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St Francis School is a school in which the Catholic community through the general school programme and in its religious education programme and observances, exercises the right to live by the teaching of Christ Jesus as found in Sacred Scriptures and the practices, worship and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.
PURPOSES
St Francis School is a faith community:
Which is a living witness to the person of Christ Jesus, whose teachings and ministry gives character and focus to our school.
PRINCIPLES
The staff will support the special character of the school by:
The Board of Trustee members will support the special character by:
The wider school community will support the special character by:
GUIDELINES
1. Teachers are to follow the Programme as directed by the Religious Education Authority of the Diocese and to integrate its values into other curricula.
2. To bring together all facets of school life in the light of the Gospel.
3. Teachers are encouraged to participate in the training for religious education made available through in-school meetings and in-service offered by the Religious Education Advisors and other personnel.
4. Teachers new to the Catholic system are to attend the Orientation Day and the Basic Course.
5. Staff will meet regularly for prayer and spiritual formation.
6. The Board of Trustees will communicate regularly with the school community regarding the Catholic Character through the school newsletter, annual reports and school functions.
7. The school community will participate in the celebration of special feasts in the liturgical year and those particular to our school.
8, Staff and students will prepare school liturgies including Mass for the whole school or groups within the school. The school community is invited to participate in these.
9. The school community will support the sacramental programme of the parish.
10. Once a year the staff will provide the opportunity for the school community to become informed on the religious education programme being taught in the school.
11. The Board of Trustees will model the values and attitudes of Christ in its governance and dealings with the school community.
12. The school's physical environment will reflect the Catholic tradition.
13. Parents/caregivers will be encouraged, supported and affirmed in their role as first teachers of the faith.
HOMEWORK
The aim of homework is to provide further opportunities to consolidate skills and understandings initiated in the class programmes. At the beginning of the year each teacher will provide the homework requirement for his or her class. In Religious Education children will bring home their work books to complete home pages with your help and guidance. A parent book, which supports the Religious Education programme, is available for purchase at the school office.
In general, in the junior classes, your child will bring home a reading book daily which on most occasions will have been read at school. Some children like to take home favourite and familiar books so do not be concerned if the same books come home several times. Encourage your child to talk to you about the story and read to you every night. The more practice the better.
As children get older, tasks will be included to ensure that they extend their word knowledge, reinforce their understandings and manipulation of Maths basic facts, use the four operations in Maths, develop an awareness of current issues and events, use research procedures and improve their presentation skills.
Supervising your child's homework helps you keep in touch with their progress and gives the opportunity to support and encourage them in their development.
SPORT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SWIMMING
Sports and games are a regular part of the school programme. Parental assistance allows Saturday teams to be organised for Cricket and Netball. Kiwi Cricket, Rugby and Soccer are available through local sports clubs.
Please notify the school if your child needs to be exempt from Physical Education and sports for health reasons.
During the swimming season all children are expected to participate in swimming lessons. The Senior and Middle Classes swim three times a week at the Centennial Swimming Pool while the Junior Classes swim at the Thames South School swimming pool.
EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Neighbourhood walks, farm, bush and beach visits are a regular part of our school programme. In the Middle and Senior school, overnight week-long trips or camps are arranged after consultation with the parents concerned.
STATIONERY
All exercise books, pencils, etc are bought by parents at the beginning of the year and remain at school. When further stationery is required the teacher will make a written request. The school does not have the resources to hold stocks of stationery.
LIBRARY-INFORMATION CENTRE
All pupils use the school library. Books are issued for a period of two weeks. Please encourage your children to look after library books. The junior children require a library bag to protect their books during the trip to and from school.
The school computers are available for use during break times. The pupil librarians roster their use.
BOOK CLUB
Children have the opportunity to buy books and software at reasonable prices through the Scholastic Book Club. This offer is available twice a term and a sheet showing titles and prices will be sent home with each child. There is no obligation to buy. Please send order forms and money in a named envelope to the office. Cheques are to be made out to St Francis School.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
The Board of Trustees and staff accept no repsonsibility in the case of loss or damage to valuables or articles brought to school. While all reasonable care is taken and efforts made to find lost property, the responsibility rests with the owner. We prefer children not to bring toys and playthings from home as they are easily lost or broken and cause distraction.
NAMED CLOTHING
Please put your child's name on all belongings and all items of clothing.
LOST PROPERTY
The Lost Property Box is situated in the sickbay and is available for children and parents to view at any time the school is open. If the caretaker finds clothing outside after school he usually leaves it in the nearest classroom.
