Welcome to our new students: Bob Rapucci, Vincent Anderson, Kees Olliver, Mateo Bilich, Charlee Payne-Lloyd

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all at some stage managed to get a chance over the Easter Break to enjoy a bit of time with loved ones. So far, it has been a wonderful start to the term, both weather wise and energy, our children have come back full of experiences and stories to share. You can't help but smile when you listen to the joy and enthusiasm they have when telling you their stories of Easter. 

Over the break we based ourselves at Waihi Beach as we travelled over to Mt Maunganui each day for a Basketball Tournament our oldest son was competing in. The experience was first class for lots of reasons. Firstly, I learned so much about the game of basketball, a game I am enjoying more and more each day. The other element was the genuine effort these hundreds of boys and girls from around the North Island were putting in. The effort was obvious and it was there because each child really cared about their team and the game they were playing. It was an environment that not only represented ability, but also effort and reward.

For me this was a reminder of the very basic message and learning that should be important to us all. When we try and put in the effort we more often than not get the reward and as educators it is the effort we must consistently look to embrace and acknowledge.

I took the opportunity to explain this message of effort at our assembly first thing Monday morning. I chatted to the children about how our willingness to care and put in effort is 100% up to ourselves. By in large the learning we do and the joy and satisfaction we experience when we achieve comes down to what we put in. In the long run, those that care enough to try, get rewarded, not to mention that caring is was makes us who we are. The teachers and I would really appreciate you talking to your child/ren about effort and finding contexts that make sense to them. The more we (home and school) share the same common language, the bigger the difference we are able to make for each child. 

Like always we really value the conversation with you. If there is anything you feel needs further discussion or clarity, please do see your child’s Guardian Teacher first and then of course myself if that is needed.

We look forward to another great term.

Warm Regards

Geoff

Nomination forms will be posted out to all eligibile voters  and close at 12noon on Friday 24th May.

The elections will be held on Friday 7th June 2019

If you are interested in standing for a board position and would like to know more contact the Board Chairperson Ali Grigg.

A reminder that all children are to be picked up from the school gate that joins the school and the Puketaha Car Park. This Car Park at the end of each school day is a very busy place which presents may serious risks if we become too casual. As a result we ask that you exit you car and come and collect your child. Mr Harper will be on duty most days at this gate to ensure this. If you have any issues with this, please do make contact so we can work though them. 

Many thanks.

This year we are holding our bi-annual Spring Fair. Next Thursday (9th May) at 7.00pm the PTA are holding a quick meeting to gather members for the Spring Fair Committee and brain storm any ideas that people may have . Your attendance and support would be welcomed.

Diane Gordon

(PTA Chairperson)

Thank you to our families that have already supported this PTA fundraiser. The PTA hope that through our community we are able to sell as many bottles of wines as possible to raise funds for the refurbishment of our school pool.

Last day for orders is Friday 24th May. 

Your support with this is very much appreciated

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Absences

Please notify the School Office if your child or children are going to be away from school, or late for any reason. This can be done via text (only) 020 404 28607, leaving
a message on the school phone 07 824 3870 or via email.
Thank you.

School App

The Puketaha School App is a useful way to keep in touch with what is happening at school.  You can set the notfications for the areas for your children. 

Student Details

Please ensure that the school has current information in the school database. In particular emergency contacts and medical information. 

From the Library 

Thank you to all the families who purchased books from the Book Fair we held recently. We had a total of $5,324.40 in sales, earning us $1,863.54 in rewards to spend in the library over the year! We really appreciate all the support and the love of reading our families are developing in our children.  Whaea Emma

Entertainment Book Fundraiser

Entertainment books are still available - order online or hard copies at the School Office, cost $65, with a portion going to the school. https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/1547w86

CyberSafety Parent Information Evening – To be held at the Hillcrest High School Auditorium on Thursday the 16^th of May 2019 from 7pm.
Guest speakers:
Pauline Spence (Educator) from Netsafe 
Constable Jack Driver from the Waikato Police Social media team
and myself Constable Pete Van’t Wout – School Community Officer.
RSVP on the event link below so we get a rough idea of numbers.
Please share this event.
https://www.facebook.com/events/458156674953426/?ti=ia