Tomarata School Newsletter

www.tomarata.school.nz

8th April 2009

Greetings,

Term 1 seems to have flown by! When we look back, we can reflect on how many things have happened – lots of effective learning in a variety of classroom programmes, updates on our website class blogs, participation in sporting activities, fundraising and a flourishing garden. Music classes with Chrissie Coop start Day 1 of Term 2.

Parents Inc – further tips on ways to teach your child values (numbers 7 - 9):
7. Communication is self-expression through effective words. “We listen and discuss ideas around the dinner table.” “It’s OK to talk about our feelings.” “We use words creatively and thoughtfully when we write letters.”
8. Courage is being brave even when we feel afraid.
“We give things a go.” “We get up again and have another go – even if we fail.” “We think about brave people who had courage even though it was hard.”
9. Fairness is allowing everyone the same opportunity.
“We always wait our turn.” “In our family the rules are the same for everyone.” “Fair does not always mean equal.”

Computers:
We are very pleased to report that PTA funds have provided 10 computers for classrooms. This means that students will be able to have more access time with faster models - some of the current class computers are at a stage where they need replacing and by purchasing these ones, we can put more into classrooms and make the most of the momentum gained during our ICT contract. The students will make great use of the new ones which we hope to have up and running for the start of the next term.

Active Learning (Lynn Williams):
The Staff, (and Lynn), were surprised at the lack of interest in the classes offered for learning aspects of another language for next term. There are enough numbers for the younger sessions to take place, and if there is sufficient interest in ‘Role Play and Writing’ as an alternative topic, then Lynn will change her focus. If your child would like to take part, please contact the school to add names to the list. Prices are $42 for Years 1 – 3, and $66 for Years 4 – 6 and Years 7/8.

School Dental Clinic:
If you require assistance during the school holidays the dental clinic at Warkworth School will be open (public holidays and weekends excluded) from 14th – 24th April, 425 8701.

40 Hour Famine:
Students have viewed a 40hr Famine DVD. Sponsor books can go home once permission slips have been returned. Students will need to decide with their parents the type of famine that they are going to do.

School Banking:
This has started off with plenty of enthusiasm. Remember that Wednesday is banking day – a most worthwhile habit to nurture.

Consultation on the New Zealand Curriculum:
Please read the information that is being sent home with this newsletter which outlines our revised/draft vision, goals and values. This is your chance to have a say in the foundation principles for our school charter. According to the recent consultation survey, newsletters and questionnaires are the preferred way for consultation. I will also display the draft versions in the corridor – so feel free to pop in and discuss any aspects.

Starship Mobile Phone Appeal:
Many thanks to people who have donated their old phones to the Starship appeal. We have sent off 18 so far. You can still send your unwanted cell-phones along to school.

Gladwrap Survey:
Room 1 carried out another “Gladwrap in Lunchboxes” survey this week. Room 6 were again the winners with 63% of students having a gladwrap free lunchbox. However they have slipped since the last survey! Overall 58% of our students have found other alternatives to gladwrap. We appreciate parents helping us out and supporting us to achieve our goal of a 100% Gladwrap Free School.

Xmas Stamp Competition:
A reminder that the entries for this competition close on the 9th of May so if students are at a loose end in the holidays they may want to design a stamp. The design needs to be 15cm x 15cm. There is a $1000 prize for the school with the most entries per head. The winning design becomes a NZ Post Christmas Stamp with the winning student receiving a $1000 and the winning school receiving $3000.

PTA:
Would you like your child’s end of year trip/camp subsidised?
The PTA needs to have volunteers for the soccer tuckshop. PLEASE put your name down on the roster outside the office, contact the school, or Gaylene Mason on 423 8047. This is to help ALL students at Tomarata School. We have over 60 families at school and we are only asking for your help for one Saturday for 2-3 hours. The soccer draw will be available after Easter to confirm playing times for all parents involved with soccer. Please see the attached roster.

Coming Events:
April 9th - Assembly at 2:30 (End of Term 1)
27th - Term 2 starts
28th - Vision and Hearing tests
May 8th - Junior Tabloids
12th - Board of Trustees meeting
22–24th - World Vision
27th - Soccer/Hockey tournament
29th - Year 8 Girls immunisation follow-up
June 24th - Public Speaking
July 3rd - End of Term 2

Athletics:
The weather improved as the day went on, and our participation and successes just kept happening! I was most impressed with the level of determination and sportsmanship which made the day a real success for everyone. We can feel very proud of Tomarata School’s achievements on the field and students’ behaviour as spectators. Tomarata School’s results are:
TRACK
400m Junior Girls - 1st Larissa Came
400m Junior Boys - 3rd James Logue
400m Intermediate Girls - 2nd= Shawnee Bridge and Leah Mainland
400m Senior Girls - 3rd Jasmine Tata
400m Senior Boys - 3rd Jahkel Mita
8 YR Girls:
50m - 1st Larissa Davies
75m - 2nd Larissa Davies
100m - 2nd Larissa Davies
8 YR Boys:
50m - 1st James Logue
75m - 1st James Logue
100m - 1st James Logue, 3rd Piripi Craig
9 YR Girls:
75m - 3rd Holly Danks
100m - 2nd Larissa Came

9 YR Boys:
50m - 3rd Luke Stevens
75m - 1st Luke Stevens
3rd - Sean Keven
100m- 2nd Sean Keven, 3rd Luke Stevens
10 YR Girls:
50m - 2nd Shawnee Bridge
75m - 2nd Shawnee Bridge
100m - 2nd Shawnee Bridge
10 YR Boys:
50m - 3rd Kristian McCracken
75m - 2nd Kristian McCracken
100m - 2nd Kristian McCracken, 3rd James Shadick
11 YR Girls:
50m - 1st Danni Couling
75m - 1st Danni Couling
100m - 1st Danni Couling
11 YR Boys:
50m - 3rd Andrew Brockelsby
75m - 2nd Jamie Thomas
12-13 YR Girls:
50m - 1st Jasmine Tata
75m - 1st Jasmine Tata
100m - 1st Jasmine Tata
12-13 YR Boys:
50m - 2nd Bronson Young
75m - 2nd Bronson Young
100m - 2nd Bronson Young
Relays:
Senior - 1st Tomarata
Intermediate - 3rd Tomarata
Junior - 1st Tomarata
FIELD
High Jump Junior Girls - 1st Larissa Came, 3rd Samantha Nyhoff
Int. Boys - 2nd Denim Tana
Senior Girls - 1st Madison Casey, 2nd Jasmine Tata
Senior Boys - 1st Bronson Young
Long Jump:
Junior Girls - 1st Jennifer Thomas, 2nd Larissa Came
Junior Boys - 1st Luke Stevens
Int. Girls - 2nd Leah Mainland
Int. Boys - 3rd Ethan Tischik
Senior Girls - 1st Jasmine Tata
Senior Boys - 1st Jahkel Mita
Shot Putt:
Junior Girls - 1st Holly Danks, 2nd Rebecca Keven
Junior Boys - 3rd Luke Stevens
Int. Girls - 3rd Leah Mainland
Int. Boys - 1st Eru Craig, 2nd Denim Tana
Senior Girls - 1st Madison Casey, 2nd Danni Couling
Discus:
Junior Girls - 1st Larissa Came, 2nd Holly Danks, 3rd Rebecca Keven
Junior Boys - 1st Jack Bright
Int. Girls - 1st Kirsty Davies
Int. Boys - 2nd Eru Craig, 3rd Denim Tana
Senior Girls - 2nd Danni Couling

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Easter.
Lynne Duffin

The parent survey indicated strongly that Newsletters, then Questionaires are the preferred way for community consultation. Our staff have discussed our current vision (mission statement), values and goals and compared these to the newly developed ones in the NZ Curriculum document. From these discussions we have made some changes, developing a draft set of goals (combining School Goals and Local Curriculum Goals) ready for further consultation. Please feed back any comments, concerns or queries! The Staff feel that the vision/mission statement is still most appropriate: “Quality Education for Lifelong Learning”

Current Values

Revised Draft
(to be approved and adopted after consultation)

New Zealand Curriculum Values

* To instill respect and tolerance

* To have a go and be involved (participation)

* To enhance self-esteem

* To develop a sense of responsibility and reliability

School values to be encouraged, modelled & explored:

respect and tolerance
participation and perseverance
resilience
striving for excellence
integrity & citizenship
innovation & creativity
equity

* Excellence – aim high, persevere
* Innovation, inquiry & curiosity – think critically, creatively & reflectively
* Diversity – discover our different cultures, languages and heritages
* Equity – fairness and social justice
* Community & participation – for the common good
* Ecological sustainability – including care of the environment
* Integrity – honest, responsible & accountable
* Respect for themselves, others & human rights

Current School Goals & Local Goals	Revised Draft (to be approved and adopted after consultation)	New Zealand Curriculum Goals
School Goals 1. Develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes and values needed to function in everyday life and for lifelong learning. 2. Recognise individual differences and achievement. 3. Encourage quality education through staff development and support for the school. 4. To encourage and involve our parent and wider community in school life. Local Curriculum Goals - To enhance learning where applicable through use of out door education and to develop an awareness of different activities for sport and leisure time. - To develop an awareness of the special features that make up the Tomarata Area. -To identify and provide programmes for children in relation to their needs.	* To develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes and values needed to function in everyday life and for confident lifelong learning * To recognise diversity and achievement * To encourage quality education through development of the key competencies, effective staff development and community engagement * To encourage awareness of ecological sustainability * To promote belonging and confidence through participation in our local community	Principles * High expectations – empowering all students to learn and achieve personal excellence * Treaty of Waitangi – acknowledging the Treaty and the Bicultural foundations of NZ. All students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of Te Reo Maori * Cultural Diversity – reflects NZ’s cultural diversity and values the histories & traditions of all its people * Inclusion – the curriculum is non-sexist, non-racist and non-discriminatory, ensuring that students’ identities, languages, abilities & talents are recognised and that their learning needs are addressed * Learning to learn – encourages all students to reflect on their own learning processes and to learn how to learn * Community engagement – making links across learning areas, providing for coherent transitions, opening up pathways to future learning * Future focus – encouraging looking to the future by exploring issues such as sustainability, citizenship, enterprise and globalisation

Saturday Soccer Tuck-Shop Roster – xxx means that this time has been filled. Gaylene Mason or Jo Tischik will be on each weekend as co-ordinators.

SAT	2nd May	9th May	16th May	23rd May	6th June	13th June	20th June	27th June	4th July	25th July	1st Aug	8th Aug	15th Aug	22nd Aug	29th Aug
8:30 to 10:30	1xxx 2xxx 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4
10:30 to 12:30	1xxx 2xxx 3 4	1xxx 2 3 4	1xxx 2 3 4	1xxx 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4
12:30 to 2pm	1xxx 2 3 4	1xxx 2 3 4	1xxx 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4	1 2 3 4

COMMUNITY AND SPORT NOTICES

Soccer: Any late registrations please contact Pat Mason 423 8047.

Netball: No games over the holidays. Games start 2nd May.

Kaiwaka Playcentre Family Fair
Fundraiser April 11th 2009
A fun day for the whole family will be held at the Kaiwaka Sports Association, Gibbons Road, 9.30am to 3pm.
Games, activities, food, and so much more! Full Hangi with fry bread, $10 each, pre-orders essential as availability limited –
Phone Riana 09 4312316

Learn to Swim
We run swimming lessons for babies, pre-schoolers, primary school and college age children. Lessons are held in a heated indoor pool in Te Hana and run for 8 weeks per term, 4 terms per year. We are taking bookings for Term 2 now. Term 2 classes start 28th April.
If you would like to book, or have any queries
ph Dell 431 5591 or Ingrid 431 4303.
Learning to swim is a gift for life – can your child swim to survive??

NHA HOLIDAY HOCKEY PROGRAMME
Tuesday 14th - Friday 17th April
Rosvall ITM Stadium, Whangarei.
9:00 – 12 noon each day, $20 per day
School Years 3 to 8
Confirmed coaches:
Shay Neal (Black Sticks 2009)
& Jacinda McLeod (Junior Black-sticks 2009)
Registration essential – 09 437 3830 or email
Bevan Gibbs at rdm@northlandhockey.org.nz

Love 2 Dance Mangawhai
Term 2, Tues 28th April- 3rd July (10 weeks)
Fun creative dance classes – come join us!
Tuesdays: 4-5 yrs 3.15pm $70, 6-8 yrs 3.45pm $80,
9-12 yrs 4.30pm $90
Thursdays: 10-15 yrs 4.30-5.30pm.
Adults get-dance-fit class 7-8pm $90.
Friday nights - Partner dancing – “Mangawhai Jive” 7.30pm. 10 week beginner level special price now $200 per couple if you book in early. ($15 per person casual fee to come and check it out anytime)
Starts Friday 1st May.
Enrolments & enquiries for all classes ph Mary Madden 431 4351 or email mary_madden@xtra.co.nz

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MARY HOLDING A CHILDREN’S DANCE CLASS AT TOMARATA HALL IN TERM 2, PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP.
If there is sufficient interest Mary will consider it over the holidays. If we get enough children for 2 classes, they would be divided by age, otherwise all in together.
Please contact Jeannette Macdonald for further details on 431 5460 or macjen@xtra.co.nz.

Wellsford Drama Club
The Pied Piper
Wanted – young people, males & females 8yrs +
To act, sing and dance, experience not required.
Read through of the play – Thurs 23rd April 7-8pm
Auditions - Sunday 26th April 2-5pm
At Wellsford Drama Clubrooms
All enquiries and audition time bookings to Carolynne Andrew ph 423 8614