We have been working closely with Te Pa Harakeke, our satellite of Waitaha School, to ensure that they are welcome and that all aspects of their needs are met.

One concern is the safety of their children during drop off in the morning. As a parent, you can relate that sometimes it’s difficult to control our children and often they are unpredictable –this is more so the case when your child has special needs. Many of the learners in Te Pa Harakeke have very limited awareness, yet they can move very quickly and be unpredictable. 

Therefore we really need your help and support to protect our children in the drop off area at the roundabout on the south side of the school. While most of the Waitaha satellite learners are bused to school, there are still parents with disabled permits dropping their children off. 

When you use the disabled parks as a ‘kiss and go’ option or are parking on the round-about, those children’s safety is compromised. It is not just about wheel chair users but the wider issues that often go with disability, such as lack of awareness and unpredictability mentioned above.

After discussions with Waitaha’s Principal we have agreed to put in place a new system. This will require everyone to work together to create the solution. In terms of meeting the Health and Safety requirements, we have decided to only let the shuttles and cars with disabled permits to enter the roundabout. We will paint a yellow line across the road, creating a visual reminder, and initially there will be someone in high viz gear holding a sign to remind you not to enter. Following that we will place the sign on a road cone as a reminder. 

To help the parking situation, the Te Pa Harakeke teacher aides have kindly agreed to park on the roadside to free up some parking space.

Your cooperation in this matter is really appreciated, especially by those parents of the children in Te Pa Harakeke.  As Te Pa Harakeke finished at 2.30pm, this area is then safe for pick-ups.

For your information the sign will look like the sign in the picture posted above.

Newsletter bullet points reminders:

Please remember:

· No drop-offs outside Te Pa Harakeke – unless you have a disabled parking permit

· Pick-ups only after 3pm

· Please drive slowly

· Be aware of unpredictable children