St Leonards School

Question 1

Will my child miss out on opportunities by being at a small school?

better teacher-child ratios
children interact across all ages which develops empathy, leadership and trust
there is not a 'junior' and a 'senior' playground
all staff have a strong understanding of each child and how they learn
staff capabilitiy is excellent as everybody does everything

Because we are small school, this means we can ensure every child participates in school activities - not just select pupils chosen by the teacher. For example:

all children join on school outings and trips
all children take part in challenging activities such as public speaking during school assemblies
all our older children develop exceptional leadership skills

Answer

On the contrary we believe your child will have more opportunities. Every school has pluses and negatives, but we believe the advantages of being at a small school far outweigh the disadvantages. Attending a smaller school means:

Question 2

What extra-curricular activities are there?

School sport teams playing futsal, hockey and netball
Fortnightly sports and activities with Kelly Sports

Cultural and creative oportunities

Annual Wearable Arts competition
Otago Polyfest performances
End-of-year show
Ukulele Jam
Music lessons available (during school time) in ukulele, guitar and keyboard
After-school Art Class run by two local artists

Answer

We offer a wide range of extra opportunities and activities for children. Sports and physical activities

Question 3

Does my child need to be able to write their own name and read before starting?

Answer

No - all children learn at their own pace and are taught in the classroom accordingly. Teachers are trained to manage the widely varying skill levels they will have in any classroom.

Question 4

Is there an afterschool programme?

Answer

Our after-school programme is run by Mana Before and After School Care. Mana is Oscar approved and has a policy of zero devices. They run their programme in either Ravensbourne or Port Chalmers School. Children from St Leonards School are picked up after school and transported. In the morning they are delivered to school from their before school programme.

Question 5

Do you have early drop-offs?

Answer

School opens at 8am and you are welcome to drop your child off at school at any time between 8am and 9am. There is no charge for early-morning drop-offs. Our experience is that children enjoy having time for some free play before school starts.

Question 6

How much time do children spend on computers?

maximum 10 minutes/day
used for reading or maths
used to publish writing (every few weeks)

Year 3 and 4

maximum 30 minutes/day
use google classroom
coding sessions (on and off the computer)
presentation tool to make google slides and docs
learn to use different tools

Year 5 and 6

one hour/day (sometimes more)
have a computer use and guidelines contract
used for maths skills, including coding
used for research
presentation tool
many literacy and numeracy learning and tasks are still book-based

Answer

Devices are provided for children to use at school and children are responsible for the device they use. It can be taken off them if used inappropriately. From year 3 up children use google classroom. We also participate in Chapter Chat, a nationwide As a guide children Year 1 and 2

Question 7

Is healthy eating encouraged at school?

Answer

We are a water only school. In fact we were one of the first schools in Dunedin to become a water only school. We have a school garden and orchard where we grow our own vegetables, herbs and fruit. Our school chickens are great providers of eggs. We have our own beehive with an annual harvest of honey. Some vegetables, like sugar snap peas, disappear the moment they are ready to be picked! The school offers healthy hot lunches for a small cost on Wednesdays which often features our own produce.

Question 8

Are lunches available at school?

Answer

Yes, children can order lunches (at parents's cost) three days a week. A great timesaver for busy parents! On Thursday we have a healthy, homemade hot lunch available for a small cost. Hot lunches often feature our own produce from our vegetable garden, orchard, chickens and beehive. On Tuesdays children can order sushi. On Fridays Subway is available to order.