Principal's Patch
Kia ora koutou
An extra and brief newsletter today as it is the end of the term.A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Year 7/8 camp at Wainui this week. The teachers have put weeks of planning into this and I want to acknowledge their huge efforts. Thank you also to all the parents and whānau who supported with baking, fundraising, attending camp and various other activities. I know that a terrific week of learning about stretching personal expectations and limits took place, with learning about the power of persistence, determination and self-belief were key learning outcomes for many. I am sure that there are around 125 extremely tired adults and children this evening, glad to be home again.
Early closing - Tuesday 7th May
As you may be aware, the negotiations between our teachers' union, NZEI, and the Ministry of Education continue with no agreement yet in sight. We are hosting a paid union meeting at Beckenham on Tuesday 7th May (replacing the meeting that was cancelled last term following March 15th events). We will be closing at 1:45pm on that day and request that you arrange for your children to be collected at 1:45pm, please.It has been a very busy term, and I would like to thank both staff and whānau for their support and commitment to our children and their learning. I know that staff and children, and hopefully families too, are looking forward to the holidays to recharge and relax.
I am heading away on May 3rd and will be away for 8 weeks. On my return to NZ I will be attending the NZPF conference in Auckland in the last week of Term 2, and look forward to being back on site again in Term 3.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Fri 3 May - New Whānau Morning tea, 8:45 - 9:15am, in the hall foyer.Fri 3 May - Welcome Assembly for new families - 9:15 - 9:30, in the school hall
Mon 6 May - School Cross Country in the afternoon. This is the correct date - not as stated in the last newsletter as the 8th May.
Tue 7 May - school closing at 1:45pm for Paid Union Meeting
Fri 10 May - Celebration Assembly. 12:10 - 12:40pm. Everyone Welcome.
Thu 16 May - BOT meeting, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Note that school will be CLOSED on both Monday 20th May and Monday 12th August for Teacher Only Days
Term Dates
Click here to view 2019 term dates.School Notices
Measles
Increasing tamariki vaccination rates is crucial to containing Canterbury’s measles outbreak.Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says the upcoming school holidays is a great opportunity to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.
The most effective way to stop the current measles outbreak is to vaccinate those aged 12 months to 28 years who have never received an MMR vaccine.
As well as vaccinating those who have never been immunised, to prevent the transmission of measles, and to protect those most at risk of developing serious complications from measles, a second MMR vaccine is being made available to more people. A second MMR vaccination is available to:
all those aged 12 months–28 years
caregivers of infants aged up to12months
those aged between 29 and 50 who work with children
Dr Pink says if you are travelling these holiday’s please make sure your tamariki are fully vaccinated before departing.
For more information visit https://www.cph.co.nz/news-events/
Football Goal Posts in Beckenham Park
The local football club has erected goal posts in Beckenham Park. We have been contacted by the Club with a plea that these are not treated as climbing frames. One of them has a net - these cost over $300 to replace - and should not be pulled/bounced off like a trampoline or other similar actions likely to cause damage.The goals are quite obviously not a piece of play equipment so please do not use them as such.
Sports News
Huxter Mountain Bike Relay
Erik was just telling us just yesterday that rain and mud made for more fun; well, he got his wish! Tino pai to all our riders! Congratulations to Ben Evans who achieved an impressive 6th place in the individual category.
Canterbury Swimming
We had a record number of children qualify for Canterbury Swimming this year. We recognise that these children put in a lot of work into their training outside of school.Congratulations to:
Zoe Clarke - 6th place Year 6 Freestyle
Charlotte O’Connor - 6th place Year 8 Breaststroke
Thomas Lyall - 5th place Year 7 Backstroke
BOT Update
Trustee Elections are happening in Term 2. Have you considered putting your name forward for election to the Board?Becoming a Trustee
Trustees are active leaders in our schools. They have an important role of supporting strong professional leadership and ensuring effective teaching for all students through informed governance.
Parents/caregivers and people in the wider community can be school trustees. School boards need to represent the diversity of their school communities to ensure a bright future for all our children.
The trustee elections are the opportunity to vote for candidates who will make a positive difference for children’s education. We need more people willing to use their skills and experiences for the benefit of students!
"Board members are entrusted by the community to ensure the success of our schools and a bright future for our children. We need an education system where all children are expected to succeed and one where we all take shared responsibility in ensuring this happens. As a member of a school board, you can make things happen - you can make a difference."
- Lorraine Kerr, NZSTA President
A call for nominations will be happening at the start of Term 2. Please keep an eye out for nomination forms and information.
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
St Martins Scout Group Book Fair and Table Top Sale
Sat & Sun 27-28 April, 9am-3pm297 Centaurus Road (near Rapaki)
We would LOVE your book donations before the sale - please drop off on the top door step of the den or email cubs@smartscouts.co.nz if you are unable to deliver them.
Please also email cubs@smartscouts.co.nz if you are keen to book a site for the Table Top Sale (byo 3x3m max gazebo if needed and table). $20 for one day, $30 for two days.
Landsdowne Terrace Playcentre
Landsdowne Terrace Playcentre, Cashmere is looking for a learning support worker to provide additional support for one of our tamariki and whānau. The position is for two sessions per week, 9-12 a.m, days negotiable, fixed term for 6 months. The ideal candidate will:❖ demonstrate a strong interest in Playcentre philosophy
❖ be familiar with Te Whariki and committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
❖ have experience working with tamariki with specific language, social communication, learning and behavioural difficulties.
❖ be able to collaborate with whānau, centre members and external agencies as required to develop and implement an individual education plan for each child
❖ educate and empower other centre members
Contact Sara Moore on 930 0436 or email sara.csc@playcentre.org.nz for an application form.
