15 September 2009 Term 3 Week 9 09/29

Dear Parents & Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa
School is usually a busy place but seems busier than normal at present. Parents who pop into school during the day will see children engaged in a number of activities: watering plants in their class gardens; walking tall puppets about the schoolyard as they prepare for the puppet performance this coming Friday; playing all sorts of games, especially enjoying various forms of soccer and rugby using the new posts on the top field. The sunny days certainly lend themselves to more outdoor activities.

I attended a conference on student engagement last week. Student engagement is defined by academics in high falutin language but put simply is when children bring their hearts, bodies and minds to learning. The aim of teachers is to fully engage
children in school life so they achieve their potential. When I was listening to the conference speakers, I was delighted to hear that the things research show helps children to be engaged are things we do well here at NEV Normal: we have small class sizes, especially at the junior end of the school; we try to ensure children enjoy success from the minute they arrive so they feel good about learning; we provide a wide range of support mechanisms for children who struggle (e.g.: reading recovery, learning support, social worker, after school club, the Valley project etc…); we connect the learning with real life; we have clear discipline policies; we set goals with children; we get them to reflect on their learning; we especially help new comers settle in…. the list goes on.

While we can always improve our practice, I am satisfied that we already go a long way to ensure success for the students who attend this school!

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

Artists in Schools Performance
The children have been working hard on their puppets and their songs for the puppet performance which will be held this Friday 18 September at 1.45pm in the hall. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. We thank Kaitrin, Drew and Anna for their enthusiasm and their expertise.

Black Clothing for Performance
All puppeteers (children) need to have black or dark clothing for the performance. Please send suitable clothing to school by Friday for the children to change into.

Assembly
There will be no assembly due to the puppet performance.

Keeping Ourselves Safe Parent Meeting
A notice was sent home on Friday concerning this meeting to be held on Monday 21 September. This meeting will be led by John Somerfield, our police education officer. The programme is designed to give children the skills to cope in situations involving abuse. Please complete the return slip advising numbers who will attend this meeting and hand in to the office.

Scholastic Book Club Sale
Leaflets for the Scholastic sale were sent home last week. Orders with money need to be into the office by this Friday 18 September please. Cheques should be made payable to Scholastic NZ.

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 PTA hot lunches this Friday.

School Photos
Class photos and individual photos of each child have been taken today. The proofs and order forms will be available shortly.

Maori & Pacific Island Festival
Last Thursday the senior school participated in the Maori and Pacific Island Festival held at the Edgar Centre. They have been practicing their Kapa Haka for some time and their performance was polished and very well received.
Thanks go to Frank Edwards for assisting the group with their songs and actions.

Cross Country
Congratulations to Harriet Koch, Mikaire Schooner and Jorja Hall who represented NEV Normal in the Otago Primary Schools Cross Country at Balmacwen Intermediate School on Friday. The whole school cross country will be held on Tuesday 22 September from 12.45-2.45pm at Chingford Park.

Sports Awards
Congratulations to Shay Crombie who was awarded the ‘Most Improved Player’ trophy and Meihana Schooner who was awarded ’Player of the Year’ trophy for the under 8s team; Cameron McMillan who was awarded the ‘Most Improved Player’ trophy for the Under 7s team and Mikaire Schooner who was awarded a participation certificate for the Otago Metro rugby team at the Alhambra Union Rugby Football Club prizegiving. Great effort everyone!!

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

September
17 Vision and Hearing Testing
18 Puppet Performance 1.45pm
21 Keeping Ourselves Safe Parent Meeting 5.30pm
21 BOT Meeting 6pm
22 School Cross Country 12.45-2.45pm Chingford
25 End of Term 3

October
12 Start of Term 4
19 School swimming block commences
25 Labour Day—school closed
30 School swimming block ends

November
2 Cultural Day

PTA News
Term 3 Fundraiser – Hyndman Publishing Book & Gift Sale
Please remember that all orders and money need to be into the office by Thursday 24th September. These will be sent away and we will hopefully have the books back at the beginning of Term 4.

Monogrammed School Jackets
The PTA has recently purchased 17 monogrammed school jackets. These will be worn by the students when they are visiting other schools, or at competitions. This purchase was made possible by the very kind generosity of the Foodstuffs Community Trust, who granted us the total cost of the jackets.

Next PTA Meeting
A meeting will be held today (15th September) after school.

Community News
Ma-Fi Arts Workshop: Art school for kids Room 104, King Edward Court. Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Pottery, Print-Making, Mask-Making plus many other art/craft related activities. Holiday Programme Sept 28 –Oct 9 Open: 8am – 5:30pm daily Mon – Fri, From 3 hours & up to all day, sessions available. Ph: 477 6112/472 8072/ 0211147971, Email: ma-fiarts@clear.net.nz For more information: Images, Fees, Enrolment Forms etc see our website http://www.ma-fiarts.co.nz

West Harbour Home and Garden Tour: Saturday 10 October 10am-4pm, . Tickets $25 each, Devonshire tea included. For tickets and further information: Vanessa (03) 471 0221 westharbourgardentour@hotmail.com Please note: Out of respect for these special properties, we have designed this tour for adults.

Dunedin BMX Club Schools Challenge 2009: No experience necessary and any push bike can be used. Mum and Dad, this is cheap at $3.00. An info pack is available at the school office or phone Jason 4766414 or jwhitehead@cutlers.co.nz. Prizes - each rider receives a certificate- winning school receives a trophy - each school team gets their photo taken.

KiwiSkate and Kiwihockey Holiday Classes: at the Dunedin Stadium. Week 1: Monday 28 Sept - Friday 2 Oct. Week 2: Monday 5 Oct – Friday 9 Oct. 9am-10am for Kiwihockey and 10am – 11am for Kiwiskate. Cost: $30.00 per person 1 hour lesson per day for 1 week. Suitable for children 5+. 101 Victoria Rd. For further information ph 456 4556.