This term will be a busy one, so keep an eye out on the newsletters to keep up to date with events.
Firewise
Over the next couple of weeks, we are working on a ‘Firewise’ unit as part of our Literacy programme. This unit will help the children to learn facts about how to keep fire safe.
There are three things that you can do to get out quickly and safely if a fire occurs on your home:
- Install working smoke alarms in lounges and family living areas, halls and bedrooms to alert you to the fire. If you are asleep, you can’t smell smoke.
- Have an escape plan so that every family member knows two ways to get out of every room and knows where to go to a safe meeting place.
- Practise getting out of every room FAST when the smoke alarm goes off or if someone shouts FIRE, FIRE, FIRE.
During this unit, your child or children will also bring home a Firewise Booklet. We highly encourage you to read the story in the booklet with your child or children and watch the DVDs using this link. These videos will help you have discussions on how to make your home fire safe. We also encourage you to practise what to do if a fire starts anywhere in your house.
In this unit, there is a lesson about how to keep safe with matches and how matches and lighters are tools NOT toys. The Fire Service recommends that children feel safe with matches so each child will be given the opportunity to light a match under the careful supervision of a teacher. We are in no way promoting children playing with matches.
So far the children are really enjoying learning about fire safety and are making very thoughtful contributions during our sessions.
Gardens Trip Next 25th and 26th October
Next week, on Thursday 25th October (Mike and Paulette and half of Susan's home group) and Friday 26th October (Anna and Rebekah and half of Susan's home group) will be going to the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. On this day, the children will have a session in the Gardens, completing a Park Detective lesson and spending time in the Museum learning about birds and also in the Discovery Centre.
On these days, the buses depart school at 9:05 and will return to school by 3pm. Please make sure your child has a packed lunch and a jacket and drink bottle on this day. Thank you to all the parents who have kindly given their time to support this trip.
The Great New Zealand Shake Out
Our school has signed up for the Great NZ Shakeout School Challenge. Each person that completes the 8 challenges with their families will be in to get some cool prizes.
Some of the challenges include...
- Show someone how to drop cover and hold – inside and outside.
- Check your tsunami zone and plan where to go.
- Store water for three days or more.
- Identify which key household objects need to be secured or made safer through Fix. Fasten. Don’t Forget.
- Find out which natural hazards could affect your family.
- Work out what to pack in a getaway bag for your family.
- Make a plan which includes who will pick up the kids if the adults can’t get to school.
- Make a list of who can help in an emergency
Athletics
Athletics training has started this week and it is very encouraging to see the students improve in many of the athletics disciplines.
This year the Year 4s have been given the opportunity to compete in the Year 4-8 Athletics Day which is in week 3, Thursday 1st November. This is completely optional and we will send out an email to let you know if your child has chosen to participate on this day.
The Year 1-4 Athletics Day will be held on Wednesday 21st November from 11-12.40pm. You are most welcome to come and support your child on this day.
For your diary:
Oct 22: Labour Day (school closed)
Oct 25: Botanic Gardens/Museum Trip
Oct 26: Botanic Gardens/Museum Trip
Nov 1: School Athletic Sports Y4-8
Nov 16: Show Day (School closed)
Nov 26: Staff Only Day
Dec 20: Final day for the year. School closes at 12:30pm.
That's all for now.
From the Kōwhai Team