Newsletter 12 Sepetember 2012

12 September 2012 Term 3 Week 9 12/28

Dear Parents & Caregivers

Kia ora koutou katoa

What a funny old week we are having - shirt sleeves Monday morning and hats and gloves yesterday!

Some good news for schools this week amidst the variable weather was David Shearer’s announcements around Labour’s education policy. It is heartening to see the debate about our schooling system shift from the narrow discussion about assessment to the big issues like poverty.

I have worked in high and low decile schools. I have noticed that parents regardless of their station in life have high aspirations for their children. It is undoubtedly harder for poorer families to have their children as well equipped for learning as wealthier families. The reasons for this are many and complex.

Whatever the reason, we know that children who come from poorer homes are indeed disadvantaged when they come to school. Schools can make a difference - our school data for example shows after the first couple of years the playing field becomes much more level.

What is important though is that we firstly acknowledge that poverty does impact negatively on children's’ ability to learn. Secondly we must try and address the imbalance with a mix of in school and out of school interventions.

Schools must do their bit by targeting resources to the most needy; Governments must do their bit by ensuring good paying jobs for all; families must do their bit by selfless attention to the needs of their children and their neighbours’ children.

Kia kaha tatou katoa ki te tautoko o tatou tamariki, mokopuna hoki.

John McKenzie

Principal

Rainbow Class

Our transition to school class for 4 year olds is being held tomorrow from 1.15-2.45pm in R11.

Wheels Days

This Friday lunchtime is the turn of the senior classes to ride their bikes, scooters, skateboards etc at school. Children who bring their bikes will need to wear a helmet. It is recommended that children wear a helmet when riding their scooters or skateboards.

Assembly

Assembly will be held in the hall this Friday at 2.20pm. It will be led by R2 with items by Rooms 3 & 10. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Cross Country

Best wishes to Shay and Meihana who are competing in the Otago Cross Country Championships being held on Friday at Balmacewen Intermediate School.

School of Dentistry Dental Check Ups

Please ensure your child has the necessary completed consent forms for their Dental School visits or they may not be able to attend the clinic. If necessary send these forms to the school office.

Learning Power Tip of the Week

“Like plants children need food, water, sunlight and love to grow.”

Smart Food School Lunches

Cold lunches are available on Mondays & Thursdays.

The lunches consist of 2 sandwiches/pizza bun, fruit, a cookie or muffin and a dessert. The cost is $3.50 or $4.50 for a larger lunch with two extra sandwiches.

Hot lunches are available on Tuesdays.

The menu is: Macaroni & Cheese, Spaghetti Bolognese, Shepherds Pie, or Mince Chow Mein. The cost is $4.50.

PTA Hot Lunches

This Friday the menu is cheese rolls for $1.00 each, and a cup of Milo for .50c. Please bring a cup for Milo.

Orders and money in a envelope with your child’s name and room number to the office by 9am please.

2012 Term Dates

Term 3 Monday 16 July - Friday 28 September

Term 4 Monday 15 October - Friday 14 December

Statutory Holidays During Term Time

Labour Day Monday 22 October

Dates to Note

September

13  Rainbow Class 1.15pm R11

20  PTA Meeting 3.20pm

28  End of Term 3

PTA News
Maths-a-thon

Sponsorship money should be returned to the office by this Friday 14th September. The money raised will go towards the purchase of bark to “top-up” both play areas.

PTA Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 20th September at 3.20pm in the teaching room (in the College Block next to the Library). Everyone is welcome to attend.

Community News
Weight Loss: Don't lose weight and put all back on. Lose it and keep it off! Affordable weight loss that really works. Free Wellness Evaluation and sample. PH Kathy 0800 401 828 or go to wwwsupershapeupnz.com

Novelty Cakes: for all ages and occasions made to order. Call Leanne, Cordon Bleu Catering 477 3330.

Project Hauora: fun, free interactive workshops for everyone and all the family in the school holidays to be held at DNI School. 4 modules covering “What is a Healthy Lifestyle”; :Your Genes, the Environment and your Health: how does it work and what you can do”; Hunting and Gathering: finding foods and making your own foods; on the move: physical activity in your everyday life”. All 4 modules are covered over 2 mornings or 2 afternoons. Dates: Oct 2 & Oct 3, 9am to 1pm or 1 to 5pm; Oct 9 and Oct, 12 1-5pm. Contact projecthauora@gmail.com or ring 473 9027. Information flyers are available at the office.

Dunedin U6 Indoor Football: for kids born 2006 & 2007 will be held at the Edgar Centre on Tuesday afternoons starting Tuesday 30th October until Tuesday 11th December. All you need to do is register your little super star and we make up fun teams each week and make sure all the kids are playing To register visit www.FootballFactory.co.nz and click on the Junior Indoor Soccer.

Basketball Otago: Diggers October School Holidays Camps taken by some of our OceanaGold Nuggets, Gold Rush and Representative players. Camp 1: 1st-5th October 9am-3pm at the Edgar Centre. Camp 2: 8th-12th October 9am-3pm at the Edgar Centre. One week camp $184pp ($253 for two children from the same family). Both camps $299pp (391 for two children from the same family). Daily Rate $46 is also available. For more information please contact Basketball Otago 03 456 4063, email admin@basketballotago.co.nz or Diggers October School Holidays Flyer on our website www.basketballotago.co.nz

NEV Normal School Banking

is Proudly Sponsored by Credit Union South

NZCU SOUTH

26 Filleul Street

Dunedin 9059

Ph 03 4771473

www.nzcusouth.co.nz

email enquiries@nzcusouth.co.nz

Remember School Banking Day is Wednesday

Application forms are available at the school office