Absences:

When a student is absent from school we ask that a parent/caregiver send a note of explanation or telephone the school office and leave a message for the class/form teacher to explain the absence.

Lost Property:

Found property is put in a box outside the southern entrance of the Junior classroom Block.  There are also Lost Property Boxes for the senior school in the GP Hall entrance and in the bike shed by the main school entrance.  We endeavour to return named clothing to the owner so please ensure your child/children's clothing is clearly named.

Lunches:

The School Tuck Shop provides lunches and supplements.  Lunch orders for some items may need to be made in advance.  Price lists may be obtained at the School Office.

Lunch Passes:

Students leaving the grounds to go home for lunch at lunch time are expected to obtain a lunch pass from the Deputy Principal.  These will be issued on receipt of a written note or a phone call from the parent/caregiver.

Library:

Students make regular visits to the School Library.  Books may be taken home.  Parents and pre-schoolers are also welcome to borrow books.

Music Teaching:

Tuition is available in Piano, Keyboard, Drums, Guitar, Bass, Strings, Woodwind and Brass.  Any queries please see Mrs Evans-Brant.

Stationery:

The School purchases stationery packs for all students at the beginning of the year which are sold on at cost price.  A note of stationery requirements and costs are given to students at the beginning of each year.  Extra items of stationery required during the year may be purchased from the School Office.  Price lists are also available.

School Buses:

All buses depart from school at 3.10pm.  If your child is not travelling home on the bus please let the school office know.  Also if your child is taking friends home on the bus we need to know well in advance please.  Any queries please contact the Bus Controller, Mr Peter Hildyard, at school.

School Uniform:

Uniform is compulsory in Years 1-12.

IN SCHOOL SUPPORT

A comprehensive and systematic Special Needs programme identifies and helps all students with special needs.  This includes a Gifted and Talented programme, Reading Recovery, Access to Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour, and Resource Teacher of Literacy expertise and remedial reading help throughout the school.  Access to Special Education Services at the Ministry of Education and speech language therapy are also available.

Public Health Nurse:

The Public Health Nurse, Trishia Connell, runs a clinic at school during the lunch hour on Mondays.  arrangements may also be made to see her by telephoning the Rangiora Hospital (03) 3118664

School Dental Therapist:

A therapist from the North Canterbury Dental Therapy team visits regularly to check the teeth of children in Years 1 - 8.  If you need the therapist when she is not at Oxford Area School, please phone (03) 3121 130 for assistance.

Hearing and Vision Testing:

Several times a year a tester visits the school.  All 5 year olds are assessed soon after their arrival at school.  Thereafter the following tests are done

• Vision/Hearing - during the first year at school
• Colour Vision - Year 7 (boys only)
• Vision - Year 10

If at other times you are concerned please contact the school.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

Please do not hesitate to contact the Class Teacher, Form Teacher, Dean/Syndicate Leader, Deputy Principal, Principal or the School Office to make an appointment or answer your queries.

Parent Teacher Interviews/Reports:

Opportunities are provided during the year for interviews.  However, teachers are available throughout the year if you have any concerns.  Reports are issued twice a year to all students.  New Entrants will receive one report during their first year.

Parent Teacher Association:

The Parent Teacher Association meets regularly.  Meetings are advertised in the school Newsletters.