Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Newsletter 29 October 2013

29 October 2013                       Term 4 Week 3                                 13/33


Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

North Road
A wee while ago as my wife was away on business, I had the task of taking Robert to his early childcare centre. This meant I was heading along North Road at about 8.30am earlier than usual.

I saw a number of our children walking or scooting to school. Some were accompanied by their parents; others had met up with mates and were travelling in small groups.

I was reminded about how lucky we are to live in such a child friendly community. North Road has been likened to the spine of the Valley and this is an apt metaphor - it links people and provides a place where we can get to know each other.

Congratulations
To Mr Chris Staynes, husband of our own Mrs Staynes, elected to a third term as a city councillor and to be inducted as Deputy Mayor for the second time;

To Mr Doug Hall, former pupil and supporter of the school, elected to the city council;

To parent, Dr Sarah Young (Emily and James’ mum) who has received an associate professorship at the Medical School.

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

Rainbow Class
Rainbow class will be held this Thursday in R11 from 1.15-2.45pm. If you have a 4 year old who would like to join this transition to school class, please contact Mrs Will or the office.

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. Bike man Peter McDonald will be at school during this time and is happy to help with any bike repairs.

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

School Activity Donation
Many thanks to those families who have already paid the activity donation. Outstanding donations need to be paid as soon as possible please. If you wish to pay by bank transfer the school bank account number is 03 1726 0005515 00.

Flags
Many thanks to the 2 families who have donated $25 towards the purchase of flags. If any other families would like to contribute please contact the office.

Scholastic Book Club
Leaflets for Issue 7 went home today. Orders with money need to be into the office by Friday 8 November. If paying by cheque please make payable to Scholastic NZ.

NZ Child Restraint Law Change 1 November 2013
From Friday 1st November, New Zealand’s child restraint law will change requiring children to use an approved child restraint up to their seventh birthday. So for school aged children this means booster seats (full or half sized seats) and a safety harness. Children over 7 must use safety belts at all times.

However, regardless of age, school children are safest in a booster seat until they are 148cm tall. Child restraints must meet an approved standard in NZ. Look for a tick mark (usually red stitched) or an “E” mark, or a yellow and black “S” mark. WINZ may be able to help with financial assistance to buy a seat.

It is the driver’s legal responsibility to ensure all children in the car are properly restrained.

Caltex are offering a voucher for 10% off a wide range of child restraints at The Baby Factory, including already discounted items, purchased at The Baby Factory before November 8th. Vouchers are available at participating Caltex service stations.

To find out more visit Safekids Aotearoa at www.mysafekids.org.nz or at www.safekids.org.nz

Sports Results
Flippaball
There was no flippaball on Sunday due to the long weekend. The $27.50 entry fee needs to be paid as soon as possible. Please send money to school or pay at the office.

School Lunches
Easy Lunches are available on Mondays & Thursdays.
The lunches consist of sandwich or pizza bun, fruit, a muffin, popcorn, and a dessert. The cost is $3.50 or $4.50 for a larger lunch. Orders with money need to be into the office by 9am.

Friday Lunches
Sausage in bread for $2. Orders with money in an envelope printed with your child’s name and room number need to be into the office by 9am.

Dates to Note
October
31   Rainbow Class R11 1.15-2.45pm

November
1    Assembly 2.20pm Led by R8, Items R3
4    BOT Meeting 6pm
5    North Zone Athletics Sports Caledonian Gd
8    Scholastic Book Club orders close
5    Whanau Hui 4pm
8    Assembly 2.20pm Led by R10, Items R2
12  PTA Meeting 3.20pm
14  Capital E Theatre - Junior School 11.30pm
14  Rainbow Class 1.15pm
15  Assembly 2.20pm Led by R11 Items R5
19  Art Gallery Trips R10, R13
20  Art Gallery Trips R8, R11
21  Southern Sinfonia Performing 11am
22  Orange Parade - Road Patrollers
22  Assembly 2.20pm Led by R13, Items R10
28  Rainbow Class 1.15pm
29  Assembly 2.20pm Led by R5, Items R13

December
4    Y5 & Y6 Cricket Festival Day Logan Park
6    Choir to sing at Ross Home 1.45pm
6    Assembly 2.20pm Led by R2, Items R11
9    Helpers Morning Tea 10.30pm
9    BOT Meeting 6pm
10  Prizegiving Assembly 11am-12.30pm
10  Reports handed out 12.30pm on
12  Talent Quest 9.30am
12   Final Day of T4

Learning Power Tip of the Week
“Playing games teaches many skills”.

PTA News
2014 Calendar, Card & Diary Fundraiser

Order forms for this terms fundraiser have been sent home today. If you don’t receive one please get one from the office or class teacher. The artwork for the calendars is done by the children. Copies are on display in your child’s classroom. Samples of the calendars, cards and diaries can be found in the office. All order forms with money need to be into the office by Friday 15th November. Please make cheques payable to “North East Valley Normal School PTA”.

Friday PTA lunches
The PTA will be offering sausages and bread for Friday lunches this term. The cost will be $2 per sausage.

Next PTA Meeting
The next PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday 12th November at 3.20pm in the Teaching Room (beside the Library). Newcomers welcome to attend.

Community News
Han Ma Um Dunedin Olympic Taekwondo: Experienced instructors. Classes are held in the North East Valley Normal School hall from 6-8pm. Ph: 0274125770 or Email:
dunedinolympictkd@hotmail.co.nz

Dunedin Light Party Family Fun: a positive alternative to Halloween for preschool through to Y8 children will be held on Thursday 31 October from 6-8.30pm at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Gold coin donation entry. Noddy train, bouncy castles, games, entertainment, face painting, crafts, food stalls. All children need to be supervised by an adult.

50th Anniversary Family Fun Day at the West Harbour Pony Club: Pony rides, face painting, BBQ, Argo rides, clothing, white elephant stall, plants, raffle. Sunday, Nov 10th from 11am-3pm. 11 Hall Road, Sawyers Bay.

Christmas Cracker Kids Triathlon: will be held at Memorial Park, Mosgiel, on Sunday 15th December. This year will see the 'Christmas Cracker Kids Triathlon' team up with the Sport Otago 'Stride, Ride and Slide' to create an event catering for kids from 2 years through to 11 years. Entry forms for the Christmas Cracker Triathlon is available on the notice board at the office.

Ricki Herbert Football Academy: 3 days of professional coaching for children aged 8-14 years will be held at Kettle Park from 8-10 November. Friday 3.30-6.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-3pm. Further information go to http://www.rickiherbert.co.nz/dunedin-rhfa-clinic

Enviroschools has arranged an afternoon tea for all interested staff, students, and parents/whanau to meet the person who grows the Fairtrade bananas you eat. Monday 4 November 3:30-4:30 in the Plaza Conference Room, Dunedin City Council. Fair Trade tea, coffee, and hot chocolate plus some nibbles.

Te reo Māori in the Valley
Tēnā koutou katoa.
I am seeking expressions of interest for te reo Māori lessons in NEV. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provide a programme called Te Ara Reo Māori and are willing to provide a tutor and resources for free! We need to provide the numbers and a venue so if you are interested in learning the Māori language in a friendly, safe and fun environment, please fill in an Expression of Interest form, available at North East Valley Normal School or Dunedin North Intermediate School or email Paia: paiamw74@yahoo.com.au

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui!

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


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Newsletter 21 October 2013

21 October 2013 Term 4 Week 2 13/32


Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

Some Bits and Pieces
1. Reports
This is a short term. Consequentially the teachers will begin end of year tests and evaluations soon in preparation for the end of year reports. Report writing can take a lot of time. As an example of how time consuming every child undergoes a 1:1 maths interview that can take over 30 minutes.

Reports are handed out at the end of the year final assembly which is on Tuesday 10 December this year. Some parents have commented that this doesn’t allow anytime to discuss the reports before school ends. Therefore parents who wish to make a time to discuss the end of year reports should ask the classroom teacher for a time on the Wednesday or Thursday of the last week of school to do so.

2. Hats
Our school sunsmart policy states hats must be worn by children and staff during Terms1 and 4. Hats must have a wide brim to protect the neck and face. Caps (unless legionnaire style) are not acceptable. The school sells a school hat for $13 available from the office.

3. Whanau Hui
Parents of children in the bi-lingual class and others who are interested in tikanga Maori please come to a whanau hui Wednesday 6 November at 4pm in the staffroom. Agenda will include planning for the bi-lingual class 2014.

4. Gardens New World
Please support the Gardens New World, which supported us during the recent Careers Day.

5. No Dogs on School Grounds
The school is dog free unless for curriculum support. This is a long standing rule and is for both hygienic and safety reasons.

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

John McKenzie
Principal

Welcome
Welcome to Abigail who has started in R11. We welcome her family to our school community.

Swimming Block
School swimming continues this week and finishes on Thursday. Children must bring their togs, towels and goggles to school each day. Thank you to those parents/caregivers who are assisting with changing the children.

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. Bike man Peter McDonald will be at school during this time and is happy to help with any bike repairs.

Assembly
There will be no assembly this Friday. This is because PE students from Logan Park High School will be taking all classes for PE activities from 11am until 2.45pm.

School Activity Donation
Many thanks to those families who have already paid the activity donation. Outstanding donations need to be paid as soon as possible please. If you wish to pay by bank transfer the school bank account number is 03 1726 0005515 00.

Flags
A few years ago we began a collection of flags, particularly from the countries represented in our school (Malaysia, Tonga, Samoa, Philippines and United Kingdom). Several families generously sponsored flags to represent their country ($25). We recognise the importance of acknowledging the "special days" celebrated by the variety of cultures attending our school. We recently added to our collection of flags. Our new flags are from China, India, Netherlands, Iran and Cook Islands. If any one wishes to sponsor one of these flags or one from another country not mentioned but represented at school, please contact the School Office.

Learning Power Tip of the Week
“Make the most of the fine weather and get outside to play”.

Sports Results Flippaball Flippaball started on Sunday. We have 3 teams entered in the competition. All teams recorded losses for their first games. We can only go up from here!. There are still a number of children who have not paid their $27.50 entry fee. Please send money to school or pay at the office.  
School Lunches
Easy Lunches are available on Mondays & Thursdays.
The lunches consist of sandwich or pizza bun, fruit, a muffin, popcorn, and a dessert. The cost is $3.50 or $4.50 for a larger lunch. Orders with money need to be into the office by 9am.

Friday Lunches
There will be no hot lunch available this Friday.

2013 Term Dates
Term 4 Monday 14 October - Thursday 12 December

Statutory Holidays
Labour Day: Monday 28 October

Dates to Note
October
24   End of Swimming Block
25   PE with LPHS Students 11.30-2.30
25   No Assembly
31   Rainbow Class R11 1.15-2.45pm

November
1     Assembly 2.20pm Led by R8, Items R3
4     BOT Meeting 6pm
5     North Zone Athletics Sports Caledonian Gd
6     Whanau Hui 4pm
8     Assembly 2.20pm Led by R10, Items R2
12   PTA Meeting 3.20pm
14   Capital E Theatre - Junior School 11.30pm
14   Rainbow Class 1.15pm
15   Assembly 2.20pm Led by R11 Items R5
19   Art Gallery Trips R10, R13
20   Art Gallery Trips R8, R11
21   Southern Sinfonia Performing 11am
22   Orange Parade - Road Patrollers
22   Assembly 2.20pm Led by R13, Items R10
28   Rainbow Class 1.15pm
29   Assembly 2.20pm Led by R5, Items R13

December
6     Assembly 2.20pm Led by R2, Items R11
9     Helpers Morning Tea 10.30pm
9     BOT Meeting 6pm
10   Prizegiving Assembly 11am-12.30pm
10   Reports handed out 12.30pm on
12   Talent Quest 9.30am
12   Final Day of T4

PTA News   Christmas Books for the Junior School
The Junior classes would like to replace some of their older Christmas story books. If anyone has any good quality Christmas books that they aren’t using anymore, could they please drop them off to either Room 13, 11, 10 or 8.

Year 6 EOTC
The PTA have given $300 to help with the costs of running the EOTC.

Next PTA Meeting
The next PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday 12th November at 3.20pm in the Teaching Room (beside the Library). New comers welcome to attend.

Community News   Han Ma Um Dunedin Olympic Taekwondo: Experienced instructors. Classes are held in the North East Valley Normal School hall from 6-8pm. Ph: 0274125770 or Email: dunedinolympictkd@hotmail.co.nz
Catering for all occasions: contact Leanne, Cordon Bleu Catering 477 3330.

Catholic Social Services: The Parenting Place Toolbox Parenting Courses. Day & Evening courses. Game On-dads / Seasons for Growth.Register now. 0-6 years, 6-12 years, Tweens & Teens(12+).6 sessions; cost negotiable. Ph 4553838 txt0276670890, sue@cathsocialservices.org.nz www.cathsocialservices.org.nz

BASKETBALL OTAGO – Diggers Development Programme Term 4: Day: Tuesday’s. Dates: 22nd October – 17th December (excl 25th November). Under 8’s: 3.30pm-4.30pm. Under 11’s: 3.45pm-4.45pm. Under 13’s: 4.00pm-5.00pm. Cost: $69.00pp. Contact Basketball Otago 03 456 4063, email admin@basketballotago.co.nz or download a Diggers Flyer Term 4 on our website www.basketballotago.co.nz

Community Garden Working Bee Dates
October: Saturday 26th - 9am-12pm.
November: Sunday 3rd 1-4pm; Saturday 9th - 9am-12pm; Sunday 17th 1-4pm; Saturday 23rd 9am-12pm;
December: Sunday 1st 1-4pm.

Pine Hill School Garage Sale: 2 November 2013 11am–1pm. Sausage sizzle, raffles, baking, toys, books, household items and more.

Gardens New World Little Shop Swap Day: Wednesday 23 October from 1-5pm. Bring in your surplus items and swap them for what you require to complete your set.

Te reo Māori in the Valley
Tēnā koutou katoa.
I am seeking expressions of interest for te reo Māori lessons in NEV. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provide a programme called Te Ara Reo Māori and are willing to provide a tutor and resources for free! We need to provide the numbers and a venue so if you are interested in learning the Māori language in a friendly, safe and fun environment, please fill in an Expression of Interest form, available at North East Valley Normal School, Dunedin North Intermediate School or email Paia: paiamw74@yahoo.com.au

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui!

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

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Newsletter 14 October 2013

Newsletter

14 October 2013      Term 4 Week 1       13/31

Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to Term 4.

Our school swimming block commences tomorrow. The swimming block will be taught by the JC Swim School. The swimming timetable is listed below. Swimming will be over 8 days from Tuesday 15 October to Thursday 24 October.

Room      Swimming Time      Bus Leaves School      Bus Leaves DNI
5             9.00-9.30am           8.50am                       9.00am
2             9.30-10.00am         9.20am                       9.40am
3           10.00-10.30am         9.50am                     10.10am
8           10.30-11.00am       10.20am                     10.40am
10         11.00-11.30am       10.50am                     11.10am
13         11.30am-12.00pm  11.20am                     11.40pm
11         12.00pm-12.30pm  11.50pm                    12.10pm
                                                                                             12.40pm

Children need to bring togs, towels and goggles to school each day. If your child is unable to swim for any reason, please send a note to the classroom teacher. All children are expected to attend sessions, as swimming is part of the curriculum.

Parent help would be very much appreciated, particularly with the younger junior children to help with drying and dressing quickly afterwards in readiness for catching the bus. Offers of parent help can be made to your child’s teacher.

Please ensure your child’s School Activity Donation has been paid in full as this money contributes towards the cost of tuition and buses. Please make payment at the school office. Thank you.

John McKenzie
Principal

No Hat No Play
Children must wear a hat when outside during Term and Term 4. A school bucket hat is available for sale for $13. Otherwise a hat with a wide brim to protect the face and neck or a legionnaire style hat is acceptable. If your child does not have a hat to wear they will be required to sit in the shade during break times.

PTA Sausage Sizzle
This term the PTA will be providing a sausage sizzle on Fridays for lunch. A sausage in bread with onions and sauce will cost $2. Please send orders with money in an envelope printed with your child’s name and room number by 9am.

Assembly
Assembly will be held in the hall on Friday at 2.20pm. Assembly will be led by Room 3 with items by Room 8.

Wheels Day
This Friday is the turn of the junior classes to bring their bikes, scooters, etc to ride at school during lunch hour.