General Information
We recommend you view this section so you are aware of key information about our school.
School and Office Hours
School begins at 8.55 a.m. and finishes at 3.00 p.m. Children need to arrive before 8.55 a.m. so that the class programme can start on time. We ask that students do not arrive at school before 8.30 a.m. as there is no supervision and the school is unable to accept responsibility for the students’ well-being before that time. The sKids Before School Programme is open from 7 a.m. and after school until 6 p.m.
Classrooms are open at 8.30 a.m. Our school office is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. daily. An answer phone is in operation when the office is unattended. Morning tea break is 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. and lunch time runs from 12:30 p.m. until 1:20 p.m. The school day finishes at 3.00 p.m.
Absences
It is essential for you to contact the school through Hero, by phone or e-mail before 9.10 a.m. if your child is absent through sickness or for any other reason. Please note that an answer phone message may be left if you wish to phone before 8.30 a.m. Failure to leave a message will create concern that your child has left home but has not arrived at school.
Contact Information
Whenever there is a change of address, personal or business telephone number, medical information, family circumstances or emergency contact details, please inform the school office promptly. Out of date information can mean that we are unable to contact you in an emergency.
Stationery
At the end of each school year, stationery lists are sent home advising parents of the requirements for each class, so parents can purchase the books required for school. Children may purchase items of stationery from the school office before school each day. Although the school keeps a small stock of stationery items for emergency purchase through the year, competitive pricing is offered by local stationery companies.
To add to your options, Windy Ridge has teamed up with Quizzle, with required stationery for each class preloaded for easy purchase. Buying through Quizzle earns our school rewards which can be redeemed for educational supplies or equipment for classrooms at Windy Ridge. Please clearly mark all items with your child’s name. Pencils, pens, felt pens and coloured pencils do not need to be named.
Payment through myKindo
Registration for sports, school lunches, PTA fundraising and extracurricular charges can be made via myKindo. The online shop is open 24/7 for orders and payments. Parents need to update myKindo with their child’s new classroom number when they make their first order in the new year.
Help with using myKindo: If you are having trouble using myKindo, please click here for more information. Alternately you can contact the Kindo helpdesk at helpdesk@tgcl.co.nz. On the occasions when it is necessary for money to be brought to school, please send it in a sealed envelope marked with the child’s name, teacher’s name, amount enclosed and purpose.
Lost Property
Large quantities of unmarked clothing accumulate in our lost property boxes every year. Teachers show lost property to the children, then unclaimed items are stored in the school ‘Lost Property Bin’ which is kept at the bottom of the school stairs in the main Te Whare Ako building. Children are encouraged to be responsible for their own possessions, and to look in the bin when an item is lost (parents may also check).
Valuable items (like toys, electrical goods and jewellery) should not be brought to school. We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage, and have only limited time to make enquiries when problems arise.
Emergencies and Injury
There is a Medical Room next to the office where children are able to rest when they are feeling unwell. If a child is unwell, we will telephone and ask their parent to collect them from school. All parents are asked to provide an alternative contact in case of emergency, and to inform the school of any changes in contact details.
Student Medicines at School
Occasionally, it becomes necessary for children to receive medication at school. Please bring any medication to the school office, as we must have your written permission to administer any medication and we have a specific form for whānau to complete.
Dental Bus
The School Dental Bus is available to all school aged children. The Dental Therapists visit school once a year to check students teeth. Those who require additional attention are referred to the clinic on the Glenfield Intermediate school site. For all queries and emergencies please call the above number. Auckland Regional Dental Service provides free dental services to all pre-school, primary and intermediate school children. For details of the nearest School Dental Clinic open (even during the holidays), please contact 0800 TALKTEETH (0800 825 583). A list of clinics currently open is also available online.
Sunhats and Sunscreens
The school has a sunhat policy which requires children to wear sun hats when outside during Terms 1 and 4. Use of sunscreen is also encouraged.
Assemblies
School assemblies are held fortnightly on Friday mornings at 9:00am in the school hall. The assembly provides an opportunity to recognise student efforts and share student learning and school events. All family members are welcome to attend.
eLearning
We take a highly intentional approach to technology, with digital device use is kept minimal yet meaningful, serving to enhance and extend classroom learning. All devices are provided by the school and students in Years 4–6 (along with their parents/caregivers) sign a Digital Learning Responsible Use Agreement to promote positive digital citizenship.