Communication between home and school is very important to us. Our learner management system has been designed so that you can logon to our system and view some of your child’s learning and assessments:

HERO is a unique web app for NZ schools that is designed to be simple, secure and stylish. Our children are growing up in a world where their work will be produced digitally, shared digitally and their learning will be captured digitally. HERO has solved the problem of how to bring it all together in one central place. HERO allows teachers to upload, embed and link documents, presentations, images and video; receive feedback and set targets in a simple and stylish way. Above all, HERO e-portfolio system promotes the sharing of learning and creativity. You can download the HERO app: https://hero.linc-ed.com/parents/

There will also be a couple of times a year where you and your child can meet with the teachers to discuss progress, achievement and next steps. A fortnightly newsletter link will also be emailed out to you.

Concerns and Complaints Process

It is important to us that the concerns of students, staff, parents/whanau, and members of the West Rolleston Primary School community are recognised and resolved in a fair and consistent manner.

If you have any wellbeing or academic concerns, we encourage you to:

STEP ONE: In the first instance, we encourage you to talk directly to the staff member who manages that area of concern (Studio Teacher).

STEP TWO: Talk with your learners Team Leader. As a familiar staff member, often across your learners' day-to-day school life, they will be able to talk directly to or investigate any concerns and will support you through the process.

STEP THREE: Problem still not solved? Contact the Deputy Principal.

While it is West Rolleston Primary School's preference to resolve concerns without going through a formal process, we understand that this isn’t always possible. Please refer to our formal complaints process detailed below.

STEP FOUR: All formal complaints will adhere to West Rolleston Primary School's Formal Complaint Process which includes:

1. All formal complaints should be in writing and, in the first instance, should be forwarded to the Principal to respond and manage. Written complaints can be directed to our Principal, Sylvia Fidow, sylviafidow@westrolleston.school.nz

2. Where needed, the Principal will clarify any matters and acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three working days.

3. The Principal will discuss all complaints with the Board Presiding Member to determine the level of the complaint. Any and all complaints received by the Board Presiding Member directly will be referred to the Principal in the first instance.

All formal complaints are noted in the Board’s complaint register, discussed with the Board's Presiding Member and shared “In Committee” with the Board at the next Board meeting. When a Board is “In committee” for a confidential discussion, no documentation shall occur, and only recommendations will be summarised to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

1. As part of our investigation, a copy of the complaint letter will be provided and discussed with the person or people involved seeking their feedback and input.

2. The Principal is ultimately responsible for investigating the allegations by recording, reporting and making a recommendation to the Board and then to the individuals involved. In all instances, complaints will be treated in confidence; however, in the interests of natural justice, the person (or persons) the complaint is about must have the opportunity to hear all details of the complaint and have the chance to make a reply. As such this will form part of our investigation process.

3. Based on the findings, a closure meeting will be held with the individuals concerned and a final letter outlining the findings and way forward to the staff members involved. This will be shared with the Board.

STEP FIVE: Where learners, parents/caregivers are dissatisfied with the Principal’s actions or decisions concerning any complaint, or they have any concerns about the Principal, they should send their concerns in writing to the Board Presiding Member schoolboard@westrolleston.school.nz

1. Where needed, the Board Presiding Member will clarify any matters and acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three working days.

2. All complaints will be recorded in the complaints register.

3. All complainants will be advised of the process and timeline in relation to their complaint. Regular updates will be given if the investigation and resolution process is longer than one month.

4. A formal closure letter will be sent when the complaints process has been concluded.

5. Complaints material will be filed and held confidentially to prevent unauthorised access to this data.

STEP SIX: Finally, if you are not happy with the response from the school, you can of course contact your local Ministry of Education Office for additional guidance and support. More information can be found via the Ministry of Education Website: Complaints about Education Providers.