Newsletter 12 November 2013

12 November 2013 Term 4 Week 5 13/35


Dear Parents & Caregivers

Kia ora koutou katoa

Armistice Day
Yesterday the school marked Armistice Day. Armistice Day gives us an opportunity to talk to the children about the significance of the War Memorial Archway at the front of the school and the Roll of Honour which hangs in the school hall.

Armistice Day recognises the end of the four terrible years of the First World War when “an armistice was signed between Germany and the Allied Powers on 11 November 1918 … on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent.” Armistice Day, URL:http//www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/armisticeday

The school meets at the flagpole, we say a few words, listen to the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and sing the National Anthem.

Book Character Day
Book Character Day saw many creative and inspiring costumes on display. It is heartening to see children turning up in completely homemade designs. Thanks to parents who make the effort to engage in these activities.

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.

Assembly
Assembly will be held in the hall at 2.20pm on Friday. It will be led by R11 with items from R3. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Swimming Certificates
Individual swimming achievement certificates were sent home yesterday.

Junior School Trip
On Thursday the junior school is travelling to the King’s and Queen’s Performing Arts Centre to see a performance by the Capital E National Theatre called Seasons. The cost of the trip is paid for by the school activity donation. If you child’s donation has not been paid please send $10.50 to school.

T4 Swimming Results
Fish are able to live and breathe in water, but people need air to breathe. People drown when too much water gets into their lungs. When that happens, the lungs can't carry enough oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body.To be safer in the aquatic environment a child must be familiar with rules, achieve breath control and gain distance.


JC Swim schools new certificates have been designed to give the swimmer a visual goal of what they need to achieve in order to give them a greater chance of survival in a water emergency situation. We would like them to use the certificate like a reward chart filling in the areas when they achieve the skill/distance. The bowl holds the fundamental skills which are required to gain distance.

0-4 year olds should aim to be exposed to the aquatic environment with a family member or swimming instructor.
4-5 year olds should aim to be taught fundamental swimming skills.
5-6 year old should aim to practise fundamental skills through play and structured swimming classes.
6-7 year old should aim to build on the fundamental skills to obtain distance.

Children need constant supervision regardless of swimming ability.
We would appreciate all feedback as we strive to improve our programme.

Jill Clarke
JC Swim School

Dates to Note
November
14   Capital E Theatre - Junior School 11.30pm
14   Rainbow Class 1.15pm
15   Assembly 2.20pm Led by R11 Items R5
19   Otago Championship Athletics Sports
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

PTA News
2014 Calendar, Card & Diary Fundraiser

All order forms with money need to be into the office by this Friday 15th November. Please make cheques payable to “North East Valley Normal School PTA”. Finished calendars should be delivered within a couple of weeks.

Interested in joining the PTA?
The number of PTA members is slowly decreasing (due to other commitments). We are down to two core members and a few loyal helpers. If you are interested in joining the PTA, we would love to see you at our meetings next year. Being a member of the PTA is a great way of meeting new people, while having the satisfaction of knowing that you are actively doing something that benefits the school community. Meetings are usually held once a month on a Tuesday. If this day doesn’t suit we are flexible and may be able to change this to one that suits most people.

Last PTA Meeting for the year
The last PTA meeting for this year will be held today, Tuesday 12th November at 3.20pm in the Teaching Room (beside the Library).

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.

Learning Power Tip of the Week
Risk Taking
“Don’t be afraid to take a risk”.
    Athletics Sports
Congratulations to all the children who represented NEV Normal in the North Zone Athletics Sports held last week.

The following children were successful in their events and have qualified for the Otago Athletics Championships which will be held at the Caledonian ground next Tuesday: Ben Devereux, boys’ (under 10) 60 metres; Macauley Hannah, Emma Andrew, Tayla Green, Madison Craig, girls’ (under 10) 200 metres relay; Cameron McMillan, Josh Craig, Jack Carter, RV Quijano, boys’ (under 11) 200 metres relay; and Shay Crombie boys’ (junior) 800 metres.

New Sports Uniforms
The PTA have worked hard to organise the purchase of new sports tops and shorts for children representing our school.

Many thanks to the PTA and the Lion Foundation for providing grants towards the cost of these tops and shorts.