Papatoetoe Intermediate School

STAFF HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

DIRECTORY

Any reference to the Principal shall mean that, in the absence of the Principal, the Deputy Principal shall be deemed to the Principal. If both are not available the Second Deputy Principal assumes that responsibility. In the unlikely event of all three being absent, the most senior of the Senior Teachers shall assume that responsibility. 

ABSCONDERS.

From time to time children will abscond from school. Inform the Deputy Principal or dean after having the school searched diligently. The child will be considered a truant and the home informed promptly.

If the child returns to school inform the deputy or dean immediately.

 

ABSENCE OF STAFF

Contact the Deputy Principal for a reliever as soon as you know you will not be at school. A phone call the night before is far better than a call the following morning. Telephone the school in the afternoon to advise as to whether you will be in the next day or not. It may be possible to keep the same reliever and thus provide some continuity. Your Attendance Register must be in your desk drawer - it never goes home.

 

ACCIDENTS TO CHILDREN.

In the event of an accident teachers shall give first aid but, if it is regarded as serious, an ambulance shall be called and the parents and principal advised as soon as possible. Recent medical opinion indicates that, for serious injuries, ambulance travel is preferred over private car.

Injuries to the head, spine, internal organs and bones must always be regarded as serious. In such circumstances, the child should not be moved.

After the medical authorities have the child in care a detailed report of the accident, and its causes, should be completed and given to the principal. This report will be presented to the Board.

No child goes to the sickbay except under the direction of an adult. Likewise, children do not treat other children and thus should not delve into the medical supplies which are kept in the office.

The sickbay is not to be used for lessons, or any other non-medical purpose, if a sick or injured child is present.

 

ACCIDENTS TO STAFF.

The procedure for dealing with accidents to staff is the same as for accidents to children. Next of kin must be advised as soon as possible.

An accident report must be completed.

The new ACC Act distinguishes between work and non-work accidents. Administratively, employers must take full responsibility for ensuring that claims of work accidents are genuine.

To avoid possible disputes as to whether an accident is work or non-work, all work injuries must be reported to the Executive Officer before the end of the day by, say, leaving a signed and dated message in the EO's pigeon hole.

 

ADMINISTRATION AREA.

This area covers all offices.  It is important for public perception, security and for efficient working that this area is kept neat and tidy. It is a work place rather than a meeting area. It is not a place to leave clutter.

Pupils should only be at the office or in the foyer area by the office on official business.

 

ADVISORY SERVICES.

The Advisory Services are a valued part of the profession. Teachers should call on the expertise of these advisers.  Teachers should channel their requests through their team leaders.

 

Group Special Education can also assist with children with learning or behavioural problems and disabilities. These services are co-ordinated within the school by the RTLB. Ask for a referral form if you have pupils who need help of a specialised nature (ie beyond the capability of our own resources).  Other services include:[Police] Youth Aid and the government organisation for young people. The latter should only be approached after consultation with the Principal.

ASSEMBLIES.

Movement to and from assembly will be quiet and orderly - this helps set a good tone for the time in the hall.

ATTENDANCE OF PUPILS.

See Use of attendance Registers in appendix.

The Attendance Register is marked twice a day by the teacher actually sighting the pupil.

As a legal document which may be produced in Court it must be marked accurately. It should also be kept in a tidy condition.

Do not remove a child from your register without consulting the principal who authorises such a withdrawal. If you believe a child has left the school, please discuss the matter with the principal.

Roll numbers will be entered on the weekly roll sheet promptly, accurately and tidily by a secretary.

The Attendance Register, Roll Book, Admission Register, Withdrawal Register and Progress Cards are all checked for accuracy by the Roll Auditor. 

AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT.

The school has a variety of audio-visual aids which may be freely used in class programmes.

They are kept either in the Resource Room or in a designated classroom.  Staff may use these items at home if they book them out.

Malfunctions or breakages must be reported to resource room personnel or to the teacher in charge of AV so that repairs can be made.

 

Software should be previewed by teachers in the planning phase so that instruction is effective. That is, films and videos should be shown to teachers (at team meetings) and discussed so that the children are prepared for the viewing.

 

Teachers' suggestions for software purchases are welcomed and should be made in writing to the appropriate teacher.

 

BELL TIMES.

8.30 a.m.                          Students can enter classrooms

8.40 a.m.                          Start of school day

9.00 – 9.45 a.m.                Block 1

9.45 – 10.30a.m.                Block 2

10.30 – 11.00a.m.              Morning Tea

11.00 – 11.45a.m.              Block 3

11.45 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.      Block 4

12.30 – 12.40 p.m.             Lunch Eating

12.40 – 1.20 p.m.               Lunch break

1.20 – 2.05 p.m.                Block 5

2.05 – 3.00 p.m.                Block 6

3.00 p.m.                          End of school day

 

 

BICYCLES.

Cyclists must wear approved cycle helmets.

Pupils must secure their own bikes by bike chains. They cannot assume the locked gate will be sufficient to deter quick thieves. The caretaker secures the gates at 0845 am and opens them at 3.00 pm.

BORROWING OF SCHOOL ASSETS BY STAFF.

This is permissible provided the loan is recorded. This requirement acts as a protection for any staff member.

 

BUILDINGS.

Teachers, and other staff, must be security conscious if working in the school after hours. Lock the doors while working and secure them properly when departing.

Lost keys must be reported promptly to the executive officer in case the locks have to be changed.

Before teachers leave their classrooms for the day they must check that the outside door and the windows are secured.

BUSES FOR FIELD TRIPS ETC.

The secretary will get quotes for buses and then book buses for school trips.  All necessary information will be entered on the appropriate form to enable this task to be done.

 

BY-LAWS.

All staff must be familiar with the school and public by-laws.

 

CHILDREN OUT OF THE CLASSROOM. 

Children should not be out of the classroom without good reason. They must carry a pass with them.

Children acting independently in a school must understand the tasks they have to perform, their responsibilities and an understanding of the trust bestowed on them.

Children should be reminded and encouraged to go to the toilet before school, at interval, lunchtime and other suitable, non-disruptive times.

 

CLASS BUDGET - COPYING AND REQUISITES.

Each year a certain amount is budgeted for each class to enable teachers to use the photocopier, duplicator and to acquire various classroom requisites.

Teachers are expected to work within this budget on a term by term basis. It is not necessary to spend all of this if a class is able to work effectively on a lesser amount.

Working within budget entails effective planning and monthly budgeting. Copying must be a planned activity that takes notice of the finiteness of the resource.

The Resource Room Aide will provide each teacher with a monthly account so that teachers have data on their budget. Teachers must take heed of the warnings inherent in the figures and restrain spending accordingly.

Teachers ignoring the budget figures will be asked, towards the end of each term, to account for the condition of their budget.

It might be claimed that this budgetary "constraint" is limiting the effectiveness of a classroom teacher to teach their class. This argument in untenable. Every activity in society has to work within financial constraints. There are also many other ways of teaching effectively without overuse of the photocopier.

Classes will not fundraise to boost this classroom copying and requisites fund. [No teacher needs public affirmation of their inability to work within a budget - most teachers can and do work within budget].

 

CLASS DUTY ROSTER.

Class duties enable children to participate in activities which contribute to the smooth operation of the school. As such, they are essential duties which are to be valued.

An important duty is that of Monitors who carry out essential duties for the administration. In the absence of adults in the area they will welcome visitors and ensure they are looked after until an adult returns. Monitors should be on duty for a maximum of one block.  All pupils selected for this duty must be in correct uniform.

 

CLASS DESIGN.

The class design programme (simplified) is as follows:

1. Principal designs school structure for next year.

2. Teachers complete preference form return on their desired class levels.

3. Principal makes his/her decision on teachers' class levels and rooms.

4. Preparation starts for next year.

 

CLASS EQUIPMENT.

Class equipment (staple guns, staplers, clocks, pencil sharpeners etc) are expensive items. They must be kept in a secure place under the supervision of the teacher. Children must be taught to respect them and to use them correctly. Care must be taken to ensure that these items not pilfered.

It is the teacher's task to locate missing equipment.

 

CLASS ROUTINES.

These must be firmly established early in the school year. They provide a stable structure to the class environment and enable lessons to start efficiently so that learning can be effective. A well-thought through set of routines enables children to handle the change process.

 

CLASS TEXTBOOKS.

Teachers will be supplied with sets of textbooks which become their responsibility for the year. A system of issue should be devised by the teacher to ensure the pupils are accountable for the good care of these books.

 

CHANGE.

Children with social-emotional problems often experience problems with change (eg routines etc). As change is part of school-life -and education is, by definition, a change process - they must be taught to handle change and become more adaptable.  Describing the school day, event, or trip helps these students to prepare themselves for a new situation.

 

CHILDREN IN CLASSROOMS.

Pupils who arrive before 8.30 am are permitted into the grounds. On wet mornings pupils on the grounds before 8.30 am should seek shelter in the hall entranceway.

At 8.30 am pupils are deemed to be under teacher supervision and may enter school buildings. They may enter their classrooms if their teacher is present.

 

CLASS TIDINESS.

The cleaners are not required to pick up children's or teacher's mess in the classroom. Classrooms must be left ready for the cleaners to vacuum and dust etc. Chairs should be up (in a safe manner), equipment should be off the floor, spilt paint should be cleaned up before it hardens, sinks should be left clear etc. Paint, paste, glue, clay etc should never be put down sinks. Windows and doors should be secured.

 

COMMUNICATIONS WITHIN THE SCHOOL.

Everybody should be aware of what others in the school are doing. Good communications are essential in a school if it is to operate effectively. People must be informed as far ahead as is humanly possible to avoid activities/venues being double-booked.

As an axiom: it is better to be over-informed than under-informed.

Management Meeting.

The Management Team meet on Friday mornings at 0745 am to finalise the Bulletin and discuss the next week. Major issues are also discussed on a regular basis.

Bulletin.

The prime source of detailed written communication is the Bulletin issued on Fridays for the following week. This is also the basis for the Monday morning briefing.

Anyone on the staff may provide information for inclusion in the Bulletin and should do so by noon on Thursdays.

Monday Briefing Meeting.

Each Monday between 8.15 and 8.30 am the staff meet to go over the week's events and activities. Staff should be in the staffroom by 8.10 ready for a prompt start.

Planning Meeting.

Each second Monday afternoon the senior staff and designated others meet to discuss organisational matters affecting the effective operation of the school. The meeting starts at 3.15 pm. Senior staff should be in the staffroom by 3.10 pm.  Any teacher is welcome to attend. Staff may request a matter to be put on the agenda for discussion by the senior staff. Minutes must be kept.

Between these planning meetings are held Quality Learning Circles [one meeting] and Curriculum Committee [Curriculum Director with convenors of curriculum teams] also one meeting.

Staff Meeting.

Staff meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons starting at 3.15 pm. Staff should be present from 3.10 pm. The thrust of most staff meetings should, and will, be professional and curriculum development. There will be some staff meetings to look at organisational and administrative matters. Minutes should be kept when appropriate.

Team Meetings.

These are held at a time and place decided by the team leader in consultation with the team/syndicate but usually on a Wednesday afternoon. Minutes must be kept. See document on team meeting agendas.

Deans' Meetings.

From time to time the Year 7 Dean and the Year 8 Dean may call a meeting of the teachers of their class level to discuss particular matters. Minutes should be kept.

 

Morning Intervals.

The deputy principal facilitates verbal notices from staff members in the few minutes before the end of interval each day.  Staff members should not have to remember details from this messages – if action is required a more suitable type of communication should be used rather than relying on busy people trying to memorize details.

 

Staffroom Whiteboards.

There are two whiteboards - one for casual notices that are not "time driven"; the other covers a two weekly period.

 

Term Calendar of Events.

Co-ordinated by the Management Team with input from everyone. It gives a forecast of events for the term. This document must be studied before extra events are considered in order to avoid conflict of events. It is updated by the secretary.

 

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS.

 

Newsletters.

The school communicates regularly with the community through a  newsletter.

Pupils must appreciate the importance of this communication between school and home. The pupil's names and room numbers should be written at the top of the Newsletters.

Contributions by staff to the content of the newsletters are welcomed.

Major events in the life of the school - sports tournaments, cultural events etc - should be reported to parents through the Newsletter. Teachers responsible for these events should have their report to the Secretary as soon as possible after the event.

 

Correspondence.

All written correspondence from the school to parents and the community (including media) must be approved by the principal.

 

Reports.

By law, schools are expected to report to parents on the progress and achievement of their children at least twice a year. We report four times a year - two orally [including one portfolio night] and two in writing.

 

Interviews.

As well as a short, formal oral reporting session teachers and parents may set up an interview to discuss a child. These are usually at school but sometimes a home visit may be appropriate.

No teacher is expected to get themselves into a difficult or threatening situation - see "Code of Conduct: Interviews" (in Bylaws). Teachers should not hesitate to seek support.

 

Telephone.

A pro-active phone call to the parents of a child who has done something notably worthwhile is appreciated by parents.   

CONFIDENTIALITY.

Be cautious about discussing staff, children or families in the staffroom when there are visitors present. This is both for confidentiality and for visitors’ perception of our professionalism.

CONFISCATION.

It is sound practice to return confiscated property at the end of the school day. If there is doubt about the validity of returning certain items the teacher should consult the principal or the deputies. Some items should only be returned via the child’s parents [e.g. large sums of money, incendiary devices, weapons etc].

Items in teachers' care must be returned in good order. Teachers are responsible for the safekeeping of such items in their charge.

 

CURRICULUM VITAE.

It is advisable for staff to keep their Curriculum Vitae up to date and on a floppy disc. It should be updated annually with achievements, courses etc.

Photos of classroom environments are especially welcome in CVs. It is advisable to keep a photographic record of your year's work and achievements. This would be a personal cost.

 

DELEGATION. 

Teachers can expect delegated duties which they are expected to carry out efficiently and effectively.

Teachers are expected to use their initiative in carrying out these duties and responsibilities.

Any teacher who is not sure as to how any duty should be carried out should ask for advice from a member of the management team.

 

DESK INSPECTIONS.

These should be carried out on a regular basis. Desk tops (and chairs) should also be checked weekly for graffiti damage. If children know desks and chairs will be inspected regularly they will be less likely to damage them.

 

DETENTION.

We release students promptly at 3.00 pm so they can travel home more safely in groups. We do not have after-school detentions for any reason whatsoever.

We operate a school lunch time detention for thirty minutes. Use of this detention is for significant misbehaviour. No one should be given a school detention for not doing homework.

 

Children may be given a class or team detention for class related misbehaviour. They must be supervised by a teacher. Teachers should be aware of our Code of Conduct - Contact with Children to keep themselves safe.

No pupil will be detained during morning interval.

 

DUTY IN THE PLAYGROUND. 

The purpose of playground duty is to maintain a pleasant and safe environment for all people working and learning in the school. 

A Duty Roster will be prepared for the continuous supervision of the grounds and buildings. The nature and areas of their supervision will be clearly indicated. The roster must be adhered to. If a staff member cannot fulfil a duty it is their responsibility to arrange a substitute and to notify the person in charge of the roster accordingly. Relievers must be informed of duty obligations.

Neglect of duty is a very serious matter - especially if a child has an accident during the time the playground is unsupervised.

Teachers must report on duty punctually and remain on duty until the end of their "shift".

The teacher's presence in the playground can often head off trouble if that person is alert and pro-active.

All teachers must support each other by maintaining playground discipline in a firm and consistent manner.

 

EARLY RELEASE FROM SCHOOL.

Children may not be released early from school without permission from a member of the management team. That is, no one can be released at, say, 2.50 pm as a “reward”.

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.

See separate sheets.

 

END OF TERM TASKS.

Trial balance Attendance Register on second to last Friday.

During last week:

Remove all staples, Sellotape and drawing pins from surfaces.

Tidy all cupboards, shelves, storerooms, desks.

Return equipment, books, journals etc as determined by teachers in charge.

Teachers ensure return of all School Library Service books they have borrowed.

Leave holiday addresses with the office [in case of emergency].

Final Thursday: double mark roll, balance, send to office.

Final afternoon: stack furniture at back of room. Secure rooms.

At end of year:

Check and return all class textbooks at direction of teacher in charge.

 

ENVIRONMENT.

The school enjoys an attractive setting and provides a reasonable recreational area for the pupils.  We aim to maintain and enhance our environment for the people in the school and for our local community. We must develop an awareness in our pupils of the importance of their environment and of their responsibility for it.

Within the school we must work towards enhancing the environment so that everybody can enjoy a clean, tidy and attractive environment. Displays of pupils’ work add to the quality of school life. Attention must also be paid to ventilation, heating and lighting. Vandalism is an offence and must be reported immediately so that an account can be sent to the parents for reimbursement. No fire exits may be blocked by furniture, displays etc.

 

EXERCISE BOOKS

Casual stationery sales each morning from 8.30-8.50 through the Cashier.

 

FUND RAISING BY TEAMS OR CLASSES.

Permission for such activities should be obtained from the principal who has authority to approve certain types of fund raising activities. Others may be referred by the principal to the Board to approve.  The more notice that is given the better.

 

FURNITURE.

This is an expensive item in a school budget.  All class furniture must be checked regularly by teachers to ensure they are kept in very good condition.  Broken items should be returned to the caretaker who will determine the fate of such items. Teachers should request furniture from the caretaker and if stocks are exhausted the executive officer will be informed.

Teachers must not hoard extra furniture in their rooms to the detriment of other classrooms.

 

HEATING.

During winter the central heating is switched on early in the morning. To give the heaters a chance to work, please keep doors and windows closed until 10.00 am.

HOMEWORK.

See separate article and do study the information given to parents in the Prospectus [Information Booklet].

Homework can be a very effective public relations activity as many people base their opinion of their child's school - rightly or wrongly - on the homework their child receives.

Parents should receive clear communication from teachers about their homework programme and the system they operate throughout the entire year.

Not all pupils will have equal opportunity for home study - the degree of encouragement and facilities will vary.

 

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PLANS [IEPs] 

These are planning instruments for effective teaching of pupils with learning or behavioural difficulties. They may also assist the case for additional support. Cases made for this help are coordinated through the RTLB and/or Achievement Centre.

INSURANCE.

Teachers must insure their own property kept at school. It is usual for teachers to include school-based personal property (including all teaching materials) in their Householder's Policy. It would also pay to check that it includes an allowance for the remaking of personal teaching notes and materials. The Board of Trustees is not responsible for teachers' insurance excess.

 

INTERVAL/LUNCHTIME.

Children are not permitted inside the school at such times unless directly supervised by a teacher. They should be inside purely for disciplinary or learning purposes.

It is worthwhile building up a class set of board games etc for wet intervals/lunchtimes.

 

KEYS.

Teachers are given keys to the school. The loss of a key can have serious consequences such as the replacement of an entire lock to foil would-be thieves. Keys must, therefore, be kept secure at all times. They are to be handed in to the principal when the teacher is leaving the school on long-term leave or when they have resigned/retired. Replacement keys are to be paid for by the teacher who lost them.

 

KNOWLEDGE.

Every teacher is expected to know, to understand and to implement all official information that is required of them to be an efficient and effective teacher of Papatoetoe Intermediate School.

LAMINATING.

Laminating is only done on Monday afternoons. Teachers must specify whether the work is "personal" (done at teacher's expense) or "School" (a school expense). If the material is to remain in the school after a teacher has gone to another teaching position elsewhere then the laminating is "School". If the laminated work goes to the teacher's next school then it is "personal".

A professional decision has to be made as to the long-term value of the material laminated for the school and, thus, such a decision should not be made in haste.

Charges to staff  are "at cost".

We operate an honesty system - your order will be taken at face value.

When the budget for laminating film is exhausted, laminating will stop for the rest of the year.

 

LATE PUPILS.

Children who are late should be asked quietly for an explanation - tact is required because they may not have been responsible for their lateness. A pencilled "L" in the attendance register will show up patterns of lateness.

Late comers report to secretary and give a reason for their lateness. They get a card that states “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”. The card goes to the teacher. Those with an unsatisfactory reason have their names put in a book. The deans follow up those showing a pattern of absence.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

Staff should be familiar with the Board's policy on Leave.

It is advisable to request discretionary leave as far in advance as possible.

 

LIABILITY.

Do not admit to being blameworthy for an accident, loss or whatever. Talk the matter over with the principal first.

 

LIBRARY

The school has a fine library and it must be kept that way. It should be well used and never abused.  Every teacher (not just the teacher-librarian) has a responsibility to keep it working smoothly. That is, to ensure that their pupils look after books properly, return books on time, keep the library tidy etc.

LOST AND FOUND PROPERTY.

All lost property is kept in the Food Technology Room.  This teacher's class time should not be interrupted. Children must never be permitted to wander the school, interrupting classes, displaying property that they have "found".

 

MARKING OF CHILDREN'S WORK.

Marking is one of the most important evaluative activities we do. Through it we can find out how well a child is learning. It is also one of the most public activities we do because parents will look at how a teacher marks and will make their own assessment of a teacher's ability and interest. Marking must go beyond the impersonal ink stamp or sticky label. Personal comments addressed to a child by name, mentioning specific matters, are preferred. Parents, rightly, are very critical of teachers who rarely mark their children's work. It helps if parents understand your marking policy.

The best, most effective marking is that which is done while the child is still working. Such marking brings a child with a problem back on track before too much damage is done. The positive reinforcement effect is educationally sound.

MESSAGES.

Messages are disruptive to class programmes and must be kept to a minimum. No class lessons should be disturbed for something that could have been put into a pigeon hole.

All staff should treat all pupil messengers with courtesy as a colleague initiated the message not the child.

 

MONEY, IN GENERAL

Do not leave money, or any other valuables, unsecured anywhere in the school.  A teacher’s personal briefcase, suitcase etc cannot be deemed “secure” against a small minority of pupils.

All money collected for class or school activities or projects must be sent to the Cashier by 10.00 am at the latest.

Money sent to the Cashier should be in the bag issued to classes together with the receipt book and notebook from each teacher stating clearly the amount enclosed and what it is for.

Teachers must never deposit pupils' or school funds in their personal account. All funds collected for educational purposes must be banked in the school-operated account.

If staff are looking after children's money they must secure it early in the day and keep it locked until 3.00 pm.

 

MOVEMENT OF CLASSES.

Movement of classes around the school must be done in a manner considerate of other classes - quietly and orderly. Classes must be accompanied by their teachers.

Teachers take their classes to specialist lessons. The specialist teacher returns them to their classroom (except for block 2 when the class teacher does).

 

NEWSLETTERS.

It is the class teachers' responsibility to ensure that children receive newsletters.

Teachers should make a practice of having children write their names and room numbers on these documents so that if any are found undelivered we know which child to talk to. Teachers should also ensure that they read school newsletters.

NOTES FROM PARENTS.

Absence notes must be kept for the whole school year. At the end of the year the commonplace letters may be burnt. Significant letters must be kept with the child’s file.

NOTICEBOARD AND WHITEBOARD IN STAFFROOM.

Teachers should scan the noticeboard and whiteboard regularly.  Items should be removed as soon as they become obsolete.

OFFICIAL RECORDS.

These include: Attendance Register and Progress Cards. Completion and custody of these official records is an integral part of the job.

 

ON-TASK TEACHERS.

If children are working at their desk it is sound methodology for the teacher to be circulating rather than being desk-bound. A teacher moving around the room: improves the class tone; keeps the children "on task" more readily; guides many children through their difficulties. Teachers stationed at their desk for periods of time lose touch with what is happening, tend to spend over-long with one child and permit children to compound errors.

 

PARENT HELPERS.

It is very desirable to have parent helpers in the school and on field trips. Teams should keep a list of helpers to acknowledge these helpers at the end of the year.

 

PARENT-TEACHER CONTACT.

This is highly desirable. Teachers and parents should be close allies in the education of children - it is a common enterprise. From time to time some parents feel that they have a genuine grievance. They must be given an opportunity to express their concern. However, class teachers are not expected to have to deal alone with complaints. The work of the class must not be interrupted while the parent and teacher talk. Interviews should be arranged in non-contact time. See "Code of Conduct - Interviews" in the Bylaws.

 

PIGEON HOLES.

These should be checked several times a day. Do not use them for lockers - they are for communications. Nothing should be left in them for longer than one day.  

POLICE INTERVIEWS.

Children may be interviewed at school by a police officer wearing civilian clothing. The police officer should first contact the Principal [or a Deputy] who should be present at the interview. Parents should also be present if possible.

 

POSITIVES IN TEACHERS' SPEECH.

Some-one once noted that teachers often speak using negatives and felt it was better to use positive phrases not only for self-esteem reasons but for practical ones as well. Thus, "Don't forget" can be changed, for the better, to "Remember".  

 

PREVIOUS RECORDS.

Every child - apart from new arrivals in the country - comes with records from previous schools. It is incumbent upon all teachers to read this material very carefully - especially the large amount received at the start of the year. Search for any material that could put yourself or any other person at risk from a child. Anything like this should immediately be discussed with a member of the management team. Also look for material that may enable you to work more effectively for a child - medical, behavioural, learning problems. Any disabilities that you may need to be aware of? Complete the specialists’ information form promptly and fully - they are dependent on you.

PUPILS IN CLASSROOMS.

Pupils are allowed in classrooms when their teacher is present. Unless it is raining no child shall be in a classroom before 8.30 am, at interval, lunchtime or after 3.10 pm.

 

PURCHASES.

The authority to purchase for the school is delegated to the principal by the Board of Trustees.

Each class will have a budget to enable teachers to purchase needed items for the teaching (eg stickers, teaching stationery, film etc) without spending their own money.  Teachers must not exceed the budget allocation.

Most teachers have a curriculum responsibility which includes a budget for a subject (eg Reading) or an area. Teachers should make their needs known to that teacher who will include it on their buying plan. It is the subject teachers' responsibility to keep themselves informed as to availability of funds for their subject.

The school will not be responsible for unauthorised purchases.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES.

If you suspect a child has a learning problem or you believe a child is emotionally troubled etc, discuss the matter with your team leader or dean. It may be possible to use an educational psychologist to assist the child. Two written documents will usually be needed - an IEP and a Written Referral documenting the situation.  The earlier a child is noticed the quicker assistance can be given. No action can take place unless written information comes from the teacher. Parental permission is also required before SES can assist.

RETURNS.

Most returns are concerned with acquiring extra resources (people or funding) for the school. They are important.

Deal with administration returns promptly - the school return cannot be actioned until the last class return is received at the office. Late returns received by the Ministry do not receive extra resources.

 

RULES FOR PUPILS.

Teachers must explain and discuss these regularly with the children - not just at the start of the year. This task cannot just be abdicated to the management team - discipline is everyone’s concern.

Rules must be enforced consistently so that children, and staff, can enjoy the benefits of an orderly, safe environment.

See Code of Conduct and Discipline Plan.

 

SCHOOL COUNCIL.

The students have their own forum through the School Council. The classes elect their representatives.

The class councillors conduct class meetings on a regular basis. The councillors then attend a Council meeting where they discuss issues under the guidance of an experienced teacher. After the meeting the Council leaders discuss the meeting with the Principal or nominee.

It has been customary for the School Council to organise the School Discos. Proceeds from this event are put towards a project that will benefit the pupils of the school.

 

SCHOOL DOCUMENTS.

All school documents - such as the School Charter, policies, Administration Booklet, prospectus, School Scheme, Education Plan et al - must be read, understood and implemented by all staff. Ignorance of these is no excuse.

SPECIALIST TEACHERS' ROOMS.

No equipment from these rooms is to be used without the prior knowledge and approval of the specialist teacher concerned.

Pupils must conform to all safety rules in these rooms.     

 

SPORT AND PE EQUIPMENT.

These items are very expensive. Teachers should teach children to look after all items. The more money we spend on repairs and making good losses the less we have to spend on buying new types of equipment.  Teachers must exert strict accountability on themselves and the pupils. Controlling children's use and misuse of equipment is everybody's responsibility.

A teacher has a delegated responsibility for ordering and distributing such equipment.

Equipment must only be used in its appropriate season - softball gear, for example, may be ruined if used during winter.

STAFF LEAVING SCHOOL AT LUNCHTIME.

If you are leaving the school at any time leave a message stating that you are out of school so that if someone telephones for you we know where you are and are not being inconvenienced looking for you.

STAFF COMPLAINTS.

If staff are unhappy about decisions being made in the school they are welcome to discuss their concerns with the principal in the privacy of that person's office. In that way they will be assured of a courteous hearing. Professional self-discipline and decorum will be expected at all times.

TEACHER DEPARTURES.

Teachers do leave one school for another. If this happens to you please ensure your departure is a smooth and pleasant one. Hand in all official records and keys without being asked. Ensure you return all teaching resources to the correct place.

It is advisable to maintain your professionalism and enthusiasm to the very end - workbooks without entries in the final month and incomplete pupil records can damage your professional standing for many years. Your principal may well be asked to act as a referee for you some time in the future. Always finish a position positively.

 

STAFFROOM.

This is a haven for staff to refresh themselves between work periods. The atmosphere should always be pleasant out of consideration for everybody.

Staff can assist the person operating the refreshment service by ensuring that they tidy up after them. People are responsible for returning their own cups. No staff member or pupil should ever need to clean up another staff member’s lunch mess or litter.

Pupils do not come into the staffroom - they should seek out the duty teacher if they have a problem. Classes use the hall kitchen for class functions.

At intervals two pupils are on telephone duty and may enter the staffroom to bring a staff member to the phone.

 

STANDARDISED TESTS.

Standardised tests taken in late February/early March will provide a data base for assisting students.

 

STATIONERY AND PUPIL EXPENSES.

All basic stationery requirements which pupils are expected to purchase are the responsibility of each individual pupil. Lists are given before the end of the school year - with a nominated stockist who will provide the school with a credit. All students, therefore, start on day one with a full load of stationery.  All books and equipment should be named before the school year starts.

 

SUN PROTECTION.

There is a policy statement on protecting children against the possibility of sunburn and melanoma. This should be studied and implemented. We must make every reasonable effort to protect the children. Please remind children to put hats on whenever they are outside for prolonged periods during the high risk times of the year. Encourage the use of an effective sun screen lotion.

 

TELEPHONES.

Pupils.

These are not for pupil use unless there is an emergency. If a teacher believes there is a genuine case the teacher should give the child a note to present to the office staff.

The phones are NOT to be used for:

* Making after-school arrangements.

* Articles left at home.

 

TESTING AND EVALUATION.

Regular testing and evaluation in all subject areas is an important professional function.  It is one of the foundations of effective teaching.  Results must be recorded in an appropriate professional "tracking" document.

TEXTBOOKS.

Textbooks of any sort (eg maths, dictionaries, atlases etc) are very expensive items.  Children caught defacing or damaging books should be reported so that adequate compensation can be sought.

TIME DRIFT.

There is a Parkinson Law that says that a job fills the time allowed for it. A five minute job will take thirty minutes if that is what is allowed. Children sometimes need realistic deadlines in order to complete things. Children can become more productive learners if "time drift" can be tackled effectively.

 

TIMETABLES.

This school provides a balanced curriculum through providing enough time for subjects to be taught well. These are detailed in Curriculum Delivery Policy: Time Allocation.

Using the Time Allocation Policy - and the master timetable - teachers design a class timetable to suit their class. Some teams prefer to develop a team timetable so that each class in that team has exactly the same timetable. This timetable has a time analysis with it.

A copy of each teacher’s class timetable is sent to the principal after the team leader has approved it. This should be done by the end of week four of term one each year.

 

TRIPS BY CLASSES.

The EOTC policy should be studied closely as there are legal requirements to be met.

Teachers must complete a trip form and have it approved by the principal before proceeding too far. These forms are kept in the staff office. The principal will normally action an application within 48 hours.

 

TRUANTS.

If you suspect a child of truanting inform the deputy principal promptly. We will endeavour to correct the child's behaviour rather than prosecute the parents.

VENTILATION.

Check throughout the day that your room is adequately ventilated. People cannot work effectively in a smelly, close environment.

 

VISITS BY PARENTS.

Parents should be welcomed into the school to talk about their children and their progress.

However, they must be encouraged to do so by appointment rather than by "dropping in". Classes should not have their work disturbed by parents dropping in for a chat.

 

VISITS BY SALESPEOPLE.

No one may enter the school to sell or distribute to staff or pupils any articles or circulars of a commercial, religious, political or other nature without direct permission of the principal.    

 

WET WEATHER.

If the fields are closed because of wet weather children will play on the asphalt areas. Because of the higher density of children on the asphalt areas children must not kick balls on the asphalt.

The school does not shorten the lunch hour in order to send children home early on wet days. Teachers must ensure that on wet days the children have plenty of activities to engage in - it is advisable to develop these ideas before the wet weather arrives!

During wet weather the children will remain in their classrooms. They will not play in passageways or storerooms etc. They should only leave their rooms in order to go to the toilet etc.

The classrooms and passageways etc must still be orderly places -whether or not a teacher is present. Children should, of course, be able to talk in normal tones in their class during lunchtime  unless their "normal tones" are excessively loud!!

 

WORKBOOKS (DIARIES).

These are an official record and need to be kept for three years - between ERO visits. Please hold on to these in your own room. If you leave the school for another teaching position hand them in to your dean.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS.

A Bulletin circulated for staff to write events etc occurring in the next week. This is put into pigeon holes on Friday. Staff are asked to provide information.

The "Education Gazette" is the official publication for all involved in education. It is every teacher's responsibility to read the official notices carefully.

Written communications to the home or to the community must be shown to the principal before photocopying. The principal is accountable for all material issued by people employed at the school.