Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,

This Friday is Pink Shirt Day. In assembly this week, a group of children shared with us the History of Pink Shirt Day. A Youtube clip can be found here. Essentially, the message is one of unity and one of sticking up for what is right. Sometimes we must choose the 'harder right' rather than the 'easier wrong' and on this occasion this is exactly what the lads who founded this day did. As a result a global trend has started and we have what we now know as Pink Shirt day. 

As many of you may have heard our School Production which involves our Year 5 - 8 Children is in full swing. Currently the children are transitioning from the creation phase, to the learn roles and practise phase. I always love production time. The energy it creates amongst our children, the rich learning that happens as a result, both curriculum learning and 'skills for life' learning is special. I also love the inclusive nature of it, each child is essential to the overall success to it, which I believe is one of the many strengths about being a part of a production at Puketaha School. 

Today's message is short and sharp (some additional feedback I received from a parent I know well "sometimes it is good to keep it brief"). However, as I sometimes like to, I will leave you with a little quote from Seth Godin. It links nicely to sport; being overly focussed on easy to measure outcomes; bullying; and a consideration that maybe we could engage in activities and projects that aren't always easy to measure.

Warm Regards

Geoff

Compared to what?

Organised sports, particularly for school-age kids, present a real challenge. The results are easily measured and are on just one axis. Points scored. Winning vs. losing.

If we teach a child to identify with the outcomes in this way, we might create arrogance. If you win, after all, you must be better than the others.

This is where the big man on campus comes from, the push for dominance and the brittle self-worth that can lead to bullying.

And of course, it’s not just sports, and it’s not just high school.

But in any scarcity-driven competition, sooner or later, you’re not going to win. You’re not going be state champ, national champ, world champ… Sooner or later, if you’re honest, you’ll need to acknowledge that winning isn’t going to happen.

And then what happens?

Economic utility almost always occurs when we’re good at things that aren’t easy to measure. And when the things we’re good at are additive, infinite and generous it can be something we embrace for the long haul. Because in those areas, it’s possible to be useful and skilled and make a contribution, every single time.

If you have a chance to play a game that’s based on scarcity and winner-take-all, perhaps it pays to play a different game instead.

Surrender and Retention of Property and Searches

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. In the Search Engine enter Surrender and Retention of Property and Searches

4. Read the policy.

5. Click the green give feedback button on the top right hand corner

   

6. Complete feedback and send to the school.

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

Dear Parents / Caregivers,

Once again this year we would like to offer the opportunity for some students to enter the ICAS competition. We offer the English, Science, and Mathematics for Years 4-8. The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are independent skills-based assessments with a competition element and are administered by the University of New South Wales. 

This is an extension opportunity designed to challenge some students who show particular strengths in the areas of Science, Mathematics and/or English. They will be completed online, during school time on the set dates. Each test takes approximately 1 hour. Please note that these assessments are completely optional and are not suitable for all children. 

The school does not benefit from these assessments or use the information to help inform our planning. If you would like to chat further about the suitability of your child completing these assessments, please talk to your child’s teacher. 

Registering your child and payment

This year, you are requir

ed to log into the ICAS shop and purchase the assessments for your own child. Use the link to access the shop and the school code. This information will then come to the school via their system and we will organise for your child to sit the test.

School Code- SMD338   You will need to do this by 1st August please. 

Nyree Olliver

(Deputy Principal)

Lego provides  a plethora of opportunities and creative outlets for all ages. It can be used for so many things in so many ways. Kaakano 1 wants to grow their brick bank and lego pieces collection. So if you have lego that is no longer being used from one one piece to many, please come and donate to Kaakano 1 by bringing  it along to the School Office.  We promise it will be put to good use.

The Puketaha Angel network was set up to support children and their families who are experiencing a tough patch.  For the most part it will be cooking meals to make the families day easier but occasionally it might be getting children to school, or sports games etc.  While the network has not been operating for a while it would be good to get it up and running again. Currently there are 9 angels and it would be great if there were more people who were able to help out if needed. Please phone or email Christine at the School Office.

Also, if you hear of anyone who may need our support contact the School Office.

Thank you

Christine Jeffery