Newsletter 11 February 2013

11 February 2013 Term 1 Week 3 13/3

Dear Parents & Caregivers

Kia ora koutou katoa

What a great turn out to the fish’n’chip evening. It was lovely and warm, well attended, and a nice way for us to get together.

One of the strengths of our school is the generally positive relationships between the school staff and the parents.

There is a healthy and friendly activity atmosphere at school and new parents often comment on this.

I reckon it is important to air our views early on so as to avoid problems escalating. If you have a problem with something at school, talk to the classroom teacher first. If you don’t get any joy, see Mrs Staynes or me. If we don’t sort it out to your satisfaction, you can make a formal complaint to the Board of Trustees.

Sorting out issues early develops such a positive atmosphere as is evident at the picnic.

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

John McKenzie

Principal

Welcome

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

Parent/Teacher/Child Goal Setting

The dates for the 3 way teacher/parent/child conferences are Monday 18, Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 February. Booking forms were sent home on Friday and should be returned to school by this Wednesday. An appointment time will be sent home with you child.

Beach Education

Many thanks to all the parents and caregivers who volunteered to help supervise the children at St Kilda beach.

Arrival Time at School

School opens each day for the children at 8.30am. Please, if your child needs to be dropped off earlier you must make an arrangement with either the office or the classroom teacher to accommodate this.

Free Books

A number of surplus Ready to Read books will be displayed outside the school hall tomorrow (Tuesday) after school. These books are suitable for all ages and are free.

School Activity Donation

Thank you to all the families who have paid the school activity donation. Payment may be made in full at the start of the year, termly or weekly. If you wish to pay by automatic payment or by internet transfer the account is 03 1726 0055515 00.

Scholastic Book Club

Orders for Issue 1 with money need to be in to the office by Wednesday 20 February. If paying by cheque please make cheques payable to Scholastic NZ.

Road Patrol

Thank you to those wonderful parents/caregivers who have volunteered to supervise road patrol. There are still vacancies on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. If you can help at any of these times please contact Mrs Staynes or the school office.

After School Care

Kidz Inc OSCAR after school care is held in the school hall. Please contact Andrew Bowen for details, ph 021982216.

Assembly

Assembly will be held in the school hall this Friday commencing at 2.20pm. Assembly will be led by R3 with items from R8. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

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.

School Lunches

We have been advised that Smart Foods is no longer offering school lunches.

Unfortunately Sushi for Schools have also advised that sushi will not be available this term.

Contact Details

Please check your child’s student profile form, amend details if necessary and return to school as soon as possible.

2013 Term Dates

Term 1 Monday 28 January - Friday 19 April
Term 2 Monday 6 May - Friday 12 July
Term 3 Monday 29 July - Friday 27 September
Term 4 Monday 14 October - Thursday 12 December

Statutory Holidays
Otago Anniversary Day: Monday 25 March
Good Friday: Friday 29 March
Easter Monday: Monday 1 April
Easter Tuesday: Tuesday 2 April
Queen's Birthday: Monday 3 June
Labour Day: Monday 28 October

Statutory Holidays not affecting the school term
Anzac Day: Wednesday 25 April

Dates to Note

February
12  Senior classes Beach Education Trip
14  PTA Meeting 3.20pm
15  Assembly 2.20pm
18  Goal Setting Interviews 3.10-5.30pm
19  Goal Setting Interviews 3.10-5.30pm
20  Goal Setting Interviews 3.10-5.30pm
20  Book Club Issue 1 closes
21  Rainbow class 1.15-2.45pm
22  Assembly 2.20pm
26  Senior Classes Golf
28  Vision and Hearing Testing 9.15am-12.30pm

March
1  Assembly 2.20pm
4  BOT Meeting 6pm
7  Bikes for Fun day
7  Rainbow class 1.15-2.45pm
8  Assembly 2.20pm
15  Assembly 2.20pm
21  Rainbow Class 1.15-2.45pm
22  Assembly 2.20pm
25  Otago Anniversary Day – School Closed
29  Good Friday - School Closed

April
2  Easter Tuesday - school closed
4  Rainbow Class 1.15-2.45pm
5  School Cross Country
5  Assembly 2.20pm

PTA News

First meeting for the New Year

Our first meeting will be held on this Thursday 14th February at 3.20pm, in the Teaching Room (beside the Library). New members are very welcome!

Mums Movie Club

Abby and Paula (mums from room 2) are interested in starting a social movie club at the Rialto movie theatre. We would like to see at least one movie a month (probably the last Saturday of each month). If we get enough people to join us we may be able to get discounted tickets. We will meet before the movie to have a glass of bubbly and a bit of a chat; then get our ice creams, pop corn, etc and enjoy a good movie. If you are interested please email Paula at: paula.phil@clear.net.nz or text 027 2730932; with your name and contact details (email and/or cell phone number).

Community News

HAN MA UM DUNEDIN OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO: A fun way for the whole family to make new friends, get fit and learn new skills in a safe and friendly environment. Experienced instructors. Classes are held in the North East Valley Normal School hall from 6-8pm. Ph: 0274125770 or Email: dunedinolympictkd@hotmail.co.nz

Opoho Scout Group is holding a meeting for those Interested in forming a Kea Club at the Scout Hall in Opoho Road at 4.00 pm on Tuesday 26th February 2013. Keas is for children in school years 1- 3. Keas interact with nature and learn to share through co-operation and teamwork. A Kea leader will be present to lead children through some Kea activities whilst the parents meet. Enquiries can be made to Kevin McRae on 03 477 6644 (bus).

"Stuff Everyone Should Know About ASD": Autism Spectrum Disorder Seminar. Pediatrician Dr Paul Taylor who specialises in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) will be coming to speak at our school on Wednesday 27th February 3-4.30pm. His PowerPoint presentation is aimed at parents, teachers and anyone who is interested in learning more about ASD. We are lucky to have him come in his last few weeks in Dunedin before he returns to Nelson. He will have copies of his book available for purchase.

Netball: starts in Term 2 for Year 3 – 6. Sacha will be running some skill sessions every Wednesdays at lunchtime, to give children a taste before games start. Please bring appropriate footwear.

Otago School of Piping and Drumming: Free snare drumming and bagpipe beginners classes starting Tuesday 12 February at 5.30pm and Thursday 14 February at 4.30pm. Contact Victoria 4891650 or www.ospd.org.nz