We have several visits each year by performing groups. The costs of these visits are subsidised by fundraising with family discounts offered.

Major trips are undertaken in even years and the costs for these are heavily subsidised by fundraising. School camps for the older children are held in odd years and these are also subsidised and costs kept to a minimum.

Swimming

Swimming is an integral part of the programme and all children take part in terms one and four.  

Technology Training

Technology Training for Year 7 and Year 8 children is on Friday mornings at the Whangamata Area School. Children are to wear a closed shoe when doing workshop. Transport to and from Technology is provided. There may be some incidental charges on the children for materials - these are completely independent of Opoutere School.

The Board of Trustees has decided to offer Religious Instruction as an option for children one lunchtime each week. This will begin when swimming finishes in early March. As this is optional a note will be sent home shortly asking for names of those interested.

Kapa Haka

All children will learn Kapa Haka as part of the Taha Maori programme and an additional option of kapa haka will also be offered.

Taha Maori

All children receive instruction in Taha Maori. The main focus of this programme is te reo - the language. This programme is taken by Mrs Keenan with assistance from the classroom teachers. This is a compulsory part of the school programme.

Although the school does not have a written policy regarding the wearing of sun-hats, we are well aware of the dangers associated with the sun and all children are encouraged to wear a hat when outdoors. All children are provided with a school hat by the PTA. Sun block is  a good idea. We do not allow the use of zinc at school as it is often used inappropriately and can stain. Sunglasses and hats may only be worn outside. Sunshades have been provided over the lunch area with the help of a generous donation from the  Southern Trust.

Opoutere School is a smoke-free area. We ask that you respect this policy.

Reporting to Parents

Three-way conferences (Parent Interviews) are held in term one and a written report will be sent home late in term four. Portfolios with samples of children’s work will be sent home prior to parent interviews, early in term three and with your child’s end-of-year report. Parent interviews take the form of three-way conferences between the teacher, student and teacher. If you wish to discuss your child’s progress at any other time, please make an appointment with your child’s teacher.

Parent Helpers

We value the help given by parents and welcome helpers in the playground, at lunchtime and on school trips.

Computers/ICT

Desktop and laptop computers are available in every classroom as well as an interactive whiteboard and digital cameras.  Before children may use the internet they have to be trained in its safe usage and receive their internet license. For most children this will take place around year three. The internet is filtered to keep the children safe from objectionable material.

Reading Recovery

This year we will be running the reading recovery programme for six year olds. This  will be run by Mrs Newton.