Newsletter 2 December 2013

2 December 2013      Term 4 Week 8              13/37


Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa

Lockdowns
Last week’s robbery of the Quarry Store elicited a query from a parent about our lockdown procedures. The school has a lockdown policy which is practiced from time to time. Since its inception we have gone into real-life lockdown only once and the process went smoothly and without drama. Lockdown is made easier now all classrooms have telephones.

The armed offenders squad has been mobilised twice in the vicinity of the school in the last 18 months. The police did not inform us to lockdown on either of these occasions. We believe we should have been informed immediately, and updated throughout the incidents. I have spoken to the Police Educator, Constable John Somerville about this and he assures me he will raise the issue with his superiors.

Reports
End of year reports are in the process of being printed. All going well they should be ready for distribution on Monday next. We normally hand the reports out on the day of the final assembly. Last year during a review of our reporting process there were suggestions to hand them out earlier to allow parents to seek clarification or explanation. By handing them out on Monday, we are giving parents a chance to make a time during the rest of that final week to meet the classroom teacher to discuss any issue highlighted in the report.

Classes for 2014/2015
Next year we will start as usual with 6 classrooms and we will open another new entrant class in T3. The roll continues to grow steadily, albeit slowly. It is likely we will open another class in the senior block in 2015 as the large group of current Y3 children move through. For the time being most children will just ‘move’ up to the next room next year. Class groupings are currently being finalised and the lists will be published next week.

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

John McKenzie
Principal

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 at 2.20pm on Friday. It will be led by R2 with items from R11. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Return of School Books
Please ensure all school books - library, journals and readers are returned to school as soon as possible. The library will be closing soon and all books need to be returned for our annual stock take.

Final Prize Giving Assembly
The final assembly for the year will be held in the hall on Tuesday 10 December at 11am to 12.30pm. We will be farewelling our Year 6 pupils and recognising contributions children have made during the year. The assembly will be held in the school hall. Following the assembly the children will be treated to a barbecue lunch provided by NZCU South.

Talent Quest
On the final day of term, Thursday 12 December, a talent quest will be held. It is open to all students, individuals and groups to perform in the areas of dance, drama, comedy, singing, or instrument. Please discuss this with your child/ren and think about areas in which they might perform.

Philippines Fundraiser
The coin trail organised by the peer mediators has raised $160 towards the relief effort in the Philippines. Well done everyone!

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
“Think outside the box”.

2013 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal
We have had a fantastic response already! Our school is collecting gifts which will be distributed by the Salvation Army to families who are unable to afford Christmas gifts. Gifts may be left under the wishing tree in the school office. Please note whether the gift is for a boy or girl and the age group.

Dates to Note
December
2   Logan Park High School Show
11 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
12 Talent Quest 9.30am
12 Final Day of T4

School of Dentistry Dental Therapy Clinic
We have almost finished clinics for 2013. If you have any concerns about your children’s oral health please contact Donna as soon as possible on 4797189 to arrange an appointment.

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

Weight Loss: Don't lose weight and put it 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.

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.

Southern Sticks U13 Fun Day of Hockey: Thursday 19 December from 8.30am to 4pm to be taken by Blair Tarrant and Hugo Inglis, 2 members of the NZ Black Sticks team. No experience needed and sticks are provided. Cost $80. To register email name, age and gender under the subject heading U13 Fund Day to southernsticks.dunedin@gmail.comemail

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