The A-Z of Rātā Street School

This is where you will find answers to commonly asked questions.

Bikes and Scooters
We are fortunate to have a bike track at our school. Students are allowed to use bikes and helmets on designated lunchtimes. If your child rides a bike or scooter to school, they are legally required to wear a helmet. Once at school, bikes and scooters must be stored in the designated racks.
Cellphones
Students are not permitted to have mobile phones on them or in their bags during the school day. We understand that some students may need a phone for after school arrangements. In these cases, phones must be handed in to the school office for safe storage during school hours.
Communication
Strong partnerships and communication between home and school help support your child’s success. If you have a concern, your first point of contact should always be the classroom teacher. Teachers are generally available before and after school, although appointments are preferred due to meetings and commitments. Please do not expect to speak with teachers during class time or immediately before school begins. You may also request a meeting with a Whānau Leader or the Principal if needed. If you have any concerns, please contact us promptly.
Dental Therapist
All newly enrolled students will have their teeth checked by a Bee Healthy Dental Therapist. Other students will also have opportunities for dental checks when therapists are on site (scheduled for Term 1, 2026). For emergency treatment, please phone 0800 825 583.
Fruit in Schools
Rātā Street School participates in the Fruit in Schools programme. Each student receives one piece of fresh fruit (or occasionally a vegetable) every day at no cost. All children will receive fruit unless you advise us otherwise in writing.
Being part of this programme also supports our focus on healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, healthy eating, sun safety, and being smoke free.
Health Nurse
A Public Health Nurse is available to see your child for health concerns at your request. You can contact the nurse on 04 587 2633. A health clinic is held at school every Tuesday morning.
Houses
Rātā Street School has four Houses — Rimu (orange), Kōwhai (yellow), Manuka (green), and Punga (purple). Students are assigned a House when they enrol. Siblings are placed in the same House. Throughout the year, Houses participate in competitions and activities that encourage teamwork and school spirit.
Lateness
Students should arrive at school at least five minutes before the bell to unpack and prepare for learning. Late arrivals disrupt class learning and make it harder for students to settle. If your child arrives late, they must report to the office to receive a late pass before going to class.
Leaving During School Hours
If your child needs to leave school during the day, they must be signed out at the office by an adult. Please do not remove your child from school without notifying the office.
Lunches
Rātā Street School participates in the Healthy School Lunches programme. All tamariki receive a free lunch each day, currently provided by STAR Group Lower Hutt. Dietary requirements can be accommodated — please inform your child’s teacher.
Lost Property
Please ensure all clothing, bags, lunch boxes, and drink bottles are clearly named. Lost property is stored in the corridor and cleared each term.
Medication
If your child requires medication at school, please see the office. A consent form must be completed before medication can be administered. For antibiotics prescribed three times daily, we recommend doses before school, after school, and at bedtime where possible.
Money
All money sent to school should be placed in an envelope or wrapped securely, labelled with your child’s name and room number.
Office HoursThe school office is open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Phone: 567 0096
Email: [email protected]
OSCAR Programme
Rātā Street School offers an OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreation) programme run by Julie Ross. The programme is approved by Oranga Tamariki and MSD, with Working for Families subsidies available.
Before school: 6:30am – 8:30am
After school: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Holiday programme: 6:30am – 6:00pm
Breakfast and afternoon tea are provided. Julie can be contacted on 021 054 6525.
Pānui / Newsletters
School newsletters are emailed fortnightly. Paper copies are available on request. Whānau newsletters are shared once per term to celebrate learning and events.
Parent Help
​There are many ways parents and whānau can support the school. Your involvement enriches our community. Please talk with your child’s teacher or the office to find out how you can help.
Purchase of Stationery
Stationery lists are available on the school website. Stationery can be purchased from the office between 8:50am and 9:30am.
Road Patrol
Please use the designated crossings supervised by school patrollers and follow their instructions. Patrol operates on Rātā Street and Naenae Road from 8:30am–8:55am and 3:00pm–3:15pm daily. Parent helpers are always welcome — please contact Hamish Regan.
Record Updates
It is essential we can contact whānau. Please inform the office of any changes to your address or phone numbers.
Reporting to Parents
Term 1 includes an initial meeting to build relationships and discuss goals. Written reports are sent home twice a year — at the start of Term 3 and again at the end of the year. The Term 3 report is followed by whānau meetings to discuss learning and next steps. Parents and students are expected to attend interviews.
School Times
8:30am — Road patrol on / school doors open
8:50–10:10 — Session 1
10:10–10:35 — Morning tea
10:35–11:40 — Session 2
11:40–11:50 — Fruit break
11:50–12:50 — Session 3
12:50–1:45 — Lunch
1:45–3:00 — Session 4
Seesaw
Seesaw is used in all classrooms to share learning and communicate between school and home. Your child’s teacher will provide information on how to connect. If you need support or do not have internet access, please speak with the teacher.
Sport and PE
Students participate in a wide range of sports and PE opportunities, including swimming, basketball, cricket, and badminton. We also enter teams into local competitions. For more information or to get involved, please contact Craig Irwin.
Sun Safety
We follow a Shady School approach to sun safety. Please ensure your child has a suitable hat and sunscreen during warmer months. School hats are available if needed. Inform us if your child has sunscreen allergies.
Technology
Digital technology is integrated into learning to support modern skill development. Te Whānau Kākano and Te Whānau Pihinga use iPads, while Te Whānau Puāwai uses Chromebooks. Safe and responsible use is a priority. All staff and students commit to the Cyber Safety Agreement.
Tuakana/Teina
Each class partners with a buddy class to build relationships across the school. Regular shared activities allow students to support and learn from one another.
Valuable Personal Equipment
Please do not send treasured or valuable items to school. Teachers cannot take responsibility for personal valuables.
Values
Our school values guide how we learn, interact, and grow.
Whakaute — Respect - Being considerate and valuing others.
Pakari — Resilience - Continuing to try when things are challenging.
Whakauru — Inclusion - Valuing the abilities, identities, and talents of everyone.
Aroha — Heart - Caring for others.
Mahi Tahi — Teamwork - Working cooperatively to achieve shared goals.