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Welcome to Daniel Casey, Caden Quinn, Connor Moore & Lily Lee-Smith
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,
Despite the weather patterns doing their utmost to impact our start to the term, we have had not surprisingly a fabulous start. Something I do not get sick of is welcoming our children back through the gates after a school break. The energy, smiles and joy they offer this place is second to none. It reminds us that schools really are about one key thing.... People.
We enter this term with the intent to have a level of stability in regards to our programme and routines. We hope we have seen the back end of a remarkably disrupted period and this term we centre our thinking around delivering our rich curriculum with great clarity, while not compromising variety or interest to ensure we get the most impact possible.
Over the break our team spent the second week engaging in two days of professional learning through the online Teachers Matters Conference. This conference was an excellent refresher and as conferences do, it helped shape and challenge our thinking to ensure that our 'status quo' remains a moving, dynamic, future focused existence.
I would like to once again thank the many of you who made the time to be a part of our Student Led Conferences in the last week of Term Two (90% attendance). We are constantly striving to build in our children efficacy and agency, as it is these two elements that will ensure their success as learners. I was nothing short of delighted to see the high levels of agency and efficacy that existed within these conferences. Children leading their learning as well as being excited and willing to share it with their most loved and dearest is absolutely strong evidence of this. Your partnership with this is very much valued by us.
Added to this was our survey we sent out to gather some information with how you found it. Please see the results of this survey below.
Near the end of last term and start of this term we are noticing the impact of children spending too much time on devices. We understand that this is a constant challenge and the competing interests of gaming, social media, you tube etc with everyday life. The short narrative is that too much time on devices impacts learning.
Some of the areas we notice that are being negatively impacted are:
- Willingness and ability to cooperate and share with friends
- Concentration levels
- Inconsistencies with mood and emotions
- Impact on friendships
- Tiredness
- Stifles their thinking (it over occupies their thought process - can't think of any other activity)
We understand that the weather is not helpful. However, we would ask that children only spend a very limited amount of time (no more than 30 minutes per day) on a device as possible during the week at home, and a controlled limited amount of time during the weekends.
In addition we do not feel that children need to be using social media to communicate during the week. We know the Kid Messenger has become a popular tool for communication amongst children. Having a healthy amount of time away from their friends actually supports and helps build friendships.
Finally, Tik Tok is a highly popular app that many children are using. Please know this is a form of social media and presents the same risks to children as all other social media apps. In addition, it has the same legal restrictions. Users must be 12+ years old. Below is a link to an infographic with more information about Tik Tok, we will also be sending a paper copy home with your child today.
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/guides/what-parents-need-to-know-about-tiktok
Thanks for your support with this.
Maahuri Trip to Historical Village
This is scheduled for Wednesday 9th September. At this stage the Maahuri team is continung to plan for this trip. Parents and caregivers will be kept informed of any changes. Please give permission via Kindo by Friday August 20.
Round the Bridges 2020
Agricultural Day
There is still time to let us know if you are intending to bring an animal, but they must be no younger than 6 weeks on Group Day (born before the 6th September).
Chickens - the date for picking up the chickens has been changed and is now Wednesday 2nd September, after school.
If you already have your animal for Agricultural Day please complete the form below.
Winter Sports Team Photos
These will be taken on the afternoon of Friday 11th September. All Managers and Coaches welcome.
YMCA Before & After School Care at Puketaha School
To make a booking please click - https://ymca-akl-ham-bop.aimyplus.com/?
To view our programme please click - https://www.ymcaauckland.org.nz/find-your-local/hamilton- recreation-centre/out-of-school-care/
Learning Support Policy
This policy is currently being reviewed. Parents/caregivers are invited to be a part of this review.
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Visit the website http://puketaha.schooldocs.co.
nz/1893.htm -
Enter the username (puketaha) and password (puketaha).
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Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
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Read the policy.
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Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
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Select the reviewer type "Parent".
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Enter your name (optional).
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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.
Fairfield College Information Evening
12th August 5.30pm - 7pm. An evening with the Fairfield College senior management and staff.
General Election 2020
It is now less than 75 days before the General Election on the 19th September 2020, although Advanced voting is to commence in some areas as from 5th September 2020.
If you would like to apply for one of the jobs in the upcoming election go to
Saturday Music Classes
Enrolments are open for Term Three 2020 at the Waikato Community School of Music (formerly Hamilton Community Centre of Music). The first session is on Saturday 1st August. The school caters for all ages (3 to retired) and ability levels. We offer both group-format and one-to-one tuition. Group-format term fees range from $39 to $105 (8 lessons in Term 3) depending on age and instrument. The enrolment fee for any instrument class includes unlimited participation in our ensembles. One-to-one classes assist students to prepare for exams and earn NCEA credits.
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.