New Entrants' FAQs
I would like to welcome you to our school FAQ page. Musselburgh School is a safe, friendly place where children feel happy and secure while enjoying the best in teaching and learning. 
Our aim is to promote a quality learning atmosphere by providing your child with a programme that is rich in a variety of exciting experiences and stimulates your child's desire for learning. Our teachers give your child every opportunity to develop their skills and talents to be the best they can be.
This web page contains most of the information that you and your family will need to know as first time visitors to the School. Additional information is available from the School office upon request, or by making an appointment to see any of our staff.
Our staff welcome visits by prospective parents and intending pupils. We welcome your thoughts and feedback and will make every effort to provide you with all the information you need.
We look forward to working with you and your family.
kā kite anō
Brent Caldwell
Principal
Why is Musselburgh School right for my family?
Musselburgh is a small school. It has a caring supportive atmosphere.
Our teachers are highly qualified, caring and interested in your child's education.
We have small class sizes, meaning more attention for your child. The New Entrant room roll is kept down to under 20 children.
Our school has excellent facilities, including our own hall, a well stocked library to encourage your child to enjoy reading, computers in each classroom and a full Information and Communication Technology programme (I.C.T.) so that your child can learn essential skills for life long learning.
Your child is taught the New Zealand curriculum framework from the basics of reading, writing and maths, to other subjects, such as science, social studies, health and physical education, the arts (music, drama, dance, visual arts) and technology in order to receive a well balanced education.
The junior school also run an oral language based programme - 'Talk to Learn”. This has been developed to provide practical language experience for children who may have delayed oral language skills. All junior teachers are trained in this programme.
We run a Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP) for all junior children aimed at developing the children's kinaesthetic awareness, fine and gross motor co-ordination skills and spatial awareness.
Musselburgh School is a 'Cool School' with a peer mediation programme running to help children make valuable friendships, build self esteem, and learn respect for each other.
Our school caters for children with special needs ensuring they receive appropriate help specific to their needs with several staff trained in the use of Reading Recovery, Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP) and 'Brain Gym'.
How do I arrange a visit?
By telephoning the school on 455-4586 we can arrange for you and your child to visit Musselburgh, to see the classrooms and meet the teachers.
How do I enrol our child?
If you have not already been in to visit the school, visit our office where you can meet Lynette Bell our secretary. Then meet our Principal, Mr Brent Caldwell, who will talk to you and take you on a school tour. You will get to meet our friendly staff and see all our classrooms in action.
When you enrol you will be asked to complete an information form with details of your child, a contact address and phone number, emergency contacts etc. We will give you and your child a school information book, a health questionnaire to be completed and returned, and any other relevant forms.
How do I keep in touch with Musselburgh School?
Please feel welcome to phone or visit the school. Preschoolers are also welcome. We can arrange interviews at any time with the teachers.
School newsletters are sent home with your child fortnightly. You can receive the newsletter each fortnight by email, or read it on the web site. Class newsletters also go home regularly, keeping you in touch with upcoming events.
Junior teachers will regularly invite you to discussion evenings where reading and language programmes are outlined. This is also a great opportunity to get to know the teachers and other Musselburgh parents.
If I choose Musselburgh School, do you have a place for my child?
Yes! Musselburgh School will be able to make a place for your child. If you are new to our school or are enrolling a New Entrant we like to know in advance where they are attending pre-school and when they will be turning five. This will enable us to put in place a transition to school programme. This involves spending up to four sessions at school with our New Entrant teacher.
If you are transferring from another school a few days notice will enable us to adequately prepare a place and arrange for a smooth transition.
What is special about Musselburgh School?
Musselburgh School has been teaching and preparing learners for life since 1905. Our current school has a family oriented environment that seeks to provide a quality education in a friendly personal environment.
What will my child learn in the first year?
For New Entrants our goal is to firmly establish the key skills required for literacy and numeracy success, and to build upon the work you as parents and your child's pre-school centre have begun. We know all children are different and as such we structure our New Entrant programme to cater to each individual child's needs. Alphabet knowledge, essential words, concepts about print, emergent reading and writing, as well as a comprehensive numeracy programme provide the bulk of our reception class programme.
How will I know what my child has learned?
If you are well informed about your child's programme and progress you will be able to effectively support your child at home. You are able to have access to all records of achievement for your child by arrangement. Our teachers will sit and answer your questions and explain trends and patterns in your child's performance. Areas of need and strength will be made clear to you. In cases of identified special needs we will act as a co-coordinator for the provision of specialist intervention by Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) or Group Special Education (GSE).
When will I be given information about my child's progress?
All New Entrant parents receive a report after their child's first six weeks at school. This details your child's learning needs and strengths as identified in the Standard Entry Assessment Test (SEA). It is a good chance to find out how your child is settling in to classroom programmes and how you can best support your child at home.
Musselburgh School reports the progress and achievement of all its students in a variety of ways. From informal chats with teachers on a daily basis to portfolios of achievement, and from formal twice-yearly parent-teacher interviews to end of year written reports. We also report publicly through curriculum reviews and student achievement reports to the Board of Trustees. Our fortnightly newsletter and e-newsletter summarise the general points. Copies of all reports are available following the Board meeting at which they are tabled.
Term 1: February / March Interviews: Goal setting and planning
Term 2: End of term Reports
Term 3: Interview to follow-up on reports
Term 4: End of year reports
Will I be able to come to school to help or be with my child in the classroom?
Musselburgh School thrives upon great community support. We welcome parents and caregivers to our School to work alongside our children under the direct supervision of our staff. Many parents enjoy supporting our literacy, numeracy and perceptual motor programme (PMP). The more common opportunities to as support on school trips, camps and swimming instruction are always available. We welcome your support and interest.
What fees or donations does the school ask for?
Parents are responsible for the purchase of all their child's classroom books and equipment. Stationery lists are provided well in advance to enable families to budget and purchase these items. Many of the items are available on site from the School office. The Musselburgh School Board of Trustees requests that all children pay a one-off annual donation of $60 for trips, visits and excursions. In addition parents are expected to cover the cost of swimming instruction. We have payment options to suit all budgets.
May I have a copy of the School's Annual Charter & the Curriculum Plan?
Yes. Copies of the School's Charter and Curriculum Plan will be available upon request. Public viewing copies are available from the office.
May I read the School's last ERO report?
Of course. The confirmed report for our last ERO visit (March 2003) is available from the Education Review Office, 9th Floor, John Wickliffe House, or by telephoning 03 479-2619 requesting that it be sent. All ERO reports for Dunedin schools can be viewed online at www.ero.govt.nz. We are happy to talk to you about our report.
Tell me about the School day? What time does the School day begin?
- Children are welcome and under onsite supervision from 8.30am
- Lessons commence at 9am.
- Playtime is from 10.40-11am.
- Lunchtime is from 12.30-1.30pm
- At all times during the day all breaks are fully supervised with rostered teachers on duty.
- Children are expected to go straight home after school before returning to play in the playground
The LTSA advises parents that children under the age of ten should not be permitted to bike to school. Care should be taken in allowing children to walk to school on their own. Where possible please drop your child directly or arrange for them to walk with an older sibling or neighbourhood buddy.
What are the arrangements for the beginning of the day and for the collection of children after school?
Children are expected to arrive and be prepared for their lessons before 9am. Each teacher will have a routine for getting ready for the school day. This will generally involve the unpacking and returning of reading books and/or homework. Some teachers have activities available for children to do before the bell at 9am but in general children are free to play in the playground until lessons commence.
At the end of the day all children are expected to go straight home before returning to the school playground to play, unless supervised by a parent or care-giver.
How are playtimes organised?
Playtime is from 10.40-11am. Children are permitted to play in the school grounds and on the two adventure playgrounds. Each class has a set of play equipment including balls and skipping ropes to use. If it is wet children play quiet inside games in their classrooms with senior students under direct teacher supervision.
What are the arrangements for eating lunch?
On fine days all children sit outside and eat their lunch with their class teacher before being allowed to go and play. On wet or very cold days they eat and play inside.
Where are the toilets?
Toilets are centrally located in each classroom block.
Do children have to ask to use the toilets during lunchtime?
No. Children may use the toilet at anytime during play and lunchtimes.
What are the arrangements if my child gets sick at school or has to stay home because of illness?
If your child falls ill at school we will contact you or your nominated care-giver and ask that you come and collect them. In the case of a serious accident you will be informed immediately and briefed about our first-aid care and action plan.
If your child is going to be absent from school we would ask that you phone the School office before 8.45am each day to let us know. Unexplained absences will be followed up by a phone call following the roll call at 9am. Your co-operation in this matter will ensure the safety of all our children.
Does Musselburgh School have a Behaviour Code?
Yes. Our behaviour code is set out below.
School Behaviour Code
- Respect other people and property
- Honesty at all times
- Remove yourself from difficult situations
- Use acceptable language
- Support each other
Stages of Intervention
- Reminder of behaviour code
- Warning of consequences
- Time out
- Inform parents
- Conference with parents and pupil
- Removal from School
Is Musselburgh School a COOL SCHOOL?
Yes. Since 2003 Musselburgh has used the Cool Schools Peer Mediation programme. Our senior student volunteers are trained to deal with playground problems by getting each party to talk about their issues. In most cases problems can be dealt with quite quickly. Duty Teachers are available to assist if required. Peer mediation is an effective way to maintain a safe physical and emotional environment. We are a Cool School!
Can my child access dental care?
Yes. All pupils are treated at the School of Dentistry, ph: 479-7129. Children require parental consent before attending and are transported from school under the supervision of Dental School personnel in minibus taxis. Parents are welcome to attend these appointments.
Can I find out more?
If you have any further questions you think would be a useful addition to this guide please feel free to contact me.
Brent Caldwell
Principal
Email principal@musselburgh.school.nz
Musselburgh School for Learning That Lasts!