Lower Moutere School Information

The Board of Trustees and Staff welcome you and your child to Lower Moutere School. Our school is a full primary school meaning that we cater for students from 5 – 13 years of age. We are very proud of our school, community spirit and the wonderful environment in which we foster children’s learning. The school is sensitive to the individual needs of each child and sets out to meet them.

We extend an open door policy to you. We encourage close liaison between home and school. My door is always open to you, to discuss your child or any concerns you may have. Teachers are most willing to see parents before or after school about classroom or issues concerning your child. May you have a happy association with our school.

Please Click On The Links Below For More Information:

School Handbook

Lower Moutere School Charter 2018 - 2020

Lower Moutere School Annual Plan

Lower Moutere School Annual Report

Latest ERO Report

School Bus Timetables: Currently the school has 3 bus runs. One from Motueka, one run serves the area of Mariri and the other known as the Waiwhero run, which serves inland Lower Moutere, extending up towards Upper Moutere.

Lower Moutere School Term Dates 2019

Term 1 - Thursday 7th February to Friday 12th April

Term 2 - Monday 29th April to Friday 5th July

Term 3 - Monday 22nd July to Friday 27th September 

Term 4 - Monday 14th October to Friday 20th December

Absences

If your child is gong to be absent, we request that parents notify the office before 8.45am by either phoning 5267775 (you can leave a message on the answerphone), emailing office@lowermoutere.school.nz or text -027 339 8801.

Assembly

Our school week starts with an assembly on Monday morning. This is to set the scene for the week, share notices and other announcements. We have a full school assembly every week on Friday at 2.20pm. The classes share presentations and we welcome parents and caregivers to attend.

Behaviour Management - Working Together

Positive encouragement and support is provided to children who display initiative and common sense. We encourage children to take responsibility for their own actions and to respect the rights and feelings of others. School-wide Relationship Management procedures are used to allow staff and students to work in a positive, constructive and peaceful environment. 

At Lower Moutere Primary we - 

• take responsibility for our own behaviour and treat others with respect. 
• treat our environment with care. 

To be the best that we can be, we are respectful citizens of our school.

Board Of Trustees

We have a  great Board of Trustees, who work alongside the staff and Principal, governing the school. Our trustees are:

Chairperson      Pip Lingard
Deputy Chair    Brendan Horrell
Treasurer         Hayley Ryan                         
Maori Rep        Nellie Bell                              
Staff Rep         Ross Fitzsimmons                    
Parent Reps     Heather Baigent, Eric Gardner                   

The Board meet twice a term – dates are advertised in the school newsletter, and on the website calendar.

Communication With The School

We have an open door policy, and welcome input from parents and caregivers. As teachers have class responsibilities it is necessary to make an appointment through the school office. If a matter is causing you considerable concern or dissatisfaction, or if you do not know whom you should approach about any matter, senior members of staff are available.

Computers

Classrooms are equipped with a growing ICT infrastructure and equipment to support student learning. The school has  internet facilities and an expanding library of educational software. Commencing in Junior classes, children are taught a range of information technology skills. By the senior school, our students are well equipped with many skills to enable them to be successful learners in secondary schooling.

Curriculum

Schools in New Zealand are required to have teaching programmes, which incorporate the New Zealand Curriculum. We regularly consult with our community about aspects of the curriculum that are seen as particularly important.

Cycle Safety

Year 6 children get the opportunity to understand the rules of road safety. The Tasman District Council and Police take our pupils through a graduated programme of Safe Cycling. The school encourages students to cycle to school if they are 10years or older – independently. It is great to have parents cycling with students, if they are younger.

Hours

8.50 am - 10.20 am Morning Classes
10.20 am – 10.40 am Morning Tea Break
10.40 am - 12.30 pm Morning Classes
12.30 pm - 1.15 pm Lunch Break
1.15 pm – 2.50 pm Afternoon Classes

Lunches

Parents supply their child with a small snack for morning tea, as well as a healthy lunch. Several times throughout the year special lunches are available for children to purchase eg Sausage Sizzles, cultural meals.

Newsletters

To keep parents informed about school activities, meeting and other functions, newsletters are sent home with the youngest child in each family, fortnightly on a Thursday. These are also posted on this website under the Newsletters header. Class notices are sent home as required.

Opportunities For Extension And Enrichment

• Music through our specialist teacher
• Maths and writing extension in conjunction with Motueka High School
• Otago University Problem Solving Competition
• Australian Competitions in English and Maths
  
• Speech Competitions
• Sporting events

Sport

The school is in the Moutere cluster and participates in competitive sports within the Moutere and Motueka district. We are very fortunate to have an 18m heated swimming pool where water safety and swimming can be taught in ideal conditions. We also have an extra large field area, where a variety of sports are taught – with the support of sport Tasman, and our skilled staff. Although sport is competitive the school’s main emphasis is on the teaching of skills.

Stationery

At the beginning of the school year your child will be issued with a list of stationery required for the school year. The school does sell the stationery needs, in a ‘pack’. Parents are strongly advised to purchase this pack to ensure that your child has the correct stationery.

Suncare

Every summer in terms 1 and 4 children are made aware of the dangers of over exposure to the sun. We insist children wear appropriate sunhats and sunblock between the hours of 10.00 am and 3.00 pm.

Uniform

The school does have a compulsory school uniform. All items are available at Whitwells, Motueka 03 5288310 www.whitwellsmotueka.co.nz . Sun hats are available from the school office.