Kia ora e te whānau,
I have to thank you all for your support of yesterday’s Teacher Strike. I know this must have caused some of you an inconvenience, but we appreciated the people who responded with or shared their words of encouragement, it meant a lot. One thing I want to reiterate is that yesterday wasn’t about getting more pay for teachers, as often the media can portray a strike in that light. It is about getting the support and conditions that schools are needing to cater for the growing diverse needs in every classroom. Our Turitea teachers work really hard to give your kids the best education they can and I want to keep them in good shape and not burn them out and potentially lose them. We as a union have been crying out for the government to listen and sometimes you just have to put your foot down. Hopefully you saw our crew out by the Fitzherbert Bridge and you gave them a toot for their commitment and clever signs pictured below.
This week was sad as we farewelled Guinevere from Tōtara as her family returned to Singapore. I know she will be missed by the friends she has made in her time here. We welcomed Kaia to Rimu today joining Mum (Anneliese) and big brother Tahu. We also give a special welcome to Carlos who has also joined Rimu. He has arrived with his whānau from the Philippines – Salamat to you! Nau mai, Haere mai ki te whānau o Turitea (welcome to our Turitea family)
Year 5/6 Inter School Triathlon:
Massive congratulations to Natalie pictured above who won the Year 5 Girls Inter School Triathlon on Wednesday at Skoglund Park. Ka rawe Natalie, out of a field of nearly 60 competitors from across Palmerston North, you were the fastest! Also well done to Grace – 6th, Ruby – 15th, Antonio – 23rd, Sophia – 44th and Kerian – 48th.
New School on Ruapehu Drive:
On Wednesday, I met with Daryl from the Ministry of Education with regards to the new school that is being built on Ruapehu Drive. He told me that the school, which is yet to be named, will function as a full primary (Year 1-8) with the anticipated size to be 350 students, with the capacity to grow to 650. The contractors anticipate it will be completed ready to open for students from January 2025. If you are interested in finding out more about this project, they are having an information evening on Wednesday 29th March at 6pm at the clubrooms above the Hockey Turf on Manawaroa Street. What does this mean for us at Turitea? We will continue to be the small semi-rural school and aim to offer all the things that this new school won’t be able to. Things like single cell classrooms with smaller sizes, a quaint school nestled in an idyllic country setting and no more than 170 kids because we don’t want to give up field space to build more classrooms.
From the PTA:
Thank you to everyone who has helped make tomorrow be the intended success that we hope it to be. If you have brought in donations for the white elephant stall, made a cake or slice for the bake sale, offered to help take a stand or booth for an hour, helped with the organisation…. Whakawhetai Koe! (Thank you!) We are so very grateful and look forward to seeing you tomorrow from 8am.
Student Teacher in Rimu:
On Monday, Ash Hannam is joining the team in Rimu as a student teacher for the next 7 weeks. We look forward to welcoming her and helping her grow alongside Meagan. I was able to meet Ash and the nearly 40 trainee teachers from Massey University on Thursday and prepare them for their upcoming placements across the rohe. (region) It is safe to say that this crop of educators helps reassure me that we have quality applicants joining the trade.
Bike Safety for Year 5/6:
Starting the week of the 27th March, Erin and the team from Sport Manawatū are running some bike safety sessions with the Year 5/6s in Tōtara and Kahikatea. I have attached the letter for your perusal and we will send the permission form out on a separate Hero post to those involved.
MCA Yeah Girls Cricket:
So great to have Sarah and Jess running some lunchtime sessions about their Yeah Girls Cricket programme. Unfortunately the rain put today’s session off but they will be back next Wednesday for those in Year 4 and above who are keen to get involved and have a chuck or a hit.
Cluster Swimming:
Next Thursday 23rd March, Cameron is taking 12 kids to Cluster Swimming at the Kupe Pools at Linton Military Camp. Best of luck to Ada, Antonio, Blake, Callum, Elias, Finn, Grace, Maikara, Mia, Natalie and both Ruby’s who will represent Turitea with pride.
Weetbix Tryathlon:
If your child is involved in this next Tuesday, please can you let your child’s teacher know and/or use the Hero app. (Top left three lines > Report an Absence) Look out for the Turitea Gazebo on the day and come hang with us.
Lucky Book Online:
Thank you for your responses to our survey. The results were massively in support of us moving to all online ordering through the Loop App on Google or Apple or online.
Hopefully we will see you at the Monster Garage Sale. Don’t forget to bring money as it is cash only.
Hei āpōpō, (see you tomorrow)