Hororata Primary School

1. Hororata Primary School “Our vision for the young people of Hororata is that they will be self managing, connected lifelong learners” Learning for our Future

2. Who are we? • Hororata Primary School is a small contributing school. • The school opened in 1870 and currently operates three classrooms catering for 60 Year 1 - 6 students, employing six staff. • We are a Decile Eight school in a community consisting mainly of rural sector workers in the dairy, sheep and cropping industries. • Our school roll fluctuates between 60 - 100 students representing some 45-60 families. • Hororata Primary School is a remarkable school committed to providing quality education to enable the children of Hororata to become “Life Long Learners”.

3. Choosing the right school… Is Hororata School the right school for my family? Hororata is in the enviable position of being large enough to place children amongst others their own age but small enough to ensure a family atmosphere and individual attention. Our teachers are highly qualified, caring and interested in your child’s education. We have small class sizes, meaning more individual attention for your child. Our school has excellent facilities, a large swimming pool on site, a well stocked library to encourage your child to enjoy reading, computers in each classroom and a full Information and Communication Technology programme (I.C.T.) so that your child can learn essential skills for lifelong learning. Your child is taught the New Zealand curriculum framework from the basics of reading, writing and maths, to other subjects, such as science, social studies, health and physical education, the arts (music, drama, dance, visual arts) and technology in order to receive a well balanced education.

4. Learning Expectations… What does my child need to learn before they start school? To be prepared for school, we expect children to: • know who they are, where they live and the names of parent/caregiver • recognize their own name written in print (first) • write the letters of their own name (first) • be able to dress and undress themselves independently e., jumpers, socks, shoes, swimming togs • independently go to toilet (boys familiar with urinal) • look after their belongings (everything is named). • being able to use their belongings e.g., opening/closing lunch boxes, school bags, pencil cases • have had experience at painting, drawing, colouring, cutting and gluing • be familiar with most of the letters of the alphabet • be able to sing the ‘alphabet song’

5. Learning Expectations (Cont’d)… What does my child need to learn before they start school? To be prepared for school, it would helpful if your child could: • hold their pencils correctly • be able to rote count and recognize numbers up to ten • have had lots of books read to them and be familiar with books • know how books work – turn pages correctly, understand how pictures tell a story, recognise different parts of a books e.g., front, back, cover, pages etc • know how books work – turn pages correctly, understand how pictures tell a story, recognise different parts of a books e.g., front, back, cover, pages etc • write in lower case letters (rather than capitals) • understand some concepts of colours, size, prepositions – under, beside, in, over etc • Identify simple body parts and know their function e.g., head, arm, foot, hands etc • group sets of numbers up to five • to discuss pictures and the story after it has been read to them

6. Student Achievement… What will my child learn in their first year? • For New Entrants our goal is to firmly establish the key skills required for literacy and numeracy success, and to build upon the work you as parents and your child’s pre-school centre have begun. We know all children are different and as such we structure our New Entrant programme to cater to each individual child’s needs. Alphabet knowledge, essential words, concepts about print, emergent reading and writing, as well as a comprehensive numeracy programme provide the bulk of our junior class programme.

7. Conclusion Learning Expectations (Cont’d)… How will I know what my child has learned? If you are well informed about your child’s programme and progress you will be able to effectively support your child at home. You are able to have access to all records of achievement for your child by arrangement. Our teachers will sit and answer your questions and explain trends and patterns in your child’s performance. Areas of need and strength will be made clear to you. In cases of identified special needs we will act as a co-coordinator for the provision of specialist intervention by Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) or Group Special Education (GSE). When will I be given information about my child’s progress? Hororata School reports the progress and achievement of all its students in a variety of ways. From informal chats with teachers on a daily basis, to parent-teacher interviews, to mid & end of year written reports. We also report publicly through curriculum reviews and student achievement reports to the Board of Trustees.

8. Parents As Partners… “Schools build upon the successful learning provided in the home by parents. Parents and teachers working together in partnership will help a child achieve success.” Alison Dewsbury Will I be able to come to school to help or be with my child in the classroom? Hororata School thrives upon great community support. We welcome parents and caregivers to our school to work alongside our children under the direct supervision of our staff. The more common examples of help are as support on school trips & camps, with swimming instruction, and in our Art & Technology programmes. We welcome your support and interest.

9. Enrolling my child… How do I arrange a visit? By telephoning the school on 03-318-0803 we can arrange for you and your child to visit Hororata, to see the classrooms and meet the teachers. When your child turns fours years of age they are welcome to attend our Lead Learners Programme each Friday morning. Your child will be tutored by a senior student in reading, writing and maths. Four year olds are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult for the 30 minutes session. How do I enrol my child? Visit our office where you can meet Mrs Penny Oliver (Mrs O), our secretary and Principal, Mr Marty Gameson (Mr G), who will talk to you and take you on a school tour where you will get to meet our friendly staff and see all our classrooms in action. When you enrol you will be asked to complete an information form with details of your child, a contact address and phone number, emergency contacts etc. We will give you and your child a school prospectus, a health questionnaire to be completed and returned, and other relevant forms.