Filter Content
Afternoon families,
Last week we were treated to a wonderful experience in the shape of our annual School Production. There were so many wonderful parts to it, however, it is the way in which the children manage to story, through the power of the stage, real life messages that are very relatable, whether you are a middle aged Principal or young student. Communicating to a wide and diverse audience is a real challenge and our children did it exceptionally well. They added humour and as the audience we were able to witness the real sense of joy they had in not only creating, but performing it. A very big well done to all of the students and thank you to all who attended. It meant a lot to the children to see and have you there.
A few years ago when I was at a Principal's conference we were all encouraged to engage in 'resistance' reading. Reading articles, points of view, research papers etc that don't completely align with our own bias or perspective on things. Recently, I engaged in a research paper that was just that, centred around ILE's (Innovative Learning Environments). I was interested in why and how they had formed the perspective that the Ministry of Education's decision to build schools as ILE's is an experiment, cost saving exercise and lacks any research in impact on learning outcomes. While I was somewhat underwhelmed with the article and how the authors perspective was formed it got me thinking about the common reactions and resistance we face when the status quo is challenged and then changed. We see it in kids sport, transport, education, to simply name a few. No doubt, the people who challenge change, resist it and need more clarity for the why are important contributors to the process, we need all people's thoughts, ideas and contributions, it keeps a healthy tension.
My challenge to us all when we are going through the change process is to not just question or ponder the risks associated with change (whatever the context may be), but also question the risk associated with not changing. What is the impact and potential outcomes for us if we choose to not shift our thinking and hold onto the status quo? My experience with this model is that it creates a more balanced perspective.
On another note, last night, we had our 2nd PTA meeting for the term. A large element to our meeting last night was centred around our up and coming Spring Fair. Some information is going to come out about this soon. However, we are currently looking for parental support. Please do contact our PTA Chairperson Merynn at pta@puketaha.school.nz if you feel you could contribute to this wonderful community event.
Warm Regards
Geoff
This is a free, highly recommended information evening for all parents, caregivers and interested adults hosted by Puketaha School. A chance to get some valuable information about navigating the online world with your children.
On Tuesday 29th June our teaching staff will be attending a Paid Union meeting in the afternoon. The school will remain open and the school bus will leave at the usual time. However, we are asking if possible that children be picked up at 2pm at the end of the lunch break as we will have a limited number of staff onsite.
Thank you for your support.
The swimming pool completion is a great asset to the school, the next fundraising effort will support the building of tiered seating on the side of the pool. We are asking for your support with selling chocolates again this year, one box per family. Last year the school raised over $4,000, which is a significant contribution, and is hoping to reach a similar target this year.
The oldest or only child in each family will be sent home with one box of fundraising chocolate. We appreciate that there are families who would prefer to support the school in other ways. Please contact the School Office if you DO NOT want to sell chocolates by 23 June before the boxes go out. If you do not opt out it would be apprieciated if the entire box could be sold.
We suggest you sell to family members, colleagues in the workplace, at busy sports fields, friends or neighbours. If the children are involved in selling, they should do so under adult supervision, especially if selling door to door.
Thank you for your support.
Last week the school held its annual cross country event amongst much anticipation and excitement. Congratulations to all our particpants who braved the mud and the occasional shower to finish. It was a great afternoon, with lots of adult and peer supporters.
Some of our Maahuri & Puaawai children qualified to attend the Eastern Waikato Country School Cluster event held yesterday. Congratulation to our placegetters.
As the winter is approaching there will be more colds & flus around, please keep your child home if they are ill and support us to minimise the spread of infections. A medical certificate will be requested if your child is away for more than 3 days.
A reminder that if your child has diarrhoea and or vomiting they must stay away from school for 48 hours from the last episode.
Absences can be notified either:
Via the school App, phone message - 07 8243870 or Text notifications to 020 404 28607 - (please do not phone or leave a message on this number)
Good morning Parents/Caregivers
School photo day is scheduled for Tuesday 29th June. We have chosen to go online this year, there will be no envelopes sent home.
PORTRAIT ORDERS CLOSE Monday 28th June You cannot order portraits after Monday 28th June NO EXCEPTIONS
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:
masterpiece.queensberryworkspace.com/ps
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.
Remember to get your order in before Monday 28th June or there will be no portrait/s of your child/ren taken!
Kind regards
The team at Masterpiece photography
Our Agricultural Day is to be held this year on Tuesday 10th 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:
- Planning to have or already have an animal.
- If you would like to know more about Agricultural Day.
- 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
Thank you to the Morrinsville Piako Lions who have given us a generous donation. This money is raised through collecting calves.
Please take some time to watch this Youtube Ted Talk centred around Kids Sport and how we can promote and encoruage participation.
Cheers