Welcome to Ngāti Toa School! This section provides important information to help you support your child’s learning and wellbeing during their time at school.
School Times
Children are welcome at school from 8:30 a.m. onwards. If your child needs to be at school earlier, please speak to their classroom teacher. We do not encourage children to be in classrooms before 8:30 a.m. unless supervised by their teacher.
Daily Timetable
- 8:55 a.m. – Learning Block 1
- 10:10 a.m. – Morning Interval
- 10:30 a.m. – Learning Block 2
- 11:45 a.m. – Brain Break
- 12:00 p.m. – Learning Block 3
- 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:45 p.m. – Learning Block 4
- 3:00 p.m. – School finishes
Attendance and Absences
Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for learning. If your child is absent, please let us know as soon as possible:
- Phone: 04 236 7785 (you can leave a message)
- Text: 027 236 7785
- Email: office@ngatitoa.school.nz
- Facebook: facebook.com/ngatitoa
The Ministry of Education requires us to follow up on all unexplained absences. Unjustified absences for three consecutive days may be referred to the Attendance Service.
Staff Availability
Whānau are always welcome to visit classrooms—just let the teacher know in advance. For longer discussions, please book an appointment with the teacher. The principal is also available—contact the office manager to make a time. If you’re visiting staff or picking up your child outside of normal hours, please sign in at the office.
Communication
We publish a fortnightly newsletter which is available:
- On our website: www.ngatitoa.school.nz
- Via email
- On Hero
- In hard copy (by request)
Our Facebook page is also updated regularly:
➡️ https://www.facebook.com/ngatitoa.school/
Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum and reflects input from our school community.
Learning Areas:
- Literacy: Reading, writing, speaking, listening, spelling, handwriting, visual literacy, and te reo Māori
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Health & Physical Education
- The Arts: Art, drama, dance, music, and kapa haka
- Science
- Technology
School Values
- Ako – Learning
- Hauora – Wellbeing
- Iti Kahurangi – Dreams and Aspirations
- Kotahitanga – Inclusivity
- Aroha – Love and Respect
Key Competencies
- Managing self
- Relating to others
- Participating and contributing
- Thinking
- Using language, symbols and texts
Our junior classes use Place-Based Learning to provide real-world, local learning experiences that support oral language and cooperation skills. We also take opportunities to engage children in learning out in the wider community.
Assessment and Reporting
We assess students using:
- Teacher observation and judgement
- Peer and self-assessment
- Standardised tests (as appropriate)
We report to families:
- Twice a year in writing
- Through parent/teacher/student conferences or Mauri Ora Planning hui.
Parents are welcome to arrange a meeting with teachers or the principal at any time.
Reading at Home
Support your child by:
- Listening to them read regularly
- Talking about books
- Encouraging their efforts
Early readers may memorise texts—this builds confidence and is a normal part of reading development.
If you’re concerned about your child’s progress, please speak to their classroom teacher.
Food at School
- Hot lunches are provided daily (except for children with allergies—please provide lunch in those cases)
- Fruit is provided every day
- Morning tea must be brought from home
Stationery
All stationery is provided free of charge to whānau—no need to purchase your own.
School Bank Account
For any online payments (e.g. sports, donations), please use the following details:
- Account name: Ngāti Toa School Board
- Bank: ASB
- Account number: 12-3254-0191023-00
- CODE: Your child’s name
- REFERENCE: What the payment is for (e.g. “camp” or “sports”)
Accidents and Illness
We provide basic first aid and contact whānau if needed. Please ensure we always have:
- Up-to-date contact details
- Emergency contact information
- Information on any health conditions
If necessary, and we can’t contact you, we may take your child to the doctor or Kenepuru Hospital.
Health Services
Dental Care
We share a dental therapist with other schools. To book or speak with the dental team, call 0800 825 5830, then press 1 to leave a message. For more information, you can visit their website at: http://www.beehealthy.org.nz.
Public Health Nurse
A nurse visits regularly and can check on any health concerns. New entrants receive a hearing and vision check during their first year. Consent will be requested at enrolment.
Sun Safety
In terms 1 and 4, children must wear sun hats when outside. We provide shaded areas and sunscreen for trips. Please let us know if your child is allergic to sunscreen—and make sure hats are named.
Head Lice
These are a common issue in schools. We have treatment products available at the office.
Sports and Physical Activity
We’re proud of our school’s strong sporting culture. Children can participate in:
- General PE throughout the year
- Netball, basketball, and Touch Rugby
- Cross-country competitions
- Other sporting events through the PPSSA
- Kowai Au
- Te Ara Moana
- Waka Ama
Swimming
In Term 1, students participate in a swimming programme:
- Junior students use the school pool (weather permitting)
- Senior students swim at Te Rauparaha Arena
Children will need named togs and a towel in a swimming bag.
Thanks to Bunnings Porirua and Water Safety NZ for helping refurbish our pool.
Lost Property
Please label all personal items clearly. We discourage children from bringing valuables or electronic devices to school. Lost property is donated at the end of each term if unclaimed.
Money and Valuables
If children bring money to school, they should give it to their teacher for safekeeping.
Telephones
Children can only use the school phone in emergencies. If you need to get a message to your child, please contact the office.
Road Safety and Drop-Off
- Children may not leave the school grounds during school hours without permission.
- Road patrol monitors and an adult are on duty after school on Whanga Crescent and Piko Street—please encourage your child to use these crossings.
Please Note:
- Do not bring vehicles into the school grounds during school hours.
- Do not park or turn in the widened area outside the school—it is busy with children.
- Avoid parking on grass verges outside neighbours’ homes.
- ⚠️ Important: Parking wardens from Porirua City Council are often out and about before and after school. Parents have been ticketed for parking illegally—please follow all signage and use legal parking areas only.
KidsCan Programme
We are part of the KidsCan programme, which provides:
- Raincoats
- Shoes
- Head lice treatments
Contact the office for assistance.
School Photographs
A school photographer visits once a year. Purchase is optional.
The 2025 photo date is Tuesday 25 March—we’ll let you know in advance.