FAQ
How are digital tools used?
We have a considered and measured approach to the use of digital tools in all Learning Environments. Ipads/Tablets are NOT part of the Year 1 and 2 Programmes. We ensure the learning objectives drive the tools, not the other way around. Digital devices, i-pads and Chromebooks are available for learning purposes from Years 3 - 8.
How can payments be made to School?
The school's preferred method of payment is internet based Kindo. To sign up use the links on the school website. Cash payments should be handed in at the school office.
Do you have School Buses?
Yes we have our Ministry Funded Bus that picks up Children within the Transport Entitlement Zone free of charge. All children will have to be in our Enrollment Zone to be entitled to this bus. Please contact our School Office to find out more about this.
What are the School hours?
School hours.
9am School Starts
9am - 10:40am First Block
10.40am – 11.10am Morning tea
11:10am - 12:50pm Middle Block
12.50pm-1.40pm Lunch Break
1:40pm - 2:55pm Last Block
2.55pm School Finishes
Do you have afterschool care?
Fun at either end of the school day at Journey Kids Before and After School Care Programmes.
Welcome to all our customers to the Journey Kids for 2021
If you require any more information please do not hesitate to contact us on: admin@journeykids.co.nz or
(027) 261-5849
Do you have an Agricultural Day?
We are a rural school and agricultural day is a highlight for many children and parents. This is held at the beginning of
Term 4. Children are encouraged to enter a lamb, goat or calf.
What happens about dental care?
Check up appointments for your child are made by the Fairfield Dental clinic and these will be sent out to you. You can contact with the team at any time to make an appointment by calling 0800 Talk Teeth.
Does Puketaha School have an enrolment zone?
Our school has an enrollment scheme. The school zone is shown in the map below: You may need to zoom in or out to show the appropriate level of detail.
For more information on school zoning go to the Education Counts Ministry of Education website School Zoning
Can children buy lunch at school?
There is no canteen or school lunch scheme at Puketaha. School Lunches are often available on a Friday or for a special event. For luch options and ordering sign into your school Kindo account.
Is there a school library?
Each class visits the library at least once each week. Junior children are able to borrow one book each week (to be taken home in the book bag issued when they start school) and the older children can borrow two books.
How should money be sent to school?
Any money brought to school should be in a sealed envelope with the child’s name, the amount and details written clearly on the outside. This should be placed in the secure slot in the school office.
Newsletters and Notices
The main form of communication at Puketaha School is via email. The school newsletter is published every second Thursday and emailed to parents and caregivers, any interested person can sign up to receive the newsletter via the website. The newsletter is full of information about the events at school, sports fixtures etc. Newsletters for each learning space are emailed during the term.
What parking facilities are available?
There are two areas available for delivering your children to school and picking them up in the afternoon. Please escort your children to the school gate and pick them up from the school gate, via the designated paths at both car parks. This is for the safety of all of our Puketaha students.
How can I find out about the PTA?
The Puketaha PTA is an integral part of school. We facilitate opportunities for parents and children to get together out of the classroom environment. We are proud that at Puketaha we have an active, enthusiastic and social PTA. For more information or enquires about the PTA please contact the school office.
How do you Report to Parents?
We aim to report on your child’s learning throughout the year in a range of ways, from emails, texts, phone calls, the Class Dojo app, and when possible catching up informally at the end of the school day.
In addition to this we send home two written reports a year. These will be given to you at the End of Term 2 and Term 4. New Entrant (Year 0’s) Children will receive a 10 Week Follow up report within 2 weeks of their 10 Week Anniversary.
We also have Student-led conferences in Terms 1 & Term 4 and a Report Follow up evening in Term 3 .
School houses
All students are members of one of our four School Houses. Siblings are generally in the same house. Puketaha’s Houses are Rimu (green), Tawa (purple), Rata (red), Kowhai (yellow).
What sports can my child participate in?
All Puketaha have to opportunity to participate in a number of sports including Touch rugby, and Netball.
Puketaha School is one of the schools in the Eastern Waikato Country Schools Cluster. This enables our children to participate in the East Waikato Country School (EWCS) tournaments, Term 1 Swimming Sports, Term 2 Hardcourt Day, Term 3 Cross Country, Term 4 Athletics. Children 9 years and older attend these events. A Junior sports event is held in Term 4 for junior children age 7 & 8.
In Term 1, we hold our own exciting day for Puketaha School Swimming Sports involving all of our students.Early in term 1, all children participate in the Junior, Middle or Senior Triathlon.
Sunsafe students
Puketaha encourages sun safe behaviours from all its Learning Community Members. Hats are essential for all of our children for outdoor activities during Term 1 and Term 4. In addition SunBlock is provided in all our Learning Environments.
What are the benefits of my child going to a full primary school?
We offer an inspiring and enlightening Year 7 & 8 classroom at the cutting edge of collaborative teaching. This innovative organization where the children work with 3 teachers and the Principal has been recognized across a number of sectors of education as a learning community of excellence. The reputation of our Year 7 & 8 classroom is one of which the school is very proud. Many visitors from around Australasia come to see our programme in action.
By staying at our school until the end of Year 8 children’s learning progress is not hindered by an additional transition within their schooling pathway.
We have smaller numbers and a participation culture. Children tend to be involved in a great range of activities and enjoy a balance of sport and cultural activities.
How does the school cater for the gifted?
Puketaha recognizes that children can be gifted in a wide variety of areas. This doesn't just include academic giftedness, therefore, we ensure that we provide programmes that do not put ceilings on learners, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Do you offer opportunities for varied interests?
Creative Arts, drama and music are seen to be integral parts of our curriculum. Information Technology is a tool which is used in all classrooms to support and enhance learning. All students have access to the computer and are able to use this technology to build on their learning and develop their knowledge.
We have had teams for Touch Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Netball and Basketball, we also participate in inter-school swimming, cross-country and athletics and the school runs a triathlon event.
How do you deal with bullying?
We are a values orientated school. Our Values define the way in which all members of our Learning Community are expected to behave. In addition our classroom programmes recognise the importance of building self-esteem and the self efficacy of all learners. Our Collaborative Learning Environments fosters positive relationships and support positive conflict resolution through conversation. Inappropriate behavior is dealt with depending on the situation, all children are aware there are consequences for their actions and parents/caregivers contacted when appropriate.
Do you have a school uniform?
No. Children learn to choose appropriate clothing to suit their activities for the day. We do have a sports uniform that all children wear who represent our school, items of the sports uniform are available to be purchased - please contact the School Office for details. Children are asked to bring a hat to school especially in Terms 1 and 4.
Do you have a school pool?
Yes, we are lucky enough to have a pool. The children have regular Swimming Lessons (at least 3 per week) during Term One.
A limited number of pool keys are available from November to March for school families to use the pool outside of school hours.
What sports can my child participate in?
All Puketaha have to opportunity to participate in a number of sports including Touch rugby, and Netball.
Puketaha School is one of the schools in the Eastern Waikato Country Schools Cluster. This enables our children to participate in the East Waikato Country School (EWCS) tournaments, Term 1 Swimming Sports, Term 2 Hardcourt Day, Term 3 Cross Country, Term 4 Athletics. Children 9 years and older attend these events. A Junior sports event is held in Term 4 for junior children age 7 & 8.
In Term 1, we hold our own exciting day for Puketaha School Swimming Sports involving all of our students.Early in term 1, all children participate in the Junior, Middle or Senior Triathlon.
For more detailed information on sports see the here.
