The board has received some great feedback from the community consultation through the survey shared last term. After reviewing the feedback, the key themes from the responses are:
Communication: Parents want earlier and clearer updates about events, with more notice to plan ahead. Improvements to the Hero app and regular updates are suggested.
Event Scheduling: Better timing of events is needed so parents can attend without disrupting work. More opportunities to attend assemblies are also requested.
School Spirit and Support: Some parents want more recognition for student achievements and opportunities to support learning, along with fostering a sense of belonging.
Community gatherings and assemblies are mentioned.
General Satisfaction: Many parents are happy with the school's efforts and feel connected already.
Most suggestions revolve around improving communication, planning, and opportunities for parents to engage more with school.
Did you know you can access the school calendar on the HERO app.
Here are the key themes from surveying 262 students at our school:
Positive Learning Experiences: Many students express that they enjoy learning, particularly in subjects like math, and feel that school is fun and engaging. They also appreciate their teachers' kindness and support.
Social Connections: Several students mention making new friends and having fun playing with them during breaks. Friendships and social interactions are a valued part of their school experience.
Enjoyment of School Activities: Students appreciate sports and playground facilities, and some highlight specific features like basketball hoops and soccer goals. They also mention devices as something they enjoy using.
Mixed Feelings: Some students have a mix of positive and negative experiences, noting that while they like some aspects of school, they don't enjoy it as much at other times.
Desire for Change: A few students suggest changes, such as wanting to wear their own clothes, more lunch options like sushi, and no bullying.
Challenges: A couple of students mentioned difficulties, such as dealing with handwriting challenges or feeling that school can be too long or hard at times.
Sense of Belonging: Several students express a strong sense of belonging at the school, feeling welcome and supported by their teachers and peers.
Overall, students seem to enjoy their time at school, particularly learning and socialising, though some would like small changes to improve their experience further.
Hilltop School 2025
Here is the class structure and teachers for 2025.
Class Placements at Hilltop School
Once we have decided on the school's structure, i.e. cohorts, class groupings, and teachers, we are able to create the classes. When creating classes, we consider a child’s academic, behavioural, and social needs and any other necessary information for the students in their current class. Our teachers have a good understanding of the students and their peers.
At times, we have had some considerations from parents/caregivers—children with specific needs—which we do take into account. However, we can’t always accommodate these for a variety of reasons. These considerations do not include children and their parents choosing their teacher.
Common questions:
Why does the school have some composite (i.e. Year 4 & 5) classes?
This allows the school to manage class sizes accordingly. Simply because of the varying numbers of students per year level, the composite nature of our teams will change from year to year.
Example: My child is in Year 5 in a Year 4/5 class. Does that mean they will be “held back," and should I be worried?
No, the level of learning is based on the curriculum levels and not the Year level. We don’t stream the classes. Individual achievement/assessment information is crucial for each of our students, and this is used to help determine individual, group, and school programmes. Teachers use this information to help our students with their learning.
A year 5 student in a year 4/5 class will complete exactly the same level of work as a year 5 would in a year 5/6 class, assuming their abilities are similar.
How does the school support the students with the transition?
We will discuss next year's arrangements with the children and answer their queries. In the last week, students find their room/teacher for next year and spend time with them.
In addition, all achievement information travels with the student into next year so they are able to begin programmemes from day one based on the learning needs of the children in their care.
What do I do if my child is upset about next year?
Hopefully, this will not be the case as teachers will have talked to students and explained how things have been arranged.
We all experience change in our lives, and what is valuable is the ability to adapt and move forward. Changes in peer/social groups are an expected and essential part of developing as a child.
If a parent would like to discuss considerations for their child, as with any communication, first talk with the class teacher who will pass on any relevant information to the team leader. In exceptional circumstances, please contact:
We have a Kiss and Drive on Ngamotu Road. Here is a reminder about the expectations at the Kiss and Drive:
DO
Only use the Kiss and Drive Zone for picking up and dropping off.
Pick up and drop off from the passenger side.
Enter the Kiss and Drive Zone from the rear.
Safely depart as soon as your child has left the vehicle.
Keep your goodbyes brief - Kiss and Drive!
DON’T
Leave the car or turn off the motor.
Stop until your car is as far along in the queue as possible.
Use the area as a carpark.
Hang around - there are lots of children to be dropped off who need your spot.
If your child is not at the Kiss and Drive when you arrive, you must go back down the hill and join the end of the queue safely - please DO NOT join the queue at the top.
Have a great week.
Ngā mihi,
Andrea Hunter
Principal
Gumboot Day - Friday 1st November
Students can wear their gumboots to school next Friday and bring a a koha/donation.
Managing School Attendance: The Importance of Early Notification
Speed Limit
Tauhara
Sunsmart
Pihanga
Thank you!
Tongariro
Germination
Titiraupenga
Athletics
Ngauruhoe
Huia Art
Ruapehu
Lukas Haver- Year 8- with his award for being a finalist in the 2024 Annual Speech Contest at Ohaupo School. He also presented a piano piece and was sent a letter of appreciation. Well done Lukas, this is a great achievement.
Scholastic Club
Issue 7 is out now…see website for more details www.scholastic.co.nz Issue 7 Every order placed gratefully received - the School can access free resources and books. Closing date for last orders 8th November 2024.
Lake Taupo Yacht Club
LAKE TAUPO YACHT CLUB
Summer 24-25 LEARN TO SAIL
We are again running Learn to Sail programs targeted at 9 to 12 year olds. To enrol please refer to our clubs website which is www.ltyc.org.nz or call Shane Hancock on 0274 772 269 for more information.
The lessons are run Monday nights at 4.30 pm. Participants are required to join the club and a club membership is $290 or the whole family for $335. Included in the cost is the use of club boats, life jackets, wetsuits etc and the lessons run from 4 November through to late March on school Monday nights.
MAKE SURE ORDERS ARE MADE PRIOR TO 9.00AM ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY
LUNCHES WILL BE DELIVERED TO SCHOOL IN TIME FOR LUNCHTIME.
How to print a Tax Donation Receipt
If you would like to print a Tax Donation Receipt, please follow the instructions below.
NB: RECEIPTS CAN NOT BE PRINTED FROM THE HERO MOBILE APP - you must login on a PC or Laptop
Community Notices
Come along to this LIVE PERFORMANCE of FROZEN at the Great Lake Centre, Taupō and meet Anna and Elsa ‘for the first time in forever’ Ticket link here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/TLK
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