Somerset Crescent School
- Address
- 45 Somerset Crescent
Palmerston North
The "We ROCK" School
Somerset Crescent School
GENERAL
Somerset Crescent School is situated in Highbury. It draws its students from the south-west area of Palmerston North known as Takaro/ Westbrook/ Highbury, which is 4 kms from the city square. Birmingham St, Botanical Rd, Tremaine Ave and Amberley Avenue form approximate boundaries for the school’s catchment area. Until 2002 the school was known as Highbury School.
COMMUNITY
Tangata whenua are Rangitane, although our students are from many different iwi. We have affiliations with St Michael’s Marae, the Highbury Whanau Centre, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Te Aroha Noa, a Samoan language nest, a kohanga reo and other pre-schools in the area, Monrad Intermediate School and Awatapu College. We enjoy good relationships with members of the public.
We share a School Social Worker with two other schools, and have access to the RTLB and Group Special Education services, the Mobile Dental Van, the George Parkyn One Day School, the Public Health Nurse and School Doctor, and a variety of other services. Our students take part in after-school sporting activities, some run by the school and some by the sports clubs.
Highbury is comprised of a wide cross-section of people coming from a mixture of housing types. Many Somerset families live in rental accommodation and a proportion of our roll is transient in nature. A feature is that, while most new five-year-olds come from local kindergartens and early childhood centres, some have had little preschool experience.
Our roll is approximately 51% Maori, 27% Pacific Island and 22% Pakeha/ European. This is an exciting mix which enables us to have a strong cultural and performing arts factor. We run two main cultural clubs: the Hau Pihi Kapahaka Group and Pacific Pride, while at the same time other children participate in the Music/ Choir, Dance, Computer and Technical & Gardening clubs.
STUDENTS/ STAFF
Our students are lively, energetic, smart, friendly and caring, with a wide range of abilities. Our parents are keen for their children to do well and are supportive of their teachers. We mainstream special needs students within the school and we are respected for our knowledge and inclusive practices in this area.
Classroom programmes cover all areas of the NZ curriculum with a focus on literacy, maths, health & phys ed and social skills. There are several computers and laptops in every classroom. All children learn computer and technology skills and most learning activities are very “hands-on”.
Teachers have had extensive, deep professional development over the last few years. They are enthusiastic, caring and reflective classroom practitioners, and programmes are in line with current educational thinking and practices.
Current staffing allows for 11 teachers: 9 classroom teachers with the DP and Principal in “walking” positions. This enables us to carry out excellent classroom and professional development programmes and mentor teachers. We also employ two part time teachers.
The school runs a student management programme based on the U-ROCK school values of respect, cooperation, kindness and onto-it behaviour. Our school-wide philosophy aims to help children become life-long learners, and we emphasise the teaching of self-management skills. There is a strong focus on student goalsetting, individualised learning, and achievement. We report to parents frequently in several different ways.
Other features of the school are its special programmes which include ESOL, literacy enrichment & extension, literacy and maths remedial workshops, Perceptual Motor Programme, Junior Discovery programme, leadership training for senior students, as well as projects linked to community groups. We are currently developing a Technology Room with some special funding so students can carry out cooking and other technology activities. All Years 4 – 6 students are part of the Junior Neighbourhood Support scheme, which encourages and rewards acts of citizenship.
RESOURCES
In line with our “children first” policy, all our classrooms have been refurbished over the last few years and are bright, clean, attractive, child-friendly places. They are carpeted with noise-absorbent walls, ample cupboard space and sinks and workbenches. The library is well-equipped with books, a photocopier and computers, and the computer suite has a digital projector for class teaching. We have recently added Wii software and a screen for interactive learning.
The staffroom is equipped for professional development with a digital projector and screen. There is a colour photocopier and colour printer for staff and supervised student use, and laminating and bookbinding equipment. We have a number of digital cameras and video cameras. We employ an ICT technician to keep equipment working well. We have a teacher resource room and an art storage room. Our large school hall is useful for assemblies and other school activities.
We employ 13 teacher aides. This enables every classroom to have teacher aide assistance during literacy time, and for some special programmes.
In addition we have a cold-water swimming pool which is open for 4 months of the year.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We have three long-standing BOT members plus a newer parent rep and staff rep. Our executive members have special expertise in finance and property. Staff and Principal have an excellent relationship with the Board.