General information
The following information should answer any questions you have about George Street Normal School. If you have further questions or concerns please contact the school. Our aim is to ensure the transition to our school is seamless and that the children quickly become part of our school community. We look forward to getting to know you and your child better.
School size and type
George Street Normal School is a state funded, co educational, Decile 9 contributing primary school with a roll that peaks at approximately 400 children each year. We have 19 classes that includes four attached Country Model classes. Our school hosts two Resource Teachers of Literacy and Behavior, two Speech Therapists and a Supplementary Learning Support teacher serving the North Dunedin Area.
School times
9:00am: School starts
11:00–11:20am: Morning Interval
12.30–1:30pm: Lunchtime (Children are seated and eat from 12:30 until 12:45)
3:00pm: School finishes
Unless there is a special reason (and you have informed class teacher), 8.30am is the time we welcome children into our classrooms. All children must leave school by 3.30pm but can return to play if they have your permission.
Children who are sick or who are going to be late to school
Please ring the school absence line and leave a message.
Notices
Newsletters come home every Thursday with the oldest child in each family.
Assembly
Assemblies are held fortnightly on Fridays at 2.15 - 2.50pm. Each class hosts an assembly during the year and parents are invited to attend.
School Stationery
Stationery for our new entrant children in the Model or Kindle Classes can be purchased through the school. For other classes, Officemax which is located at 89 Great King Street stocks all our books stationery in class packs that parents can purchase items in time for the new year.
School Entry Assessment
When your child has been at school for approximately 6 weeks they will be tested on a range of tasks making reference to numeracy and literacy. After the test, this assessment task and other classroom observations and assessments will be used as part of a parent teacher conference where goals will be set.
School Donation
The George Street Normal School Board of Trustees asks that each family contribute to the cost of a number of extra and desirable educational opportunities for children this year.
In the past, these have included subsidizing the cost of:
- Trips to the museum and art gallery for all children
- Providing nationally and internationally recognised visiting performers for all children
- Professional swimming coaching for all children
- Providing up-to-date computers in all classrooms
Put simply, with your help we can do more for your children.
The amount of the requested donation set by the Board of Trustees is $100.00 (or $180 for 2 or more children from the same family) per year.
Bus Trips/Visits/Performances
During the year classes go to various locations in town (museum, art gallery, other schools etc). Information about these trips will be available through the newsletters or a note that comes home. Consent for all trips is asked for at the beginning of each year.
Parent–Teacher meetings
Formal Parent–Teacher meetings take place in week three and week six of Term 1 and week 8 of Term 2. There are written reports issued twice per year (June and December). We welcome meetings outside these times if there are any concerns.
Parent Help at School
All parents, caregivers and extended family are welcome to visit the classroom or to help with selected programmes identified by the teacher. If you are able to assist at school we would love to hear from you.
Behaviour
Our School has a Code of Conduct which sets out our expectations under two headings:
- Use common sense
- Treat others as you would like to be treated
We also have clearly defined procedures and consequences for bullying.
Both these documents are found in the school’s welcome pack or are available from the school office.
Road Patrols and Pedestrian Crossings
Road Patrols are on duty 8.30 – 9.00am and 3.00 - 3.12pm. Could parents please use the pedestrian crossing at all times. Bikes are walked to the crossing. Staff and volunteer parents act as supervisors.
Car Access
Please - NO cars down the Junior Driveway or on school grounds without permission because this puts children at risk. The exceptions to this are parents picking up children from Georgies - After School Programme and school wide after hours meetings where parents are encouraged to park in the school grounds.
Health Nurse
The Health Nurse regularly visits the school. Please let teachers know if you have a health concern about your child. All New Entrants are checked by the Hearing/Sight Nurse.
Dental Clinic
George Street Normal children currently attend the Dental Clinic on our site.
Medication
If your child requires medication to be taken at school, please ensure a Medication Administration Authority form is filled out at the school office.
Sunsmart
Parents are strongly advised to provide children with sunscreen and bucket-style sunhats. Children will be encouraged to wear these during the summer months.
Lunches
Our School lunch break is from 12:30pm until 1:30pm. Children are expected to sit quietly and eat lunch until they are released for play, in their classrooms if wet, otherwise in defined areas outdoors. Most children bring their lunch (and morning tea snack) from home but orders for lunches from the Willowbank Dairy can be made before school at the Dairy (Junior Classes - Monday only). These lunches are delivered to school at 12:30pm. Alternatively, Smart Food lunch orders are made by placing a named envelope in containers located inside the Junior School and Main School office, before school. These healthy lunches are $3.00 and $4.00 (for a larger size) and are delivered to the School Office reception area ready for pick-up at 12:30pm.
Winter Weather
In the event of snow falling or possible dangerous ice on streets in Dunedin, there are well-established procedures to follow:
1) If the snowfall is light, schools will open as usual.
2) If the snowfall is heavier, local radio stations Classic Hits 89.4fm/Newstalk ZB 1044am and More FM 97.4fm will broadcast if schools will open at 10.00am or remain closed for the day.
3) Please listen to these local radio stations if there are severe frosts with icy roads as schools may open later.
4) Ring the cancellation line 474 8426 or 471 7555 for the latest information.
If snow falls during a school day, children will not be sent home early from George Street Normal School. We will close at the usual time of 3pm. However, if parents or caregivers wish to collect their children before 3pm, that is quite acceptable. Please let the classroom teacher know before taking your child.