He mihi tino nui ki a koutou, (Warmest greetings to you all)
Didn’t Cameron do well on the pānui last week? He really has a way with words and I could even hear him saying some of the things out loud as I read them, with a ‘Oh that’s so Cameron’ here and there. Hope you enjoyed a nice break from me giving you the lowdown on the week that was.
This week however has been a rough one for me, I’ve spent most of it in bed with flu-like symptoms, so that might be why you haven’t seen me on the gate each afternoon. We have also had Carly and Faye both unwell this week too. I only just came back to life yesterday to welcome a group of tumuaki (principals) to our kura as it was our turn to host our first regional MAC hui of the year. This is the same kaupapa (learning) that we were a part of last week in Waitangi. In true Turitea style, we made our manuhiri (visitors) feel very welcome with an outstanding haka powhiri filled with passion and smiles. Whaea Anneliese and myself then shared with these rangatira (leaders) all the amazing mahi we do in the Te Ao Māori space to hopefully inspire them to take back to lead in their kura. I always love showing off the mīharotanga (amazingness) that we have here, so feel very whakahīhī (proud) in doing so.
On Wednesday we welcomed Makayla to Kauri, a new Year 5 tauira (student) who has moved up to us from Whitby. Our tuakana (seniors) were delighted to make a new friend and show her the way of life at Turitea. Nau mai haere mai Makayla.
Junior Cluster Athletics:
Despite the dicey weather this morning, Meagan still took a team of 20 tough tamariki; Keita, Grace G, Billy B, Liam M, Beckett, Hazel M, Marnie, Scarlett, Caleb D, Kason, Patrick, Mila C, Mila S, Mila R, Skyla, Esmay, Ben H, Kaia, Lachie and Logan to Junior Cluster Athletics at Tokomaru School. They all had a blast as you can see above and didn’t let the wet put them off. Ngā mihi (thanks) to Murray, Shayla and Mel from Tokomaru for their organisation of the day. Thanks again to our wonderful parent helpers who assisted with transport and supervision.
Southern Cluster Swimming:
On Tuesday, Anneliese took her squad of Year 5/6 swimmers; Amelia C, Grace, Finn, Blake, Ayla, Mackenzie, Rory, Kyerin, Felicity and Elisa to Southern Cluster Swimming at the Lido Aquatic Centre. We had some pleasing results with Kyerin coming 1st in 25m freestyle and 25m butterfly, Mackenzie coming 3rd in 25m backstroke, Blake coming 3rd in 25m backstroke and 3rd in 50m freestyle. Mackenzie, Rory, Ayla & Kyerin came 2nd in the mixed freestyle relay. Ka rawe koutou (Awesome everyone!) Shout out to Ebony from Riverdale for organising the day and letting us be a part of this new event for us.
Year 6 Mural Project:
Last week Carolyn narrowed the crew down to ten students; Elisa, Riley, Ruby, Amelia M, Jack, Finn, Kazuri, Toby, Ben and Chris to make the ten pieces of mahi toi (artwork) as you can see above (but you can’t see the finished product yet). This week they worked tirelessly to complete these amazing works of art and they just need to be left for the next five days to cure before we mount them on the back fence. We will have our big reveal of these Next Friday at 9am. All are welcome to attend, but we would especially love it if the parents of those listed above could make it for this special day.
Anzac Army Day:
Next Friday, with thanks to Hunter (Topher and Ben’s Dad) we are getting a taste of Army life, as well as having a mini pre-Anzac service at school from 11.30am. We are lucky to have many parents affiliated with the NZDF and we love when they bring that connection into our kura. Thanks to those who have put their hand up (or been ‘voluntold’) to come for the day. We are looking forward to this event to wrap up the term.
New Teacher:
We are on the hunt for a new teacher just for Terms 3/4 to work alongside Anna in Rimu, as our predicted numbers have us needing an extra set of hands. I have published the job in the Education Gazette so if you know of any top shelf kaiako that would fit our team for the remainder of the year, please share with them.
School Donation Receipts:
A few parents have been asking about getting a donation receipt for tax claims. Julie put out a reminder that you can access your receipts at any time, just not through the Hero app. You need to use a web browser, log into your account, click on the finance section, select “View all Payments” and your receipts will be there.
Giant Paukena (Pumpkin) Competition:
It has been really neat to see these starting to come back into school this week, as you can see above. We have decided to extend the entries another week and have our prize giving for this at Hui Ā Kura next Friday. If you have any paukena to still come in, please send them in.
From the PTA:
Thank you to those who supported our Easter Raffle fundraiser and sold tickets for this. Hot Cross Buns are set to be delivered by Doughboys next Monday so come and grab them on pick up in the afternoon. Thanks for your support if you ordered them.
From the Community:
- Tokomaru Cubs led by former Turitea parent Erin, invites adventurous 8-11 year olds to join their weekly meetups for lots of outdoor fun on Wednesdays at 5:30pm at Tokomaru Scouts Hall,
- PNHSOB (High School Old Boys Rugby) are having their team muster day this Sunday 7th April at 11am at the YMCA on Park Rd. New and returning members are welcome.
- Bunnings invites everyone to a free family Easter event with crafts, games and a sausage sizzle next Thursday 10th April. Enjoy a fun evening with community groups and activities.
- NZ Blood always needs more donors. Have you considered giving blood before? Check out the poster for more information.
- Marist Football have First Kicks running next term, which is a fun 10-week football program aimed at 4–6 year olds and is a great opportunity to introduce sport to young children. It costs $45 for the term. See the poster for more details.
Holiday Programmes:
Only one more week until holidays and there are plenty of opportunities as you can see:
- Kelly Sports Holiday Programme – See their information here.
- Junior Jets Basketball Camp – More information here.
- Bounce Basketball Academy – See the poster here.
- Epic Music – Check out our website for more information.
- Badminton Manawatū – See the flyer here.
- Camp Wharerama – Week long camp information here, and day camps information here.
I know the weather hasn’t played ball today, but we still hope to see you this evening at school for the PTA Easter Event from 4-7pm. Bring a jacket and a brolly and lets embrace the rain together.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz