A warm welcome to our new students: Paige Paikau, Jihun Kim, Gemma Griffiths, Hunter Wallbank, Kaylee Wallbank, Cian Moore.

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children.

At the risk of speaking to soon, it has been great to have our first 'on site' full term this year. Simply, schools are a better places with children in them.

Last week we hosted the EWCS and WFPSA Speech Finals. Speeches are very much a long standing institutional part of our schooling programme. My belief, that while it is not for everyone, it does provide a platform for children to stretch themselves, reach outside their comfort zone and gain experience with communicating in an environment that can be quite confronting, while still being very supportive and safe. As a team we were very proud of all our children who presented their speeches. 

Currently, the school is a buzz of activity with our Year 5 - 8 Production. The very special thing about Puketaha Schools productions is that they are made from the ground up by all the children. It is such an inclusive and engaging context for children to thrive in. As we are moving into Alert Level 1 next Monday it will be great to see as many of you there as possible. 

Finally, we are starting to see the children wilt a little. In reflection, I do feel we must not under estimate the potential toll that the events of this year has and may still have on our children. They are very much in tune with the varying impacts of Covid19. We as a school take comfort that you as parents are aware of that and continue to support the children as well as us as we continue to carve our pathway together. 

Finally, I would like to leave you with a blog post below. I feel it separates the difference in meanings of 'lessons' and 'learning' well. It reinforces the notion that our school is a place of learning rather than a place where lessons are taught.

“Taking” lessons

What an accurate and horrible term.

It’s hard to imagine that most people would look forward to taking lessons. In the piano or arithmetic or anything else.

You take medicine. You take your punishment. It’s unwanted but grudgingly accepted.

The term gives away the intent behind it.

Learning is different. Learning is something we get to do, it’s a dance, an embrace, a chance to turn on some lights.

You don’t take a workshop. You are part of one (Seth Godin)

Warm Regards

Geoff

On Monday night 21st September at 11.59pm we will be moving to Alert Level 1. This is nothing short of great news.

Please see below what this will mean for us:

- Water fountains will be back open - however, Drink bottles are still recommended.

- No need to use the Puketaha School App to sign in - We do recommend you use the official Covid19 QR Code though.

- Gates will open for children at 8.20am. Please do not send your child to school earlier than this. It becomes uncomfortable for our staff to remind our families of the rules, we do not have many. 

- Hand washing will still be encouraged before meal times and all day Zoono hand sanitise will still be available for children to use when they arrive at school.

Thanks again for all your support. 

Agricultural Day is Tuesday 13th October.  Please register your chicken for the competition so that the day can be organised and programme completed.

Registrations for Kid Goats, Calves & Lambs have closed so that judges can be organised - please get in touch as soon as possible if your child/ren are no longer planning to participate. 

Year 5 boys:

1st = Michael Dobbs

Year 5 girls:

2nd = Xanthe Keen

3rd = Amber Rattray

Year 6 Boys: 

1st = Alex Jonkers

3rd = Toby Mateni - Riddle

Year 6 Girls:

1st = Tyla Webster

Year 8 Boys:

3rd = Tobias Moetara

Year 8 Girls;

2nd = Caitlin Perry - Well done to Caitlin for making it through the WFPSA Speech Finals held last night. 

Congratulations to Tyla Webster who received a letter from our Prime Minister congratulating her on her Speech about "Women Leaders'

There is a large amount of Lost Property both in the classrooms and in the lost property box outside of the PAC.  Please have a look and collect anything that belongs to your children.  All lost property left at the end of the Term is given to charity. 

Term 1

Tuesday 9^th Feb  - Friday 16^th April  (4^th & 5^th February – Teacher only Days)

Term 2

Monday 3^rd May to Friday 9^th  July

Term 3

Monday 26^th  July  to Friday 1^st  October

Term 4

Monday 18^th Oct  to Thursday 16^th Dec