Braxton Edwards, Olivia Seator, Korban Leefe, Keelan Puddle, Nate Mora, Caitlyn Brown, James Ross, Brenner Meyer, Hunter Sinclair, Isla Millington, Vincent Mould, Giuseppe Caccioppoli, Jorja Hughes, Shekainah Flor, Khloe Boniface, Fushia Ngataki, Caitlin Perry, Mika Boniface, Anika Meyer, Anika Worthington-McBride, Xavier Worthington-McBride, Paityn Marsters, Trinity Llewell-Dutton, Tarlia Llewell-Dutton, Sienna Atkinson

Dear Parents/Caregivers and Children,

WELCOME BACK!

Speaking to many of you at the front gate throughout the week and our children it has been wonderful to hear that the summer break has been filled with spending time as families, often extended family whom with the busyness of life we don't always get the time to connect with. In addition we have been spoilt with the amount of sunshine hours we have had and I know the water, whether it be lakes or beaches have been enjoyed by many. 

In addition, it has been wonderful to be a part of the vibe that is seeing the children enter into their (new for some and existing for other) learning spaces with energy and excitement. Our team have continued to set these spaces up with a lens of putting our children at the centre and ensuring that our children see these spaces as their place for learning. 

Over the summer break my family and I were spoilt with some much needed time together. It is not until you finally stop and pause that you take a breath and realise how hectic things can become at times (I know this is no doubt a feeling shared by many). Much of our break was spent around water, fishing with friends, jumping off rocks into water holes, surfing, swimming and the odd walk. 

Over the break I also completed an off road run for the first time. At the start line I found myself more nervous than I had been in years. Once I started all became fine, but the thinking about it and the newness of it all created a genuine worry. It reminded me of how many of our children no doubt feel on their first day back. While confident that many of them were very excited to be back, there would naturally be some nerves. The learning from this was acknowledge the nerves (you simply can't ignore them) and then take comfort that 9/10 once you start, for most those worries will disappear, and from what we have noticed this week, that has very much been the case with our children. 

On a similar note it is also important to acknowledge that once our children settle back into the routine of school and after school activities, natural tiredness will set back in as we rebuild our fitness towards the day to day activity and stimulation of school. Often 'detoxing' from digital tools is a part of this process as many children would have spent more time on their devices than usual. Your support with this and being aware of the time each child is spending on their device, whether it be gaming, watching YouTube, movies etc (it is all device time) would be much appreciated. 

Finally, tonight we have our Meet the Teacher Family Picnic starting at 5.30pm, we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Warm regards

Geoff

The Puketaha School PTA is holding our AGM shortly. The PTA is a group of parents and caregivers who work in conjunction with the school to enhance the learning environment of your children . This is done by running fun Friday’s , disco, quiz nights, and fundraising initiatives .
If you would like to join us we would love to see you . It’s a great way of being involved with your children’s school .

PTA AGM : Tuesday 25th February, 7pm, School staffroom.
Refreshments provided .  Election of officers/committee members . If you would like to be a part of this integral piece of our school community please phone Diane on 021636651 for more details or just come along and see what we are all about .

Pick up and drop off times - Children are to be dropped off at school no earlier than 8.20am. We would also appreciate parents and caregivers picking up your children promptly at the end of the day.

Parking & Childrens safety - There are two areas available for delivering your children to school and picking them up in the afternoon.  Please escort your children to the school gate and pick them up from the school gate. Please use the designated paths and crossing on Sainsbury Road.

YMCA Out of School Care Programme is operating out of the PAC.  Please contact 838 2529 for more information or Register here

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 update - Now is a good time to check your notfication settings on the school app so you can be kept up to date of what is happening for your child(ren) at school.

Water Only - Puketaha School is a water only school - this means that there is no flavoured milk drinks or juice.  Children should have their own drink bottles.

Scholastic Book Orders - Lucky Book Club Issue 1 is out now and orders are due in by Friday 21st. Thanks, Whaea Emma

Hats - All children are to wear a hat for outdoor activies during Term 1.    

Year 5 & 6 will be holding a camp fundraiser on Thursday 20th February, Pizza ($1.50 per piece) and Juices ($1) available. Proceeds will go towards reducing the cost of Year 5 and 6 Camp which takes place in Week 7 of Term 1.  Orders will be taken on the day.

Sports Subsidy Fee

There are a number of sports fixtures that are organised during the year.  Events are age/qualifying standard dependent.  The sports fee is a one off cost of $20 for Year 3 & 4 and $50 for Year 5 and above, this is due at the beginning of the year. The charge helps to cover costs including EWCS membership, bus charter to events and entry fees

For 2020 each child in Years 5 -8 will be allocated a shirt at the beginning of the year.  A hire fee is included in the sports fee.  We expect that children will remember to bring them for school sports events, keep them clean and use them only for the appropriate activities.  A pair of black shorts is also part of the school sports uniform, Kukri black shorts with the school logo on are available via Kindo or at the School Office at a cost of $26.50 

Participation in school sports events is part of the school programme and children are expected to attend unless they have medical reason not to do so.

Year 7 & 8 Technology Fees

This year the Year 7 & 8 students will be attending technology at Morrinsville Intermediate every Friday afternoon.  The cost of this is directly charged to the school and is for the students resources, cost is $100

Fee Payment & Permission

Payments & Permissions for trips and sports can be set up though Kindo - if you have not already signed up the link is via the School Website.  Cash payments can be made at the school office.  Please see Christine at the office of you have any questions about fee payments, as always if paying school fees is causing a problem please get in touch so we can support you with this.

To access shop and payments go to www.mykindo.co.nz or via the link on our school website.

Public health nurses will be delivering two school-based immunisation programmes for Years 7 & 8 in your child’s school during 2020.

After the education session, your child will be given a consent form to bring home for you to choose whether or not to have your child immunised by the Public Health Nurses at school.

For further information on these vaccines phone 0800 IMMUNE (466 863)

Public Health Nurse:  Anne McNicol                            Phone 021761594

Gymnastics Academy

Saturday Music Classes

Enrolments are now open for Term One 2020 at the Waikato Community School of Music.

A music appreciation/readiness programme (Music Makers) is available from age 3. Young Voices children’s choir caters for those ages 9+. Classes are held on the University of Waikato campus in Hillcrest.

Contact us via our website  Waikato Community School of Music or on 07 838 4611.  

Hamilton BMX Club  

invites you to come & give BMX a go!  For all ages on balance & pedal bikes.  Our club nights are on Wednesday's register form 5.15pm, fun racing 6pm.  New riders the first 3 club nights are FREE to register.  Riders must be fully covered e.g. long pants, long sleeve top, covered shoes - we do have bike & helmet hire $2 per item. Our sprocket & club training starts Monday 10th February from 5.30pm to 6.30pm for new riders/families we invite you to 3 sessions before joining the club cost $2 per session. Contact Lynda Ardern 027 3407120

Young Engineers

Term 1 Enrolments are now open. Available in Rototuna.  Enrol now as spaces are limited. 

For more information or to enrol please go to our website www.squiggle.org.nz  or contact Katrina on 027 909 3903.

Nia Dance fitness

Wednesday afternoons 3.30pm - 4.30pm Gordonton Hall.  Suitable for ages 5-12 yera old.  Contact Catherine Weston 022 3064865

Policy Review

Recognition of Cultural Diversity

This policy is currently being reviewed. Parents/caregivers are invited to be a part of this review.

1. Visit the website http://puketaha.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm

2. Enter the username (puketaha) and password (puketaha).

3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

4. Read the policy.

5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.

6. Select the reviewer type "Parent".

7. Enter your name (optional).

8. Submit your ratings and comments.

If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.