Newsletter 25 August 2009

25 August 2009 Term 3 Week 6 09/26

Dear Parents & Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

Teacher Only Day
The teaching staff held the second Ministry approved Teacher Only Day at Puketeariki Marae, Karitane yesterday. Why did we meet there you may ask? There are a number of reasons:We hope to take the children on a marae visit next year – probably in term 2 – and we wanted to do some preparatory work with the coordinator of marae visits;
We wanted to use the new curriculum as a framework for planning this visit;
We also wanted to see how we could incorporate local Kai Tahu elements into our planning;Maori and Pasifika children throughout NZ are performing below the rest of the children in literacy and numeracy and schools have been challenged by the Ministry of Education to lift our performance for these groups. I am happy to report that Maori and Pasifika children at NEV Normal are doing as well as anyone else according to our achievement data but we have to remain vigilant for any change in this area.

The marae at Karitane is beautiful. It is decorated in a number of different styles and most of the carvings and artworks depict stories of the local hapu and iwi. The complex has a commanding view of Karitane, the beaches and surrounding hills.

We were welcomed warmly by the locals including the coordinator of the marae experience for schools, Diana Mules. Diana led us through what we could do with the children during the school visit. Diana also shared ideas with us about how we could maximise the experience in terms of learning.

During one of the discussions, I pointed out that a cousin of mine holidays every year in Tuscany but said to me that he had never been to a marae and would love to do so. I find this sad as a marae is an important part of our culture.

Parents and extended family will be welcome to participate in the marae trip with us next year.


John McKenzie
Principal
Visit the school’s website www.nevn.school.nz

Rainbow Class
The transition to school class for 4 year olds will be held this Thursday from 1.15 to 2.45pm in R11. If you have a 4 year old who would like to join this class please contact Mrs Will or the office.

Scholastic Book Club
Leaflets for Issue 6 are being sent home today.Orders with money need to be into the office by Friday 11 September. Please make cheques payable to Scholastic NZ.

Wacky Hair Friday
This Friday we are having a Wild Hair or Hat Day. Children can come to school with a wild hairstyle or hat.

Please bring along a gold coin donation to support Scott Kvick who is planning to skike from Cape Reinga to Bluff during summer in a bid to raise $20,000 for Canteen and the SPCA. Some children at school thought it would be a good idea to raise some money to donate to Scott’s very worthwhile fundraising cause.

Assembly
Friday’s 2.30pm assembly will be organised by Room 10 with items by Rooms 2 & 11. Assembly will be held in the Hall. Parents/caregivers are welcome to
attend.

Smart Food School Lunches
Smart Food lunches are available on Mondays & Thursdays at NEVNS. The cost is $2 or $3 for a larger lunch with two extra sandwiches. Orders & money in a named envelope need to be into the office by 9am.

PTA Hot Lunches
There are no hot lunches this Friday.

Road Patrol
Thank you to those parents/caregivers who have volunteered to help with road patrol. All vacancies are now filled.

Volleyball
Interschool volleyball games were held last Tuesday and today for Y5 and Y6 children. Many thanks go to Mrs Hesson who has organised this tournament for primary and intermediate children for many years.

Cross Country
11 of our NEV Normal Y5 and 6 children ran in the North Zone cross country at Balmacewen Intermediate School this morning. All children competed really well. Congratulations go to Mikaire Schooner, Harriet Koch and Jorja Hall who qualified for the Otago championships to be run on 11 September.

Many thanks to the parents/caregivers who helped transport the children.

PTA News
Term 3 Fundraiser

Hyndman Publishing Book & Gift Sale
Each family will be sent home a catalogue and order form with today’s newsletter. Please have a good look at it as there are some super bargains to be found. These books, diaries, calendars and cards make great Christmas or birthday presents. There will be spare catalogues in the office if you want to take some to work or friends to see if they want to order anything. All orders and money need to be into the office by Thursday 24th
September.

Next PTA Meeting
Last week’s meeting was postponed due to lack of
numbers, so there is a meeting today after school in Room 4. All welcome to attend.

Dates to Note
T3 Monday 20 July Friday 25 September
T4 Monday 12 October Friday 18 December

August
25 PTA Meeting 3.15pm
27 Rainbow Class
28 Wild Hair and Hat Day—gold coin donation
Wide Horizons trip R3

September
3/4 Life Education visit
10 Rainbow Class
11 Wide Horizons trip
OPPA Cross Country
14 BOT Meeting 6pm
15 School Photos
16 PTA Meeting 3.15pm
18 Wide Horizons trip
25 End of Term 3

Community News
North East Valley Junior Cricket: Registration: Saturday 20 September, 2-5 pm OR Tuesday 15 September, 4:30 to 5 pm, Clubrooms, Gardens Ground, Bank Street. Boys and girls ages 5-14 welcome. Gear Exchange table at Saturday
registration. For further information contact: Abby Smith, 473-0150, hgspencer@xtra.co.nz.

Southern Children's Choir: is actively seeking new members. Who: Girls from 8 to 18. Boys 8 and over with unbroken voices. When: Wednesday 7-8.15 pm. Where: Marama Hall, University of Otago. The choir sings in a variety of styles (classical, folk, popular) and languages, and gives a thorough education in choral technique. The ability to read music is an advantage. The ability to sing in tune is essential. Informal auditions will be held on Wednesday Sept 2 and Wednesday Sept 9 between 6pm and 7pm. Phone Sandy Garner or Anthony Ritchie 4762541 for further information or to book an audition.

Valley OSCAR is running a holiday programme from Monday 28th September until Friday 2nd October. As it is National OSCAR week we have a theme of Kalidescope Colour. Activites include archery, indoor bowls and a trip to the movies. More information can be obtained from Janette at 473 9413 or drop into NEV Baptist Church for an enrolment form. Enrolments close 23rd September.

Southern Gymnastic Academy School Holiday Programme: for all children aged 5-11. Starting on 29th September, 1st, 6th, and 8th October. Each
session starts at 9:00am and finishes at 10:30am. A repeat session runs later in the morning, starting at 11:30am and finishing at 1:00pm. Cost $7 per session, or $20 for all four sessions. Ph 477 5855 or email dunedin@southerngymnastics.co.nz or www.southerngymnastics.co.nz/holidayprogram