ACADEMIC

READING RECOVERY:
This is a special programme aimed at helping children who may be at risk with their reading in the early years of school.  Children are tested at the age of six and entered into the programme if this is thought necessary.  In a one-to-one situation with a specially trained teacher,  daily reading and writing instruction is given until the child has achieved the set goals.  Reading Recovery programmes enjoy a very high success rate throughout New Zealand schools.

EXTENSION – ENRICHMENT
Children may take part in a wide range of activities, often outside school hours.  Children are encouraged to participate in such events so they may gain different experiences which will aid their growth and development.  Some of these activities are as follows:

Social Studies Quiz:  This activity is to promote Social Studies teaching and learning and is sponsored by the Timaru Herald.  We enter teams from Years 6, 7 & 8 and have had considerable success in the past.

Spelling Quiz:  Years  5 to  8 students take part in the Newspaper in Education programme annually, organised through the Otago Daily Times.  Teams of students travel to Timaru to participate in quiz evenings and gain from this experience.

Australasian Science, English, Mathematics, Spelling and Story Writing competitions.  Students from Yr 5 – 8 are offered the opportunity to participate in these competitions.  Over the years we have had a number of successes.

Rotary Speech Competition:  Students selected from  Yr 4 – 8 participate annually in this public speaking competition.   

Chess Tournament:  Annually Year 7 & 8 students take part in interschool Chess competition with the winning teams from Mid Canterbury competing in Christchurch at the Canterbury Chess Schools Tournament.

Primary Schools Music Festival:  This is an annual event taking place during Term 2.  The teacher in charge of music will audition and prepare those Y6 – 8 students interested in belonging to the School Choir.  Most schools from the Mid Canterbury area participate in this Music Festival. 
There may be other times during the year when the School Choir is expected to sing.

Special Choir & Orchestra:  In conjunction with the Music Festival a Special Choir of approximately 50 students, and Orchestra is chosen from all participating schools.  This choir and orchestra perform each evening of the Music Festival.

Young Vinnies Group:  Children are encouraged to join the Young Vinnies group which is a branch of St Vincent de Paul.  They are involved in visiting the elderly in Rest homes, helping out with Meals on Wheels and doing good deeds to those more needy than ourselves.  Their meetings are during school time with some activities during and after school hours.

Leadership Opportunities: Year 7 & 8 students participate in a number of Leadership opportunities during each year. These include

• Family Group Leaders
• Youth Institute Leadership Course
• National Youth Day
• Involvement with Ashburton District Council Forum.

HOMEWORK:
Students may be required according to their class level and age, to do homework on week nights. It should be meaningful to the children and involve thoughtful and active work, even when committing facts to memory.  If your son or daughter is experiencing any difficulty in completing an assignment please notify his/her teacher. 
When pupils are sick and need extra work please talk with your child’s teacher.   
The following time limits are set for each level:

• Junior School                   (Year 1 – Year 2)
• 15 minutes per night – mainly reading

• Junior Middle School  (Year 3 – Year 4)
• 20 minutes per night – Reading, Spelling and Religious Education workbooks.

• Middle School                  (Year 5 – Year 6)
• 30 minutes per night – usually Reading,  Mathematics, Research Topics and Religious Education.

• Senior School                   (Year 7 & Year 8)
• 40 minutes per night – usually Reading, Mathematics, Spelling, Research Topics and Religious Education.

This is a general guide only and allowances should be made for individual difference.