Ākonga Māori

Ākonga Māori provides a Māori enrichment learning environment and program. Ākonga Māori is open to all learners of any cultural descent or background. There is no need for any prior knowledge or understanding of Te Reo, just an interest in learning Te Reo Māori and Māori culture.

Our Ākonga Māori has two classes that cater for years 0 – 8. It is a whānau based class, focusing on Te Reo Māori, Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori integrated and central to this culturally responsive environment. Māori language, culture, heritage and identity are celebrated and essential components to our heritage and unique to Aotearoa. Ākonga Māori is a special learning place where Māori is celebrated. The classes still follow the NZ Curriculum and the learning in reading, writing and maths is taught in English.

This learning environment has proved to be effective and successful, and provides positive outcomes and achievements – providing all learners with the opportunity to get what they require to realise their own unique potential and succeed in their lives as Māori and New Zealanders.If you are interested, or would like to learn more, please see Jo Taia (Team Leader of Ākonga Māori), Hera Taylor (Kaiako), Dallas Te Rangiwhakaewa (Kaiarahi Reo) or any of our whānau who are part of the Ākonga Māori; you are most welcome to come and visit; or contact Jo for more information.

Pupil Security, Attendance and Absence

Carterton School makes every effort to account for every child enrolled every school day. Children are not allowed to leave the school grounds at any time unless they go home for lunch. In this case please send a note to the teacher.

Please inform the school as soon as possible if you know your child is going to be absent. The school has a system of checking on the attendance or absence of every child enrolled.

If your child has to stay at home (e.g. is sick in the morning) the best way to make the communication is by telephoning or texting the school office. Please state who you are, the name of the child absent, their room or teacher and the reason for absence. The phones are answered from 8.00 am. We have a number of lines which often ring simultaneously at this busy time so you may need to be patient for a minute or two as there is usually only one person answering the phones until 9.00 am.

Alternatively, you can personally come to school and speak to the school secretary at the office or visit the child’s class teacher with the information. We do not accept absence information passed on to us by other children.

If you know in advance that your child will be absent from school there are three options.

1. A written signed note

2. A personal visit

3. A telephone conversation or text

4. Email to admin@carterton.school.nz

These can be with the office administrator or the class teacher.

While it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the school knows that a child will be absent we do have a back up system of phone calls or text messages where there is no explanation or where we have doubts.

If you collect or drop off a child at any time between 9am and 3pm please go to the school office before your child’s class to sign them in.

Once a year we ask all parents/caregivers to complete a contact information form. This provides us with your current contact details – we need the other alternative telephone numbers to cover cases where we cannot contact you on the first number. Please notify the school office when there is any of your contact details change.

The safety and security of every enrolled child is of paramount concern to us. Your assistance to help us keep accurate records is appreciated.

Remember that sickness and health matters are the only legally accepted reasons for absence from school. Frequent absences hinder the child’s ability to learn.

Emergency Procedures at School

Information for Parents/Caregivers

A continuous ringing of the school bell is the evacuation signal.

Classes gather on the grass area in front of the main block, on the ‘green’.

Roll checks of children and staff are then taken.

For Flooding or Earthquake emergencies the Principal will make the final decision as to whether to send pupils home. This decision will be made after full consultation with Civil Defence Officers in relation to safety of roads, rivers etc.

Fortunately, we are near the Civil Defence Headquarters, the Council Building, in Holloway Street.

In the case of a serious emergency children will only be released from school to an adult included on their emergency contact list/form.

School will be regarded as an assembly point for children not at home.

In escorting children home from Carterton School the route Holloway Street, High Street between Victoria Street and Belvedere Road should be avoided. Routes to be used are as follows-

1. South through Carrington Park

2. North – Dixon Street, then Park Road

For full details see: Policies & Procedures