A warm welcome to our new students: Monroe Belosevic, Zsabella Harvey, Maniapuhi Tahere, Shiloh Tahere.

Ahiahi Marie Parents, Caregivers and Children, 

As mentioned last newsletter, over the past few weeks the team and I have been crafting our Strategic Goals and Annual Actions for the coming year. On Monday we presented this to our Board of Trustees who approved the document for 2021. This process is always an exciting milestone for us as it creates clarity for all our team.

Some of the goals that are included in this document are:

• Students will demonstrate pride, ownership and cognitive engagement in their learning when they showcase what they are learning and why. 
• There is clear evidence of the range of Co Teaching Models being used across our school in a planned and deliberate way.
• Learning through play is an integral element to the Year 1 and 2 programme design. With an obvious progression from Year 1 to Year 2.
• 86% Year 2’s achieving Level 1 in Reading (Reading Level 15 or above) by the end of the year.
• 85% Year 3’s achieving at Level 1- Early Level 2 or above in Writing.
• 90% Year 6's achieving at Early Level 3 or above in Mathematics.

While the above is not the comprehensive list of goals/targets hopefully it gives you an idea around our focuses for 2021. Of course we invite your feedback and questions on these also. Please feel free to be in touch with me if you would like to provide any feedback. 

One key aspect about working towards goals is the path we choose to achieve them and that it is not always easy. Mistakes are made, challenges are faced, new opportunities presented, which when combined, we are able to experience the richness of learning. 

The below quote, I believe sums up nicely the reason why we should take the gravel path rather than the smooth, silky one.

The easy way down

Ski slopes are marked by difficulty. The green circle indicates the easiest slope, the one that will get you to the base of the hill the fastest, with the least amount of risk or drama.

Why would anyone choose to ski down on the difficult black diamond run instead?

Most passionate skiers would ask the question differently: why wouldn’t you?

The point of skiing isn’t to get to the bottom. The point is how it feels on your way there.

I’m wondering why this insight is so hard for us to embrace when it comes to learning or personal engagement or art or the work we do each day?

There are speed bumps along the way, opportunities unevenly distributed, and unforeseen problems. But none of them get better when we decide to always seek the easy way to the end (Seth Godin). 

Finally, at the end of last year we asked you to fill out a survey around a new element to the NZ Curriculum (Relationships and Sexuality Education). Thank you to 62 families who completed the survey. Currently, the SLT and I are analysing your feedback and will present back to you the results of this survey in our Week 5 newsletter. 

Warm Regards

Geoff

The pool sponsorship drive is going well.  Many thanks to the individuals, families and businesses who have supported the swimming pool project so far. The response from our community has been great. 

There are still spaces available for a Sponsorship plaque - either via Kindo or by emailing the school office.

Year 7 & 8 Technology Fees

The Morrinsville Intermediate Technology Unit provides technology subjects for our students.  The annual fee for their take home product is $100.  Please pay this amount by the end of Term One. 

Year 8 Science

Year 8 students have the opportunity to attend Science lessons at St Paul's Collegiate.  The cost of providing bus transport to and from St Paul’s is $25 per term.  $100 for the year.  More information about this will be sent out to our Year 8 students.

Sports Shirt

Children require a school sports shirt for sports & for extra-curricular activities where they represent the school.  There is a hire fee for the year of $20.  Shirts need to be replenished on an ongoing basis, this covers the cost of replacement and ensuring that there is enough in stock. This fee is charged for all children who will need one, regardless of the amount of times they use it. It is a one off set fee for the year. This fee will be placed on all childrens' accounts and only required to pay if your child is going to use one. 

Sports Fees

There are a number of sports & extra curricular activities that are offered to students throughout the year. This year these will be charged as they arise and placed on your KINDO account.

Please note:  The sports uniform includes plain black shorts, these must be worn when representing the school at all events and games. 

As always if you would like to organise a payment plan through Kindo,  please contact Christine Jeffery at the School Office or phone 07 824 3870.

Impetigo is a common skin infection that causes blisters, often on the face around the nose or mouth, but they can be anywhere on the body where the skin has been damaged in some way, eg. cuts or scrapes.

There have been cases of this skin infection at school. If syptoms develop please keep your child home from school until one day after the start of treatment. When they return to school please make sure the dressings completely cover their sores.

Impetigo sores are crusty-looking and they are very contagious. That means they can be spread easily to other parts of your own body or to other people by touching.

For more information go to the Ministry of Health website. Impetigo - Ministry of Health Information

Home Learning Policy

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.

The swimming sports events for Years 3 - 8 will be held at Fairfield College Pool on Wednesday 17 March from 11:00 - 2:30pm.

Two pools will be operating with competitive and confidence building events.
Children will travel on buses. Please give your children pemission to attend via Kindo. Parents and families are welcome to attend.

All children will need:

• togs
• swimming cap, goggles and earplugs (if required)
• 2 x towels
• sunhat
• Sweatshirt (very important)
• A drink bottle with water only.