Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou (Warm greetings to you all)
Our kaiako (teachers) are currently busy completing assessments to inform upcoming report writing. Reports will be sent home in Week 11. We have been keeping whānau updated on curriculum changes this year and what these mean for learners. If you have any questions about progress descriptors, the curriculum, or learning goals, please contact your child’s teacher via email or HERO. We are always happy to connect and share what is happening in our classrooms.
Nau mai, haere mai to Evelyn and Olivia, who joined Anna and Lynley in Rimu this week. Evelyn is the first in her whānau at Turitea, so a special welcome to her and her family. We also welcome Olivia, the last of the Ponsford whānau to join us, alongside MacKenzie, Lincoln, and Harvey. It’s wonderful to have all four siblings with us this year. We trust our hāpori (community) will make you feel very welcome.
Trees for Survival
Last Monday, Tōtara travelled with Cameron to take part in a Trees for Survival planting day. We received this wonderful report and wanted to share it:
“Turitea School was the first in the area to complete their Trees for Survival planting, and it was fantastic to see everyone working so well together. Mali, the landowner, has set aside a significant basin of land featuring springs and seepages feeding a stream and several ponds before flowing into the Mangahao River.
Mali, a keen birdwatcher and environmentalist, shared her goal of creating an oasis for Matuku-hūrepo (Australasian Bittern). She also pointed out native birds and plants returning to the site, including eels, native reeds, and her first kingfisher spotted the day before.
Together we planted around 670 of the 883 plants grown by the children, with Mali’s son Angus planting the remainder. Species included flax, sedge, mānuka, kānuka, and cabbage trees.
A huge thank you to Mali, Angus, and our amazing tamariki for their effort in windy, sometimes rainy conditions, and to Rebecca and Lisa for the delicious kai afterwards.”
Kapa Haka
We are preparing as a whole school (Y0–6) for Pae Tamarik. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the excitement of the big stage. Our performance is on 23 July, with the exact time to be confirmed. We will share details as soon as possible.
New Speed signs
We are excited to share that from next week Fulton Hogan will begin installing new variable speed limit signs outside our school as part of the Speed Management Plan adopted by Council in April. Installation is expected to be completed by 30 June, with the signs going live from the start of Term 3 on Monday 20 July.
A big thank you to Troy and BOT member Fraser for helping progress this with Council, creating a safer environment for our tamariki.
Traffic management and access:
Work will be carried out using shoulder closures and stop/go traffic management. To minimise disruption, work will begin after 9am and aim to finish before 3pm, though some days may run longer depending on cabling and site requirements. Please expect traffic management in the area over the coming week.
Illness
Winter bugs are circulating, and we have had a few cases of strep throat. A reminder from our Public Health Nurse:
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a viral sore throat and strep throat. If your child has a sore throat, please have it checked promptly by a doctor or nurse. Children should remain at home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to help prevent the spread of infection.
PTA
The PTA AGM was held on Thursday evening. We can confirm the following roles have been filled:
- Chairperson – Jo Perry
- Secretary – Justine Noakes
Quiz Night – Save the Date!
Get your team together and mark your calendars for Saturday 19 September – our annual Quiz Night is back!
These events are only possible thanks to the amazing support of our school community, and we’d love your help. Whether you can spare a little time before the event or lend a hand on the night, we’d be grateful.
We’re looking for volunteers to help with:
- Quiz writing
- Sourcing prizes
- Scoring
- Running score sheets between tables and scorers
- Set up
- Courtesy Van Driver
If you’d like to get involved, please email pta@turitea.school.nz
Many hands make light work, and every bit of help makes a difference. Thank you for supporting our school community!
Term 2 Important Dates:
Here are all the dates for the rest of the term.
- Week 10:
- Year 5/6 Interschool Ki O Rahi on Wednesday 24th June
- Hui Ā Kura at 2.20pm on Friday 26th June
- Week 11:
- Mid Year Reports Live in Hero on Tuesday 30th June
- Last Day of Term is Friday 3rd July at 3pm.
Term 3 Important Dates:
- Week 1:
- Pae Tamariki performance – Y0-6 – Regent Theatre – time TBC
What’s happening in our Community:
- The Ōpiki Home & School Committee is in their rebuilding era and are kicking things off with a Hoedown Throwdown on Saturday 27th June at the Ōpiki Hall from 7-11pm. One of the best things about being part of a cluster of small rural schools is the ability to support one another.
- The Manawatū Youth Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast Jr. which is coming to the Globe Theatre from 8th-17th July. This beloved Disney classic features a cast of talented local performers bringing the tale of Belle, the Beast and their enchanted friends to life on stage. Tickets are $18.
- Higgins Concrete are having a kids colouring competition to design their truck artwork. The winning design will be professionally wrapped. Download the form here and enter by 24th July.
- Manawatu Badminton Association has a Holiday Programme in the second week of the holidays.
- Kelly Sport also have their action-packed Holiday Programme full of sport, games & fun.
Kia pai tō rā whakatā (Have a great weekend)
Anna