End of Term 3 Week 7 Pānui

Kia ora e te whānau,

Thanks for all the love you showed me on Tuesday for my ‘big birthday’. Sounds like some things can’t be kept secret around here. It wasn’t all treats, cards and presents though (however they were really nice, see the photos) my office did get quite the makeover! Have a laugh at my expense here to see what some of the staff did for me… Hope that some of you took on the wero (weah-roar: challenge) of using some Te Reo Māori in your daily life this month. I’d love to hear how you’re getting on. With next week being Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, it would be great to have you join us giving it a go. Karawhiua! (Car-Rah-Few-Ah: Give it heaps)

Numbers for 2023:

I am starting to crunch the numbers for 2023 to work out as much as I can around how next year might look. Obviously we give preference to in zone students and siblings of current students, so if you have a younger member of your whānau who are looking to attend Turitea School next year or even in 2024, please can you let us know through the pre-enrolment form, so I know how many spaces we could have for out of zoners, as we are fielding lots of interest at the moment. 

Te Manawa Trip:

On Tuesday next week, our Tuakana (Kauri, Totara, Matai classes) head to Te Manawa to look at Simple Machines. On Wednesday, our Teina (Pohutukawa, Rātā, Rimu and Manuka) head off. We are still in need of some parent helpers in a few classes, so if you are able to help, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Remember that your termly Activity Fee covers this. If you are still yet to pay this, please can you arrange to do this at the office.

School Disco:

Thanks to the PTA for putting on a fab Disco last week. I really enjoyed seeing the efforts everyone put into their costumes and having a kanikani (car-knee-car-knee: dance). The playlist that DJ AJ dropped had something for everyone, I’m sure your tamariki loved it. I’m extremely grateful for our PTA and all the efforts they put into creating these fun events for our kids and opportunities for parents to connect with each other

Board of Trustees Voting:

This closed on Wednesday and we will have the results by Tuesday next week to share with you. We eagerly anticipate who of the seven were elected by you to fill the five seats we have. Our first meeting together will be on Tuesday 20th September to farewell our outgoing board and welcome the new incoming board. 

Year 5/6 Camp:

As I mentioned last week, this is booked at Makahika OPC from 7th-10th November and that day will creep up on us fast. The cost is $340.45 per student, but please reach out to us if that is going to be a struggle, as we don’t want price to be a barrier. The parent evening for all is on Thursday 20th October at 6pm in Tane Mahuta. A gear list should have come home today with all the bits and pieces you’ll need to have ready. 

Sports @ Turitea:

Entries are now open for the 2023 Weetbix Tryathlon on Tuesday 21st March. Please follow this link and join the Turitea School team. We need at least two more Year 4, 5 or 6’s to make a second Volleyball team. Find the information and registration here. Summer Sports for Term 4 will have team lists and information out in the next couple of weeks. Please check your Hero notifications. Our School Athletics Day is all set for Thursday 29th September at Massey Athletics Track, so please put that date on your calendar. 

DanceNZmade:

Manawa from Totara was involved in DanceNZmade this week and was one of the few children to get given a Golden Ticket. He was selected for his awesomeness in their workshops and will be in the running to have $1000 of dance tuition paid for through Dean Mckerras’ Red Star Dance. Ka rawe Manawa! On the end of our Jump Jam success, we look forward to getting Turitea School on the DanceNZmade circuit next year.

From the Office:

We still have plenty of eggs from Hercoe’s Farm for sale for $7 a dozen, cash only. If you have any Yummy Apple stickers, please send them in as we need to send them back soon to get free sports gear.

Epic Holiday Programme:

Epic Music Academy run a holiday program through both weeks of the school holidays teaching a range of instruments and doing a heap of awesome activities. Look at their website or email them for more details.

I’m sure you can join me in giving our thoughts to King Charles III, members of the Royal Family and all those across the Commonwealth who mourn the passing of Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth II.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Troy