Tamariki Care Services

School Counsellor – Here to Help

Our School Counsellor, Brenda Paschke is available to support the well-being of our students. Sometimes life gets tough, at school or at home, and having someone to talk to can make a big difference.

What does the School Counsellor do?

The counsellor works with students to:

• Talk through worries, stress, or big feelings
• Help with friendships, bullying, or family issues
• Support students through grief, anxiety, or changes
• Build confidence, resilience, and coping strategies
• Offer a safe, private space to be heard without judgment

Who can see the Counsellor?

• Year 7 & 8 students can self-refer to see the counsellor
• Teachers may contact whānau if they think a child would benefit from working with the counsellor
• Whānau can refer Years 0 – 6 students if support is required
• Sometimes the counsellor works with small groups or whole classes

Is it private?

Yes, the service is confidential. The counsellor will only share information if a student’s safety is at risk, or if the student agrees. We always aim to involve whānau in a caring and respectful way when needed.

When and where?

• The counsellor is at school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30 am to 3.30 pm
• Students can talk to their teacher or come to the office to arrange a time once they have permission to attend.

 

ManaKidz Services

ManaKidz is a free school-based health programme that supports the health and wellbeing of tamariki at Randwick Park School. They provide regular health checks and follow-up care. Nurses are onsite daily from 9.00 – 11.00 am

Services include:

• Throat swabbing to prevent and treat strep throat (linked to rheumatic fever)
  
• Skin checks and treatment for infections like school sores
  
• Health assessments (including ears, eyes, and hygiene)
  
• Support for whānau to access further health care
  
• Health education for students, staff, and families
  

ManaKidz works in partnership with schools, whānau, and the community to keep tamariki healthy, attending school, and ready to learn.

 

Breakfast Club – Starting the Day Right

Many schools across Aotearoa, including ours, offer a Breakfast Club to ensure tamariki start their day with a full tummy and a clear mind. A good breakfast helps children to focus, learn, and feel settled in class.

What is a Breakfast Club?

A Breakfast Club is a free, school-based programme where children can enjoy a simple, healthy breakfast before school starts.

What’s provided?

• Weet-Bix
• Milk
• Toast
• Sometimes fruit and baked beans
  

These are provided through support from KickStart Breakfast, a partnership between Fonterra, Sanitarium, and the New Zealand Government

 When and where?

• Breakfast Club runs before school starts (e.g. 8:00–8:30 am)
• Held in Room 7

Who can come?

• All students are welcome, no questions asked
• There’s no sign-up needed — just turn up
• Learning Assistants and the SWIS help make it a friendly and welcoming space

Why it matters:

Tamariki who eat breakfast are more likely to:

• Focus and participate in learning
• Have better attendance
• Be settled and ready to start the day
• It also creates a sense of community and belonging

 

Fruit in Schools – Information for Parents

We’re proud to be part of the Fruit in Schools (FIS) programme, which means every child at our school receives a free piece of fresh fruit or vegetable each school day.

This programme is fully funded by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora and aims to support healthy eating habits and better learning.

What you need to know:

• Your child will be offered fresh fruit or vegetables every day at school — there’s no cost to families.
  
• The fruit may include apples, bananas, carrots, oranges, pears, tomatoes, or other seasonal produce.
• Tamariki share the fruit together in class, helping create a positive and healthy eating environment.

Why this is important:

• Fresh fruit gives students natural energy and supports their ability to concentrate, learn, and participate.
• It also encourages tamariki to try new fruits and vegetables and build lifelong healthy habits.

 How you can help at home:

• Talk to your child about the fruit they’ve tried at school.

If your child has allergies or specific food needs, please let the office or classroom teacher know so we can support them safely. Ph: (09)2670112 or 0800438777

 

Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme

What it is:
Our school participates in Ka Ora, Ka Ako, a government‑funded healthy lunch programme for students. Every child receives a nourishing lunch each day at no cost to families, in a shared, stigma‑free setting. This has helped many learners start their day focused and ready to learn. If your child has special dietary needs, please let us know so we can ensure they receive appropriate meals. Ph: (09)2670112 or 0800438777

How it works:

• External meals via the School Lunch Collective (supplied by approved providers)
• All suppliers adhere to strict nutrition and food-safety standards, with flexibility for dietary needs (e.g. halal, vegetarian, allergies)

Benefits & Impact

• Students with access to daily lunches have improved concentration, participation, and attendance
• Principals and whānau report fewer hunger-related issues, improved wellbeing, and reduced stresses on household food budgets
• The programme has also been associated with less stigma, since all students (not just some) receive the same meals

Why It Matters to Parents

• Ensures your child has access to one nutritious lunch a day at school, reducing hunger barriers and support learning readiness.
• Promotes equitable access to meals—every student is included, which lifts everyone’s mana and avoids singling out.
• Enhances variety and exposure to healthier food options, supporting better eating habits.

 

New Zealand School Dental Services

New Zealand provides free dental care for all children from birth until their 18th birthday. Most tamariki are enrolled with the Community Oral Health Service through their school.

What the service provides:

• Free annual dental check-ups
  
• Preventive care, like fluoride treatment and fissure sealants
  
• Fillings and other basic dental treatments
  
• Education about healthy eating and brushing
  
• Referrals to specialists if needed (still free for under 18s)
  

How it works:

• Dental therapists visit dental clinics at local schools or mobile dental vans
  
• Parents and caregivers are notified of appointments
  
• You can contact your local dental hub to update your enrolment or make a booking

Why it matters:
Healthy teeth help tamariki eat, speak, and learn with confidence. Regular checks help prevent pain, infection, and missed school time.

Contact

0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583)