We will be changing the bell times of our school day as a result from changes in the latest Primary School’s collective agreements for teachers which gives them extra release, with the purpose to reduce teacher workload and increase support.

The model we are implementing will enable a seamless transition to have specialist programmes at Stanley Bay School. The specialist programmes will be taken by qualified teachers and will not be an added cost to parents. This change was developed collaboratively with kaiako.

We are introducing Science, Music and Drama lessons for all students beginning in Term 1. These will be weekly sessions of 1.5 hours, with all classes cycling through the subject areas over the term.

These will be on Thursdays:

Block one: Senior school, Years 5 and 6 .

Block two: Junior school, Years 1 and 2.

Block three: Middle school, Years 3 and 4.

The rationale for making these minor changes to our timetable:

1. These changes will allow the teachers to meet as a team together and enables greater collaboration, time to plan, assess, prepare for lessons and other administrative tasks.

2. Allow for a more efficient school day.

3. Provides specialist lessons to be delivered to all students.

4. Having session times of the same duration also means that teachers will see their class more on their release days, than they do currently.

The new school timings will be as follows :

8.55am - 10.35 Block 1 to start at 9am

10.35-10.55 Morning tea

10.55 - 12.35 Block 2 to start at 11am

12.35 - 12.45 Lunch eating.

12.45 - 1.25 Lunchtime

1.25 - 3.00pm Block 3 to start at 1.30pm

Please contact me in the first instance, if you have any questions.

Ngā manaakitanga

Emma Tolmie