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Attendance/Absences |  Admissions | After School Activities |  Allergies |  Arrivals-Departures of pupils |

Art Shirts  |  Assemblies |  Athletics Sports |  Banking |  Bible in Schools |  Bicycles |  Board of Trustees |

Book Club |  Boiler |  Buses |  Bus Behaviour |  Child Abuse |  Civil Defence |  Cleaning Staff | Concerns |

Consultation |  Contact Persons |  Curriculum | Dental Clinic & Therapist |  Discipline | Duty |  Emergency Management |  EXTRA |  Finance |  Flower Show |  Health |  Health Nurse |  Homework | ICT |  Illness |  Infectious Diseases |  Internet |  Insurance |  Journal Covers |  Keys |  Kiwi Sport | Library |  Lost Property |  Lunches |  Medication |  Newsletter |  Parent Help |  Pet Show |  Photocopier & Laminator | Pies |  Police Education Officer |  Policies |  Pre-entry Visit |  Principal's Reports |  Privacy Policy |  PTA |  Religious Instruction |  Reporting to Parents |  Reports |  Rules |  Sun Hats |  School Closure |  School House |  School Hours |  School Photographs | School Trips |  Shoes | Snow Phone |  Sports Activities |  Sports Uniform | Stationery | Swimming |  Swimming Pool |  Towels |  Toys/Valuables |

 

 

 

WELCOME

 

Welcome to Heriot Primary School
 
The purpose of this page is to present a summary of information about Heriot Primary School. It is seen as an aid to becoming acquainted with our school. It contains general information that may answer some of the question you might have. It is not exhaustive however so we do welcome any enquiries or questions you might have and look forward to meeting you.

The Board of Trustees, Principal, Staff, PTA, Parents and Pupils would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Heriot and its surrounding districts. We look forward to getting to know you and introducing you to "Our School"


Heriot Primary School is nestled behind trees and below the hills at the northern end of Heriot. We are proud of the attractive grounds, the large playing fields, adventure playgrounds, and covered heated swimming pool that provide opportunities for our children to experience a large range of play options.


Strategically placed close to Play Centre, the Community Centre and the Heriot Domain, our children are able to avail themselves fully of the local sporting, social and cultural activities provided in the community.


We believe our children can enjoy the benefits of a rural school- the family atmosphere, the community spirit, a caring and secure environment, the relaxed atmosphere and individual attention. This enables staff to give pupils a sound grounding in all aspects of the curriculum, enjoying up to date curriculum courses and innovative programmes. Modern technology is a focus of the school with Internet and other information technologies actively used.


Our mission statement for the school seeks to preserve each child's individuality and assist in developing all aspects of the child's potential. Our local goals state that we wish for our children to become aware of life beyond Heriot, develop pride in and a knowledge of the local area, develop community spirit and responsibility, have opportunities to mix with the wider community, access a wide range of information technologies, be exposed to a diverse range of cultures, abilities, professions, sports and arts, and to have instruction in basic farm safety and first aid.
Please do come and visit us. We would love to show you our school. 

 

Postal Address

 

Heriot Primary School, R D 2 Tapanui,  9155, West Otago

 

Street Address

 

Heriot Primary School, 133 Roxburgh Street Heriot, 9157, West Otago

 

Rapid Identification Number 181 Roxburgh Street Heriot

 

Phone: 03-204 2007

Fax :03-204 2007

e-mail: heriotschool@xtra.co.nz

 

 

School Hours – Bell Times

 

9.00am to 10.30am

10.30am to 10.50am Interval

10.50am to 12.15pm

12.15pm to 1.15pm  Lunchtime

1.15pm to 3.00pm

 

 

Heriot and its Districts


Heriot is a small rural town in West Otago. High country sheep and cattle, low land sheep, cattle and deer and more recently the conversion to dairying sees the inhabitants about Heriot occupied on the land.  The town's main commercial activities revolve around servicing the large surrounding rural area, with a general store, hotel, stock firm, trucking firm, freight service, plumbing and a variety of farming-associated contracting.


Heriot's inhabitants are either retired, working in conjunction with servicing the businesses in the town or those seeking a quieter life away from the rush and bustle of bigger city life.


Heriot is a tranquil town nestled at the foot of the hills. The majestic Blue Mountains on one side, the hills of Edievale, Moa Flat and Wilden on another and Park Hill on another. Heriot's surrounding districts include Crookston, Dunrobin, Edievale, Kelso, Moa Flat, Parkhill, Raes Junction, and Wilden.


Within the area there are several places of historic interest, churches, a well-resourced school, community centre and many fishing, picnic and hiking spots.
Ethnically, the people of the Heriot and surrounding distrusts are mostly pakeha many being of English, Irish, or Scottish descent. Some families may be traced from early settlers to the area. Religious beliefs come mainly from a Christian origin.


There is a strong community spirit in the area, with the community centre and sports pavilion, swimming pool, bowling green and golf course tributes to the people of Heriot and its districts. Many groups and clubs operate in and around this area, e.g. floral art, pottery, a rose society, vintage club an active Playcentre and playgroups, cubs, REAP.


Heriot is known as a keen sporting area with squash club, rugby teams, golf,  bowling, netball, cricket all well supported.


With Tapanui close by, Gore, Balclutha, Roxburgh within easy distance and Dunedin and Invercargill a couple of hours away the area has access to all major amenities.
Heriot is a well-kept secret. It is a quiet small rural town that is far enough away from the city to be tranquil but close enough that its inhabitants are never isolated.
 

HERIOT PRIMARY SCHOOL


Is a state funded, rural, co-educational, contributing primary school. It is a medium sized wooden complex consisting of four classrooms, two ablution blocks, a library and a detached classroom, an administration block and dental clinic. It has four outbuildings of which two are used for storage of school equipment, one is a garage, which houses the lawn mower and tractor, and the fourth is the boiler. This is coal fired and adequately heats all rooms in the complex and the school pool. A house and double garage are situated on the school grounds.
 
Heriot Primary School is well resourced with an extensive range of fiction and non fiction books in the library,  computers and other communication information technologies, audio visual equipment, many resource kits, musical equipment and physical education equipment. All of these are continually being added to and updated.
 
The grounds are spacious, well maintained and aesthetically pleasing. Attractive garden areas provide a pleasing break from a large playing field,  adventure playgrounds, sand pit and paved court. The school is fortunate to have both shade areas and shelter provided by the many trees on the property.
 
The school is staffed by the Grading Roll as set by the Ministry of Education and allows for 3 full time teachers. Additional staff are employed for Principal Release, Teachers Aide and Secretarial duties. The school also employs a grounds person and cleaning personnel. From time to time specialised people will be involved with the school as can be arranged and as the school qualifies. These may include, Specialist Education Services (SES), Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB), health nurse, dental therapist, and teachers advisory.
 
The children come to the school from a background which is mainly farming or farming related. The children mostly come to the school socially developed with adequate communication skills and ready to adapt to school. They are well cared for and all adequately clothed and fed.
The school has a caring family atmosphere and there are strong staff pupil relationships.


The school is fortunate to have strong support from the community. Parent helpers help with a variety of programmes in classrooms, in conjunction with ICT, in the library and on the sporting front, working bees, trips and with PTA activities.
The school PTA is active in fundraising and in organising a flower show and a pet show for the children's involvement.
 
Heriot Primary School encourages children to be involved in both sporting and cultural activities with arts days and annual sporting fixtures part of the schools programme. A good grounding in all curriculum areas is also something Heriot Primary School is proud of. The individual needs of children are addressed through sound classroom teaching, specialised programmes of special needs and extension programmes. At all times in all ways the Board of Trustees and Staff seek to fulfill its mission statement.

 

"Heriot Primary School will provide a stimulating and balanced programme in a caring and secure environment which will preserve each child's individuality and assist in developing his/her intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural and social potential."

 

 

Procedures Within The School  (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

 

Attendance and Absences

 

Children's attendances and absences are recorded as directed by the Ministry of Education. Please inform the school when your child is unable to attend. Parents/Caregivers should ring the school between 8.30 & 9.00am if their child is to be absent for the day. If this is impossible then the child should bring a note explaining his/her absence to the teacher on the day he/she returns to school. If you ring it is not necessary to write a note as well.

 

Admissions

 

Enrolment forms, admission register, health forms, emergency contacts and immunisation certificates will be completed to formally enrol your child at Heriot Primary School. New Entrants will need to bring along their birth certificate - it is a Ministry of Education requirement for the birth certificate to be cited and verified by the Principal. The enrolment form also includes a section to obtain your permission to pass your name or your child’s name onto the following: P.T.A., Dental Therapist, Snow Phone and Health Nurse. When applicable parents will be given an enrolment pack prior to enrolment.

 

After School Activities

 

Many children become involved in after school activities such as rugby, music, dance, netball, CCD, meeting parents at play centre. If your children are taking part in any activity after school and they will not be going home as usual, please inform the school. It is very important that the duty teacher knows where children should be going after school. This information is noted on the daily bus lists so the duty teacher can see at a glance that should be going where. Also if your child stops attending an activity or there is a change to the usual routine, please contact the school. A form is sent out each term for parents to complete.

 

Allergies

 

Please alert staff to any allergies/conditions that may require care or medication (see admissions and medication). It is essential that all relevant medical information is passed on to the school. Please update as and when necessary.

 

Arrivals/Departures of Pupils

 

Children should not arrive at school prior to 8.30am or remain after 3.50pm unless arranged with a teacher.

 

Art Shirts

 

Pupils are encouraged to bring a named art shirt that they can wear over their clothing. An ‘old’ shirt is ideal. Sewing elastic around the wrists of the shirt makes it a lot easier for children to wear while doing their art work.

 

Assemblies

 

Assemblies are usually held on Friday afternoons 2.30 – 3.00pm and at other times as is necessary. Assemblies allow school notices etc to be shared and opportunities for children to share their work, receive positive encouragement for their efforts and combine for school wide entertainment.

 

Athletic Sports Refer to Sports

 

Banking

 

Banking for the children with Westpac Trust is currently available thanks to Heriot- Invercargill Freight who transport the children's bank books to and from Gore.

 

Bible in Schools

 

Members of the community currently teach Bible in Schools in the school each Wednesday morning from 9.00 - 9.30am. Parents have the option of having their children involved in this programme. The ‘Religion in Life Programme’ is compiled by the Churches Education Commission and endorsed by STA (School Trustees Association).

 

Bicycles

 

Bike stands are provided for bikes. Children biking to and from school are required to fulfill appropriate safety requirements. The school cannot take responsibility for children biking to and from school. Bikes must be walked to and from the gate.

 

Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees (BOT) acts in a governance role in the running of the school. The board has opted for ‘Staggered Elections for Parent Representatives’. This enables the board to have half its parent representatives elected every 18 months to ensure a continuity of trustee skills. The Board  consists of the Principal, teacher representative and parent representatives. The names of the BOT are at the front of the booklet. All meetings are advertised and open to the public. The minutes of all meetings are available for reading. The most recent BOT meeting minutes are posted on the notice board outside the school office.

 

Book Club

 

Scholastic Book Club pamphlets (ABC, Lucky, Arrow, Star and Software) are available throughout the school eight times per year. Children are supplied with an illustrated list to take home where requirements can be marked on an order form, which is then returned to school with money or cheque  (payable to Scholastic NZ or Heriot Primary School) in a sealed envelope.  Purchase of books through this club allows the school to be eligible for an amount of books or resources free of charge or at reduced prices.

 

Boiler

 

A coal burning boiler system heats the school. Radiators heat the classrooms and the school pool. The Boiler is off limits to all children at all times.

 

Buses

 

Buses collect and deliver children to and from school. These buses carry both Heriot Primary School children and Blue Mountain College students. Buses run in conjunction with one another. Please advise the drivers if your child is not traveling on the bus. Also if you pick your child up from school please inform the teacher on duty. The designated bus runs are titled Edievale/Crookston, Dusky, Moa Flat, Wilden, Park Hill. Children can occasionally travel on other buses eg to stay overnight at a friends house, parties etc. Parents are responsible for gaining permission from the bus driver before their child travels on another bus. Permission is at the driver’s discretion. Please discuss any questions or queries concerning buses with the Bus Controller.

 

Bus Behaviour

 

Every once in a while children who travel on a bus need to be reminded about their behaviour. Children should:

 

1.   Sit quietly and face the front of the bus.

2.   Keep to their seats unless boarding or alighting.

3.   Use a quiet speaking voice while talking.

4.   Not distract the driver in any way.

5.   Use common sense behaviour.

 

If children use these rules, then few problems should arise. Please talk to your children about appropriate behaviour. The bus drivers need to keep their full concentration on their driving.

 

Child Abuse

 

A policy on child safety and appropriate procedures for cases of this nature is available at the school.

 

Civil Defence Refer to Emergency Management

 

Cleaning Staff

 

Cleaning staff cleans the school daily. They work hard to keep the school clean and tidy. The school family is encouraged to keep the school in a clean, tidy and safe condition.

 

Concerns

 

If ever you have a concern or suggestion of any nature you are encouraged to bring your concern to the attention of those involved at the school. Please see Concerns Policy, which is available from school.

 

Consultation

 

Consultation is an important part of the governance and management of this school. We are required by law to consult with the community on health aspects but we also welcome your thoughts, opinions and suggestions. From time to time parents will be asked to read policies and other material and forward their opinions to the school. The board and staff appreciate your input.

 

Contact Persons

 

You will be asked when you enrol to fill out an Emergency Contact Form providing the school with:-

  • Two people whom the school can contact in the event of an emergency occurring during the normal school day, when you are unable to be contacted ie sickness or injury.

 

  • Two further people to contact when the school has to close early due to unforeseen circumstances ie snow, floods. These people need to be someone on your bus route as usually there is not a lot of time to organize children and bus. The ‘Snow Policy’ states “in the event of unexpected closure and/or buses running early, the children will be sent to another person on your bus route if parents are unable to be contacted by snow phone and have not made prior arrangements with the school”.

 

Curriculum

 

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework specifies seven essential learning areas. Those being, Communication Skills, Numeracy Skills, Information Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Self Management and Competitive Skills, Social and Cooperative Skills, Physical Skills, Work and Study Skills. These skills are developed as the children focus their attention on the different learning areas. The New Zealand Curriculum comprises a set of national statements that all New Zealand schools are required to follow. These learning areas are, The Arts, English, Health and Well-being, Maths, Science, Social Studies, and Technology. Our community has also formulated local Curriculum Goals and these are also incorporated into the school programmes. (refer Local Curriculum Goals above) At Heriot Primary School the children receive instruction in all these areas with a focus in literacy and numeracy. The Board of Trustees and staff seek to not only fully satisfy the requirements of the national statements but to stand by our ‘Mission Statement” which aims to "provide a stimulating and balanced programme in a caring and secure environment which will preserve each child's individuality and assist in developing his/her intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural and social potential." The latest ERO (Education Review Office) report states that the children receive " a sound and balanced education"

 

Dental Clinic & Therapist

 

The Dental Therapist is based at Roxburgh. She visits the school for two-week sessions twice a year. These visits are noted in the school newsletter.

 

Discipline

 

We encourage children to be responsible for their own behaviour. Clear guidelines are outlined in each classroom. Where necessary parents will be contacted regarding any behavioural problems.

 

Duty

 

There is a teacher on duty at all times. A roster is posted on the office notice board. Parents need to notify the duty teacher of any changes in arrangements for their children (eg picking up a child from school). At the end of each day children are checked off the bus lists, which includes a list for those who walk. It is important to personally inform the duty teacher when you pick your child up from school.

 

Emergency Management (inc. Civil Defence)

 

A booklet on procedures in the event of an emergency is available for perusal at the school. The staff and students are familiar with emergency drills and the are regularly carried out. Evacuation procedures are posted at school bell/alarm areas and the assembly area is the centre of the playing field. In the event of a Civil Defence Emergency both the school and the Community Centre are Civil Defence Posts. The Principal, BOT chairperson and civil defence personal will ensure the safety of all is maintained.

 

EXTRA

 

EXTRA is an Enrichment and eXtension programme. It requires a Team approach with both home and the EXTRA facilitator involved with the child. It aims to utilise Resources from within the school and from the surrounding community (a list of local music teachers is available). The school recognises Achievement by students on the programme in any extra curricular area whether sporting, arts, craft, technology etc. A child earns points for completion of tasks such as attending swimming club, playing a term of rugby, caring for an animal, completing a science project, creating an art project. Please talk to your class teacher.

 

Finance

 

Each year the BOT prepares a budget that details school expenditure. The Ministry of Education funds the school. For additional funding the school must rely on fundraising efforts ably undertaken by the PTA and by grants.

 

Flower Show

 

The PTA arranges a flower show where all the children are encouraged to participate. This is held either annually or biennially.

 

Health

 

First aid will be provided for your child should he/ she require it at any time.  Staff regularly updates their First Aid Training. You are asked to provide the school with an alternative emergency contact person in the event that you cannot be contacted.  Should further attention be required parents will be contacted immediately.

 

Health Nurse

 

The Health Nurse visits the school regularly, usually coinciding with a playcentre visit. Parents may call the school or the Health Nurse direct to make appointments. Refer to front of book for phone number.

 

Homework

 

Each classroom teacher will provide you with information about the homework requirements for their class.  Homework is an opportunity for parents to be involved in their child/ children’s learning on a daily basis.

 

ICT - Information and Communication Technology

 

The Board encourages and supports ICT within the school, as they believe it is an important part of a child's education. The school is committed to being as up to date as possible with information and communication technologies. To this end the school is fully networked and each classroom has a computer with a windows operating system, printer with access to Internet & e-mail. A scanner, a laminator, digital camera, paper shredder, photocopier, fax machine are also found within the school. The school is continually updating software and CD ROM’s. The school is also well resourced for audiovisual equipment with listening posts, CD players and cassette players. OHP, musical equipment, a piano, TV and video all available for use in the school. The school encourages use of some of these units as is appropriate for the children.

 

Illness

 

If your child is ill or unable to attend school please notify the school and follow procedure detailed in Attendance & Absences.  (Also refer to Infectious Diseases)

 

Infectious Diseases

 

The school needs to be notified if your child has contracted any of the following diseases: Campylobacter, Chicken Pox, Conjunctivitis (Viral or Bacterial), Cryptosporidium (Giardia), Glandular Fever, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Impetigo (School Sores), Measles, Meningitis (Meningococcal), Mumps, Ringworm, Rubella, Salmonella, Scabies, Streptococcal Sore Throat, Slapped Cheek, Whooping Cough (Pertussis) This is so parents can be notified (where necessary) and made aware of any illness going around. Individual cases are confidential to the school and Health Nurse. The disease will need to be diagnosed by a doctor.

 

Internet

 

All classrooms as well as the school office have access to the internet and e-mail.

 

Insurance

 

The school carries insurance for school property, but this does not cover children's personal items.

 

Journal covers

 

Florescent Journal Covers are available from the school for purchase. These are required for the children to safely carry their reading books etc to and from school.

 

Keys

 

The Principal, each staff member, school cleaners and some Board of Trustee members only hold school keys.

 

Kiwi Sport

 

The principle of Kiwi Sport is promoted within the school. Parental involvement is always welcomed. Sports Southland and a variety of sporting coaching options are available for children and adults and are utilized when appropriate.

 

Library

 

The school has an excellently resourced library, which is regularly updated from Board funds and community donations. The library is a multi purpose room – books, resource books, electronic resources with Internet connection are all available. Children and families are encouraged to utilize this resource.

 

Lost Property

 

Lost property is kept in a box beside the school office. A large amount of unnamed clothing accumulates during the year. Please name all clothing that your child wears to school. At the end of the year unclaimed clothing is removed from the school.

 

Lunches

 

The school encourages home lunches to be provided to children. Please ensure that all lunch containers and drink bottles are named. Children may bring foil wrapped foods suitable for heating in the pie warmer. The pie warmer is available all year round. Please ensure your child's name and room number are clearly visible. Pies can be purchases from the school year round . Three varieties are available – Mince, Mince & Cheese and Bacon & Egg. Money should be placed in a sealed envelope with name, room number, date and type of pie written on the outside.

 

Pies can be purchased from the school year round at a cost of $1.70 each.

 

On Fridays the local Bistro offers hot lunches for purchase.(Refer to menu in enrolment pack)

 

Medication

 

Parents need to alert staff to any allergies/conditions that may require care or medication. The administration of any medications during the school day will be dealt with on an individual basis. Responsibility for storage and administration of any medications will be decided after consultation and agreement from parents, staff and BOT as is necessary to each case. The agreed procedures for each case will be notated.

 

Newsletters

 

Newsletters are produced each Friday and sent home with the eldest child in the family. Newsletters contain information on school happenings, school policy changes, matters concerning the everyday running of the school and up coming events. Notices and community information may also be included. This is an important line of communication between school and home.

 

Parent Help

 

Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit. Please be mindful however so that children’s learning is not disrupted by interruptions. If you wish to discuss a matter with a teacher it is appropriate to make an appointment so that the teacher can have uninterrupted time to speak with you.

 

Pet Show

 

The PTA runs a Pet Show every second year.

 

Photocopier & Laminator

 

The school photocopier and laminator are available for the community and organizations to use. There is a charge for all non-school photocopying. A list of charges is available form the school.

 

Pies  Refer to Lunches

 

Police Education Officer

 

Visits the school from time to time.

 

Policies

 

The school has policies on a number of issues. These policies are available for you to read at the school office.

 

Pre Entry Visits

 

The New Entrant teacher arranges a meeting at school for parents/caregivers of pre-school children each year and is contact with the Playcentre Supervisor. Arrangements are made for a number of organized visits to their new class before the child’s enrolment.

 

 

Principals Reports

 

The Principal provides a report to the BOT monthly meetings, BOT Annual Meeting, PTA meetings.

 

Privacy Policy

 

The Board of Trustees is required to comply with the Privacy Act 1993 in all aspects for employees, and in its role as the body with the overall responsibility for running of the school. The purpose of the privacy policy is to promote and protect individual privacy with regard to:

 

1.   The collection, use and disclosure of information relating to individuals

2    Access by each individual to information relating to that individual held by the school.

 

PTA

 

Parent Teachers Association meet once or twice a term but are involved actively with fundraising and school activities throughout the year. You are automatically a PTA member when you enrol your child at the school. Your assistance with fundraising is very much appreciated. You are cordially invited to attend all meetings, which will be advertised in the school newsletter. PTA committee members are listed in the front of this booklet.

 

Religious Instruction Refer Bible in Schools

 

 

Reporting to Parents - Parent Interviews

 

Parents are reported to on their children’s progress in a number of ways at their school. Parent/Teacher interviews are held twice a year – March and September. A written report is sent out at the end of the year. Sample books are sent home each term showing work children have completed. Parents are welcome to contact the class teacher to discuss any matters concerning their children by contacting the school and making an appointment.

 

Reports Refer to Reporting To Parents

 

Rules

 

The school sees self-discipline as being the ideal and the general rules of the school try to reflect this aim. It is hoped that children will grow in self-awareness and will develop tolerance and respect towards others. There are basic rules, which will be discussed with the children. They are designed with safety and the above factors in mind. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself. Use your manners at all times. Use appropriate language at all times. Complete your jobs (class tasks) in the classroom. Be responsible for your own actions. Use common sense at all times. Accidents need to be reported to the Principal. Swimming Pool, car park and road area are completely out of bounds unless an adult supervises them.. All PE equipment is to be put away after use. Children should not go into the paddocks without a teacher's permission.

 

Sun Hats

 

Sun hats have been provided for the children at school by the PTA and are to be worn while children are outdoors. Children need to look after their hat. If the hat is lost or damaged, parents will be asked to pay for a new one.

 

School Closure

 

In the event of such conditions as flooding, snow, etc necessitating the closure of the school, you will be notified by telephone. Notices of school closure would also be broadcast over the local radio station (Refer to Snow Phone).

 

School House

 

The schoolhouse is a private residence and is out of bounds at all times.

 

School Hours Refer to front of book.

 

School Photographs

 

Class photos are taken once a year. Individual & family photos are available on request.

 

 

School Trips

 

Children will at times go on trips as part of their educational experiences. This could be to the beach, visit a farm or some place that is relevant to their learning in the classroom. Parents will be notified of trips by a notice. A permission slip will need to be signed and returned to school. If a bus is hired then there will be a cost to the parents.

 

Shoes

 

It is helpful if children have a change of footwear at school especially during the winter months.

 

Snow Phone

 

Each year the ‘Snow Phone” lists are compiled.  These are made up for each bus route and also the township. Each family, whose children attends Heriot Primary School or Blue Mountain College and uses the bus, is listed along with their phone number. A snow phone list is distributed to each family listed.  In the event of an emergency the snow phone is activated. It is important that parents/caregivers follow procedures as set out on the snow phone list. (refer Contact persons).

 

Sports Activities

 

With Other Schools

 

Notification of these events is passed to parents/ caregivers as soon as details have been given to the school.

 

Athletics

The School combines with Tapanui Primary School and Waikoikoi School for the West Otago Athletic Sports. These are held at Tapanui with a separate junior and senior programme operating. This is a family day and parents are encouraged to attend. All families are responsible for transporting their children to & from the sports. Heriot Primary School is also responsible for running part of the programme. Volunteers are always appreciated.  Children competing in the senior sports may be selected for the West Otago Zone Sports (West Otago, Tuapeka & Teviot) and those successful in this may be selected to attend the Otago Primary Schools Athletic Championships in Dunedin. (Qualifying times need to be met.)

 

Cross Country

An age group school wide cross-country run is held each year. Children run a distance appropriate to their age around the school surrounds. Children from Year 5 & 6 may be selected to attend the Zone Cross Country held in Roxburgh. They compete with children from West Otago, Tuapeka and Teviot schools.

 

Gymnastics

Gymnastics skills are taught as a part of the school PE programme. A combined gymnastics festival is often held in conjunction with Tapanui Primary School.

 

Swimming Sports

Schools from West Otago, Tuapeka and Teviot compete in the Zone Swimming Sports. They have been held in Lawrence and Tapanui. This may vary year to year. The swimming sports are for children 8-12+ years who show some ability in this area. Children from these sports can qualify for the Otago Primary Schools Swimming Sports held in Dunedin. (Qualifying times need to be met.)

 

Sports Uniform

 

Heriot Primary School sports uniform consists of a white polo shirt with ‘HERIOT’ written in blue, navy blue shorts (boys) and navy blue bike pants (girls) provided by the PTA. An optional extra is a royal blue sweat pants and sweat shirt which you need to purchase yourself. Royal blue skirts and white polo shirts are used for netball. Royal blue sunhats are issued to all children to use at school and on sports days. Prior to sports days the PTA issues a uniform to each child. After use please return the uniform in a clean and tidy condition in a plastic bag with your child’s name on it.

 

Stationery

 

All stationery requirements are available from the school. For convenience you may pay for your stationery as each item is purchased or an account will be sent out at the end of each term.

 

Swimming

 

Swimming skills are taught as part of the Health and Well Being Curriculum usually at the beginning of Term 1. The children are given swimming activities towards the end of Term 4.

 

 

Swimming Pool

 

The swimming pool is usually open between November and Easter each year. It is available for public use outside of school hours and over weekends and holidays during the hours of daylight. Keys for the pool can be purchased from the school office.

 

Towels

 

It is encouraged that the children bring a hand towel that they may use to dry their hands after washing. Please ensure they are named and have a tag sewn on so that they may be hung on a peg. Children are encouraged to bring them home on Fridays for washing and bring them back to school each Monday.

 

Each classroom has a school towel for the children to use when they are doing art and craftwork etc and need to wash their hands at the art sink.  To wash these towels we run a roster system. Each term a roster is drawn up of parents/caregivers and is sent home with your child. On the week that you are rostered to wash the towels your child will bring them home on the Friday. If possible could you please wash them during the weekend and return them on Monday. Your turn on the roster is about once per year.

 

Toys/Valuables

 

In general, toys/valuable items should not be brought to school, unless requested to do so by the school. The school takes no responsibility for items brought to school such as toys, skateboards, valuables etc. Children bring them to school at their own risk.