RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE - Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868

RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

INTRODUCTION
Tena Koutou katoa,
He mihi mahana kia koutou, katoa.
Welcome to our School.

At Rere School, the staff and I will endeavour to ensure that the following Strategic Aims are being met on a
daily basis:
 • All students are able to successfully access the New Zealand Curriculum, as evidenced by progress
 and achievement in relation to the relevant curriculum levels in Literacy and Mathematics.
 • To have high performing personnel; Board of Trustees, staff, and Principal, who have the knowledge
 and skills needed to provide a high quality education.
 • Strengthen internal evaluation processes and practices at every level of the school to inform decision
 making.
 • In consultation with the school community review the school’s documented curriculum.
 • To improve/further develop relationships with the Rere School community with a particular focus on
 Rere playgroup and cluster schools.

Our children at Rere School will:
• develop a lifelong love for learning
• develop as independent creative thinkers who have a sense of self esteem
• be encouraged to take risks and accept that failure is a path to learning
• be challenged to achieve their personal best
• be instilled with values that will develop a sense of pride, purpose and respect
• be well prepared to face challenges when they leave our school.

Our school is based upon an improving model that continuously works towards excellence. In order to
maintain our positive learning and working environment it is vital that parents let us know when they have
concerns and also when they have congratulatory thoughts and ideas to share with us. This helps us design
our programmes so that we provide the very best educational outcomes for all our learners.

This booklet is produced with the intention of informing you about the day to day running of the school. Please
read it and keep it for future reference. Should you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact the
school.

Noho ora mai,

Linda Kermode
Acting Principal

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairperson: Kerry Worsnop
Acting Principal: Linda Kermode
Finance: Richard Candy
Property: Casey Maddock
Parent Representatives: Georgina Kemp
 Bart Cheetham
Staff Representative: Paula Reedy

The Board of Trustees meetings are usually held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month commencing at 6.30 pm.

STAFF;
Acting Principal: Linda Kermode

Junior Teacher: Caron Purvis
Senior Teacher: Linda Kermode
Principal Release: Fiona Cummings

Teacher Aide/Admin Kay Twigley

Financial Admin/Secretary Paula Reedy

Library: Kay Twigley

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

A TO Z
ABSENCES

 EVERY DAY MATTERS, EVERY MOMENT COUNTS.
So that staff can ensure that children are safe, parents are asked to ring in to the school by 9.00am to notify
us of any absences. Any absences longer than three days need to be accompanied by a medical certificate and
any extended unexplained absences will be reported to the Truancy Services.
Taking children from school during the day: Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the
course of the school day unless the teacher or principal has prior notification of this happening. If your child
must leave for a medical appointment or personal reasons, please notify the school as early as possible of the
time they will be collected and the person who will collect the child.

ACCIDENTS

Should a child suffer an accident at school they will be attended to, and if it is felt a doctor's advice is
necessary, then the parents will be informed immediately. If the school is unable to make contact with the
parents and there is urgency because of the child's condition, the child will be taken to the hospital, with the
parents being informed as soon as possible.
Please advise the class teacher if pupils need to take any form of medication during the day.

 ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE

 It is important that our records regarding home addresses, telephone
 numbers, emergency contacts and family doctors be kept current. Should
 there be any change, please contact the school immediately.

 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

 School assembly is held once a week on Monday afternoons at 2:15pm. The
 assembly is run by the students under the control and guidance of the teacher
 responsible for assemblies. The assembly generally contains songs, awards,
 news/sports, notices, shout outs, children's presentations and the introduction
 of new students, staff etc. We would love you to join us if you are able.

 BELL TIMES - SCHOOL HOURS
 8.30am - 9.00am Students dropped off at school
 9.00am - 10.40am Class time
 10.40am – 11.00am Morning playtime
 11.00 – 12.30pm Class time
 12.30pm - 1.30pm Lunch time
 1.30pm – 3.00pm Class time
 3.00pm Home time (Eastwoodhill bus leaves at 2.45pm)

 NO CHILD IS PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS DURING SCHOOL TIME OR
 THE LUNCH HOUR WITHOUT A WRITTEN NOTE OR CONSENT FROM PARENTS/CAREGIVERS.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT AND BULLYING

The Principal and staff, in consultation with the students and parents, have an extensive Behaviour
Management Plan to ensure all students are safe in every way, at all times, while at Rere School. The full plan
can also be found on the website www.rere.school.nz

BOOK CLUB

At least once a term, the children take home a Scholastic Book Club form from which books may be
purchased. This not only encourages children to have an interest in new books but whets their appetite
towards enjoyable reading. When purchases are made through the school, you may pay by cash or pay
directly into our school bank account.

BUSES
The Friends of Rere operates three bus runs at present; one up the Wharekopae Road, one up the Tahunga
Road and its subsidiaries, and one up to Eastwoodhill. If you do not live on a bus run you may be entitled to a
conveyance allowance. You may also be entitled to a conveyancing allowance if you are required to transport
your child/ren to meet the bus. Forms and information will be provided by the school.
The School Rules apply while students are travelling on the bus. To assist the drivers with maintaining good
levels of behaviour on the buses, the Principal may appoint bus wardens who report both good and bad
behaviour. Good behaviour on the bus is recognised with mentions at assembly. There is also a Code of
Conduct that all children are expected to sign.
If you have any queries/concerns regarding the bus please contact the Principal in the first instance who will
redirect you if necessary.

CHARTER / CURRICULUM / POLICY

Charter: A copy of our school charter is available at the school office and on our website www.rere.school.nz
for anyone interested in reading it through. This document is an agreement between the Board of Trustees and
Government. It declares the purpose and the priorities of the school including the intended outcomes for the
students so that parents, teachers and students have a clear direction. It also forms the basis for reviewing
and assessing the school's performance. As a parent you will be consulted with on a three yearly basis to
review and set direction.

Curriculum: Curriculum planning is done on a regular basis
and is being continually updated in line with national policy. Much
thought is put into these planning sessions and teachers are often
attending refresher courses to keep up with new ideas and methods.
This teacher development is a very important part of our school
programme.

Policies and Procedures: The Board of Trustees and Principal have a comprehensive set of Policies and
Procedures that cover all aspects of school Governance and Management at Rere School. These policies and
procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure: they are in line with the Schools Charter, they are effective, and
they are compliant with current legislation. The Parents and students will occasionally be consulted with on a
policy/procedure and some are advertised in the school newsletter. A full set of Rere School’s Policies and
Procedures may be viewed at the school office.
 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

CLASS TRIPS

As part of the class programme day visits, and occasionally overnight and longer trips, are undertaken by
classes. Parents' help on such trips is essential and any offer of transport or supervision at these times is
greatly appreciated. Parents’ written permission will always be sought prior. The Principal consults with
parents as part of the planning process for longer school trips that may be costly and parental support for
fundraising is essential to keep the costs to a minimum.

CLOTHING

Parents are encouraged to send their children
along to school dressed sensibly, to suit the
changing seasons. During the summer, a sunhat is
necessary and is provided by the school.
The children are given a school uniform to wear for any
Education Outside the Classroom events. This includes a
sunhat that is to be worn whenever the children are
outside for any length of time during terms one and four.

Please name all clothing- this includes footwear, raincoats, sweatshirts etc.

CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Should you have a concern or complaint, a full copy of Rere School’s Procedure for Concerns/Complaints can
be found at the end of this handbook. We also send this document home on a regular basis. It is also available
on the web page www.rere.school.nz

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL

Contact can be made via phone, 8670868, or email,office@rere.school.nz.
Emails to principal@rere.school.nz will be read and responded to within 48 hours.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

DENTAL CLINIC

 The Rural Schools Mobile Dental Clinic visits Rere School once per year. You will be advised prior to its arrival
 by way of the school newsletter/Facebook. If your child needs anything besides routine maintenance,
 information and authorisation forms will be sent home with your children. Should your child need emergency
 dental work you should contact the dental clinic at Ilminster Intermediate School.

 EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

 At Rere School we offer our learners a wide range of real-world experiences outside the classroom. EOTC is a
 generic term used to describe curriculum based learning and teaching that extends the four
 walls of the classroom. EOTC can range from a
 museum or marae visit to a sports trip, an outdoor
 education camp, a field trip, or a visit to practice another
 language. EOTC can take place in the school grounds,
 in the local community, or in regions further afield. The links
 that students are able to make between the classroom and
 real-world experiences can be critical to their long-term
 learning.

 EDUCATION SERVICES

 The school maintains contact with, and utilises when necessary, a variety of outside specialist agencies. We
 also have our own in-school strategies in place to ensure all students’ needs are met. The Principal, in
 consultation with your child’s classroom teacher and you as the parent/caregiver allocates and decides on the
 correct support required for individual children.

 School Public Health Nurses Traffic and Police
 Vision / Hearing Tests School Library Service
 Psychological Service Education Review Office
 Speech Clinic Advisory Services in all Subjects
 Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour Resource Teacher of Literature

 Should a child need any of the above services, their parents are informed. Please discuss with your child’s
 classroom teacher if you feel your child might benefit from assistance from an external agency.

 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 Included here are the steps to be followed if
 the school has to be closed during school time
 (eg. earthquake, fire).
 1. A check will be made to ensure all children
 are assembled by way of a roll call.
2. No child will be released other than to a
 parent/caregiver or a nominated emergency
 person.
3. A record will be kept noting the name of the person,
 their destination and time.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

HEALTH / MEDICAL REGISTER

Among the school records we keep a health register which contains confidential information about children's
health. If children require medicine on a regular basis or on an occasional basis, please advise the school
office or teacher, with details of the ailment and necessary administering of the medicine. For example for bee
stings, asthma, migraines, diabetes etc. Any required medicines will be retained in the medical room cabinet.
Clear labelling is required. The school will ask you to fill in an Adminstration of Medication Form as a record
that the parent gives permission for a staff member to administer medication to your child. The School will
also keep a record of any medication administered.

HOMEWORK
To a large extent this is based upon the needs and age of your child. The more you practise something
correctly, the more likely you will remember/ know it. There are some things we need to know before we can
move on in our learning. If we practise these, then we are more likely to move on to where we need to go!
Knowing your basic facts so there is instant recall, being able to spell the essential spelling words and reading
as much as we can, will always help us be better learners.
Homework should not be new learning but practising what has already been taught at school. All tasks given
should be able to be completed independently.
Your child may also bring home some unfinished work to complete.

INTERVIEWS

We have a three way interview in term one to discuss learning goals and next steps in learning. At the end of
term two we have student led conferences using e-portfolios as part of the school’s assessment and reporting
programme. The e-portfolios can also be sent home to share with whānau. Parents are free to contact the
teachers to discuss children's progress or concerns at any mutually agreed time throughout the year.

JEWELLERY

Children are to be discouraged from wearing jewellery. Children with pierced ears should wear studs or
sleepers for their own safety.

LAWN MOWING

Our school lawns are mown on a voluntary basis by all the families with students at school as a form of
fundraising. When it is your turn on the roster you will receive a phone call to check you are available to mow
either the top lawns (ride-on) or bottom lawns (push mower) during the coming weekend and then the key for
the mower shed will be sent home with instructions.

LEADERSHIP AT RERE SCHOOL

We are committed to providing real leadership development and practice with a wide and varied range of
opportunities for our learners. We know that leadership is multi-faceted in that there are many aspects to
leadership. We also acknowledge and promote a Māori view of leadership ensuring culturally responsive
initiatives and programmes. At Rere School we offer a wide range of opportunities for all students whilst not
compromising teaching and learning as our main goal.
Further information can be found at the end of this handbook.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

LUNCHES

At Rere School we place emphasis on eating healthy lunches that will support us with our learning and
physical activity. Every second year we have a real focus within our inquiry programmes about healthy eating
and the school newsletter often has little snippets to remind and support whānau with fun healthy ideas.

During terms two and three, students are allowed to bring food to school, from home, to be heated in the oven
for a hot lunch on Thursdays. Food must be wrapped in tinfoil (or other suitable wrapping for heating) and
labelled with the child’s name. All hot food must be put onto the bench before school starts.

When children are bringing a lunch from home, please give some thought to the packaging - it may have a
rough ride to school. NO GLASS DRINK BOTTLES PLEASE and when a plastic drink bottle is used please put it
in a plastic bag so that if it leaks books in the school bag won't get damaged.

MONEY

If sending money to school please send it in an envelope with your child’s name and the purpose for which it
is sent clearly marked on the envelope.

NEWSLETTERS

The school sends out a fortnightly newsletter on a Monday and a copy will also be emailed out. We urge all
parents to read these newsletters because they contain very important information and often have permission
slips attached which need to be filled out and returned to school promptly. A copy of the fortnightly
newsletter can also be found on the website www.rere.school.nz

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

A very real feature of Rere School is the high level of parental involvement. Many parents/caregivers take the
opportunity to help in various ways such as:

 being on the Board of Trustees
 in classrooms
 on school trips
 in the school’s Education Outside the
 Classroom programme
 at working bees
 in school administration tasks helping
 with school projects
 assisting with fund raising
 mowing school lawns.

For enquiries contact the Principal.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

PE / SPORT

Regular programmes are organised and carried out at all
levels in the school. Kiwisport activities are participated in
and many of the students are involved in Saturday morning
sport throughout the year. The school also takes part in
Inter- School Competitions with the Rural West Cluster
including Triathlon, Cross Country, Athletics, Swimming
and other sports days. The school participates in the
Rural Schools Gymnastics in Gisborne every two years.

Swimming is taken every day in the summer months and every child is expected to participate. Should your
child be unable to swim on any given day a written note to the teacher is required.

PHOTOCOPIER

The photocopier in the school office is available for community use during school hours. Please contact a
staff member before use if the office is unoccupied. There is a list of photocopy charges on the wall above
the photocopier and is less when you provide your own paper. Please leave payment in the office informing
us of your name, number of copies and amount left – a receipt will be issued.

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION

A roster system is in place for before school, during breaks and as the students depart in the afternoon. The
school has out of bounds areas where ALL students are not allowed unless supervised by a teacher. All
students are made aware of the out of bounds areas.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

We have three way interviews in term one and student led conferences in term two and four. A written report
on progress and achievement is sent home mid and end of the school year. We celebrate success regularly in
our fortnightly newsletters and present our skills and achievement at the many activities we attend outside the
classroom/ school to which whānau are invited.

SEEING TEACHERS AT SCHOOL

Parents and caregivers are always welcome to "pop" into the classroom before or after school. It is important
you make an appointment if you require some teacher time as we are already at work preparing our day from
8.00am. Naturally, we cannot see you during in class hours as we are focused on teaching and learning, and
would prefer not to receive any phone calls from home during school class time hours unless in an
emergency.

STARTING SCHOOL AS A NEW FIVE YEAR OLD

As soon as your child turns five they can be enrolled at Rere School. If you have concerns about their
readiness when they turn five and would like a period of induction to transition them into the school this can
be accommodated for by having a discussion with the junior classroom teacher who will discuss it with the
Principal and we will come up with a plan that suits both you, your child and the school. We want every child
to have the very best start to their school life.
 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

If you are a new parent starting school for the first time ‘things’ can be quite daunting. You probably have a
million questions. Remember there are no stupid questions. Ask your child’s teacher, they will give you the
right information.
Please when you bring your child to school can you say "good-bye” at the door so that the child can develop
independence within the classroom. This will enable the teacher also to have personal contact time with any
child requiring it. This is an important part of your child's transitional development.

STATIONERY

A stationary list will be provided by your child’s classroom teacher at the end of the year prior or at the
beginning of the new school year. Parents of new enrolments during the year will be given a list of anything
that needs to be purchased for their child.

SCHOOL FEES

The Rere School Board of Trustees does not require parents to pay school fees. Occasionally throughout the
year you may be asked to make a contribution of time or help support fundraising efforts towards school trips.
Parents are always consulted by the Principal when deciding on large school trips that may be costly.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

SCHOOL RULES

SHOW RESPECT FOR OURSELVES, OTHERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT:
• Be problem solvers.
• Treat others fairly, kindly and with respect.
• Wear your hat in summer.
• Be kind to each other and look after each other
• No harmful physical contact.
• Demonstrate our school values at all times.

SMOKE FREE

Rere School grounds and buildings are SMOKE FREE.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Rere School Board of Trustees and Staff take responsibility for students within the hours of 8.20am and
3.05pm. This is from the time the students get off the school bus, or are delivered to school in the morning,
and when they get on the school bus, or are collected in the afternoon. The Rere School Board of Trustees
takes no responsibility for students/persons who visit or use the school grounds outside of the above hours.

SUNSAFE

Rere School has a sun safe policy – “NO HAT - play in the shade”. Students are asked to wear a sunhat every
day in term one and four, and when sunny in terms two and three. The school provides the hat.

SWIMMING POOL

The pool is a community pool. You are free to use the pool after school hours during the “pool season”. A key
must be purchased for $10 and a contract signed by the key
holder for access to the pool outside school hours. Please ensure
pool rules are adhered to. All children must be supervised and
due care is taken when using the school pool. Swimming togs
must be worn and long hair should be tied up or a bathing cap
worn. Any problems please contact the school or the Principal.

TECHNOLOGY TRAINING (Manual)

Year seven and eight students attend Manual on Mondays at
Campion College, departing by bus from Rere School at 9:45am
and returning at 1.15pm.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

TELEPHONE

During classroom hours you may get the answerphone. Please leave a message and somebody will get back
to you as soon as they can. There is usually someone in the office Monday to Friday.
The telephone is to be used by students only after permission has been granted by a staff member and only
for important messages.
The telephone is only to be used by members of the community for school related or urgent matters.

TERMS AND HOLIDAYS

School terms are advertised at the end of each year and as the year progresses in the weekly newsletters.
School will also be closed on the following public holidays:

Auckland Anniversary Waitangi Day
Anzac Day Easter Friday
Easter Monday Queens Birthday
Easter Tuesday Labour Day
Dates will be advertised in the school newsletter.

UNIFORMS

Rere School has a uniform that students are expected to wear when representing the School in the wider
community. They will be told when they are expected to wear their uniforms and this will also be advertised
in the school newsletter. A uniform will be given to your child at the beginning of the year. A bond of $20.00 is
required and refunded when the uniform is returned.

VALUES
The Values at the heart of our learning community are:
 Respect
 Resilience
 Confidence
 Manaakitanga
 Self-management
The Values are determined by the school community during the Charter
consultation. These Values underpin all that we do at Rere School. Every
fortnight we emphasise one of the Values and celebrate that daily both inside
and outside of the classroom. The focus Value is also advertised in the weekly newsletters so that whānau can
promote that Value in the home setting. Each week during assembly we celebrate those students who have
been exemplary role models of that Value.

VEHICLES and COLLECTION OF STUDENTS

Before and after school as well as at lunch times, please park your car away from the bus parking area
outside the front of the school. We would appreciate it if parents who are picking up children after school,
would park at the side of the road in the proper places and not double park or park over the gateway.
It is very dangerous for the children if the cars are around the school gates and illegally parked.
For reasons of safety parents are not permitted to park inside the school grounds unless it is for a special
event such as Pet Day.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

Parents running late - The school asks that if for any reason you are unable to collect, or be at home to meet
your child, you set up an arrangement with a close neighbour or another parent with a child on the bus route.
In VERY RARE and EMERGENCY circumstances the child will be kept at school until such time as you can
collect him/her.

 CONCERNS
Please remember that if you have any concerns or queries we are always here to listen. You will get the
answerphone during class time, however it is checked often, and somebody will get back to you as soon as
possible.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

Complaints Procedure for Rere School
 and Rere School Board of Trustees

Stage one: School Community Process

1. While minor issues may be able to be discussed in a quick informal chat with a staff member, normally in order for both
parties to give the matter full attention, arranging a time to discuss the matter is the preferred option.
2. If the complaints procedure has not been followed the board will normally return any letter of complaint to the writer and
ask that they follow the procedure first.
3. The board needs to formally receive a complaint in order to act on it. If a complaint is serious enough for the board to deal
with, it is serious enough to be put in writing. If you have concerns about expressing the matter clearly in writing please discuss the
matter in confidence with the board chair [or another delegated board member] to enable them to assist you with this. The
staff/board member handling the complaint will keep documentation of all formal complaints.
4. All parties to a complaint may bring a support person to any meeting where the issue is to be discussed.
5. If the classroom teacher’s child is involved the Principal or Board Chair will be present at the first and all subsequent
appointments to ensure that the process is unbiased.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

We believe a full primary experience offers the best of both worlds; the supportive personal experience in a
familiar setting and new experiences outside of our school. This smooths the transition between childhood
and young adulthood. This can be a turbulent time for our young people, a sudden and complete change of
environment can add to the challenges of this time in life.

Rere School is a Year 0-8 Full Primary School and, as such, offers a complete package for children between
preschool and high school. Full Primary Schools are known for having a caring family environment that
enhances personal development, supportive staff who know your children well and care about their progress,
and quality teaching and learning across the curriculum to prepare your child for the future.

We are committed to providing real leadership development and practice with a wide and varied range of
opportunities for our learners. We know that leadership is multi-faceted in that there are many aspects to
leadership. We also acknowledge and promote a Māori view of leadership ensuring culturally responsive
initiatives and programmes. At Rere School we offer a wide range of opportunities for all students whilst not
compromising teaching and learning as our main goal.

We acknowledge that not every one of our learners will become great leaders or indeed want to become a
leader. However we believe it is the right of every learner to develop a sense of self-worth through positive and
appropriate leadership opportunities. Student leadership is about involving students in a purposeful and
meaningful way to extend and use their individual gifts and talents. To ensure that every child has the chance
to be a leader, we have built leadership opportunities into our curriculum and daily life. From the day your child
starts their primary schooling with us they are;
 Encouraged to see themselves as leaders and to recognise that they have the potential to become a
 leader at some point in their lives.
 Offered opportunities to learn about leadership and the skills and values involved in becoming an
 effective leader.
 Encouraged to look for opportunities not positions.
 Given opportunities to apply leadership theory in practical situations.

A real strength of our small school is our ability to provided leadership opportunities for all our tamariki. Every
child is a role model and looked to by others for their leadership from a young age.
 From 5 years old our learners take their turn at leading assembly once a term, which is planned,
 introduced and run by the tamariki. This is a wonderful way for them to practice their skills of public
 speaking and organisation, as well as developing confidence.
 Every year, all our tamariki present a speech at a formal speech evening. Again a wonderful way to
 develop great communication skills and confidence.
 Student voice provides many opportunities for our learners to lead our local curriculum by determining
 the how and what of our day to day learning. Their voice also contributes to annual planning for the
 following year. This involves them in decision making, as well as providing the tools for accountability,
 creativity and innovation.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

From 5, our learners are given the tools to lead their own learning, through play based learning
 programmes, and passion projects. The leadership skills being developed through these processes are
 vast – decision making, accountability, delegation and empowerment, creativity and innovation,
 inspiring others, commitment and passion, as well as honesty, integrity and confidence. Knowing
 when to step up and when to step back is also an integral part of this process.

In addition to the core curriculum that is taught every day in classrooms, learners have the opportunity to take
part in a multitude of external activities that help to enrich and extend their learning in a range of areas that
includes the development of leadership skills and attributes in an authentic way, such as;
 Key Competency days spent out in the Karinui.
 Weekly Kapahaka.
 Termly sporting ‘get togethers’ with our cluster schools.
 Responsibilities towards and for others during termly emergency drill practices.
 An annual get together with our Buddy Schools that provides a new experience that cannot be offered
 elsewhere, as well as another opportunity for presenting our speeches.
 The annual Tairawhiti Science and Technology Fair.
 Annual participation in and a visit from a Dream Team leader with the Sir Peter Blake Trust. This has a
 specific focus on leadership qualities and follow through with a week-long focus using the material the
 Trust provides.
 First Aide training taken annually with the expectation that the skills learnt will be used to support and
 lead others during an accident or emergency at the school.
 Three way interviews and Student Led Conferences
 Annual trips into town to the theatre, museum, Mindlab, etc.
 Annually a range of providers are brought into school for sport, careers, and the arts.
 Mentoring others who have less skill in ICT, music, gymnastics, even the core curriculum areas of
 mathematics and literacy.

The senior students of our school have to act as role models for the younger students. They have to take on
leadership positions and take part in all events to achieve this goal. Our seniors perform a range of duties each
and every day including;
 Representing the school at a variety of occasions.
 Welcoming visitors to the school.
 Being Physical Activity Leaders which gives them a sense of pride and satisfaction as well as an
 opportunity to develop a role model status for their sportsmanship and teamwork. They have
 responsibility and an opportunity to be seen in a leadership role by;
 organising and running lunchtime activities for other tamariki to participate in
 design, plan and run the daily fitness programme throughout the year – fundamental skills
 term 1, Jump Jam in term 2, Skipping in term 3 and athletics and tennis skills term 4
 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

organizing and leading an aspect of our Freaky Fridays
 work with younger learners to try and sort any small problems that occur in the playground
 they act as buddies to younger tamariki, remind them of health and safety needs in the
 playground and encourage them to join in with activities
 Friday whole school games
 those Seniors with special sporting talents mentor and upskill younger tamariki or peers
 with less skill during morning tea or lunchtimes
 Attending official school functions.
 Working with staff to organise school events.

At Rere School, we recognise the growing maturity and capability of our students in the Senior Area of the
school. We provide our Year 6-8 learners with a programme designed to meet the academic and social needs
of emerging adolescents, and offer significant leadership opportunities. Developing our emerging adolescents
as leaders is a key area our school targets.

 At year 6 our learners are offered the opportunity to lead and manage their own learning in areas
 outside of the curriculum we provide such as digital programming, web design, second languages,
 and the visual arts with the VLN.
 Learners with special talents /gifts are offered leadership programmes with outside providers such as
 Aurora.
 In-school programmes such as the Beef and Lamb Board’s “Bigger and Better” Science resource
 aimed at developing Agricultural Leaders.
 Every three years we have a Leadership Year where we really focus on developing strong, confident,
 leaders. This has involved a week long camp in which our learners are challenged to try a range of
 new experiences and overcome their fears such as high ropes and new cuisines. They attend the
 National Young Leaders or GRIP Conference, visit a tertiary education centre, attend an agricultural
 based activity and have a fun team-building day.

At Rere School, we recognize the importance and value of the Intermediate years - Years 7 and 8. As a result,
our senior learners have different opportunities when they get to this stage in their schooling. As well as all of
the above;

 They attend manual at Campion College one day a week throughout the year.
 They are responsible for managing all correspondence between home and school regarding
 this activity.
 They are taken into town and picked up by the school but have to self- manage all other
 aspects including finding classrooms, dealing with incidents/accidents and any reporting of
 these.
 Are responsible for all messages being passed on between Campion and Rere School
 regarding their time at manual.
 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

They are provided with the opportunity to make sensible/healthy food choices and learn about
 Managing their own money when buying their lunch
 Are responsible for the preparation and service of hot food for lunches in terms 2&3. This is done with
 minimal supervision with the expectation that they have the skills to manage any incidences and
 accidents appropriately.
 Should the school require a barbecue for any event that does not involve whānau, this is prepared and
 organised independently by the Year 7&8 learners.

Of course, leadership doesn't have to be scheduled. Leadership can be helping a friend with a stuck zipper or
setting a good example while waiting your turn at the water fountain. The Values at the heart of our learning
community and the staff who work with our tamariki ensure that we take the time to acknowledge and
celebrate the hundreds of little leadership moments that happen each and every day.

 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

Playgroup for all preschoolers is held every Wednesday morning from 9am until 11.30am in the Community
Room. This is a most valuable beginning to your child’s education and the teaching staff recommend that all
children have some form of pre-school education before entering school. Contact the Rere Playgroup person or
the school for any further information.

Parents/caregivers are totally responsible for their preschoolers when they are in the school grounds and they
should be supervised at all times.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY

The Gisborne Library provides a selection of books for our Community Library. This is located in the School
Library and all adults are encouraged to use it. Please contact the community library contact person for
information about using this section of our Library.

COMMUNITY ROOM

A lovely room has been built on the school grounds and is available for community groups to use. Please
contact the school Principal if you require the use of this facility. Alternatively you may contact the school for
further information.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz

BUS GROUP HISTORY
It was recently brought to my attention at a meeting with the School Board that many people in the community did not
understand how or why the Bus Group came about and why the community runs its own buses. It was suggested that
a brief history would be beneficial.

In 2008 the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced to the school that due to low numbers of children at the school the bus
routes were going to be reduced. The MOE proposal was to have no Tahunga run or run towards town. The Wharekopae
run would remain. Everyone not on this run would have to drive their children to school.

As you can imagine this caused an uproar in the community. Luckily the School Board was able to find a solution called
Direct Resourcing. Under this system the school receives funding from the MOE based on the number and location of
eligible children on the bus runs. The school can then contract out the bus runs to a transport provider. This transport
provider is then free to work out with the school where the bus runs will go. The Bus Group currently picks up many
children who are ineligible for funding and will continue to do so.

We needed a transport provider??

In the community existed the Friends of Rere, which was originally set up many years ago to raise money for
community events, the golf club and the school. This was quickly formed into an Incorporated Society with charitable
status to run in a more businesslike manner. The Bus Group Committee was set up as a sub-committee of the Friends
of Rere to run the buses. The idea was to remove administrative pressure from the school.

We needed some buses??

The community was then asked to give donations towards the purchase of two new buses. Grants were also applied
for. Landcorp got us off to a flying start by offering to purchase a whole bus. We are still using it today and will always
remember their generosity. With the rest of the funds raised, (in excess of $70000) we were able to purchase another
bus and still have funds left over to get the operation up and running. This was a hell of an achievement for a small
community and something to be proud of.

So off we went, not knowing what the future would hold. We had done our research and plenty of budgets but you
never really know how things will pan out. We were helped out by a big push in the community to get more children at
the school. People who had spare houses advertised them as free rent so long as you had children for the school. This
pushed up the roll and helped with funding to run the buses.

Ten years on.

You’ll be pleased to know that the Bus Group has remained profitable and able to perform its core function. Our main
objective was to be able to maintain the existing pre 2008 routes, which we have achieved. We have built up a reserve
which will allow us to replace buses when required and have been able to donate surplus funds back to the Friends Of
Rere for dispersal to the community. The committee has worked tirelessly to keep the bus group ticking along and get
the community’s children safely to and from school. Many thanks must go to past and present drivers. Without them
the Bus Group would not exist. We are always looking for more!

Thanks to all who have helped out along the way, long may it continue. Any queries, I am only a phone call away.

Ben Roberts,
Chairman FOR Bus Group.

 RERE SCHOOL WILL DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD ENABLING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE
 Rere School, Private Bag 7623, Gisborne 4040 06 867 0868 office @ rere.school.nz