Lincoln MacPherson, Kit Bradstreet, Charley Bennett, Tyla Buchanan.

Good afternoon families,

You may or may not have caught up with recent media attention around N.Z children's achievement on an international scale in particular with Mathematics. Typically, I try and not become too invested in the various 'hot educational topics' that the media pick up on and then sensationalise to create emotive responses. If I did, I would put myself at risk of becoming too distracted from our core purpose in being part of a team that delivers on our vision for children here at Puketaha School. It was on this particular occasion though that my ears pricked up when I heard a politician come out as a result of this data and say "we need to get rid of the student centred approach to learning...and focus on core curriculum areas only" (or words to that effect). In short, we should all be very proud that we have such a rich, diverse curriculum that does embrace the many needs and interests of children and promotes schools to put children at the centre of the learning picture. This is exactly what we should be doing and I know what type of learning experience I would prefer my children to have. By doing so, we are investing in the whole learning profile and not simply pursuing excellence through a one off high stakes test sample, where children are then measured and labelled. I would like assure this politician that the core curricular areas are not compromised as a result, but rather enriched and contextualised. 

In addition to this on Monday I spoke to the children about our School's core values of Aim High, Show Respect, Have integrity, Celebrate Differences, Show Fairness and Care. My message with these values was to remind children that we build our understanding of these over time and it is the small actions often, that help them become habitual to us. So as they go about their day, look for opportunities and take them. These values will stand our children in good stead for many years to come. 

Finally, in two weeks today our Years 5-8 children will be hosting our school production. This is a fine example of work ethic, persistence, commitment and embracing a vibrant curriculum. We would love to see as many of you there as possible. Please read below for more information about ticket sales and times.

Warm Regards

Geoff

As many of you are aware Mrs Deb Gibbison is leaving us during Term 3 to go on Maternity leave and embark on the wonderful adventure that is Parenthood. Over the past few weeks we have been going through our appointment process and I am delighted to inform you that Mrs Hannah Mould will be joining us from the start of Term 3.

Hannah has had a range of teaching positions over the past 15 years. In 2007 she completed her Bachelor of Teaching with Honours and since then has held teaching positions in both Auckland and Hamilton. Along with being a classroom teacher, Hannah has been a team leader, teacher of Languages and the Arts. She has a clear passion for children and supporting them through their challenges to truly achieve their best. In addition Hannah is married to Gerard and they have 3 children. Vincent 8 (who attends Puketaha School), Bianca 4 and Ashton 2. 

We all very much look forward to welcoming Hannah on to our team during the school break, so she can hit the ground running Term 3. For the first few weeks Deb will remain with us to further support this transition period. 

Warm Regards

Geoff

Thank you to the many families (work colleagues/neighbours) who have supported the Oxford Pie fundraiser which has been circulating recently. A reminder these pies will be delivered to school Thursday June 10^th for collection. We do not have the capacity to store these so must be collected this day. Originally we indicated collection from the PAC but because of school productions this location won’t be available so a message will be sent out advising the new pick-up point.   Also thank you to the support received at the Puketaha School Cross Country by way of baking donations and purchasing of stall items. We will be also having a fundraising tent at the Eastern Waikato Country Schools Cross Country next Wednesday (9^th)  at Porritt Stadium so are asking for baking donations for that event to be left at the office the morning of the event.

This year is Spring Fair year and at our next PTA meeting we will be discussing how we see this event taking shape. Please come along to share your ideas/visions for making this event a success. We definitely need a Talent Quest co-ordinator so make yourself known if that sounds like you! Next meeting is 15th June 7.30pm at the School Staffroom.  Our Annual Quiz Night is being advertised for Saturday July 3^rd -this is a very quick sell-out event so get in quick on this one. Team Tables for sale on KINDO.  If you have access to some spot/raffle or team prizes  for this night we would love to hear from you.

A reminder why we are doing this fundraising. This year we are contributing to Science Club initiatives, contributing to School Camps, helping with the Basketball Court upgrade and future visions include a Learning Through Play area and the development of a Scooter Park by the flying fox.

Merynn Connors ph: 027 629 6820  email: pta@puketaha.school.nz”

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)

Our Agricultural Day is to be held this year on Tuesday 10^th of October, the first week of Term Four.

Now is the time to think about taking up the challenge of rearing an animal for Agricultural Day.  Please let us know if your child/children would like to bring an animal or if you have not been involved before and would like to find out more.

Chickens

If you are interested in rearing chickens and bringing them to Agricultural Day please get in touch as we are currently looking into the possibility of having these again this year. Baby chicks (sexed & vaccinated) would be ordered through school ($20 each) and picked up around the beginning of August to be brought along to Agricultural Day on 10th October,

Lambs, Calves  and Kid Goats

The Lambs, Calves and Kid Goats competition will be held on Tuesday, 10th October.  The school may be able to help with sourcing lambs and goats and provide tips and advice on rearing them. Animals can also compete at North Waikato Group Day and at the Waikato show if you choose.

If you are unsure of what Agricultural Day is about or have any questions about raising an animal, don’t hesitate to give us a call at school. Alternatively, you could visit www.waikatoaandp.co.nz.

Please email office@puketaha.school.nz if you are: 

1. Planning to have or already have an animal.
2. If you would like to know more about Agricultural Day.
3. If you would like to be kept informed about Agricultural Day

and you will be added to an email list for all future communication about this event.

Thank you

Sports Uniforms

Year 0 - Year 4 - If you have sports shirts at home and your child is not currently in a sports team can you please return them to the school office.  Thank you.

School Photos - Tuesday 29th June

Orders for school photos are now online.  Please order via website.

Portrait Orders close  Monday 28th June. No portrait orders will be taken after this date. Class photos will remain available to order after the portrait cut off date. Free delivery for class photos ends Friday 9th July.

If you would like to order a class photo, or pre purchase a portrait of your child/ren, please click on the following link:

If you have any queries on how to use the website, please contact Masterpiece Photography directly on (07) 823 4306 or masterpiece@xtra.co.nz   Do not contact the school.

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