Newsletter 1 February 2011

1 February 2011 Term 1 Week 1 11/1

Dear Parents & Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

Welcome to the 2011 school year. We especially welcome those new to our school.

I have been on study leave since mid October. Whilst I have found it a challenge to get back into the daily routines of work, I am buoyed by the progress made in the interim - the school is nearly completely repainted; the old prefab buildings have been shifted and landscaping of the front of the hall has begun.

Thanks to Mrs Staynes, Mrs Lindsay and the staff and Board of Trustees for allowing me the opportunity to have some time away from school.

Two of our teachers were hospitalised over the break - Mrs Kewene-Edwards and Mrs Probert both had health scares. We extend our love and support to them as they recover.

Some of our school families suffered the death of family members over the holiday period. Our sympathies are extended to those who have lost loved ones recently.

Finally, lets all work together to equip our young children with the skills, values and knowledge they need today and will need in the future.

Kia Kaha tatou Katoa ki te tautoko o tatou tamariki, mokopuna hoki.

John McKenzie
Principal

Welcome
A warm welcome to Iman, Holly, Grace, Tegan, Tyrell, Madison, Avneet, Meila who have started in Room 11, Cairo who has started in R8 and John who has started in Room 2. We welcome their families to our school community.

Behaviour Guidelines
The school Behaviour Guidelines are included with the newsletter for parents/ caregivers to read with your child/ren. These guidelines also form the basis of the class contracts the teachers will be discussing with the children at this time of the year.

Sun Hats ‘No Hat No Play!’
Named sun hats must be brought to school. The wearing of sun hats is compulsory for all children when outside during T1 & T4. Children without sun hats will sit in the shade during break times. Sunhats can be purchased from the School Office for $13.

School Activity Donation
School activity donations for 2011 are: Senior School $85, or $21.50 per term; Junior School $75 or $19.00 per term. The family discount donation for a 2 child family is $130, or $32.50 per term; and a 3 child family is $160, or $40.00 per term. The activity donation is requested for extra curricular activities such as trips to museum & art gallery, bus transport, school swimming, performances by various groups at school. The Board of Trustees has not increased the donation this year in recognition of the financial demands on many families. However it is hoped that all families make a contribution as all children benefit from these extra activities. Prompt payment will be appreciated. Payment may be made in full at the start of the year, termly, automatic payment or by other arrangement with the Office staff. If you wish to set up an automatic payment please contact the office for details.

A receipt will be issued and can be used with the donations part of your tax return.

Te Reo Class
The bi-lingual class will resume on Monday 7 February with Te Ao Marama Tawhara as the Kaiako. Whaea Maria is unwell and will be on leave for much of the term .A welcome to Whaea Marama will be held in Rm4, on Monday 7 February at 1.30pm.

School Newsletter, Website and Blogs
The school will continue this year with the use of the school website for publishing the newsletter and blogs giving updates of happenings in the school and in individual classrooms. Photos of children and their first names will be used. If you do not want your child’s name or image to be used please let us know.

Smart Food School Lunches
Smart Food lunches will be available from Monday 7 February 2011 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. The cost is $3 or $4 for a
larger lunch with two extra sandwiches. Orders and money need to be in to the School Office by 9am.

Road Patrol
If you are able to assist with supervising the road patrollers before or after school for 15-20 minutes please contact Mrs Staynes or the school office. Teachers really appreciate this help as it is difficult to leave the classroom before school and at 3pm. Many parents/caregivers like to speak to the class teacher at this time and the children often need this time with the teacher.

Road Safety & Parking Around the School
When walking children to or from school please actively use the patrolled crossing to get children across North Road. The instruction is to wait for the second whistle and the barrier arms to go out across the road before stepping off the footpath. This is teaching children safe road crossing skills.

There is currently a campaign encouraging motorists to drive slowly around school zones, which is being monitored by the Police. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by will be ticketed. In the interests of the children’s safety please do not park in the School grounds during school hours. Would parents who pick up children from the Longworth Street entrance please not park in the residents’ driveways or on the yellow no parking areas.

Advance Notice
During the first week of March the 3 way teacher/child/parent conference will be held to discuss goals for your child this year. Further information on dates and times will be sent home shortly.

Update Contact Details
Please let the office know if you have changed your landline or mobile numbers and you emergency contact names and numbers.

2011 Term Dates
Teacher Only Day Monday 31 January
Term 1 Tuesday 1 February - Friday 15 April
Term 2 Monday 2 May - Friday 15 July
Term 3 Monday 1 August - Friday 7 October
Term 4 Tuesday 25 October - Thursday 15 Dec

STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Otago Anniversary Day Monday 21 March
Queen's Birthday Monday 6 June

Statutory Holidays not affecting the school term
Waitangi Day Sunday 6 February
Good Friday Friday 22 April
Easter Monday Monday 25 April
Anzac Day Monday 25 April
Easter Tuesday Tuesday 26 April
Labour Day Monday 24 October

School Hours
School opens 8.30am Classes start 9.00am
Morning break 10.40-11am Lunch break12.30-1.30pm
School ends 3.00pm Office closes 3.30pm

A fridge magnet, donated by the PTA, with the 2011 term dates are available from the Office if you did not receive one.

Dates to Note
February
16 Beach Education R2, 3, 5 St Kilda
17 Rainbow Class R11 1.15-2.45pm
23 Beach Education R8, 10, 11 St Clair

Community News
Bike Wise Family Fun Ride:
Sunday 13 February 12-12pm, Marlow Park St Kilda, fun activities for the kids. Mayoral Challenge along John Wilson Ocean Drive at 1pm. Further details www.sportotago.co.nz

Sinfonia Academy: provides an orchestral experience for children who play their instrument at a grade 3 – 6 level. The academy has a string section and a woodwind & brass section. The sections play both together and separately. It will meet on Thursday evenings between 7 and 8.30pm for school terms 2 and 3, with an initial meeting on Thursday 7th April. For further information, or to book a place, contact sandy@garner.net.nz or phone 4822 764 (Anthony Ritchie and Sandy Garner).

Southern Children’s Choir: for young people aged 8 to 18 who love to sing (boys with unbroken voices). The choir will be directed initially by Anthony Ritchie and meets at Marama Hall, University of Otago, on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 8.15pm. Auditions for new members will be held on February 9th. For further information, or to book an audition, contact sandy@garner.net.nz or ph 4822 764 (Anthony Ritchie & Sandy Garner).

Parents Inc Toolbox Parenting Courses: Day & Evening courses: Game On-dads/Seasons for Growth. Register now for 2011. 0-6 years, 6-12 years, Teenage. 6 sessions; cost negotiable ph 4773403 sue@cathsocialservices.org.nz

French and Balkan Dances in North East Valley: French dancing - Thursday 6:30pm-7:45pm. Balkan dances - Monday 6:30pm-7:30pm. Both classes at Nga Maara hall (Sacred Heart school hall) - 63 North Road. Beginners welcome. No partner needed. Koha ($5 recommended). More info on both classes at www.frenchdancing.co.nz 473 6488 or kategrace@clear.net.nz