SCHOOL INFORMATION

At Paparoa Range School, we believe that every day counts. Regular attendance helps students build strong relationships, keep up with their learning, and feel a real sense of belonging.

We all play a part in supporting attendance.  Students, whānau, and school staff work together to ensure every child is at school, on time, and ready to learn.  Students are expected to attend school every day and be ready to participate.  Parents and caregivers support this by ensuring their child attends regularly and by letting the school know if their child is absent or running late.  Our staff actively promote attendance, monitor patterns, and work closely with families to remove any barriers to coming to school.

We take a supportive, step-by-step approach:

• We celebrate and encourage regular attendance across the school.

• If attendance becomes a concern, we work alongside families early to understand what’s going on and offer support.

For ongoing concerns, we may involve additional supports or external services to help re-engage students in learning.

Importantly, students are never “just a number” — we know our learners, we know their stories, and we welcome and celebrate them every time they attend .

Our goal is for at least 80% of our students to attend school more than 90% of the time, because we know that consistent attendance leads to better outcomes for our learners.  When children are absent through sickness or other reasons, caregivers are expected to advise the school through a phone call or a note by 9am of the morning the student is away.  You can call 03 762 5740 or text 021 1871763.   You can also use the Hero parent app to notify us of any absence.  Caregivers will be contacted if this has not happened, as we need to be assured our children are safe. In the case of concerns over absences, the ‘Attendance  Service’ will be contacted at the Principal’s discretion.  

These are to be held every second Friday. 

Assemblies are used for announcements, rewards, recognition and presentation of student’s work. Parents are encouraged and invited to attend.  Assemblies are advertised in our school newsletter. 

At Paparoa Range School, we take a positive, values-based approach to behaviour. We believe that strong relationships, clear expectations, and a supportive learning environment are the foundation for success. Our focus is on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviour so all students can learn and feel safe.

We actively build a positive school culture through our values, consistent routines, and celebrating success. Teachers use a range of strategies to support students, including praise, clear reminders, restorative conversations, and recognising positive choices.

When inappropriate behaviour occurs, we respond in a calm, fair, and consistent way. Most behaviours are managed by teachers in the classroom, with a focus on helping students understand expectations and make better choices. If behaviours are ongoing or more serious, additional support may involve school leaders, whānau, and, where needed, outside agencies.

For serious behaviours that may put others at risk, the principal will work closely with families and external support to ensure safety and provide appropriate consequences and support.

Our approach is restorative, meaning we focus on repairing relationships, learning from mistakes, and supporting students to move forward positively.

A children’s book purchase club operates within the school. This is the Scholastic Book Club and allows children and parents/caregivers the opportunity of buying quality books at reduced prices. 

Twice each term children are supplied with illustrated brochures to take home where requirements are marked and returned with the money to the school office. 

If at anytime you feel unhappy about any aspect of the school please be sure to contact your child’s teacher. If action does not appear to have been taken it would be appropriate to contact the Principal either by contacting the school office or by coming along to the school. Major concerns should be directed to the Principal as soon as possible.  

Here is information on the Concerns and Complaints process.  Please complete this form if you wish to put your concerns in writing. 

The Dental Nurse works at the school once a year. 

She operates out of a dental caravan. Children should be enrolled at the clinic from 2 years. Contact can be made to this service on School Dental Services, C/- Community Services Dept, Grey Hospital, PO Box 387, Greymouth. Ph (03) 7697710 

The school staff will handle minor accidents. If a child suffers an accident at school and it is felt that a doctor’s advice is necessary, then the parents will be contacted immediately.

If parents cannot be contacted then the school will make any decisions required and act accordingly. Please advise the class teacher if pupils need to take medication during the school day. Records and medication are kept in the school office.

Hearing and vision personnel visit to conduct tests at certain age levels. Parents will be informed about this before it happens. 

The Health Nurse visits the school regularly to check up on any health problems. 

Parent helpers are always welcome, particularly in the junior school. Assistance can be invaluable in helping with individuals and small groups, preparing materials and helping in the general organisation of the classroom. 

If you are interested in being a parent helper please contact the principal. Note – parent helpers don’t necessarily have to be parents. Anyone who is interested will be most welcome provided that they are able to make some regular commitment. 

High Vis Vests are a compusory part of our school uniform and are to be worn by children travelling to and from school and on school trips. The benefit of wearing a High Vis Vest is to ensure students are visible when waiting for the bus, walking or biking to school. Your child will be provided with a High Vis Vest Usage Agreement that needs to be signed and returned.  

We have an active parent team that meets regularly to organise fundraising events for our school. If you are interested in being part of this team, please contact the school or look in the newsletter for the next meeting. 

Check out our Facebook page

All children are in whanau groups that compete in team challenges together.  We hold house games after our fortnightly assembly. The houses are Davy (Green), Croesus (Blue), Anderson (Red) and Hawera (Yellow) after peaks on the Paparoa Ranges.  

The following items are prohibited at school: radios, ipods/earpods, cell phones, expensive toys, pocket knives and jewellery (except for watches and ear studs/sleepers), make up/nail polish. 

The children have access to the library when necessary. Books are borrowed for a two weekly period. Please ensure your child respects and takes care of books while they are at home as they are expensive to replace. 

Please make sure your child’s clothing is named.  Any named items will be held in your child's classroom. 

It is important that children have a balanced diet and a variety of healthy foods to consume each day. Our school is part of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme funded by the Ministry of Education to provide each child with a healthy lunch. Please supply healthy snack foods to be eaten at morning interval. Water should be in a plastic bottle.. No fizzy drinks, chocolate bars or confectionary items are allowed. 

The school identifies and develops programmes/strategies to address the needs of children/groups of children. 

Parents are involved in the development/implementation/evaluation of programmes. Whenever needed, expert advice, guidance/support is sought from outside providers. 

Stationery is purchased through Paper Plus or The Warehouse.  

Lists are available from the school office or Paper Plus holds our class lists.. 

School hats are compulsory during Terms 1 & 4. 

The wearing of sunhats is compulsory at interval, lunchtime and PE sessions. Sunscreen is provided free of charge.

All children receive swimming instruction during the warmer months. Junior Children are asked to bring swimming gear every day even when the weather appears to be unsuitable. As swimming is part of the curriculum, parents/caregivers must notify the school if for some reason their child is unable to take part. Senior children use the Blackball Community Pool. 

Our Year 7 & 8 children travel into Greymouth High for technology on Thursday once a fortnight.  Greymouth High School has guidelines set that students must wear correct school uniform, tie long hair back and wear covered shoes.