Newsletter 19 September 2012

19 September 2012     Term 3 Week 10     12/29

Dear Parents & Caregivers

Kia ora koutou katoa

I watched with interest the TV3 coverage of the Ouruhia School, one of the Christchurch schools put on notice by the Government to close. Ouruhia School has a special connection with us - Ouruhia is a ‘model’ school. Model schools are part of the normal schools network - they are normal schools with a specific role of providing a country school atmosphere for college teachers to experience.

The Government wants to close 2 of the 4 normal schools in Christchurch. (They also want to close 5 of the 11 intermediate schools there too). This is of concern to all normal schools.

What is of more concern is that schools like ours are very much central to their communities. Sadly, I don’t think community is part of the formula for closing schools. Yet it is such a vital component for children.

Our school is proudly a ‘community’ school. Our community would be horrified if the Government decided to close our school. What is happening in Christchurch is a reminder to us to keep up an interest in what is happening at school and in education generally in NZ.

NEV Normal has been part of NEV and the city for 160 years. Let’s ensure it continues to be important for many more years to come.

Our Thoughts

Our thoughts go to Karen Sintmaartensdijk, teacher of Room10, whose father died on the weekend. Mrs Staynes, Mrs Will and Mrs Evans-Weir will travel to the funeral which is in Oamaru on Thursday afternoon. Messages to Karen can be left at the office or sent to 9 Essex Street, Weston 9401.

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

John McKenzie

Principal

Welcome

Welcome to David who has started in R11. We welcome to his family to our school community.

Wheels Days

This Friday lunchtime is the turn of the junior 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 R10 with items by Rooms 2 & 13. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Choir

As Mrs S is on bereavement leave the choir will not be performing at Ross Home next Tuesday. Alternative arrangements will be made next term.

Cross Country

Congratulations to Shay and Meihana who competed with merit in the Otago Primary Cross Country Championships last week.

Sports Tops

Please return all NEV Normal sports tops as soon as possible. Mr Andrew is doing a check of all the tops.

School Activity Donation

As we are approaching the end of T3, please ensure that your child’s activity donation is paid either in full or up to the end of T3.

Learning Power Tip of the Week

“Talk to your child about their learning”

Gymnastic Success

Caitlin O’Brien competed in the DGA Rhythmic Gymnastics junior competition recently. She came 1st in the free, 2nd in the rope and 2nd in the ball competitions and 2nd overall. Congratulations Caitlin!

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 for a sausage roll and a savoury mince pie for $1.50, and a cup of Milo for .50c. Please bring a cup for Milo.

PTA News
Maths-a-thon

Sponsorship money should now be returned to the office. 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 tomorrow Thursday 20th September at 3.20pm in the teaching room (in the College Block next to the Library). Everyone is welcome to attend.

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
20  PTA Meeting 3.20pm
25  Logan Park Orchestra Performance 10am
28  End of Term 3

October
15  Start of T4

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.

Childcare: If you are looking for childcare in a warm, secure and happy home in North East Valley please give Margaret a call on 552 0628. 3 spaces available. WINZ subsidies. Registered to Dunedin Community Childcare Association.

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.

Community Energy Advise: This BRCT/Otago University trial is now into its second month and with a number of audits having already been completed. A limited number of home energy audits are still available in Blueskin Bay (Long Beach, Purakaunui, Osborne, Waitati, Warrington) and North East Valley so make sure you register before it’s too late! To register visit www.blueskinpower.co.nz

Registration days for Hill City Junior Athletics Club: will be Tuesday 25 September 5.30-7pm and Saturday 29 September 10-midday at Hill City clubrooms, Logan Park. Training/coaching nights for children aged 7-14 will start on Tuesday 9 October 6-7.15pm. Meet at Hill city clubrooms. For enquiries phone Catherine Macaulay 453-0101

Otago Children's Athletics Open Day: on Saturday 13 October 9-midday at the Caledonian Ground. A marvellous opportunity for anyone aged 7-14 to try running, jumping and throwing at the Caledonian Ground at Logan Park. No club membership is necessary for this Open Day.

Saturday Morning Music Classes: are presenting their annual demonstration concert in the Regent Theatre on Sunday, 23rd September, 3pm. Adults $10, children $5.

Quiz Night: Jonathan Rhodes Kindergarten Quiz Night will be held at 7pm on Thursday 25th October, at the North East Valley Bowling Club (139 North Road). Nibbles provided, $1 raffles, loads of great prizes, bar open. This is always a popular event so be in quick to register your team ($5 per person, 6 people max per team). Ph 473-9107 or email jonathanrhodes@dk.org.nz

Our People, Our Health, Our Community: Café Hauora Free Public Seminar: “Give Me The Baby Teeth And I Will Show You The (Wo)man”: presented by Dr Jonathon Broadbent to be held at DNI on Wednesday 26 September at 7pm.

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