General Information

ABSENCES

If your child is gong to be absent, we request that parents notify the office before 9.00 am by either phoning 351 9407 (you can leave a message on the answerphone) or emailing office@burnsideprimary.school.nz

ASSEMBLY

We have a full school assembly every  week on Friday at 9.00 am. The classes share presentations and we welcome parents and caregivers to attend.  This is currently in the Cobham Intermediate School hall due to damage to our school hall.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We offer the opportunity for structured SKIDS (Safe Kids In Daily Supervision) / WINZ After School Care. Ring the office for more information or click on the following link: http://www.skids.co.nz/location/burnside/

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

Positive encouragement and support is provided to children who display initiative and common sense. We encourage children to take responsibility for their own actions and to respect the rights and feelings of others. School-wide Behaviour Management procedures are used to allow staff and students to work in a positive, constructive and peaceful environment.

The following 5 rules are displayed in every classroom:
At Burnside Primary we -
* take responsibility for our own behavour and treat others with respect.
* treat our environment with care.
 work, move and play safely.
* follow instructions politely.
* know what to bring, and what not to bring to school.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCHOOL

We have an open door policy, and welcome input from parents and caregivers. As teachers have class responsibilities it is necessary to make an appointment through the school office. If a matter is causing you considerable concern or dissatisfaction, or if you do not know whom you should approach about any matter, senior members of staff are available.

COMPUTERS

Classrooms are equipped with Apple iBooks, iMacs and eMacs, flipcameras, digital cameras, digital whiteboards and projectors. The school has intranet and internet facilities and an expanding library of educational software. Commencing in Junior classes, children are taught a range of information technology skills.

CURRICULUM

Schools in New Zealand are required to have teaching programmes, which incorporate the New Zealand Curriculum. We regularly consult with our community about aspects of the curriculum that are seen as particularly important.

CYCLE SAFETY

Year 6 children get the opportunity to understand the rules of road safety. The Christchurch City Council and Police take our pupils through a graduated programme of Safe Cycling. Children who have successfully completed the on road test are awarded the Safe Cycling Certificate.

HOURS

9.00 am - 10.40 am Morning Classes
10.40 am - 11.00 am Morning Tea Break
11.00 am - 12.30 pm Morning Classes
12.30 pm - 1.30 pm Lunch Break
1.30 pm - 3.00 pm Afternoon Classes

LUNCHES

Parents supply their child with a small snack for morning tea, as well as a healthy lunch. Several times throughout the year special lunches are available for children to purchase eg Sausage Sizzles, cultural meals.

MUSIC

The school provides many opportunities for music with daily singing, folk dancing, operettas and percussion work. Massed singing is an important part of the assemblies. Recorder, piano, flute, guitar and violin (traditional and Suzuki) tuition is available a the Years 3 - 6 levels. Choirs participate in the North West Music Festival, Kids for Kids, the Central Music Festival and entertain in retirement homes etc. Children are given the opportunity to perform at assemblies.

NEWSLETTERS

To keep parents informed about school activities, meeting and other functions, newsletters are sent home with the youngest child in each family, fortnightly on a Thursday. Class notices are sent home as required.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTENSION AND ENRICHMENT

*Violin, piano, guitar, flute, and chess classes are available
*Maths and writing extension
*Otago University Problem Solving Competition
*Australian Competitions in English and Maths
*Rotary Club Speech Competitions
*Social Studies Expo
*National Art Competitions

PARKING

We have “off street” parking available, off Memorial Avenue, inside our main entrance. The small driveway near the Junior School is for Staff and service vehicles only. The traffic lights at Memorial Avenue and Ilam Road and the crossing on Ilam Road opposite Jellie Park are supervised.

PUPIL COUNCIL

A pupil council representative is elected by pupils in Year 4 to year 6 at the beginning of each year. Children selected as pupil council representatives receive training in meeting protocol and enjoy an increased status.

Classes are encouraged to hold class meetings to pupil council representatives have class suggestions to take to meetings. The council elects a year 6 Chairperson and Secretary and meets regularly.

SPORT

The school is in the West Zone and participates in competitive Soccer, Hockey and Netball. We are very fortunate to be in walking distance to Jellie Park Aquatic Centre where water safety and swimming can be taught in ideal conditions, where teachers can be assisted by qualified instructors. Although sport is competitive the school’s main emphasis is on the teaching of skills.

STATIONERY

At the beginning of the school year your child will bring home a stationery pack that includes all items they require for their new class. During the year children are able to buy any additional stationery requirements from the school office. A note will usually be sent home when new stationery is needed.

SUNCARE

Every summer in terms 1 and 4 children are made aware of the dangers of over exposure to the sun. We insist children wear appropriate sunhats and sunblock between the hours of 11.00 am and 3.00 pm.

UNIFORM

All children wear uniform at Burnside Primary School. Our uniform is sold at the Postie Plus Shop in the Bush Inn Shopping Centre, on the corner of Riccarton and Waimairi Roads.  The school office has maps and directions to get to these shops. Secondhand uniforms are sold by the PTA when supplies build up.

UNIFORM LIST
*Polo Shirt - white or bottle green
*Trackpants - bottle green
*Sweatshirt - bottle green
*Shorts - bottle green
*Gingham culottes - green and white
*Sunhat - bottle green
*Polar Fleece Jacket - bottle green
*Polar Fleece Vest - bottle green