Emergency Preparedness and School Closures

The school has the necessary policies and procedures in place to meet the safety requirements of the Education, Civil Defence and Health and Safety in Employment Acts.

What happens to my child while at school during an earthquake?

Students at this school are taught earthquake safety response procedures. Teachers practice these procedures regularly throughout the year.

What happens to my child in case of fire at the school?

Students at this school are taught fire safety procedures. Teachers practice these procedures regularly throughout the year.

In the event of an emergency:

Do not panic!! Staff know what to do. Try not to use the phone as this ties up the lines for emergency calls.

Do not take risks on the road trying to reach the school until you know it is safe to travel. Listen to your radio for road reports and advice from the emergency services and/or Civil Defence.

Make sure you have read the back of the Yellow Pages to ensure you are prepared at home.

Reverse Evacuation-Lockdown

In certain situations it may be necessary to move, or keep, all students inside. These situations include severe storms, a major accident in the school vicinity, or other dangerous situation. The school has a detailed plan for this event, and regularly practices it with students and staff.

Reverse evacuation/lockdown plans are specific to each school and, due to their possible use in a lockdown situation, are not published on the website or made available to the wider school community.

As appropriate to the situation, the school contacts parents and caregivers when it can, using the available communication options - email, website, school app and facebook.

Parents must follow any instructions issued by the school, including not coming to the school to see or collect their children. This is particularly important when the school is in lockdown under Police instruction.

Emergency Contact information:

Please ensure you advise us of any changes to your contact details throughout the year. At the beginning of each year contact details sheets are sent home for checking. These are to include an emergency contact other than parents. In the event of an emergency during school hours when possible we will endeavour to advise you by keeping you informed by email, website, school app and our Rangiora Borough School Facebook page.

Children will only be released to parents or identified emergency contacts. This adult must ensure that children are signed out when leaving the school.

Closure of School

If a decision is made to close the school announcements will be made firstly via text alerts, Facebook and emails. If all electronic communication is down please listen to your local radio station.

Before School Hours – A staff member will also be on-site until 9.15am to advise of closure and ensure that children are not left unsupervised. A sign will be placed on the school gates.

During School Hours - Should the school for safety reasons decide to close early, students will not be released except to a parent/caregiver or other approved adult. When collecting your child you must tell the person in the office that your child is leaving the school grounds. This roll check is a vital information source for the Principal as valuable time and resources could be wasted searching for a student who has already been collected. Please ensure the school has your up to date email address and emergency contact details.

If you are aware a school closure announcement has been made, we would appreciate you notifying other parents.