Newsletter 18 May 2010

18 May 2010 Term 2 Week 5 0/14
Dear Parents & Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

College Teachers
Usually the University send us post graduate college teachers to work alongside our teachers.

Lately we have had first year teachers in the school, 2 to each classroom.

I often think how lucky we are to have the college teachers working at school - it means another set of helping hands in the classrooms. It also means a fresher face in front of the children. It is so nice to see a group of keen and energetic young people interacting with our children. They complement our experienced and wise teaching staff.

We were especially proud to host two former pupils, Brittany Wright and Willow Duffy, in this last group of trainees. They will make wonderful teachers and are an inspiration to our pupils and a credit to their families, the Valley and their teachers.


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

Welcome
Welcome back to our graduate college students who are with us in all classes on
Mondays and Tuesdays.

Missing Readers
The junior classes are missing a number of junior readers from orange to gold level. These readers are bought as a set of four for group reading activities, but many of the sets are down to only 2 books. Please could you have a good look at home and
return any school books. Thank you.

Enrolment Permissions Form
There are still a number of permission forms to be returned to school. If you have mislaid your child’s form there are spares at the office.

Assembly
Assembly will be held in the Hall this Friday at 2.20pm. It will be led by Room 5 with items by Rooms 3 & 10. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Advance Notice
In 2011 NEV Normal celebrates its 160th birthday. A family picnic day is planned in April 2011 to celebrate with old fashioned dress ups, games and activities. Further details to follow.

Smart Food School Lunches
Smart Food lunches are available on Mondays and Thursdays at NEVNS. The lunch consists of two sandwiches, a piece of fruit, a home made biscuit or muffin and a jelly or milk pudding for $2.50; larger lunch with two extra sandwiches for $3.50. Orders and money need to be in to the School Office by 9am.

PTA Hot Lunches
This Friday the menu is:1 slice of pizza and a sausage roll for $1.50. Hot Milo for 0.50c. Please bring a cup for Milo. Orders with money in a named envelope with the room number to the office by 9am please.

Sports Results
Our netball team played Sacred Heart School at the Edgar Centre last Tuesday and won 7 goals to 6. Well done!!

He Panui
Establishment of a Bi-lingual Class

The Whanau of NEV Normal School has been on a journey for the last 18 months looking at ways to better provide a Te Reo Maori option at our school. Part of this journey has included hui with Paulette and Komene. Two of our Whanau visited a successful 3 class bi-lingual unit at St Albans School in Christchurch.

As a consequence of this discernment process the Whanau of NEV Normal School plan to establish a bi-lingual Te Reo Maori/English class at the school.

The Whanau have an experienced senior teacher lined up for this position. The school has identified a classroom for the unit and is fully committed to this project.

The kaupapa of the class is currently being developed but will be based on the successful and long established St Albans School, Christchurch model.

The Whanau need at least 14 tamariki to make the class viable and therefore seek expressions of interest from parents of primary aged children who may wish to enrol their child in this class.

The start date of this class is dependent upon the response to this panui but could be as early as Term 4 2010.

The establishment of this class is not in competition to the Kura o Otepoti and it is hoped our involvement in the One Day School will continue.

Please contact the school office to lodge your interest in this exciting proposal.

Phone 473 8246 or email office@nevn.school.nz
or one of the following:

J McKenzie, Tumuaki
M Kewene-Edwards, Senior Teacher
Paia Taani, Parent, 473 1655
Moira Crossman, Parent, 473 9396


2010 Term Dates
Term 2 Monday 19 April Friday 2 July
Term 3 Monday 19 July Friday 24 September
Term 4 Monday 11 October Friday 16 December

Dates to Note
May
18 PTA Meeting 3.15pm
21 Wide Horizons Trip R5
24 BOT Meeting 6pm
27 Rainbow Class 1.15pm

June
3 Marae Visit
4 Wide Horizons Trip R3
7 Queen’s Birthday holiday
9 & 10 Dog Safety all classes
10 Rainbow Class 1.15pm
14 BOT Meeting 6pm
16 Extra Spelling Quiz

PTA News
Jack’n’Jill Portraits
The viewing day for the portraits is this Thursday 20th May in the Parents Room or Hall. All those who had photos taken should have an appointment time to view their portrait. If you do not have a time, or, have
forgotten your time – please contact Paula on 473 7746. Portraits must be collected by the correct people. They cannot be left in the office or collected by a friend. Any portraits not collected on Thursday will go back to the Jack’n’Jill offices.

Next PTA Meeting
The next PTA meeting will be held today Tuesday May 18th at 3.15pm in the Parents Room. All welcome to attend.


COUGHING AND SNEEZING
Did you know that viruses travel about 6 metres when you sneeze, and 3 metres when you cough! These days, as one-way of preventing the spread of viruses, we are teaching children to cough and sneeze into their elbows or alternatively to cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. This is a good practice to get into as well as cleaning hands after every time you cough or sneeze.

The NEVN Public Health Nurse is: Julie Buxton.
Contact details: Phone 4769853. Cell 0273322784.

Community News

String Star Kids Workshops: Celebrate Puaka/Matariki with professional story tellers Kaitrin McMullan who will tell her stories and teach string games. Held at the Otago Settlers Museum every Sunday from 16 May to 6 June 10-11am. Suitable for children 7 and over. Free!.

Badminton Otago Friday Night Badminton: at the Angus Badminton Centre, Victoria Road, St Kilda. Games, activities, coaching and match play from 5-6.30pm for 7-12 year old children. Cost $4 per person per night. Contact Jeff Elliotte 455 5603 or email dev-badmintonotago.org.nz

Barnardos Parenting Programmes: Parenting Through Separation - 2 sessions held monthly to help parents focus on the needs of their children through separation and make the best parenting arrangements; Conscious Parenting commencing 19 May - a 6 week programme that strengthens relationships through communication, self awareness and strategies for positive parenting. Contact 466 3075 or email otago.amu@barnardos.org.nz

Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis Trophy: in Dunedin on Friday 21 May at the Public Art Gallery foyer from 6:30am - 9:00am. Join TVNZ Breakfast weather guy Tamati Coffey as he broadcasts live from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Come along dressed as your 'second favourite' team and you could win one of two Venue Pool Packs to be given away for the best dressed fans! Free parking at the YMCA carpark 6:30am - 9:15am.