Nikolai Mackay

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,

Last week I have had the opportunity to be once again very proud of our children in contexts outside the classroom. The Tough Guy/Gal challenge last week exceeded all expectations of the organisers in terms of numbers with close to 3000 children over 3 days (again more than any other region) deciding to challenge themselves through the hills, obstacles and mud. It was fantastic to see the energy that permeated throughout the morning and the joy in the many faces (even though some were harder to recognise than others) of the children once completed. This event is an event for all and one where goal setting, meeting challenges head on and having fun all come together. A very big thank you to the many parents who supported Mrs Gibbison throughout the day, your support was much appreciated.

Over the last couple of weeks our team have been writing reports and making overall teacher judgements in regards to the children’s progress and achievement in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. This process requires a very considered approach and we take into account many factors. Simply put... making judgements on children’s learning and progress is complex and we should not expect to be able to measure pupils' learning abilities and achievements with the same confidence as we can measure their growth in height. reason being is that every child has a ‘jagged’ learning profile, we all do. So when we are forming judgements on their progress and achievement levels in Reading, Writing and Mathematics their learning profile needs to be part of that picture, as it determines how they learn. I have provided an example of what a learning profile may look like.

Finally, the winter months are well and truly here. This week we have had an average of over 30 children per day away unwell in Ropu Mahuri for a myriad of reasons. We appreciate you keeping your child at home while they are unwell to recover. This also minimises the risk of germs spreading. 

Warm Regards

Geoff

As you may have heard the school is planning to upgrade the school swimming pool and facilities, which were originally built in the 1965.  For the school, this project is seen as vital to allow the school and community to continue to use this facility now and into the future.  Swimming education and water confidence & safety is of huge value to our children.  We also want to maintain a fun, active community pool over the summer months.  This significant upgrade includes new tiered seating, pool pumps and filter systems, new changing rooms, re-plastering and painting of the pool, solar panels and heating system. (Plans attached)

For this to happen the school needs your support. The PTA have committed to supporting the school with current and future fundraising, including the Spring Fair. In addition there is a Calf Rearing Scheme. We are grateful for the support of local farmers with this.

Chocolates: All families can help by selling chocolates. Eldest and only children will receive a box of Whittakers chocolate bars in Week 9 for the family to sell.  We very much appreciate your support with getting out to workplaces and neighbourhoods to sell these, it will add a significant amount to our fundraising pot, with the funds going towards our pool upgrade.  If you are unable to help with this please contact Christine at the school office before the chocolates are ordered and distributed  office@puketaha.school.nz

Congratualtions to all of our children who participated in the School Cross Country & East Waikato Schools Competitions.

Here are the results.

The following are the confirmed Term Dates for Puketaha School for 2020