Handy information for Te Koromiko Swannanoa School parents.

Contents

• Accounts 

• After-School Care (Kidsbase) 

• Bell Times 

• Buses 

• Hapū

• Hats & House T-Shirts

• Medicine 

• School Lunches

• School Map

• Stationery

• Sunscreen

• The Swannanoa Country Fair 

• Uniform

School Accounts

Each student is automatically given an account on our student management system. The cost of trips, camps, school donations and occasionally other items is placed on this account. All costs, other than donations, will have been communicated to you prior to the event.

Some optional costs such as after school sports (touch, basketball and miniball) and other activities such as ICAS exams and Young Leaders events must be paid before the event occurs. These can’t be put to student accounts but you are welcome to pay for them directly into the school bank account mentioned below. Please ensure the reason for payment is included in the reference details.

Accounts are sent out around the middle of each term. However if you prefer you are most welcome to pay for trips etc. as they occur.

We are happy to take cash, cheque or have payments made directly to our school bank account. Sorry we do not have eftpos.

School Bank Account:
030674 0109109 00
Swannanoa School BOT

We recommend a small regular automatic payment throughout the year as being an easy way to cover the cost of school accounts and camps. Please talk to the office staff if you have any questions about starting an automatic payment. 

After-School Care (Kidsbase)

Kidsbase provides before, after and school holiday care from the school premises. It is run independently of the school, but the company is operated by a Te Koromiko Swannanoa School parent.

For more information, visit their website here:

https://kidsbase.co.nz/swannanoa/

Buses

Three buses currently operate at Te Koromiko Swannanoa School. If you live at least 3.2km away from the school, your children are eligible to catch the bus. There are three bus routes, outlined on the map below:

For more information on buses, please see the file attached at the end of this article. If you would like your child to catch the bus, please contact the office (03 312 6813).

Hapu

Te Koromiko Swannanoa School consists of three Hapū* named after native birds - for information on each, please click the links below!

Pākura (Hapū 1 – Years 0-3)

Kārearea (Hapū 3 – Years 4-6)

Ruru (Hapū 4 – Years 7-8)

*Hapū definition: “kinship group, clan, tribe, subtribe - section of a large kinship group” (source: maoridictionary.co.nz)

Hats and House T-Shirts

Hats are compulsory during the summer terms 1 and 4. There are two styles available: wide-brim and bucket.

Wide-brim hats are available for purchase from The Warehouse in Rangiora. Bucket hats can be purchased from the school office (via cash or internet bank deposit) – they are available in red and blue.

House t-shirts are worn during school house days. They are optional – students can wear their own shirts matching their house colour if preferred (Red-Sheppard, Green-Hillary, Blue-Batten, Yellow-Rutherford). But if you would like to purchase one, they are available from the school office (via cash or internet bank deposit).

Medicine

If your child requires medicine to be taken during the day, please contact the office. We can hold it for you and give it out as required.

With permission, we are also able to give out pamol if required. 

School Lunches

School Lunches are available most Fridays. It may be sausage sizzle, baked goods, Subway, pizza, sushi, or maybe something from a new supplier.

To order lunches, go to https://www.ezlunch.co.nz/.

School Map

Here is a map of Te Koromiko Swannanoa School:

Stationery

For new entrants, a stationery pack is available from the office. These contain everything that your child will need, including items that will be used over several years.

For all other students, a stationery list will be available online from our current stationery provider. Please contact the office for details. 

Sunscreen

When used correctly sunscreen can protect against sunburn and sun damage. Sunscreen should be used to decrease exposure to UV radiation, not to increase the amount of time spent in the sun.

Applying sunscreen

The protective effect of sunscreen depends on correct application.

· Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for it to dry and be absorbed into the skin.

· The average sized adult should apply 1 teaspoon to each arm, and to the face (including the ears and neck); and at least a teaspoon to each leg, the front of body, and the back of body.

· Always reapply sunscreen every two hours when you are outdoors and more often if you are sweating or in water (to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB)

What should I look for when buying sunscreen?

· Choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

· Look for AS/NZ 2604 standard on the label.

What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?

· Both provide sufficient sun protection if applied correctly.

· When you follow the instructions on the label, SPF30 filters 96.7% of UV radiation. SPF50+ filters 98% of UV radiation.

Is sunscreen safe?

To date, there is no scientific evidence showing long-term side effects following regular use of sunscreen.

Sunscreen and babies

· Be cautious about using sunscreen on babies under one year of age. It is safer to keep babies in shade and protective clothing.

· If using sunscreen on a baby or toddler’s skin test it on a small area of their skin first and leave for 24 hours to check for a reaction. Stop use immediately if there is a reaction.

Remember sunscreen is not a suit of armour. It should be used in combination with other SunSmart behaviours. 

(Information provided by SunSmart)

The Swannanoa Country Fair

The fair is our school’s largest fundraiser, and we need the community’s help to make it a success. The money raised goes directly to the school – and comes from hiring out sites to craft and trades, providing tasty food and drinks, running a huge White Elephant, having business sponsorships, raffles, plant sales, face painting, games and gate donations.

Putting on an event this size is a big task - your help as a parent is truly appreciated. Details about how you can help out will be distributed before the far. The fair is usually held on the first Sunday of March.

For more details about The Swannanoa Country Fair, please click here.

Uniform

We are a uniform school and always encourage our students to wear it with pride. Our uniform is well priced and wears very well.

Uniform can be purchased from The Warehouse in Rangiora. We also have some second hand uniform in the office, dependent on what has been donated to us – you are welcome to come to the office to have a look. Any practical shoes or sandals that can be run in are fine to wear (no jandals nor crocs please). 

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