A warm welcome to our new students: David De Klerk, Nikita Hudson, Shanel Hudson

Kia ora koutou,

We have been very lucky with the sunshine this week and the children are in full swing of their Swimming Programme, both enjoying the water and practising their swimming skills. 

This week we started with a bit of fun at assembly with some volunteer actors demonstrating the difference between polite behaviour and impolite behaviour. 

Our actors modelled what not to do, and then the rest of the school suggested a more polite and respectful way of doing it. It was a bit of a laugh but with some good reminders in the background.

This included…

• Asking to borrow something, as opposed to just taking it.
• Going to the back of the line, as opposed to pushing in front.
• Stepping aside for an adult in a doorway, as opposed to going first before an adult.
• When they don’t hear something well, responding with ‘excuse me’, as opposed to saying ‘what?’.
• When someone greets them or asks them a question, respond to the person, as opposed to ignoring them.
• Using patience when waiting for an adult's attention, saying excuse me, as opposed to interrupting.
• As well as how staring and pointing at someone is not polite.

By learning manners and basic etiquette, students develop the ability to communicate effectively, show respect to others, and navigate various social situations with confidence. It also links to our School's Value of Respect. Our teachers have been reinforcing these messages over the week and we have been noticing the students making an effort to remember their manners and etiquette. It’s been lovely to see. It is obvious that manners and respect are valued and reinforced at home and we can support this with our reminders at school as well. 

This week we have had whaanau come in and meet with the teachers for our Teacher/ Whaanau Catch Up’s. It’s been a positive experience for our teachers, to be able to connect with families, discuss goals for the year and feel the sense of a partnership, with the child in the centre. Thank you if you were able to come in. If you were not, please feel free to email your child’s teacher and arrange another time. 

We hope you have nice plans for the weekend ahead. Thanks again for your contribution to our school.

Ngaa mihi,

Nyree Olliver

Thank you to the new parents who came along to our first PTA meeting where we set the scene for the year ahead from a PTA fundraising point of view.

We outlined how we operate and what the funds we raise are used for.  Subsidising sports camps, and helping provide science and new learning through play resources, are always high on the list. This year our school is investing in some Kapa Haka uniforms for a performance group which we will also pay for. We know not everyone can make the meetings (we have 2 per term) but would like to help, and a good way is to be on the PTA WhatsApp Group which is just an easy to round up helpers or send reminders for specific events. 

Our first fundraising event is the bake sale at the Try Challenge next Thursday (22^nd Feb). We ask for baking donations to be dropped at the school office the morning of the event. We also require helpers to run the stall, man the barbeque, sell the juicies etc.

Next month (Sunday 24^th March) we will have our 4^th Annual Golf Tournament at the Horsham Downs Golf Club (9 holes, Ambrose rules, 4-person teams.)  This day is a lot of fun and a good way to meet people in a casual environment. The prizes are awesome and all abilities are welcome.  We will be putting a call out for auction items, prizes and hole sponsors.  Hole sponsorship is $100.  Please let me know if you would like to enter a team. A flyer will be coming out soon.

On that note, a reminder that 2024 is a Spring Fair Year, which is our major event on the fundraising calendar (September 21^st).   We do have a storage unit (thank you Safeguard Self Storage) where we can stash potential prizes (big or small), raffle or auction items so if you have something you would like to donate we can take it off your hands anytime!

Lastly, we will be collecting Yummy Fruit Stickers again this year.  This is quite an easy way to add to our prize pool. The sticker sheets can be downloaded from https://www.yummyfruit.co.nz/schools/ and can be handed into the office on completion.

Kind regards

Merynn Connors

M: 027 629 6820

E:  pta@puketaha.school.nz

Maths or Structured Literact Tutor Available

Need a Maths or Structured Literacy tutor? Give former Puketaha student and current University of Waikato student (Science) Felicity Bray an email at felicitybray@gmail.com

Located either in your home or at Puketaha school after school finishes for your convenience. Year 3 to Year 11.
Open to tutoring structured literacy for Year 2 to Year 5.

"Felicity uses assessment data to strengthen areas of need with the learners. She can engage the learners and breaks down the mathematical concepts to help them understand. She is supportive, and the students enjoy working with her." Nyree Oliver, Principal