Our School

Profile Section

Grounds

Is a modern school set in attractively developed grounds adjacent to Harling Park at the foot of the Wither Hills

People

Our teaching team has experienced, professional, enthusiastic teachers and support staff

Equipment

Well resourced with a variety of sports, ICT; digital technology and playground equipment

Facilities

Big enough to provide a range of activities and programmes, but small enough to care for individual needs

Teams

Four teams starting in the Ferns Team, onto Punga and Kowhai in the middle years then students develop into our kaitiaki (guardians) and leaders in the Kauri Team

Learning Environment

Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) with different sized Flexible Learning Environments (FLE) where students and teachers collaborate

Zones

Multi purpose teaching spaces, an indoor sports space/hall, our own pool, upper and lower turf space/courts and an outdoor 'forest classroom' (to be updated)

Term Dates

Term 1

9 February - 16 April

Term 2

3 May - 9 July

Term 3

26 July - 1 October

Term 4

18 October - 17 December (Half Day)

Holidays

Waitangi Day:
Saturday 6th February
Monday 8 February (observed)

Easter:
Week 9: Friday 2 – Tuesday 6th April

Queens Birthday:
Week 6: Monday 2 June

Labour Day:
Week 2: Monday 25 October

Marlborough Anniversary Day:
Week 3: Monday 1 November

Teacher Only Days

Term One
Week 9: Thursday 1 April

Term Two
Week 9: Friday 2 July

Term Three
Week 9: Friday 24 September

Bell Times

8:30 am

School grounds open for children to arrive at school

8:50 am

School Starts

11:00 am

Morning Interval

11:20 am

Classes restart

Afternoon

1:00 pm

Supervised Lunch Eating Time

1:15 pm

Lunch break

1:55 pm

Classes restart

3:00 pm

School ends

School Donation

Annual Donation $125 (Voluntary)

The Board of Trustees asks that parents make an annual donation of $125 per child. Income is used to supplement the Operations Grant provided by the Government and allows for our school to be well resourced and offer your child the very best learning opportunities. 

Please enquire at the school office about paying your school donation in instalments. Following payment of the donation, you will receive a tax credit note which ensures a rebate.

Internet Banking Details

How to pay

Many people prefer to pay through internet banking. Please be aware we do not check this every day however there is a dedicated time for our office staff to go through these.  Make sure you use your LAST NAME and WHAT you are paying for as a reference otherwise we will not know who and what the payment is for.  

This is the school number:  12-3167-0133327-00

Uniforms

How to get a uniform

Witherlea School students wear a uniform that can be purchased through The Warehouse.  Main components are the red school issue polo or sports top, school issue polar fleece and hat, with any type of plain navy blue shorts, skorts, tracksuit pants or leggings.

We have a second-hand uniform shop available at school. Please get in touch with the office if you would like to purchase anything or email angelac@witherlea.school.nz

Prices are;

  • $5 tops and shorts 
  • $10 polar fleece

We are always grateful for any clean, tidy uniforms to sell, these can be dropped off at the school office.

Absentees: Safety Check

Safety details

Concerns

Complaint
Resolution Pathway

We have a clear pathway to solve issues and come to either
a shared understanding or a resolution at Witherlea School.

STEP 1
The Teacher

Teachers are the first people to engage with when there is any type of concern. One or two meetings will resolve most issues. However, at times there may need to be an extensive plan of action put in place which will be created together.

STEP 2
Hub Leaders

If the issue cannot be solved by the teacher alone our Hub Leaders will help to create a new plan or way forward through the issue or consern.

STEP 3
Senior Management

After a team approach has not effectively resolved the issue our Senior Managers; Assistant Principals, Deputy Principal and Principal can work through possible next steps or options.

STEP 4
The Board

If parents feel there has been no resolution they can formally write to the Board of Trustees with an official complaint which the board will investigate using the governance lens.

Team Leaders

From time to time matters of concern and/or questions may arise. The first person you should speak to would be your child’s teacher, who will work with you to resolve the issue and find solutions. If concerns persist, the Team Leader may be able to assist and then management could support. Please follow this process to save valuable time and to ensure the right person is dealing with each concern/issue. Click on the name to LINK directly to one of our leaders.

Ferns Team: Angela Clark

angelac@witherlea.school.nz

Kauri Team: Hazel Halton

hazelh@witherlea.school.nz

Punga Team: Catherine Stringer

catherines@witherlea.school.nz

Deputy Principal: Phil Funnell

philf@witherlea.school.nz

Kowhai Team: Matt Robertson

mattr@witherlea.school.nz

Principal: Andrea Harnett

office@witherlea.school.nz

Deputy Principal

Please contact the school office and make an appointment to the
Deputy Principal; Or book an appointment with our Principal, Andrea
Harnett
 through the school office.

Phil Funnell: philf@witherlea.school.nz

Communication

The following methods are used to communicate information to the school community:

School Website

Updated every term and new 2021

School App

Download from the bottom of this page

Seesaw

Logins given out each year

Facebook

Find us and LIKE us

WSPCG Meetings

Tuesday 7:30pm – twice per term

Flag Raising Hui

Every Monday 8:55am

Newsletter

Issued every second Monday

Meet the Teacher

Term One

Whānau Open Days and

Evenings
End of each term

Parent Teacher

Interviews
Term Two

Medical Information

Medication

Only medication prescribed by a registered practitioner can be administered at school. A consent form must be completed at the office by the parent / caregiver. Medication is kept at the office, not in classrooms.

Accidents

In the event of your child being involved in an accident which causes concern at school, we will, if necessary arrange for medical attention and notify you immediately. Please make sure that we always have your up-to-date telephone number, and an emergency back-up number.

Medical Care

We have a sick bay, which is available for first aid, and as a place for ill or injured children to wait for parents to collect them. In case of sickness we will get in touch with you if children need to go home. We have visits from the Public Health Nurse, and she will contact you if there are matters needing further attention.

Cyclingand Wheels

Bikes may be stored on bike racks.  No bikes, scooters or other wheels should be ridden in the playground between 8.30am and 3.15pm – we also ask all students to walk their bikes and scooters down to MaKenzie Street before riding as we have many pedestrians that could be run into.  It is recommended by the Police that those pupils under 10 should not cycle to school.  All cyclists must wear an approved safety helmet and we encourage the use of a reflector jacket.

Before and After School Care Programmes

Many after school activity programmes operate five days per week from 3.15pm – 5.30pm. Children must be enrolled in order to attend these programmes.

School opens at 8:30am so if your family work before this time Before School Care operates from many providers.

Further information regarding each programme can be found at the office.