Newsletter Term 4 11th November 2019

From the Principal

Well, Summer has appeared suddenly with very hot days, and sweaty little people. Please make sure your children have named hats, suitable clothing and sunscreen. It has gone from 0-100 overnight.A reminder that we are no longer printing out paper newsletters. It is our contribution to the environment and reducing our carbon footprint. We had had a slight hiccup with publishing on time last week- teething problems. Also please can expensive watches, jewellery and clothing be kept at home. So… what’s our latest news?

This week ,on Tuesday 12^th November, the House Captains will be dedicating their memorial to Tony, our loved bus driver. They have worked very hard on this community project, from designing, to fund raising to the finished product. Please if you can join us at 10 am I would appreciate it. What they have put together is very special. A light morning tea will be available in the staffroom afterwards.

Our student voice group have also been very busy deciding what their school project for this term was going to be. HMS Buddy ( the friendship boat in the Junior playground) is going to get an amazing makeover.They have come up with some radical ideas ( including harpoons if you please) but would love any donations of the following: a pair of wooden oars; a telescope; an old fishing rod ( minus hooks pretty please); any paint you may have lurking around; a mast; and a kind mum that could sew a flag. They are very excited so any help would be appreciated.

I have decided to mention in my blurb the names of the students who have shared awesome work with me. I was pleased to see Connaver and Noah from Room 1 this week. It is nice for children to come to see me for positive affirmations of their efforts.

Thank you to the people who attended Tony Mordaunts parent evening last Thursday. We has an interesting discussion on Why children play sport;Latest research why children are giving up sport and how parents can influence that decision; Early specialisation and how playing various sports can be beneficial;The car journey home.

I was so proud of our students at the interschool cross country at Pakiri last week. They performed exceptionally well with many high placings. Their sportsmanship and behaviour was exemplary. Huge thanks to you parents for your support with transport and for your children. Ka pai.

The Helping Hands group are still short of 6 parent helpers for the Fireworks Night on the 16^th November. Remember this is our major fundraiser for the year to go towards your children’s education and school environment. An hour of your time is a little thing to give. Please help!

Speaking of Sports, the Board and I have decided that we want all children, from next year onwards, to wear the school tee-shirt when out of school on trips or at sports and community events. To make this easy we are offering a special deal: 1 tee-shirt for $20 or 2 for $30. Can you please ensure that you have purchased tee-shirts before the start of school in 2020.

We are building up playground equipment to keep out students engaged. We now have gutterboards for each class to use.

Some general housekeeping notes:

Swimming has now started up again. Please remind children to pack a bag with togs and towels AND to bring them back again.

Assemblies for the whole school will now be starting at the earlier time of 1.30pm every 2nd Friday.

Now for a little teaser… WE HAVE EXCITING TIMES AHEAD IN 2020. Do you want to have the opportunity to have your say in the direction for the school?; in forming a shared vision for what you want your children to learn and experience?; to decide what values are important for our kids in our community? Well you will. We are going to extend an invitation to all of you in our community to take part in deciding a new pathway for Tomarata School so WATCH THIS SPACE. ( I’m a little bit excited as you may have guessed).

I am very pleased to announce that we have appointed a new  Deputy Principal Mrs Kirsten Forno-Watson will be joining us in T1 2020. She is a very experienced teacher with alot of skills to share.

Lastly you will be wanting to know when school will resume in 2020 so you can organise your holidays. We will be starting with something else new. On Friday 7^th February we will be holding Day 1 interviews, where you will have the opportunity to speak to your child’s 2020 teacher, with your child, about their and your hopes and dreams for the year. It is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to learn more about their students and for you all to form good relationships, and can lessen the stress of the first day in class for some children. Actual instruction will start on Monday 10^th February 2020. Details about booking appointments will be relayed to you in due course.

Well I think that is all for the moment. Have a great rest of the week

Congratulations

Alexis Bromhead for achieving Honours in her Level 2 American Jazz Dance Exam.  Well done!!

 PE shed will be open for 5 minutes in playtime to get gear out and five minutes when the bell goes to put the gear away. They must be within this time thanks Mr Lees

Community Notices

Wellsford Riding School

Are you looking for something different to do for a childs birthday or special occasion? I can offer a great venue with safe ponies to cuddle, brush and ride. Call or message for details. Marilyn 021 605 409

We would like to thank Bayleys Wellsford for their sponsorship