Glen Eden Intermediate School Prospectus
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME Kiaora, Faka’alofa lahi atu, Malo e lelei, Talofa Lava, Namaste, Kiaorana, Salom, Selemate, Bienvenidos, Ni sa bula, Unnyung
Greetings to all students and their families to Glen Eden Intermediate School. Students often say “the two years I spent at Intermediate School were the best years of my schooling. I was engaged with my learning, actively involved in the school community and cried when I left”. Creating life-long, self directed learners is the key goal of our school. We support our students to develop academically, culturally, physically and socially. We invite students to participate in a diverse range of activities including Literature Quiz, Mathex, Fai sports teams, choirs, concert band, Science Fair, rock bands, performing arts, visual arts, ‘Cactus TV’ and our ‘TnT’ Radio Station. GEIS staff recognise that this is a time of rapid physical and emotional growth of students. Our curriculum and modern facilities are specifically designed for the ‘Middle Years’ and strongly promote student learning. We promote values in our school including respect, responsibility and co-operation and we expect students to follow these as they participate in all areas of school life. We extend a warm welcome to you all and we are looking forward to working with you and your child. I trust that your learning journey will be a warm and rewarding experience. Welcome! Terry Hewetson Principal
STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE WELCOME Dear Parents/Caregivers Kiaora, we would like to give a warm welcome to all students and their families wanting to be a part of the GEIS community. Glen Eden Intermediate will offer you many opportunities that will fine tune your natural abilities, talents and skills that you have learnt throughout your years at primary school. If you decide to join GEIS use the next 2 years here wisely, seize every opportunity, make every moment count. You can all become leaders, role models, representative sportspeople, recognised performing artists and high achievers both academically and artistically. Glen Eden Intermediate will give you a chance to shine and excel in your chosen fields. The staff at Glen Eden Intermediate will enable you to voice your opinions and express your feelings. You can discuss problems with your teacher whether they are personal or school related. The staff all work together to make you feel safe and let you know that you are an important part of our school community. Glen Eden Intermediate will teach you about life long values such as respect, responsibility and co-operation. These values are highly promoted in our classes, in the playground and also on the sports field. We would like to welcome you as you join the team at GEIS - the best intermediate school in the southern hemisphere. Elijah Renata-Smith Head Boy
Molly Flynn Head Girl
“To be a dream school where everybody loves to learn.” At GEIS we value:
Respect
Responsibility Learning
At GEIS we believe:
Teachers have a right to teach Students have a right to learn Vision: 1. to equip students with the skills needed for life-long learning. 2. to foster a love of learning by providing challenging, authentic learning experiences. 3. to encourage students to strive for excellence. 4. to assist students to become risk-takers and accept and embrace change. 5. to provide a positive, safe and caring environment. 6. to teach and model the GEIS school values. 7. to be a learning community where community support and involvement is valued.
Our aim at GEIS is to equip all students with the skills they require to become lifelong learners in the 21st Century, with a particular focus on numeracy and literacy. In all curriculum areas, we aim to make learning powerful for students by providing them with experiences that are meaningful and challenging. While at GEIS, students will be involved in inquiry learning, where they will develop skills in generating their own questions, and locating and analysing information. Values education and higher order thinking skills are emphasised and infused into all subjects.
“Students are confident, capable learners and proud of their school. The school culture is inclusive and the school vision and values underpin the way the school operates.” (ERO November 2011)
Success for All Glen Eden Intermediate School takes great pride in offering a quality Middle School programme that recognises the distinctive learning needs of Year 7 and Year 8 students.
Pedagogy (How we teach) • GEIS promotes active rather than passive learning and strives to engage students with the real world. • Classroom programmes respond to the diverse needs and abilities of middle year students. • Programmes are learner centered with an emphasis on developing independence and collaborative learning.
Engagement • The positive school culture promotes high levels of student engagement and student achievement. • An environment where the students can be involved in the running of the school. The responsibilities offered are realistic and carried out in conjunction with their peers.
Learning Environments • GEIS learning environments are engaging, current and meaningful. • GEIS provides a safe, supportive and culturally responsive environment which allows personal growth for all. • There are a variety of opportunities to recognise and celebrate success.
Partnerships • GEIS encourages the development of a positive and effective home/school partnership. • GEIS maintains regular communication through emails, newsletters, and the Ultranet (website).
“Senior managers and teachers maintain a strong school culture by articulating their high expectations of students to achieve.” - (ERO 2011)
Curriculum Our school mission statement ‘To be a dream school where everybody loves to learn’ and the ideal of ‘Success for All’ underpins our curriculum design. GEIS strives to foster a love of learning and achievement of success in all of our students. We excel at this by providing engaging and creative programmes across all learning areas. The use of a thinking language known as SOLO enhances powerful learning opportunities for students and deepens their understanding of their everyday world. Explicit teaching of the school values prepares the students to be effective global citizens.
ENGLISH Glen Eden Intermediate School recognises that success in English is fundamental to success across the curriculum. We aim to develop in students the skills, knowledge and attitudes which will enable them to cope confidently with the literacy of everyday life. This is achieved by planning and implementing a meaningful teaching and learning programme that focuses on the skills of Listening,Reading, Viewing, Speaking, Writing, and Presenting.
MATHEMATICS At Glen Eden Intermediate School mathematics learning is structured around three strands: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Statistics. Our students learn to develop the ability to think creatively, critically, strategically and logically. We do this by providing rich and balanced teaching strategies, employing meaningful and relevant contexts, delivering enrichment programmes for our able mathematicians and assistance for the less able. Wherever possible we integrate mathematics skills into other learning areas in ways that will help them make sense of the world around them.
INQUIRY Inquiry provides students with an authentic or ‘real-life’ learning context. Programmes are designed to be highly engaging and challenging for students. These learning contexts are based around either a Science or Social Science theme.
SCIENCE The following strands are covered: • Living World • Material World • Physical World • Planet Earth and Beyond The word Science comes from a Latin word which means ‘Knowledge’. Here at GEIS we want our students to have a ‘Science experience’ like never before. We want them to gain ‘knowledge’, to ask questions, to start thinking like a scientist and to have an inquisitive mind. Science is a very live, hands-on and vibrant subject with unlimited potential. The opening of a Science Room in 2010 has made this practical approach possible.
“School achievement information shows that students achieve well in reading, and make good gains in mathematics and writing.” (ERO 2011)
Curriculum SOCIAL SCIENCES The following strands are covered: • Identity, Culture, and Organisation • Place and Environment • Continuity and Change • The Economic World The Social Sciences Curriculum is about students exploring how societies work, and how they can participate and take action as informed and responsible citizens. At GEIS, students will study the social sciences through the processes of inquiry. Some previous contexts for study have included the Environment, Citizenship, Cultural Identity, Career Education, Globalisation, and Sustainabilit Sustainability.
HEALTH and WELL BEING In Health and Physical Education, our focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health related and movement contexts. GEIS Health Curriculum supports and encourages students personal growth and acknowledges the unique needs of emerging adolescents. Areas that are incorporated into the health programme include: making positive choices, forming and maintaining positive relationships, Pubertal Change, and Keeping Ourselves Safe. Physical Education includes the development of skills related to aquatics, large and small ball sports, and athletics.
TE REO MAORI The curriculum acknowledges the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. At GEIS all students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of Te Reo and tikanga Maori.
LANGUAGES Learning a new language provides a means of communicating with people from another culture and exploring one’s own personal world. A number of teachers at GEIS have second language teaching experience and we are able to offer all students the opportunity to learn Spanish, German, Japanese or French.
“School leaders and teachers make very good use of achievement information to identify underachieving groups of students and provide appropriate programmes to support student learning.” (ERO 2011)
Curriculum GEIS offers a comprehensive specialist programme based around the Arts and Technology learning areas. Year 7 students are given the opportunity to participate in all eight specialist subjects to experience practical and creative learning. Year 8 students are encouraged to further develop their passion in four of these subjects (2 x Art, 2 x Technology).
THE ARTS The vision at GEIS for ‘The Arts’ is to provide learning opportunities for all students through each of the Arts disciplines: Sound Arts, Dramatic Arts, Visual Art and Video Production. Through movement, sound, and image, the arts transform student’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate meaning. GEIS students will create musical and dramatic performances, artistic masterpieces, and short films.
TECHNOLOGY At GEIS the aim of Technology Education is for students to develop a broad technological literacy that will equip them to participate in society as informed citizens and give them access to a vast number of technology related careers. They will learn practical skills as they develop models, products and systems. GEIS provides a wide range of technologies for students to experience: Design, Food, Hard Materials, and Textiles.
o “Students are offered a broad curriculum that focuses on key learning areas. These are complemented by a wide range of specialization, performing and visual arts, education outside the classroom and sports.” (ERO 2011)
KEY COMPETENCIES These competencies underpin all of the curriculum areas. They are the capabilities people need in order to live, learn, work, and contribute as active members of their communities. Key Competencies include: • Managing self • Relating to others • Participating and contributing • Thinking • Using language, symbols and texts
“Glen Eden Intermediate School’s curriculum promotes student learning and engagement very effectively.” (ERO 2011)
School Organisation The The success success of of Glen Glen Eden Eden Intermediate Intermediate School School is is hugely hugely influenced influenced by by effective transition processes that provide systems, structures effective transition processes that provide systems, structures and and strategies strategies to to welcome welcome and and support support our our new new students. students.
MINI MINI SCHOOL SCHOOL ORGANISATION ORGANISATION
GEIS GEIS is is divided divided into into four four Mini Mini Schools Schools with with an an Assistant Assistant Principal Principal responsible for each team. The nature of these responsible for each team. The nature of these Mini Mini Schools Schools promotes promotes a a school within a school ideology. This fosters a culture of belonging school within a school ideology. This fosters a culture of belonging and and pride pride both both within within their their Mini Mini School School as as well well as as across across the the whole whole school. school. Our Our four four Mini Mini Schools Schools are are named named after after local local West West Coast Coast beaches beaches that that acknowledge acknowledge the uniqueness of our local community. the uniqueness of our local community.
CLASSROOM CLASSROOM ORGANISATION ORGANISATION
At At GEIS GEIS our our classrooms classrooms are are single-teacher single-teacher learning learning environments. environments. e have separate Year 7 and Year 8 classes. W We have separate Year 7 and Year 8 classes.
INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT LEARNING LEARNING CLASSES CLASSES
We We provide provide two two Independent Independent Learning Learning classes classes at at each each year year level. level. These These classes are for high achieving students across all facets of the classes are for high achieving students across all facets of the curriculum. curriculum. Students Students selected selected will will demonstrate demonstrate the the ability ability to to think think creatively creatively and and function equally well in an independent or collaborative function equally well in an independent or collaborative environment. environment.
PERFORMING PERFORMING ARTS ARTS CLASS CLASS
A A new new initiative initiative for for 2013 2013 will will see see the the creation creation of of a a Year Year 8 8 Performing Performing Arts Arts Class. The Performing Arts Class is similar in make up to Class. The Performing Arts Class is similar in make up to a a single single cell cell class class yet yet with with the the curriculum curriculum delivered delivered using using the the many many aspects aspects of of the the performing performing arts arts as as the the learning learning context. context. This This class class will will see see students students take take their their performing expertise and academic achievements to higher performing expertise and academic achievements to higher levels levels across across a a range range of of disciplines. disciplines.
GIFTED GIFTED AND AND TALENTED TALENTED (GATE) (GATE)
Glen Glen Eden Eden Intermediate Intermediate School School identifies identifies our our Gifted Gifted and and Talented Talented students students using a multi-identification programme. From this GEIS offers using a multi-identification programme. From this GEIS offers our our GATE GATE and and OPTIONS OPTIONS programmes programmes for for students students who who have have a a recognised recognised talent. talent. We We participate participate in in all all appropriate appropriate local local and and International International Academic Academic competitions. competitions. Participation is optional. Participation is optional.
THE THE AKORANGA AKORANGA CENTRE CENTRE
The The AKORANGA AKORANGA Centre Centre (previously (previously known known as as the the Progressive Progressive Learning Learning Centre) aims to assist teachers with their teaching and Centre) aims to assist teachers with their teaching and support support students students with with their their learning, learning, social social and and emotional emotional needs. needs. This This is is staffed staffed with with an an Assistant Assistant Principal, Principal, two two part-time part-time teachers teachers and and eight eight teacher teacher aides. aides.
SEMI-SPECIALISATION SEMI-SPECIALISATION
Within Within each each Mini Mini School, School, teachers teachers specialise specialise in in a a subject subject in in which which they they have have a particular strength. These subjects are typically Physical Education, a particular strength. These subjects are typically Physical Education, Maori, Maori, and and a a second second language. language.
SPECIALIST SPECIALIST SUBJECTS SUBJECTS
All All students students take take part part in in Hard Hard Materials Materials Technology, Technology, Design Design Technology, Technology, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Visual Arts, Dramatic Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Arts, Sound Sound Arts Arts (Music), (Music), and and Video Video Production. Production.
“Students “Students with with a a diverse diverse range range of of learning, learning, emotional emotional and and behavioural behavioural needs needs are are well well catered catered for for in the Akoranga Centre.” (ERO 2011) in the Akoranga Centre.” (ERO 2011)
Special Programmes Students are encouraged to involve themselves in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. They have the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities in a varied and exciting range of sporting, recreational, cultural and service endeavours.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES GEIS offers a comprehensive After School Enrichment Programme that caters for about 250 students each term. Students from GEIS participate in courses that are fun, challenging and exciting. Courses range from art to sport, languages to technology, and English to Mathematics. All needs are catered for throughout the year by caring,experienced and skilled tutors.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Our students are regularly involved in community projects. The School Council takes a lead role in organising fundraising events, including Heart Children Awareness and the Auckland City Mission. We have won awards for being environmentally friendly, and have raised record amounts of money in the World Vision 40-Hour Famine. We have regularly been awarded World Vision Scholarships, for being in the top 20 schools in New Zealand for our achievements.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES Students have the opportunity to take part in programmes designed to cater for their special abilities. These include: Maori & Pacific Island Groups, Choir, Orchestra, Jump Jam, Dance Groups; external Mathematics, Writing, Science, English and Computing examinations; Mathex, Science Fair, Short Story, Debating and Speech competitions; Art Exhibitions, Television Production, Musical Productions, Talent Quests, Music Festivals, Performing Arts Festivals and Cultural Festivals.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GEIS is an Enviroschool, having achieved a Silver Award for sta and students. The environmental initiatives implemented by staff school aims to promote sustainable practices such as Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, and has established an organic garden. Projects in and around our school and community include native tree planting, worm farming, composting, and stream studies. We are also actively involved in Project Twin Streams in association with the Waitakere City Council.
KAPA HAKA KA The Kapa Haka Group greets school visitors with a traditional powhiri and performs to a variety of audiences. The Kapa Haka Group is made up of students from a variety of different backgrounds and beliefs. They meet once a week and it is very popular.
MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES GEIS offers lessons with private tutors in many band/orchestra instruments during school hours with a weekly cost for tuition. Detailed information will be available at the beginning of the 2013 school year. GEIS operates an Orchestra for those with musical instrument experience. We also have a Choir, Jazz Band, Rock Bands, Ukulele Group and Dancing Groups plus many more. Every year these groups have the opportunity to perform for a variety of audiences.
Special Programmes NAVIGATORS The Navigators Programme is an after school educational initiative set up by Glen Eden Intermediate School, to focus on Maori and Pacific Island student achievement, although all students have the opportunity to join this group. By providing tutoring and mentoring, this is having a positive impact on these students’ study skills, goal setting and self-esteem.
OPTIONS PROGRAMMES All students will have the opportunity to Participate in an OPTIONS Programme each year. This programme creates opportunities to develop physical, academic, cultural and environmental skills, through a variety of learning activities such as Science, Trash to Fashion, Cartooning, Short Story Writing, Languages, Art, Horticulture, the Twin Stream Project and many more.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION Staff plan a developmental Outdoor Education programme, with the belief that these experiences enhance self-esteem. Year 7 students participate in an EOTC week and Year 8 students are involved in an outdoor education camp experience. The focus of these programmes is the promotion of skills such as team work, communication, trust, responsibility. GEIS also has problem solving, leadership and responsibilit international excursions for groups of students to travel to South Korea or Japan. Other EOTC opportunities include a tramping group and recent tramps include the Kaikoura, Routeburn, Milford, Rakiura (Stewart Island),Waikaremoana and Abel Tasman tracks.
PASIFIKA GROUP The Pasifika Group is made up of students from a variety of different backgrounds and beliefs. The Pasifika group learn a variety of traditional songs and dances from across our Pacific nations. It meets once a week.
PRODUCTION Bi-annually GEIS delivers a production of the highest quality. Previous titles include: Man of Steel, Bats, Back to the 80’s, Snow White and the Seven Environmentalists and Jungle Fever. Keen actors/actresses, singers and dancers are always welcome to audition.
SPORT GEIS has a full-time sports co-ordinator who organises all aspects of our sports programme. Inter-class and Mini School competitions are held at lunchtimes, where participation and enjoyment are the key elements. Every student is involved in Fitness and Physical Education programmes. Students are given the opportunity to participate and compete at their own level in most sports from athletics to water polo. GEIS also participates in the National AIMS (Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools) Games, in Tauranga, during September. Teams regularly achieve success in the Waitakere and Auckland regional competitions as well as at National competitions.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP At GEIS students are encouraged to take on leadership roles across the school. Students may be selected to represent their class on our Student Council or as Sports Captains where they lead their respective Mini Schools for the many sporting opportunities at GEIS. We see these leadership positions as an opportunity for students to take part in democratic decision-making, and to further develop their leadership skills. Each year our Student Council participates in leadership training.
Positive Behaviour for Learning At Glen Eden Intermediate School we promote a school culture where positive behaviour and learning thrive. We believe that ‘Teachers have a right to teach’ and ‘Students have a right to learn.’ This is reinforced by several initiatives and strategies. Teaching values and appropriate behaviour At the beginning of every year all students are explicitly taught the school values and appropriate behaviour expectations. These remain highly visible and are reinforced around the school throughout the year: • as an integral part of our school curriculum. • through displays around the school. • through role modelling by all staff. • as a focus at assemblies and school events. Consistency At GEIS we believe in a consistent approach to dealing with student behaviour whilst recognising individual student needs. This includes a consistency in teacher understanding and the language being used so students have a feeling that, no matter which teacher speaks with them, their language, the approach and the issue will be treated exactly the same. Focus on positive incentives Glen Eden Intermediate school actively celebrates student success in all areas. This enhances the culture of the classroom, the Mini School and the school as a whole. Schoolwide incentives include: GEIS Blues, Praise Cards, Student Honours Roll, Principal and Mini School Awards. Student Voice Students are encouraged to take ownership of their environment. Student issues are discussed at student-led meetings. Students are given the opportunity to report issues, concerns and suggestions to the Student Council. At GEIS students are encouraged to be proactive in resolving issues and planning new initiatives.
“Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Property” “Teachers have a right to teach. Students have a right to learn”
Uniform All students attending Glen Eden Intermediate School are required to wear the official school uniform when travelling to, attending, and returning from school. All students are expected to be clean and neatly dressed. Students may not wear make-up or nail polish. The only jewellery allowed is a pair of stud earrings to be worn in the ears, and a watch.
Girls All Year • White polo shirt with school logo. • GEIS culottes. • School polar fleece with logo. • Plain black or green cap or hat. • Plain black leather school shoes, able to be polished, with black laces if applicable (NO colour labels or emblems allowed). • Black leather roman sandals (optional in summer but shoes must be worn to technology classes) with a back strap buckled at the ankle. • Optional extra - Bottle green nylon jacket, lined with zip, printed with GEIS logo. Terms 1-4 • Plain above the ankle or knee length white socks, or black opaque tights are worn only with plain black leather school shoes.
Boys All Year • White polo shirt with school logo. • Bottle green tailored leg shorts. • School polar fleece with logo. • Plain black or green cap or hat. • Plain black leather lace up school shoes, able to be polished, with black laces (NO colour labels or emblems allowed). • Black leather roman sandals (optional in summer but shoes must be worn to technology classes) with a back strap buckled at the ankle. • Optional extra - Bottle green nylon jacket, lined with zip, printed with GEIS logo. Terms 1-4 • Plain above the ankle white socks are worn only with plain black leather school shoes.
Physical Education Black shorts, and a bottle green shirt, purchased from the school shop. Students are encouraged to wear sports shoes.
Uniform Shop School term hours are Monday-Thursday between 8.00am and 9.00am. Please refer to the school website for additional opening hours prior to the commencement of the school year.
School Facilities Students Students at at GEIS GEIS have have the the opportunity opportunity to to broaden broaden their their educational educational experiences experiences through the use of the following facilities: through the use of the following facilities:
ARTIFICIAL ARTIFICIAL TURF TURF We We have have an an all-weather all-weather artificial artificial turf turf for for hockey, hockey, netball netball and and tennis. This is being used regularly for fitness and tennis. This is being used regularly for fitness and physical physical education programmes. programmes. The The turf turf and and gymnasium gymnasium allow allow us us to to education provide physical education all year round,unhindered by provide physical education all year round,unhindered by weather. weathe weather. weathe AUDITORIUM AUDITORIUM Our Our Auditorium Auditorium provides provides a a magnificent magnificent venue venue to to support support the the creative talents of our outstanding dance, drama, creative talents of our outstanding dance, drama, cheerleading cheerleading and music music students. students. This This facility facility is is available available for for school school and and and community events, and is well equipped with state-of-the-art community events, and is well equipped with state-of-the-art sound sound and and lighting. lighting. GYMNASIUM GYMNASIUM GEIS has has a a full full size size gymnasium. gymnasium. This This fantastic fantastic facility facility is is GEIS available for school and community use. It has 3 volleyball available for school and community use. It has 3 volleyball courts, courts, a a netball netball court, court, a a basketball basketball court court and and badminton badminton courts. courts. Students use this for daily fitness and physical Students use this for daily fitness and physical education education programmes. programmes.
ICT ICT (Information (Information & & Communication Communication Technology) Technology)
Glen Glen Eden Eden Intermediate Intermediate School School is is well well resourced resourced in in this this area area and is a recognised leader in this field by the Ministry and is a recognised leader in this field by the Ministry of of Education, Education, with with highly highly skilled skilled teachers teachers and and up-to-date up-to-date equipment. As well as having computers equipment. As well as having computers in in each each classroom, classroom, which students use to assist in their class work, which students use to assist in their class work, students students IC classes participate in in ICT ICT classes in in our our ICT ICT suite. suite. This This is is equipped equipped to to IC participate ensure a ratio of one computer between two students. GEIS ensure a ratio of one computer between two students. GEIS also also has has pods pods of of laptops laptops that that are are easily easily moved moved around around the the school for for use use in in classrooms, classrooms, resulting resulting in in having having up up to to twenty twenty school computers computers in in any any one one classroom. classroom. All All computers computers are are connected connected through a comprehensive school-wide network. Students through a comprehensive school-wide network. Students have have their their own own personal personal username username and and password, password, which which allows allows them them access to email, the Internet, and a range of communication access to email, the Internet, and a range of communication resources, resources, upon upon signing signing an an acceptable acceptable user user policy. policy. Additional Additional technologies in use include IPODs, Mimios, digital technologies in use include IPODs, Mimios, digital cameras cameras and and Flip Videos. Videos. GEIS GEIS also also has has state state of of the the art art Video Video Conferencing Conferencing Flip equipment. equipment. This This enables enables our our students students and and staff staff to to communicate communicate instantaneously with other organisations around instantaneously with other organisations around the the globe. globe.
LIBRARY LIBRARY
Our Our Library Library is is a a well well resourced resourced facility, facility, providing providing our our students students with a spacious, comfortable environment where with a spacious, comfortable environment where they they can can relax, relax, research and read. We have a large, modern collection of research and read. We have a large, modern collection of Fiction, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Non-Fiction, Sophisticated Sophisticated Picture Picture Books, Books, Graphic Graphic Novels, High Interest Reads and Magazines Novels, High Interest Reads and Magazines to to support support student student inquiry and and recreational recreational reading. reading. Our Our Library Library displays displays updated updated inquiry regularly, regularly, showcase showcase our our latest latest books. books. Students Students have have access access to to a a Computer Suite and photocopying facilities within the Library Computer Suite and photocopying facilities within the Library to to support their their learning. learning. The The Library Library is is open open daily, daily, 8.30am 8.30am until until support 3pm, with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursdays until 3pm, with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursdays until 4pm. 4pm. sta We sta member We have have a a full full time time staff staff member managing managing and and promoting promoting the the Library. Library. Student Student Librarians Librarians volunteer volunteer their their time time and and play play an an integral integral role role in in the the smooth smooth running running of of our our Library. Library. Membership Membership to our Book Club is available to students who to our Book Club is available to students who prove prove to to be be enthusiastic, voracious readers. enthusiastic, voracious readers.
School Facilities MUSIC / DANCE Our performing arts block includes a dance/drama studio, music room, and practise rooms for private tuition. The performing arts programmes focus on students creating performances in music, dance and drama. RADIO STATION (T’n’T Radio) GEIS is proud of its radio station, T’n’T Radio 87.8FM. The radio station provides opportunities for students to work co-operatively to provide entertainment and music at break and lunch times. Students organise the daily show with other crew members ensuring that their programme is exciting and creative. SCHOOL CANTEEN Generation Foods runs our school café and the menu is designed to meet Ministry of Education guidelines for Healthy Eating. It provides a variety of nutritious snacks, meals and lunches, and opens at 8.30am daily. The menu for the cafe is on the school website. SCIENCE ROOM To support the Science curriculum and ensure students have opportunities to participate in authentic practical science, GEIS has a science room which classes have access to on a weekly basis. Experiments are carefully planned and activities include students using microscopes and chemicals. SWIMMING POOL We have a 25 metre heated pool, which provides all students with an opportunity to participate in swimming programmes, during Terms 1 and 4. These are for every class, catering for individual levels. School and zone swimming sports are a focus, along with lunchtime swims and special swimming programmes. Duck ‘n’ Dive Swim School take classes after school. TECHNOLOG TECHNOLOGY BUILDING This building houses a Design Technology Room, Hydroponics Room, Food Technology Room, Hard Materials and Textiles Technology Rooms, Television Studio, Art Room, two classrooms, our ICT suite and an atrium for displaying students’ work. TELEVISION STUDIO (CACTUS TV) We have a television studio, which is well equipped to offer all students the opportunity to film and edit. Video Production is one of our specialist subjects. Students produce a daily television show, which includes news and video clips of current events. This is broadcast live to each classroom through our television network.
General Information BOARD OF TRUSTEES A list of the current Board of Trustee members is available on the school website. Meetings are advertised in the school newsletter and on our website.
COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL Glen Eden Intermediate has an open communication system, and would like parents to feel free to make an appointment to meet with a teacher or one of our leadership team. The Senior Leadership Team, consisting of the Principal and Deputy Principals, are available to talk to parents. Parents with concerns or requiring information about the school should first contact the classroom teacher. However if parents prefer a personal intervie interview, an appointment time needs to be made. No parents or visitors may speak to a child or visit a classroom without first calling at the School Office. This is to maintain school security and to protect our students.
ENROLMENTS In Zone The law requires that GEIS gives priority to enrolling students who live in our home zone. Out of Zone Out of zone places, where available, are offered according to the following priorities: Priority 1: Siblings of current students Priority 2: Siblings of former students Priority 3: Children of board employees Priority 4: All other applicants Where the number of students exceeds the places available, a ballot will be held from the group with the lowest priority according to the rules set down by the Secretary of Education.
FEES Parent Contribution - Parents/Caregivers are asked to make a donation per family to cover part of the costs for educational, cultural and social activities. This enables us to provide for services not covered by government funding. Course Fees - Course fees covers take-home materials used in classroom and specialist programmes. An outline of current costs is available from the school office or on our school website.
HEALTH AND SAFETY A qualified nurse runs our Medical Centre. Students who feel unwell at school, must report to the Medical Centre. It is essential the school be made aware of any health problems a student may have, and that contact telephone numbers are correct. Please advise the office of any change. All medicine must be clearly labelled, and for certain medication the parent or caregiver must fill in a form giving permission for administration.
General Information INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Glen Eden Intermediate School accepts International fee paying students. As a school we have a long history of working with International students and have been a signatory to the Code of Practice for International Students since 2002. International links with Sister Schools in China, Japan, South Korea & Thailand reinforce for our students the concept of Globalisation in the 21st Century. GEIS students and families embrace all cultures. Our students enjoy being part of a ‘buddy’ system while our families enjoy home staying these students. Should you require any further information please contact the International Student Director, Mrs Lesley King, via email, lesleyk@geis.school.nz
MONEY, MOBILE DEVICES AND VALUABLES If these items must be brought to school they MUST MUS be handed to the class teacher to store in the classroom safe until 3pm. Teachers will take all possible care, but they cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
PARENT / COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT We encourage parent and community support and involvement in our school. There are a number of social activities organised which embrace the diverse cultures of our school. We have regular Hui discussions with our Maori families, and our Pasifika group meets on focus nights. Our dedicated ‘GEIS Parent’ group meets at least once a term. This group is an important sounding board for new ideas and is one of the means by which parental opinion is obtained. This group takes an important role in fundraising. GEIS holds regular forums to discuss curriculum programmes such as Mathematics, Literacy, Inquiry and Health
REPORTING TO PARENTS At GEIS we acknowledge the importance of the Home/School partnership. To enhance this relationship there are two conferences held during the year with Parents/Guardians/ Caregivers, the Teacher and the Student. The student is an integral part of this process where they are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. Term 1:
Learning Conferences, between parents, teacher and student, focused on setting learning goals based on test results. End of Term 2: First report is issued. Term 3: Student Led Conferences End of Term 4: The final report is issued.
SCHOOL HOURS Teaching Hours: 1st Break: 2nd Break: Lunch: Office Hours:
8.45am – 3.00pm 10.00am – 10.15am 11.40am – 11.55pm 1.00pm – 1.50pm 8.00am – 4.30pm
General Information SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS These are published fortnightly on a Thursday and are posted on our website. Hard copies are available from the office. These newsletters are the bridge between the home and the school, so please look out for them each fortnight. Please note that the newsletter is the official communication between home and school, and parents are considered to have read and responded to any requests in them, e.g. notifying the school if a student is not to participate in an activity.
STUDENTS’ ABSENCES We operate an electronic roll, which means that any absences not covered by a previous days notification or morning answerphone message will receive a phone text asking for absence details and for you to confirm they are genuinely away. awa You will need to telephone the school office (Ph: 817 0032) to let us know if your child is going to be absent from school.Even though you may have telephoned, there is still the need to send a note, to satisfy Ministry requirements. Please send dated notes, written and signed by a parent in all cases where students are required for medical or dental appointments, when exemption from sports or physical education is desired, or when students are unable to wear specific items of school uniform. da If Please ensure all students are at school by 8.45am each day. students arrive after 9.00am they must sign the Late Book in the front office. Students leaving the school grounds during the school day will also need to sign out at the office where their parents will meet them.
STATIONERY Stationery lists will be issued by the class teacher at the beginning of the school year. yea
TERM DATES Please refer to the school website for details.
TRANSPORT TravelWise – GEIS is a TravelWise bronze medalist. We actively encourage our school community to use sustainable modes of transportation e.g. walking, cycling, carpooling and public transport. We acknowledge that this will increase student safety awareness, health and fitness. Bikes/Scooters – Students may ride their bikes/scooters to school. These are parked inside the bike shed, and need to be locked in place. Bikes/scooters are not to be ridden in the school grounds between 8.00am and 3.30pm. All students must abide by the New Zealand Road Code. This includes wearing an approved safety helmet. Buses – Students travel by bus from Huia, Laingholm, Woodlands Park, Green Bay, Oratia and Henderson Valley (Sturges Road). A letter is available from the school office containing information on bus times, costs and routes. Public buses are also available, and parents should contact Stagecoach regarding these.