The School Day

ATTENDANCE

Any Change to a Normal School Day
In the event of a change to the normal school day, for example, late start or school closure – we will notify you by the following mechanisms – Radio Wānaka (92.2FM), the Wānaka Primary App, the school website www.wanaka.school.nz.

Attendance at School and Notification of Absence
By law, no child should be absent from school without sufficient reason. If your child is absent from school please contact us as early as possible on the morning of their absence, either by text, app, email or phone. Please provide your child’s name, room number and the reason for their absence e.g. doctor, dentist, medical, family, holiday.

If a child arrives at school after 9am or if it is necessary for parents or caregivers to take children out of school, either from class or at break times, we ask that you ensure that the class teacher is informed, and the child is signed in/out at the office.

Extended Leave from School
If you wish to take your child out of school for a holiday or extended time, please advise the office in advance. A pupil leave request form will need to be completed and leave approved by the principal.

SCHOOL HOURS

8.55am                  Children go to classrooms
9.00am                 School Bell – roll call
10.30-11.00am   Morning Interval
12.45-1.30pm     Lunch Break
3.00pm                 End of School

It is expected that parents will have children at school before 8.55am. Punctuality is important. During the first 10 minutes of the day teachers:

  • Greet the class
  • Take the roll
  • Give important notices
  • Set up the plan for the day
  • Review what has been learnt
  • Set the tasks for a lesson

This time is vital for a child to feel settled and connected with their peers, teacher and most importantly their learning. Students need time in the morning to prepare their belongings and make themselves ready for the day. Please keep this in mind when planning your arrival time.

2023 Term Dates: 

  • Term 1        01 Feb – 06 April
  • Term 2       24 April – 30 June
  • Term 3       17 Jul – 22 Sept
  • Term 4       09 Oct – 15 Dec

SCHOOL LUNCHES

We are a health promoting school and our aim is to instill healthy eating practices in our students. Please help us by providing a piece or fruit or raw vegetable for play lunch and something nutritious for lunch. We encourage children to drink water as a brain drink and ask that sweet and fizzy drinks are not brought to school. Lunch is eaten under the shade sails or verandahs on fine days and inside classrooms on wet/cold days. There are four/five adults on duty during playtime and lunch breaks. We ask parents to send food in containers that can be taken home. We aim for zero rubbish so expect children to place wrappings back into their lunch box or put straight into the bin before going off to play.

Subway lunches can be ordered on Fridays – orders need to be completed on-line before 9.00am –  https://www.subwayexpress.co.nz/.  Lunches are delivered to school at lunchtime.