Tēnā koutou katoa,
Today we farewelled Shane (AKA Mr. Brown) from Turitea School. He started his teaching journey here in 2009 and has taught nearly 350 children and taken almost the same amount of school singing sessions. We know he will love the next chapter of his life as he follows his passion of music and theatre with New Stage Productions. As you can see below, he donated a beautiful Pōhutukawa tree that we planted next to the sandpit as a way to remember him. The following whakataukī comes to mind with his new endeavour – ‘Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei – Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.’ Ake runga (Give it your best) Shane!
As Trish mentioned last week in the pānui, what an amazing job our tamariki did at Production last week. If you missed it like me, the video is being edited currently, but we hope to alleviate some of the sound loss caused by the microphone issues. We hope to have this available for your viewing pleasure by the middle of next term. In the interim, here are some stills captured by Rob (Karen’s Husband) on the night and here is a copy of the programme. (Excuse the weird page order, it’s to make it print in a booklet nicely)
Assembly:
We held our final assembly of the term this afternoon and Richie and Franklyn from Tōtara stepped up to show their leadership in running the event. Oscar ran a mini performance too, showcasing the talents of his aspiring musicians from Epic Music Academy. Our values certificate recipients for this week were:
Rimu: Mila S – Mātauranga, Ben Hannam – Manaakitanga, Chichi – Mātauranga, Dylan – Mātauranga
Rātā: Freddie – Mātauranga
Pōhutukawa: Ihaia – Manaakitanga
Mataī: Topher – Mātauranga
Tōtara: Travis – Kaitiakitanga
Kahikatea: Harlow – Mātauranga
Tumuaki: Richie – Manaakitanga
The Legend of Okatia:
The picture above shows that this morning we were lucky to hear from Kane Parsons, who collaborated with UCOL, Te Pūkenga and our local iwi Rangitanē to create a pūrakau (story) about the forming of Te Āpiti (Manawatū Gorge). He came up with an orchestral composition which was performed live at the Regent in May. He shared his journey with us and inspired us with his fun personality and his song ‘64, which the kids loved. Check out his other resources here.
Army Day:
Yesterday, we had Army Day at school which Meagan organised with Hunter (Ben and Topher’s Dad). Here our kids were treated to a really cool insight into what a lot of Turitea whānau who are involved in the military do for a living. Huge thanks to Jacob and Tineke (Marley and Eli’s parents), Raniera (Te Aranga and Ihaia’s Dad), Jess (Michael’s Mum), Hannah (Leo’s Mum), Lazir (Ariki’s Dad) and Casey (Griffin’s Dad) who showed us the command tent and LOV (Light Operation Vehicle), their packs, their rations, how to make their tent/bed, how to use a walky talky and as you’re probably aware by now; how to camouflage their face with camo paint. The kids had a blast as you can tell from above and we look forward to the next event with our other military whānau being involved too.
Parent Meetings:
Next term we are having three after school parent meetings that we would love your engagement in. Some of these may not concern you, but we at least want to put them all out there for you. Bring your kids if you need to and let them play in the playground, while we share with you all about the following:
Week 2 – Wednesday 18th October at 5.30 – 6.30pm: Structured Literacy Information Evening. This is designed to answer any questions you might have about why we teach reading and writing the way we do, now that is different to how you all learnt.
Week 4 – Wednesday 1st November from 5.30 – 6.30pm: Relationships and Sexuality Education Evening. You might be interested in how this topic is taught in all schools across Aotearoa. Come along to learn what this looks like for them in that space. More information about this can be found here if you are interested.
Week 7 – Wednesday 22nd November from 5.30 – 6.30pm: Year 5/6 Camp Information Evening. If your child is currently in Year 4 or 5, they will be attending our senior camp at Highland Home in Pohangina from the 5th – 8th March 2024. This evening is designed to talk you through the plan, timetable and facilities etc. It will also inform you on the process if you would like to be a parent helper whilst on camp.
Kapa Haka:
Whaea Tūrehu had to attend a tangihanga (funeral) on Wednesday, so was unable to take Kapa Haka for us. Instead, we had Cassius, Ezekiel, Ruby and Ada step up to lead the entire school and they did the most AMAZING job. They led with such mana (prestige) and whakaiti (humility). It made us all so proud to see our leaders shining. Ka mau te wehi! (Great job)
Ruapehu Drive School Update:
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has completed the initial planning required for this new school and before moving to the design stage, has re-evaluated the future demand for schooling in the Summerhill area. It has been decided to delay construction until there is more certainty on the demand in the area. Currently, there is no deferral date set. The MoE will be retaining the land for future educational need.
Micro Forest:
Ruby from Horizons donated a bunch of native trees for our next outdoor development plan behind Tāne Mahuta and Tōtara. We had some keen kids above showing our value of Kaitiakitanga and helped Meryl plant them. Our goal is to turn this space into a Micro Forest with steps down to it and a boardwalk that weaves around the trees so that our tamariki can engage in nature as well as learn about the wildlife that it will attract.
Activity Fee:
On Wednesday, Julie sent home invoices to those who still have to pay. We appreciate your prompt payment with these. Please note that the Activity Fee for Term 3 is due today if you haven’t paid this yet. Please check the Finances tab in Hero or reach out to her via email if you have any queries.
Let’s Talk Pop Up Play:
PNCC would love to hear your children’s thoughts on how they can make the City Centre a fun place for everyone. Come down to Te Marae o Hine, The Square on Wednesday 27th September from 11:30am-1:30pm to share your ideas. They have giant games like Connect Four, Giant Jenga, basketballs and hula hoops and for everyone. Come down for a sausage sizzle and a chat. More information here.
Interim Speed Management Plan:
The final deliberations report for this will be presented at an extraordinary meeting of Strategy and Finance at the City Council on Wednesday 11th October at 2pm. We look forward to a positive result in the hope that they can go ahead with the plan to reduce the speed limit from 100km to 60km. We will keep you posted.
Wind Farm Community Liaison Group:
Back on Tuesday 22nd August, Mercury Energy hosted their community meeting at our school. A summary of the meeting can be found here. Their next meeting will be held here in March 2024. You’ll find information about the project here if you are interested.
Horizons Connection Day:
Horizons Council are organising Local Connection Day on Tuesday 3rd October from 9am – 4pm at the Marton School Hall. Come along to hear more about indigenous seed saving, growing kūmara, and the cultural history of the Marton area. To register for this event, please complete this form.
Holiday Programmes:
-True Hoops Basketball Camp. Information for the Bigs is here and the Littles are here.
-Netball Manawatū Holiday Programme. Information here and register here.
-Kelly Sports Holiday Programme. Click here to register or contact Craig on 027 668 0636
-Epic Music Academy Holiday Programme, check out the flyer for more information.
-Alliance Francaise are running their French Holiday programme. Check out the link for details.
Māori Rugby League Tournament:
All the best to Cassius who left yesterday to represent Manawatū in the U11 Māori Rugby League Championships in Whakatāne. Karawhiua Cass! (Give it heaps)
Thanks everyone for another great term. If you manage to have some time off over the next two weeks, we hope you enjoy the time to connect with your whānau. We say Bon Voyage to Julie and her husband Andy as they are heading home to the UK to visit whānau for the next 4 weeks and aren’t back until after Labour Weekend. In true Julie style, she will be checking in from time to time, but we won’t see her smiling face around the place. As always, Hero is the best place to report absences as opposed to calling in. Bit of a long one today sorry whānau, I’ll blame the fact that I didn’t write to you last week and it’s the last day of term. See you all back here on Monday 9th October.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz
PS. Up The Wahs!!