Newsletter 13 December 2011

13 December 2011 Term 4 Week 8

Dear Parents & Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

Prize Giving Assembly
Wednesday 14 December at the NEV Baptist Church from 11am to 12.30pm when we will farewell our Y6 leavers.

Graduating Year 6 Students:
Reuben Bosworth
Stella Cooper
Cameron Gascoyne
Georgia Ford-Keen
Charlie Li
Celeste Howard
Blake Miller
Ani Marsh
Patrick Muir
Jessica Mckean-Jenks
Jacob Percy
Faith Montalba
Robbie Sinclair
Izzati Muhammad Nizam
Kacy Smith
Alyssa Tairi
Tarryn Tree

There are some families for whom the end of this school year will mark the end of their formal relationship with the Valley School. The school would like to thank these families for their input and support over the years.

BBQ Lunch
After the final assembly on Wednesday there will be a barbecue lunch for the children provided by NZCU South. There will be vegetation sausages available for children who do not eat meat.

School Reports
These will be handed out to parents/caregivers on Wednesday after the final assembly/prize giving. Those reports not collected by a parent or caregiver will be posted home.

Talent Quest
Will be held on Thursday from 9.30-11.00am at the NEV Baptist Church.

Classes for 2012
Children will be informed of their class and teacher for next year on Wednesday afternoon and will spend a short time in that room. Mr Andrew is moving to the senior school next year and will teach the Y5 class. Miss Ballantine will move to the junior syndicate to take a Y2 class.

School Donations
Are really important as they pay for things like the school swimming lessons and trips to the museum, art gallery and to performances. If you haven’t made your donation please try and contribute something! The school manages its finances very carefully and yet often ends the year in deficit!

Office Hours
The School Office will close Thursday at 1pm. The Office will reopen on Monday 23 January 2012 at 9am and be open until 3pm each day. Messages can be left on the school answer phone.

Return of School Books and Sports Tops
Please ensure all school books: - library, journals and readers, and sports tops are returned by Thursday.

Security Over The Holidays
Please contact First Security 0800 347 787 if there is a security issue at school over the holidays. I suggest parents save this phone number on their mobile phones. This number is also on the 2012 fridge magnet.

2012 Term Dates
A fridge magnet with 2012 term dates has been included with your child’s report.

Contact Over the Holidays
If, over the holidays in the case of an emergency, you need to contact a school staff member, please email office@nevn.school.nz or leave a message on the school answer phone.

On behalf of the staff best wishes to all school families for a family, fun-filled Christmas, safe travels for those on the move and a prosperous and healthy 2012.

Ma te Atua e mannaaki tiaki tatau katoa.

John McKenzie
Principal

Welcome
Welcome to Isla who has started in R11!

Congratulations
Congratulations to Caitlin O’Brien who achieved ‘High Distinction’ (94%) for her Level 1 singing exam last week.

Members of Staff 2012
Mr John McKenzie Principal
Mrs Cheryl Staynes Deputy Principal
Mrs Fiona Will Assistant Principal
Senior School
Mrs Maria Kewene-Edwards Teacher R5 Y5&6
Mr Michael Andrew Teacher R2 Y5
Mrs Judith Evans-Weir Teacher R3 Y3&4
Mrs Jane Hesson Teacher R3 Y3&4
Junior School
Mrs Fiona Will Teacher R11 Y1
Mrs Karen Sintmaartensdijk Teacher Y2
Ms. Tracy Ballantine Teacher Y2
Part Time Teachers
Mrs Jan Probert Teacher ESOL/International
Te Ao Marama Tawhara Teacher Bilingual
Mrs Jo Pledger Teacher R11
Ancillary/Support Staff
Mrs Sara Lindsay Office Administration
Mrs Jesseme Jones Teacher Aide
Mrs Jill Ferry Library Assistant
Mr Ken Harvey Caretaker
Mrs Beverley Geeson Cleaner
Mrs Lynne Buijck Cleaner
Ms Sarah Ravenwood Cleaner

2012 Term Dates
Term 1 Monday 30 January - Thursday 5 April
Monday 30 January: Teacher Only/Enrolment Day
Tuesday 31 January: Children start
Term 2 Monday 23 April - Friday 29 June
Term 3 Monday 16 July - Friday 28 September
Term 4 Monday 15 October - Friday 14 December

Statutory Holidays During Term Time
Waitangi Day
Monday 6 February
Otago Anniversary Day
Monday 26 March
Anzac Day
Wednesday 25 April
Queen's Birthday
Monday 4 June
Labour Day
Monday 22 October

Statutory Holidays not affecting the school term
Good Friday
Friday 6 April
Easter Monday
Monday 9 April
Easter Tuesday
Tuesday 10 April

PTA News
School Banking
Tomorrow is the last day of school banking for the year. NZCU South will be at assembly tomorrow giving out the movie vouchers to those that are our regular bankers. They will also be providing a BBQ lunch after assembly.

Merry Christmas
The PTA would like to wish all those students that are leaving school, the very best of luck with the future. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Community News
Family Christmas Carols: at the Botanical Gardens Bandstand on Saturday 17 December from 5.30-7.30pm. All welcome.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Summer Holiday Programme: Information is available on the notice board in the office.

Treasures of the Sea Aquarium Holiday Programme: Information is available from the office.

Valley Oscar: toy sale to be held on Wednesday 14th December at 3.20pm at the church hall. 50cent, $1 and $2 tables.

Basketball Otago Summer Holiday Programme: Information is on the noticeboard in the office.

ON WITH YOUR HATS AND OFF TO THE PARTY!
All families are invited to the North East Valley Christmas celebration, which this year is a Mad Hatter's Tea Party! You may be aware that tea parties have been held all over NEV to encourage conversation with the older members of our communities - these have been very successful and so the idea of a BIG tea party for all ages to celebrate together was born. There will be prizes for fabulous hats, Christmas carols to sing along with from Sounds Nor’Easterly, children can make decorations and everyone will have the opportunity to hang their wishes for the Valley on the Christmas Tree. So on with your hats and off to the party being held on Friday 16th Dec 3.30 - 6pm under the big tree outside the tech block at DNI (in hall if wet).