL DEFENCE AND EMERGENCYThe school has an Emergency Procedure. The staff are primarily concerned and responsible for the safety of children. Emergency drills are held each term. Caregivers who collect children after an emergency must report to whatever central point has been set up to check off names.

DENTISTAll children from Omata School are treated at the dental clinic based at Spotswood Primary School on a yearly revision. This service is free and enrolments can be made from the age of two and half years. For further information please ring the clinic (06) 751 1332.

ENROLMENTSEnrolment forms can be posted to you or collected from the office. We require an immunisation certificate and birth certificate for children enrolling for the first time or a passport for children not born in New Zealand. Enrolment at Omata School is covered by an enrolment policy and zone. Please call for more details as from time to time the Board of Trustees may take out of zone enrolments.

FAMILY CONTACT DETAILSPlease notify us of any changes of phone numbers or address, both at home or work. This is very important if we need to contact you in the case of an emergency.

HATSHats are required to be worn outside as part of the school ‘Sunsafe’ policy. This is adhered to during the months of daylight saving. School hats are able to be purchased at the school office.

HOME LEARNINGHome learning tasks may involve spelling, tables, learning keys, reading and research of topics being covered at school. As parents you may like to help in this learning, but please encourage independence.

LOST PROPERTYThere is a lost property trolley to view in the corridor of the main block. If there is something lost, could you please inquire immediately. We encourage the naming of all clothing.

LIBRARYOur library is an integral part of the school. Using the library encourages positive reading attitudes and promotes the use of information skills. All children are able to have two books at a time which must be taken home in their book-bags. Books are expensive items, and if they are lost or damaged a fee will be charged.

LUNCHESSchool lunches are available on Fridays. Details are sent out in Wednesday’s newsletter. Please place money in an envelope with the child’s name and requirements. These will be collected by parent helpers at the school library before 9am on Friday morning. Home and School organise a baking roster of parents who are able to bake for Friday lunches. Please contact them or the office if you would like to be on the baking roster.

MONEY AND VALUABLESChildren should not bring money to school unless it is requested or for lunches. Children may wear watches to school and studs or sleepers in pierced ears. No other jewellery please. Valuables should be left at home.

NEWSLETTERSWe send out a newsletter each Wednesday with the oldest family member at school and a ‘Newslink’ every term. The newsletter may be read via our website: www.omata.school.nz. We also contribute an article to the monthly edition of the ‘TOM’ (local community magazine) delivered to households throughout the Kaitake Area - Oakura, Omata. This keeps the School and Community informed as to school events.

OFFICEAll donations and fees etc can be paid at the office, and general inquiries can be made there. Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 2.30pm Friday 8am - 12.30pmIf you wish to contact class teachers, please phone before or after school, or between 12.30 and 1.30pm.

PARENT HELPERSParents assist the school in many ways. Requests for assistance are usually made through newsletters. Please let teachers know if you are available. We greatly appreciate the considerable help we get from parents.

PARKINGWe have a parking area next to the tennis court. We ask parents to use this car park to reduce congestion on Holloway Road. The Board of Trustees has liaised with the Council in setting up a drop off area at the front of the school, though every driver needs to be very careful when dropping children off and picking them up. We ask that people take note of the drop off zone times and do not leave their vehicles parked there.

PLAYGROUPA playgroup for pre-schoolers and their parents is run in the Hall every second Thursday of the term from 9-11am. The school offers a pre school programme for four year olds with take home activities and readers that familiarise the new entrant with academic requirements. The classroom material covered includes colours, shapes, alphabet, numbers, writing, the seasons and time. Playgroup participants have an opportunity to go through and show their activities to the new entrant teacher. Phone Caroline Shotter for further information 759 1988.

PRE SCHOOL LIAISONNew entrants are encouraged to participate in orientation in the three to four weeks prior to starting school with times for classroom visits arranged to suit. Parents are invited to spend as much time as they wish in the classroom. Please contact Viv Norris, the new entrant teacher to arrange visits.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONThe ‘Life Choices’ programme is run by a trained tutor. Year 3 - 6 children take lessons in Terms 2 & 3 once a week for 1/2 an hour. Please send a note to the office if you do not want your child to attend. This programme is dependent on a tutor being available to teach. You may view a copy of the programme at reception.

REPORTING TO PARENTSParent Information Evening: class organisation and expectations discussed at this meeting early in Term One. Informal meetings - called by parent or teacher when there is a matter of concern. 3D Conferences are held at the end of term one and in the third term for parents, student and teacher to discuss progress and next steps for learning.Formal written reports are provided in December.

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONSThe school works on limited finance. To get extra resources for the children it is necessary to seek the help of parents by asking for an annual contribution. The figure is set annually by the Board of Trustees and we hope that all parents will help by contributing this amount. The amount currently is $80 per pupil.

SCHOOL HOURSMorning 9.00am - 12.30pmAfternoon 1.30pm - 3.00pm

STATIONERY SUPPLIESStationery for school needs is sold at the school office. A list of books required is issued at the beginning of each year and as these are used up, replacements are available. A note for these will be sent home by your child’s teacher.

SWIMMINGThe school promotes swimming as an important part of the summer school programme. All classes have daily swimming lessons during the first 6 weeks of the year, weather permitting. Parents and community members are able to purchase a pool key from the school office at a small cost.

UNIFORMWe do not have a school uniform but children who wish to skate, scoot or ride on the skatepark must wear a helmet and shoes. Uniforms are issued for students playing in sport’s teams. We recommend old shirts be brought along to use during ‘creative’ and sometimes messy art lessons.

VACCINATIONSWhen enrolling pupils, parents are required to show their vaccination certificates. The school is required to collect this information for the Ministry of Health.

We know that you will enjoy your involvement with Omata School and in this prospectus we have outlined many of the factors that make our school a special place. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Holloway

Road

R.D.4

New P

lymouth

4374

Phone: 06 7

51 23

08

Fax: 0

6 751

2308

Email

: offi

ce@om

ata.sc

hool.nz

www.omata

.school.n

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