Families

School begins at 8.45am and finishes at 3.15pm. To ensure that learners are able to make the most of the programme of learning at Berkley, students are to be at school by 8.30am to prepare for the day ahead and are expected to remain at school for the full day. Students using public transport to and from school need to use timetabled routes that are scheduled outside of school hours.

Regular attendance helps students build strong routines, positive learning habits and a strong connection with school life. We ask families to let the school know whenever a student is away, including the reason for the absence and how long they are expected to be away. Read more on our Attendance Information page.

During the school day, no student may leave the school grounds without staff permission. An explanatory note from parents or caregivers must be presented on each occasion and students must be collected from the office. It is expected that these occasions will be infrequent.

Requests for periods of leave during term time are to be directed, in writing, to the principal.

Students are not permitted to carry a cellphone during school hours (8.45am–3.15pm). Students who require a cellphone for out-of-school purposes are to hand their phone in to their classroom teacher at the beginning of the day.

There is a phone for students to use in cases of an emergency. Please come to the student counter in the office to access this.

Our Board requires students to wear the regulation uniform at school at all times. Uniform gives students a sense of belonging and ensures all children are equally well dressed. All belongings must be named.

Buying uniform — the uniform shop is operated by The Brandmakers:

• In store: 6 Latham Court, Frankton, Hamilton. Open Monday–Friday, 8.00am–5.00pm.


• Online: shop at www.thebrandmakers.co.nz — find the Berkley Middle School logo and log in with username Berkley and password Uniform.

At Berkley we are well-resourced with a range of digital devices for students to use in classrooms. We also welcome students bringing their own devices to school to use as a tool for learning.

Money and valuables requiring safekeeping should be placed in a clearly labelled envelope and handed to the classroom teacher. No responsibility can be accepted for money or valuables not handed in.

All personal items, uniform, books and other equipment must be named. Students must respect the property of others and only use it with the owner's permission.

All students are expected to do 20 minutes of homework at least three times per week. This is not a set amount, but rather a challenge: "How much can I do?"

Our preferred method of payment is through internet banking. Our school account number is 12-3122-0202229-00. Use your child's name as a reference, and in the particulars, write briefly what the payment is for.

Alternatively, payments can be made by EFTPOS or cash at the school office.

School costs for 2026: the school contribution is $160.00 per year ($40.00 per term), the stationery pack is $44.00, and the technology contribution is $80.00.

Please advise our school office immediately of any changes to student information, such as medical history, change of address, email address or phone number. In case of an emergency it is important that our information is accurate.