Kia ora e te whānau,
I am writing you this pānui from Ōtautahi (Or-toe-tar-he: Christchurch) as I am currently attending the NZPF (New Zealand Principals Federation) annual hui (who-e: conference) down here. I’ve felt privileged to be able to connect with almost 800 tumuaki (too-moo-ar-key: principals) from around the motu (more-too: country). I’ve also been able to listen to some amazing speakers including former Black Fern legend Dr. Farah Palmer, Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson, Renown Scientist Dr. Siouxsie Wiles and NZ Māori Academic Prof. Russell Bishop. It has meant that I have missed the majority of Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori, which is a shame. Hopefully you and your whānau have taken on the challenge of Ko Te Reo, Kia Rere or to letting the Māori language fly. All NZ schools are required to be Active Treaty Partners and it is our obligation to uphold the mana of our founding document Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Covid Protection Framework:
You’ll be aware that earlier in the week, New Zealand moved to a new long-term approach to Covid-19. These changes were made based on public health advice and the declining case numbers across New Zealand. This will only result in minor changes to the way we operate at Turitea School.
-Household contacts of a person with Covid-19 no longer need to isolate, but are asked to complete a RAT each day, for five days and should continue to attend school if it is negative.
-Mask wearing is no longer required.
New Board of Trustees:
By now you should have received communications from CES that they declared the following duly elected. I am excited to work with them and look forward to our first meeting together next Tuesday 20th September.
Numbers for 2023:
As I mentioned last week as we start to tentatively plan for 2023, I am trying to map class placement. With numbers being full and a growing wait list, if you do not plan to be attending Turitea School next year, please let myself or Julie at the office know so we can make adjustments. If you have a younger member of your whānau who are looking to attend in the future, please can you fill out the pre-enrolment form.
8am Drop Off:
A gentle reminder to not drop your child off before 8am in the morning. We offer this to help parents in the morning who have to work, please don’t take advantage of this.
Te Manawa Trip:
This week, our whole school visited Te Manawa to look at the exhibits and links to simple machines. The feedback from all our seniors that I talked to was really positive. I’ve seen some cool photos on some class Seesaw pages, so do check those out. Your termly Activity Fee covered the cost of the bus and entry to this. If you are still yet to pay this, please can you arrange to do this at the office.
Upcoming School Holiday Programme:
Looking for some plans or options for the October school holidays?
-Kelly Sport offers an active and fun programme at College Street School. More information found here.
-Te Manawa also has an exciting programme on offer, with lots of free things. More information found here.
Linton Community Colour Run:
On Saturday 1st October the NZDF are running a community Colour Run event running in the Linton housing area. This is open to all tamariki from the Fitzherbert Cluster schools. Check out here for more information.
Sports @ Turitea:
We need some Parent Helpers for our School Athletics on Thursday 29th September from 9am-12:30pm. Please email Anna if you can help. Summer Sports teams and information have been shared to you through Hero, so please check your notifications, if you haven’t heard anything. Please join the Turitea Sports Facebook Group to get connected.
Kia pai tō rā whakatā (Key-ah-pie-tore-rahh-far-car-tar: Have a great weekend)
Troy