Tena koutou katoa,
The teachers have been very pleased with the high number of interviews that include students. This is a powerful way to engage the children in their learning journey, setting goals and reflecting on progress.
Our ‘rich concept’ for the term is ‘The Treaty of Waitangi’ and I have seen a variety of personal and class treaties being written around the school. A whole school trip to a Marae is being planned as part of this term’s programme. ‘Wastewise’ will continue to be a focus and the visit to the Henderson Waste Minimisation site was a valuable learning activity. Of course, there were a few comments such as … ‘the smell!’ but others were keen to tell me how amazed they were at the things being thrown away, and the enormous amount of waste from just part of one day. The number of perfectly good bicycles being dumped was a real surprise to them.
Head Lice (Nits):
Two weeks ago we ran a notice regarding head lice. It is the responsibility of all parents to regularly check for nits (weekly is good) and treat as necessary. Teachers have been asked to keep an eye out for “scratchers” and parents will be informed if we suspect there is a problem. We are attaching a notice to this week’s newsletter giving information on how to check and deal with this problem. There is also several websites with a lot of useful information to check out: www.dermnet.org.nz/arthropods/headlice.html or www.health.govt.nz and search head lice.
Fun Run:
We have extended an invitation to the five local pre-schools to attend our Fun Run on May 18th. We are providing some activities that are appropriate for 4 year olds, and hope they will enjoy being part of the day. Sponsor forms and money are due back at school Friday 25th May.
The SWAT Team is providing food for sale:
– Sausage in bread $2, Donuts $1.50, Fizzy drink $1.50. Please phone Anna on 431 5855 if you can help out with the sausage sizzle on this day.
Staff Professional Development:
Two teachers recently visited another school to observe Writing Programmes, and Reporting Systems (reporting against National Standards).
Our Teacher Aides were all involved in a cluster training session that took place here at Tomarata last week. There were 20 enthusiastic Teacher Aides from our neighbouring schools to share ideas and listen to our guest speaker, Jan Perry (from Special Education). Quite a few staff members attended Laughton King’s seminar on Dyslexia during the holidays, and I will be attending the Tai Tokerau Principals Association conference on Thursday and Friday.
Clubs:
We are still looking for volunteers to share their talents with our students. We would need you to be available to take your Club for a total of six weeks, made up of two small groups of students, for two three week periods. This means that you would only need to have a three week programme because it will be repeated.
These begin Wednesday afternoons, Week 8, Term Two. If you would like to be involved please contact the office or see Mrs. Bartlett. We have a budget to cover any costs. Clubs are lots of fun and a great opportunity to be involved with the school. |
School Lunches:
Write your child’s name and room number on their lunch order - recycled envelopes preferably.
Pies (mince & cheese) |
$3.00 |
Hot Dogs (with cheese, mustard & sauce) |
$3.00 |
Hamburgers |
$3.50 |
Sausage Rolls |
$1.50 |
Cream Donut/Sugar Donut |
$2.00 each |
Juicies |
$1.50 each |
Child-speak:
As you all know, we have a Brain Break at 9.30 every morning for the children to have a healthy snack. One little boy had been out of the class, attending a learning programme, so returned to his own room a little late. He asked the teacher politely if he could have his ‘hand break’!
Read Aloud Commandments (continued)
Mem Fox’s last 2 commandments:
- Never teach reading, or get tense around books.
- Please read aloud every day, mums and dads, because you just love being with your child, not because it’s the right thing to do.
Scholastic Book Orders:
Offer 3 is due back at school by Monday 21st May.
Coming Dates:
| May |
15th |
Technology lessons at Rodney College
– Years 7 & 8 (for the next 6 weeks) |
| |
18th |
Fun Run at Tomarata School |
| |
18th |
Assembly 1.50pm |
| |
21st |
Scholastic Offer 3 due back |
| |
25th- |
40 Hour Famine - Start |
| |
27th |
40 Hour Famine - End |
| |
30th |
Inter-school Soccer Hockey Day |
| June |
1st |
Assembly 1.50pm |
| |
4th |
Queen’s Birthday |
| |
13th |
Clubs start |
| |
15th |
Assembly 1.50pm |
| |
20th |
Junior Tabloids |
| |
22nd |
School Disco |
| |
29th |
Assembly 1.50pm |
| |
|
Red Sock Day |
| |
|
End of Term Two |
| |
|
|
Lynne Duffin | 
