Kia ora e te whānau,
Arohamai (sorry) I forgot to let you know that last week we sent just over $3,000 to Twyford School, just out of Hastings as our contribution to their flood relief from the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle. I know the principal Sam is very appreciative of your generosity with our swimathon and coin trail. Extra special welcome this week to Maya who joined the team in Mataī with Trish. It is so cool that she has finally joined her little brother Dylan at our school. Nau mai (welcome) Maya!
Learner Conferences:
Thank you for your involvement in our Learner Conferences. Hero tells me that we had nearly 80% turnout across the school, which is great to see. Awesome effort to the whānau in Kahikatea who had 100% attendance – Ka pai! Karen wins the chocolate fish awards for using her persuasive techniques in getting her kids to make you book in. We hoped you found this time with your child’s kaiako valuable. If you have any feedback about how we could improve this form of reporting to you, please let us know, as we are always trying to improve what we do. Please remember our teachers are more than willing to meet with you at other times outside of these events, so if you felt there was more you wanted or needed to say or ask, please make time to meet with them. We see school as a partnership with home, embracing our uara (value) of whanaungatanga (relationships).
Interim Speed Management Plan:
You may be aware already of the PNCC Interim Speed Management Plan, which proposes to lower speed limits around schools. Through New Zealand’s national road safety strategy Road to Zero, the Government requires all councils to reduce speed limits on roads around schools. Have a look at the proposal that affects us at Turitea and feel free to give some feedback about whether you support this change.
Ngā Takaro Taonga:
As you can see above and below, on Wednesday I took 12 Year 5/6 tamariki to a Traditional Māori Games festival at Whakarongo School. Here they made friends with kids from the other schools participating and played old and new kēmu (games). They now have the challenge of teaching others in their classes and the school these games. Special mention to Iti, Maikara, Te Aranga and Richie who were identified by the referees as showing aspects of the four dimensions of Te Whare Tapa Whā (Māori health) which are Hinengaro – emotions, Wairua – resilience, Tinana – body, and Whānau – connections.
Cluster Singfest:
Our fantastic choir performed a range of songs of old and new with the other schools in our Fitzherbert Cluster yesterday. Nigel from Linton Camp School was really impressed with the quality of the singing and even thinks we could take it further and step it up next time to an event like KidSing. Thanks to all those who attended and supported Shane.
Massey PE Students:
This afternoon to celebrate the end of their 4 weeks together, Kahikatea and Tōtara had their soccer tournament at the Massey Sports Grounds. The team of Nigeria won with a second equal placing to Spain and Brazil. Massive thanks to Rachel Dickinson from Massey who organised the sessions.
Rugby with Coach Kahu:
Next Thursday we have Kahu Sturmey who plays for the Manawatū Cyclones and works for Manawatū Rugby coming to promote Girls Rugby with our Year 3-6 for the next 3 weeks. Kahu is a huge advocate for getting our kotiro involved in rugby and will eventually work with the rest of the school from Week 5 until the end of the term. A cool initiative to promote rugby, including the rippa version of the game too.
Parking:
Just a friendly reminder to be considerate of others when picking up your child from school. The yellow lined parks directly outside the office are designed for a quick pickup and go, not a stay and play. Please don’t park where there are not painted lines (e.g. in front of the staff parking by turf) as this prevents cars from turning easily at the end of the street making the flow of traffic go slow. Appreciate your support on this.
From the PTA:
The PTA AGM is next Thursday 11th May at 7pm in the Staffroom. It would be great to see some new faces, particularly if you are new to our school whānau and are looking to join in and help out.
Ever Green Fun Day:
Want something to do this Sunday? From 12pm – 2pm at the CET Arena on the Turf & Field 3 bring the kids along to meet their favourite Manawatū Turbos and Cyclones rugby players! They will have Skills & Drills sessions for kids aged 5 – 13 years and a BBQ sponsored by Humphries Construction and Spot prizes!
NZ Blood Bank:
On Saturday 13th May the NZ Blood Bank are opening their doors to try and attract more donors. They urge you to please give if you can. If it’s your first donation, please bring a photo ID to register. Remember to increase your fluids 24 hours prior to be well hydrated, as well as having eaten a substantial meal within 3 hours prior to donating. There is a quiz on the website to check eligibility. Thanks to Colleen, a former parent who works for them for keeping us in her mind
Dirt Duathlon:
Dirt Duathlon is a series like no other! They are made up of 3 mini adventure races (approx 3-4 hours) between June and August. You and your team can enter 1, 2 or all 3 events. They have recently lowered the entry age to 10 and thought some of our children may be interested in entering. Check out this cool event!
Need your nails done?
My name is Jeannah and our little family has just moved into the area and joined this awesome community. I am a fully qualified Nail Technician and have a home salon based in Gibraltar Way on Summerhill for any of you amazing people who need time for you and love to get your nails done. I have appointments available weekday evenings and on Saturday mornings. Please email me or call 021 040 6464 and we can find a time that works for you.
Ngā manaakitanga