Newsletter 24 November 2009

24 November 2009 Term 4 Week 7 09/36

Dear Parents & Caregivers

Kia ora Koutou Katoa
National Standards Forum
As mentioned in last weeks newsletter, I attended this forum in Wellington. There was universal support among the education leaders present to ask the Minister of Education to immediately postpone the introduction of the National Standards pending a thorough trial of them in a limited number of schools. Here’s hoping the government will reconsider their stance and allow the policy to be tested. As Professor John Hattie said “it could be the most disastrous policy formulated.”

Mrs Navaratne
This week we farewell Mrs Navaratne who is finishing her time as an employee at NEV Normal. Mrs Navaratne has worked with Mrs Probert teaching the children for whom English is a second or new language. In her time here she has endeared herself to the children and staff alike with her quiet and kindly nature and dedication to her work. We will miss her and wish her all the best for the future.

No Hat No Play
All children must wear a hat (this term and Term 1 next year) with a full brim - not cap while outside. Children who do not have a hat must sit in the shade during outside time.


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

Year 6 EOTC Week
This week the Year 6 children undertake their Education Outside the Classroom programme. Activities include orienteering, a trip to Warrington beach, a tramp in Ross Creek, the Orange Day road patrollers parade, a swim at Moana Pool, as well as outdoor activities at school. We wish the children in room 5 a successful week. A contribution of $10 per child has been asked for this programme. Please send the money to school with your child or pay at the office. Thank you.

Assembly
Friday’s 2.30pm assembly will be organised by Room 2 with items by Rooms 10 & 8. Assembly will be held in the Hall. Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.

Smart Food School Lunches
There will be no Smart Food lunches on Monday 30 November.
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.

Road Patrol
Thank you to the volunteer who will help supervise road patrol on Friday afternoons. If you can help supervise the road patrollers on Wednesday afternoons please contact Mrs Staynes or the office.

PTA News
Term 4 Fundraiser – 2010 Calendars
The 2010 Calendars have now arrived and will be available for collection from the class rooms tomorrow (Wednesday). Don’t forget to check out the back of the calendars for your discount vouchers. Very handy for Christmas – “Spend $100 at Toyworld and get $10 off your purchase;” “20% off all art and craft products at Warehouse Stationery” and many more.

PTA Minutes of each Meeting
If you would like to check out what we do at each PTA meeting and what is discussed, feel free to check out a copy of the minutes in the red PTA folder on the table in the office.

Next PTA Meeting
The next PTA get together will be on Tuesday 7th December at 7pm at Filadelfio’s. Everyone is most welcome to come along and have a drink and a chat with the members of the PTA.

Sports Report
Touch
Last Thursday our touch team played a very good St Clair team and lost 6 to 1. Mikaire was named ‘Player of the Day’.

BOT Meeting
The Board of Trustees met on Monday 16 November. Items discussed were the recently released national standards; school wide assessment results for English, Writing: Recount; approval of the Y6 EOTC programme; progress on tender documents for the structural strengthening of the College block and the senior block.; a review of the recent swimming block taken by JC swim school; a review of property policies.

Dates to Note
T4 Monday 12 October Friday 18 December

November
23-27 EOTC Week for Y6
27 Orange Day Road Patrollers Parade

December
1 Senior School Golf 9.30am-12pm
3 Logan Park High School Performance 9.10-10.45
3 Rainbow Class 1.15pm
4 Helpers Morning Tea 10.30am
Wide Horizon Trip R2
7 BOT Meeting 6pm
8 PTA Meeting 3.15pm
10 Y6 Helpers Lunch
11 Wide Horizons Trip R11
NEV Community Christmas Party 3.30-6.30pm
17 End of Year Assembly 11am-12.30pm
18 Talent Quest 9.30-10am
School finishes 12.30pm

Community News
The Great Edible Garden Tour: Sunday 29 November from 1-4.30pm featuring 3 various sized vegetable gardens and chooks. Unwaged $5 and waged $10. Places limited. Contact Keri 473 8459 to book a place.

Dunedin Police Station Open Day: Saturday 5 December 10am to 1pm. Station tours, static displays, BBQ, police dog. Gold coin entry for station tour, $2 BBQ+ $1 kids drinks, photo with police dog.

SONGBONG: is organising a pedestrian parade for the North East Valley Christmas Community Fiesta. The parade will bring together children and adults from the area. Bring a drum, a shaker, a squeaky toy, a saucepan, your little brother or anything that can make noise to the free public workshops in November. Learn the heartbeat of the noisy parade and decorate your mask to join the parade on Friday 11th of December! Free Public Workshops on Saturday 28th Nov. and 5th Dec at 1pm at the Community Centre 248 North Road. All welcome! Contact: drums@songbong.co.nz or 473 6488 - www.songbong.co.nz

Sleeping Beauty on Ice: 3 shows at the Dunedin Ice Stadium. Saturday 12 December 4-5.45pm; Sunday 13 December 1-2.45pm & 5-6.45pm. Cost $8 per person BYO cushion or $10 per person plastic seating. Door sales or tickets from the Stadium ph 456 4556.

Jim Hoffmans’ Holiday Programmes Tennis and Swimming: 21 to24 December, 9.30am to 2.30pm each day. Cost %35 per day or $120 for 4 days. All abilities catered for. Held at OBHS courts and Moana Pool. Contact Jim on 0274113529 or email jhoff5@xtra.co.nz

2010 Holiday Programme: Valley OSCAR will run a hold a holiday programme from Monday 25th – Friday 29th January. Enrolment forms will be available early December. For more information contact Janette at the office at North East Valley Baptist Church at 270 North Road or on 473 9413. WINZ subsidies are available.