Absence, Illness and Accidents

If your child is unable to attend school, then please inform the office on (03) 324-2545, before 9:00am.
If during the day your child spends time in the sick bay, this will be recorded in their KIT book.
If we feel that your child is not fit to stay at school then we will contact you or your emergency contacts. Please ensure that the school has up-to-date contacts for your child and that we have your current cell phone numbers.
If your child needs medication while they are at school, this needs to be arranged through the school office.

Buses

Children living more than 3.2 kilometres from their nearest school are eligible for school transport assistance. For information about this contact the school office.

Home and School Committee

The Home and School is made up of members of the parent and school community who work together to make Southbridge School a great place for children. Meetings are usually held once a month.  Home and School organises fundraisers, morning and afternoon teas for special occasions, uniform sales, get-togethers for parents new to the school and lunch orders. Home and School meetings are also a great forum to discuss events and happenings at Southbridge School. Details of Home and School meetings are advertised in the school newsletter.

KIT Books

KIT stands for Keeping In Touch. Each child at Southbridge School has a notebook which is used as a means of communication between home and school. For the system to work effectively these notebooks need to be checked each night by parents and each morning by teachers. All notes in the book need to be signed to verify they have been read. Teachers, parents, and students can write notes in the KIT book. We will also let parents know, via the KIT book, if their child has been attended to in sick bay or if their child has been given "time out" during the day because of their behaviour.

Library

All classes visit the library at least once a week. Children are encouraged to select recreational reading books. They are also taught information literacy skills.  The library is open during morning tea and lunchtimes for the children to borrow books and carry out research.  A teacher aide oversees the children whilst they are in the library and is available to help them with any questions. The Selwyn District Council Mobile Library also visits the school every second Wednesday.  Mrs Jo Johnstone is the teacher in charge of the library and she is happy to answer any questions you might have.

Newsletter

A weekly newsletter is issued to the eldest child every Thursday. If you would like to receive your copy via the email please ring the office. We also have a copy of the current newsletter on our website.

PMP

Children in Years 1 and 2 are involved in a Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP). The aim of the programme is to enhance the development of children's fine motor skills through a programme of fun activities which work on hand-eye-co-ordination and balance.

Religious Education

This is held once a week for all students. Parents who do not wish their children to be involved need to let the school know via a note in the KIT book.

School Donation

Each family is asked to pay a school donation to help us provide quality education for our students. At present the rate is $40 per child up to a maximum of $100 per family. We accept payment at any time and reminder notices will be sent out.

School Hours

School hours are officially 8:50am until 3:10pm. Outside of these hours the safety of children is the responsibility of parents, however staff are always on site between 8am and 4pm and we do keep an eye out for children. Children arriving before 8:50am in the morning can put their bags away, get their things organized for the day in their classrooms and then find something quiet to do or go outside and play. Interval is at 10:30am and the lunch hour is 12:40-1:40pm.

School Banking
School banking is on Tuesdays.  Children who have savings accounts at the BNZ may bring their bank books and deposits to school on Tuesday mornings.  The books will be returned on Thursdays.

Stationery

At the end of each school year children are given a list detailing the stationery they will need to have, covered, named and ready to use on day one of the new year. Replacement stationery is available before school from the office.

Support Services

The Public Health Nurse can be contacted directly by parents on 325 6218 or 025 336 526. She is available to give help with any health problem you may be experiencing. Dental nurses visit our school regularly. If you require their assistance at a time when they are not at Southbridge, contact our school office for contact details. Resources Teachers of Learning and Behaviour are teachers specially trained to offer help and assistance to class teachers of children experiencing difficulties. Before referring children to their service, the situation will be discussed fully with parents. A Speech Therapist is available to work with children at our school. If you have a concern about your child’s speech, talk to their teacher and we will arrange a referral if appropriate. Hearing and Vision testers visit our school regularly. All new entrants are screened and children who may be having a problem are monitored regularly. Parents can request the hearing and vision tester re-assess their children at any time there is a concern. Talk to the class teacher about this.  

Uniform

All children are required to wear the school uniform which is available through the school and from Postie Plus in Hornby. The uniform shop is open from 8.30 to 9.15am on Monday mornings and alternate Wednesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.15pm. 

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