Welcome to Parekereke!

(our name means Seedling Beds)

 

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Glenbrook School New Entrants Class, it is lovely to have you joining our school. Please feel free to come and ask questions as I am sure you have many. This letter is to help you and your child settle into school life.

I have tried to include information about uniforms, timetables and just practical everyday things you may need to know.

When you drop your child at school they come straight to the classroom in the mornings. They should be in school from 8.50am to get ready for the day. There are a few fun jobs they take part in like self registration and putting book bags away. This is to develop their independence and self-management skills. Each child has a named bag hook in the clockroom for their things.

Children are asked to wear a hat in Term 1 and Term 4. This is vital for their protection especially at the beginning of the year. Please can you name all your child's clothes as it makes life easier. When we change for swimming there can be problems! We swim for as long as the weather holds in the first term. We swim Monday to Thursday, so please make sure your child has their togs, towel, cap (if needed) and goggles. I plan to swim with another class in order to be able to get into the water, as I know we have some beginners and we want to build up their confidence.

Please bring the stationery order to class on the first day. I'll have labels all ready to go and can sort these for you. If you need further help with this Linda in the office is happy to help. This is also where you purchase the school uniform.

If your child has any health issues at all regarding allergies or medication, Linda in the office must be informed. I would also appreciate a chat about any medical issues that I need to be aware of.

If you wish to order lunch for your child there is a pink bucket by the reception, where you place an envelope with the order on the front with money inside. There is a menu there for guidance. These are then delivered to the classroom for your child just before the lunch bell goes.

If your child has a packed lunch, they sit outside on the court area and are asked to finish all the food in their boxes. These are checked by the teacher on duty as best we can. We encourage the choice of healthy food.

Each week you will receive a class letter inside their poetry book, on a Friday. This explains what the children will be learning the following week, and gives the homework clearly. This is normally just reading and flashcards at our level. You'll have home reader books to keep track of their progress, which is a lovely way to encourage your child. This book also includes some interesting information about ways to help your child with reading, ways to sit and how to encourage them to sound out.

One big concern for parents is often toileting. We use a crossed 't' with your finger in my class, so they can sign and go anytime. I will spend time on the first day showing them the toilets and how to get help if they need it.

If you would like to come and spend some time in the classroom, we'd love to see you! But I suggest that it is a good idea to let the children settle for the first few weeks and develop their relationship with me and their friends.

At the end of the day 2.50pm I will walk the children with their bags to the top court near the hall. If your child is on the bus I'll send them over and make sure they are ready. You can collect your child from me and the children say goodbye to me as they go to ensure they are safely with an adult or older sibling. If someone new is coming to collect them, ring the office to let me know please.

Really looking forward to getting to know you and your child,

Kind Regards

Leigh Fulton