Expectations

In all areas of school life, academic and social, we encourage children to be caring of others and of their environment. We set guidelines for such things as behaviour, work habits and presentation of work. These expectations help your child to reach the best possible level of achievement. Certificates, stamps and other awards are given to the children to mark particular achievements in behaviour, learning achievements and efforts with behaviour and learning.

School rules

At Long Bay Primary we have rules to protect students and to ensure that children's behaviour is of an acceptable standard, resulting in a school environment that is a pleasant, secure, and safe place for all. Our rules are:

• Respect other people, property and the environment.
• Keep ourselves and others safe, by being in the right place and doing the "right thing".
• Be considerate when moving in, or around the buildings.
• Bring only the right things to school

Homework

Year 1-2 children will bring home reading homework in the form of instructional readers, poem books and library books. As children progress, a spelling programme is introduced.
Year 3-6 children are expected to do weekly homework contracts based around the current terms of study. If your child is taking a very long time to do the work or is unable to do it, check with the teacher concerned.
Homework has a place in consolidating and enriching school related activities with support and encouragement of parents. By acknowledging your child's efforts, you will be encouraging your child to achieve well.

Assemblies

Whole-school assemblies are held every week on Friday morning in the school hall. Special syndicate-led assemblies are held at different times during the term. Dates will be listed in the newsletter and on this website.

Parents are kindly invited to attend these assemblies.

Library and Information Centre

All the children have regular visits to the recently refurbished school library and are encouraged to use this facility. They may borrow up to two books at a time and may keep them for two weeks. Please assist your child to care for books on loan and return books promptly. There is a charge for replacement of books damaged or lost.

Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated into all curriculum areas to enhance children's learning. We are well resourced and children have access to a wide variety of ICT in addition to multi-media tools, for example digital cameras and scanners. Internet access is also available under the control of the teacher. An Internet Access Contract is completed by all parents/caregivers.

School-Wide Events and Programmes

This year we have been able to offer an arts specialisation programme. The arts consist of drama, dance, music and visual arts. Every class has had a term with a specialist teacher exploring the elements and principles of each of the disciplines.

Throughout the school year we plan for whole school activities where there is a special focus on particular learning areas. Book Week provides opportunity to share and celebrate the joy of books and reading. Maths Week is linked to New Zealand Maths Week and again it is a time for emphasising the importance of maths and problem solving in our every day lives. Science Day gives a ‘hands on' approach to big ideas in science and encourages children to ask questions, look for explanations and to think about the physical world we live in.

Every second year we run either the Keeping Ourselves Safe (KOS) or the Life Education programmes to enhance learning in the health curriculum. KOS focuses on helping children develop the skills and strategies to identify potentially dangerous situations and to respond sensibly and safely. The Police Education Officer trains staff in the use of the programme and parents are invited to an information session. The visit from the Life Education truck and Harold reinforces important health messages and choices and supports teachers' classroom programmes.

Celebrating children's learning and sharing their achievements and efforts is part of Long Bay Primary School. This year it is our whole school production where every child will be performing on stage. Next year it will be the bi-annual Arts Exhibition and every child will have a piece of artwork on display. These are great opportunities for you to see some of the things your child is learning and also to admire the talents and abilities of our children.

Support for the Wider Community

At Long Bay Primary School we encourage our children to become aware of events and issues that could affect not only them and the people they know but also others in the local and wider community. There are many causes worthy of support but we can only commit to a few. This year the children have participated in activities and fund raising events supporting The Heart Foundation, Asthma Awareness with a balloon day, The Cancer Society's Daffodil Day, and Canteen's Bandanna week.

Thinking of others and being able to help is important and we are willing to support people in times of disaster. In 2010 we held a mufti day and cake stall to raise money for the people of Christchurch following the devastating earthquake.

Waterwise Programme

One special feature of our school is the participation in the Waterwise Programme, which is available to children in the Year 5 and 6 classes. Capable swimmers in Year 5 and 6 learn practical sailing skills at Waiake beach in six lessons each during Term 1 and 4. Parents and teachers who are certified Waterwise sailing instructors carry out the teaching. If you are interested to become a sailing instructors (no previous sailing experience required) please enquire at the school.

Year 1-4 children are given the opportunity to develop water confidence during organised swimming instruction during one term per year. The gained skills lead into the Year 5-6 sailing programme.