Awaroa Artwork
Tēnā koutou e te Whānau,
Welcome to the following students who joined us recently: Christopher and Thomas S and Celeste H.
11 weeks or 55 school days or 330 hours - however you look at it we have come to the end of Term One for 2019! I am not 100% sure where the term has disappeared to, but what a fantastic term it has been. The weather has been incredibly kind to us which has meant that alongside all of our incredible indoor learning activities, we have been able to make the most of our fantastic environment.
Spotlight on gratitude… One of my goals this term has been to try and create a few ‘mindful moments’ each week where I stop and reflect. Without these moments the busy life of school can take over and it’s easy to lose connection with the real reason that I am here - which is for our children. I have been so proud of our students on so many occasions this term, but I think the open afternoon that we had last Thursday was probably one of my highlights. It was fantastic to share in the culmination of learning from our Identity learning inquiry throughout the school. I truly love watching our students flourish as they share their learning with the community. Thank you to all of you who took the time to come into school to share this with your children, the authentic audience that you are able to provide for them really ignites a ‘drive’ in them to produce incredible learning outcomes.
Thank you also to our amazing staff and the small army of volunteers who regularly volunteer their time and talents to help all of the children at Sumner. You really do help to make our school a very special place to work and learn.
Looking ahead to Term Two… Term Two is set to be another exciting one for us. I have been working with Tim Lawrey our BOT chair to improve our communication methods with you. Early next term we will be able to share a new platform with you which will hopefully improve our connections with you. Part of this will be the sharing of a digital platform for you to be able to be involved in your child’s learning and progress.
Next term we will also get underway with beginning the re-visioning process for our school. Our current vision of ‘Excellence and effort in a caring environment’ is now ten years old (more information found here) and so it is time to reflect on all that we have achieved under this vision and then look ahead to what we would like to achieve for our students in the next ten years. This is both an incredibly exciting and important job and will involve consultation and communication with all people who form Sumner School. Our vision and values underpin the way ‘we do things at Sumner School’, including the way we design and implement the curriculum and how our students experience the curriculum. Our values also express our beliefs about what our school community considers most important for our learners so that they will thrive in our community, but also into the future. Keep your eyes peeled early in Term Two for further information about our re-visioning and for the opportunities available for you to come into school to join this important conversation.
Board of Trustees… On 7 June we will have the triennial Board of Trustees elections. Boards play a crucial role in the success of any school as they bring families, communities and the school together to work towards quality education for our children. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic way to get involved in the governance of the school by allowing you to utilise your skills and experience for the benefit of all our students. Our current Board of Trustees Board Talk, found here, has further information for how you can find out more about joining our BOT.
And finally... I have really enjoyed my first term as Principal and, like many of you I am sure, am really looking forward to re-charging my batteries over the next two weeks. Have a wonderful break with your families and I look forward to seeing you all for another action-packed term on 29 April.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Granger
Principal
Welcome to the following students who joined us recently: Christopher and Thomas S and Celeste H.
11 weeks or 55 school days or 330 hours - however you look at it we have come to the end of Term One for 2019! I am not 100% sure where the term has disappeared to, but what a fantastic term it has been. The weather has been incredibly kind to us which has meant that alongside all of our incredible indoor learning activities, we have been able to make the most of our fantastic environment.
Spotlight on gratitude… One of my goals this term has been to try and create a few ‘mindful moments’ each week where I stop and reflect. Without these moments the busy life of school can take over and it’s easy to lose connection with the real reason that I am here - which is for our children. I have been so proud of our students on so many occasions this term, but I think the open afternoon that we had last Thursday was probably one of my highlights. It was fantastic to share in the culmination of learning from our Identity learning inquiry throughout the school. I truly love watching our students flourish as they share their learning with the community. Thank you to all of you who took the time to come into school to share this with your children, the authentic audience that you are able to provide for them really ignites a ‘drive’ in them to produce incredible learning outcomes.
Thank you also to our amazing staff and the small army of volunteers who regularly volunteer their time and talents to help all of the children at Sumner. You really do help to make our school a very special place to work and learn.
Looking ahead to Term Two… Term Two is set to be another exciting one for us. I have been working with Tim Lawrey our BOT chair to improve our communication methods with you. Early next term we will be able to share a new platform with you which will hopefully improve our connections with you. Part of this will be the sharing of a digital platform for you to be able to be involved in your child’s learning and progress.
Next term we will also get underway with beginning the re-visioning process for our school. Our current vision of ‘Excellence and effort in a caring environment’ is now ten years old (more information found here) and so it is time to reflect on all that we have achieved under this vision and then look ahead to what we would like to achieve for our students in the next ten years. This is both an incredibly exciting and important job and will involve consultation and communication with all people who form Sumner School. Our vision and values underpin the way ‘we do things at Sumner School’, including the way we design and implement the curriculum and how our students experience the curriculum. Our values also express our beliefs about what our school community considers most important for our learners so that they will thrive in our community, but also into the future. Keep your eyes peeled early in Term Two for further information about our re-visioning and for the opportunities available for you to come into school to join this important conversation.
Board of Trustees… On 7 June we will have the triennial Board of Trustees elections. Boards play a crucial role in the success of any school as they bring families, communities and the school together to work towards quality education for our children. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic way to get involved in the governance of the school by allowing you to utilise your skills and experience for the benefit of all our students. Our current Board of Trustees Board Talk, found here, has further information for how you can find out more about joining our BOT.
And finally... I have really enjoyed my first term as Principal and, like many of you I am sure, am really looking forward to re-charging my batteries over the next two weeks. Have a wonderful break with your families and I look forward to seeing you all for another action-packed term on 29 April.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Granger
Principal
Upcoming Dates For Your Diary
- 9 May - Years 3&4 Young Writers Workshop
- 10 May - Disco
- 14 May - BOT Meeting
Spot Light on Excellence
Congratulations to the following students who received Surfer Awards at this morning's assembly:
Sincerity: Maggie B for being a motivated, thoughtful and engaged member of the Awaroa team. Maggie, you consistently demonstrate our culture and are a role model to others.
Sincerity: Luke B for always demonstrating a positive attitude towards his learning, peers and teachers alike. He is always willing to help others and completes his work to a high standard.
Sincerity: Zoe W for showing sincerity in the way she relates to others. Zoe is always looking out for those around her and is happy to help her peers and teachers.
Unity: Matthew R for the positive approach you have been showing toward others and your increased willingness to step outside your comfort zone. A great example of this was taking on the role of a Japanese language teacher in Awaroa.
Respect: Xanthe A for consistently working hard in all areas and demonstrating excellent self-regulation. Well done on all your efforts this term.
Respect: Marta Q for consistently working hard in all areas and demonstrating excellent self-regulation. Well done on all your efforts this term.
Respect: Beau L for consistently demonstrating a reliable and responsible attitude in the Awaroa team. Beau, your good humour and inclusiveness of others are always appreciated.
Fairness: Bailey P for consistently completing all tasks within the given timeframe and demonstrating excellent self-managing skills. Kai Pai Bailey.
Resilience: Charlie T for demonstrating a strong work ethic throughout the term and for the exceptionally high standards you have produced. Well done for acting upon all feedback and consistently demonstrating resilience in your work.
Resilience: Niko D for showing the Character Strength Self-Regulation as well as being able to manage your time wisely when working on your ‘Beyond Strange’ writing. Kai Pai Niko.
Congratulations to the following students who received Surfer Awards at this morning's assembly:
Sincerity: Maggie B for being a motivated, thoughtful and engaged member of the Awaroa team. Maggie, you consistently demonstrate our culture and are a role model to others.
Sincerity: Luke B for always demonstrating a positive attitude towards his learning, peers and teachers alike. He is always willing to help others and completes his work to a high standard.
Sincerity: Zoe W for showing sincerity in the way she relates to others. Zoe is always looking out for those around her and is happy to help her peers and teachers.
Unity: Matthew R for the positive approach you have been showing toward others and your increased willingness to step outside your comfort zone. A great example of this was taking on the role of a Japanese language teacher in Awaroa.
Respect: Xanthe A for consistently working hard in all areas and demonstrating excellent self-regulation. Well done on all your efforts this term.
Respect: Marta Q for consistently working hard in all areas and demonstrating excellent self-regulation. Well done on all your efforts this term.
Respect: Beau L for consistently demonstrating a reliable and responsible attitude in the Awaroa team. Beau, your good humour and inclusiveness of others are always appreciated.
Fairness: Bailey P for consistently completing all tasks within the given timeframe and demonstrating excellent self-managing skills. Kai Pai Bailey.
Resilience: Charlie T for demonstrating a strong work ethic throughout the term and for the exceptionally high standards you have produced. Well done for acting upon all feedback and consistently demonstrating resilience in your work.
Resilience: Niko D for showing the Character Strength Self-Regulation as well as being able to manage your time wisely when working on your ‘Beyond Strange’ writing. Kai Pai Niko.
Canterbury Primary Swimming Sports Champs
On Thursday 4 April, 21 Years 5 - 8 Sumner School students competed at the Canterbury Primary schools swimming champs. There were over 1,200 competitors from over the Canterbury region. Sumner School had some fantastic results that they should be extremely proud of. Well done!
Year 5 relay team - 4th
(Sophie H, Kate S, Benji L, Harry W) |
Year 6 relay team - 7th
(Nicola S, Aspen H, James L, Barnaby O) |
Year 7 relay team - 11th
(Izzy W, Jemma B, Lachlan G, Jamie W-T) |
Year 8 relay team - 8th
(Holly S, Jessica L, Hugo T, Callum G) |
Benji L 4th - Year 5 50m Breaststroke
Izzy W 11th - Year 7 50m Freestyle 2nd= Year 7 50m Breaststroke Callum G 12th - Year 8 50m Backstroke Hugo T10th - Year 8 50m Breaststroke |
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Thank you to our sports coordinator Phillipa Finch and to all the parents that helped out with transport for this event.
Huxster Primary Schools Mountain Bike Race
On Friday 5 April, a group of hardy Year 5-8 students from Sumner School braved the rain and mud to take part in the Huxster Primary School Mountain Bike Relay at McLeans Island.
Over 870 riders from schools all over Canterbury raced either individually or in teams of 2 for 1.5 hours (Year 5&6’s) or 3 hours (Year 7&8’s) around a 5km course. The cold and wet conditions were very challenging for everyone but using their character strengths of perseverance, bravery and humour, the racers finished the day with big smiles as well as muddy faces!!
Thank you to the great team of parents who supported the children at this event.
Results:
Year 5&6 Girls: Amelie C / Hannah G - 20th Kate S / Lily R - 28th |
Year 5&6 Boys:
Isaac B / Lachlan N - 16th Angus S / Percy H - 43rd Year 5&6 Mixed: Miriam L / James L - 11th |
Year 7&8 Girls:
Jessica L / Hollie S - 9th Year 7&8 Mixed: Ana L / Jack C - 16th |
Year 7&8 Boys:
Joel B / Niko D - 12th Henry R / Will D - 16th Riley B / Axel E - 21st Individual Boys: Callum G - 5th |
New Zealand Young Writers Competition
Congratulations to Anneke L and Hazel B-M who have excelled in the NZ Young Writers' 'Beyond Strange' Short Story Writing Competition. Anneke's story titled 'Eleftheria' and Hazel's story 'Cats' have been selected to be part of the Beyond Strange anthology to be published and launched in Rotorua on Friday May 31, 2019. Well done Anneke and Hazel!
Lost Child's Bike
A small two wheeler Specialist brand bike with training wheels has been lost this week after it was mistakenly left at school. Please contact the Office if you know of its whereabouts. Email: admin@sumner.school.nz

Head lice
There has been another outbreak of head lice throughout the school and we would appreciate parents checking children's heads over the holiday period and treating effected children before the new term begins. If you require information on how to get rid of this pest please contact your Pharmacist. Thanks for your cooperation.
There has been another outbreak of head lice throughout the school and we would appreciate parents checking children's heads over the holiday period and treating effected children before the new term begins. If you require information on how to get rid of this pest please contact your Pharmacist. Thanks for your cooperation.

Term 2 Hotdogs
The PTA will be offering American hotdogs for lunch on Tuesdays beginning in Week 3 of next term. The order form will be emailed to you early next term and payment is due before Friday 10 May. $20 for 8 weeks.
Thank you for supporting this great fundraiser and to Trudi Dickson for continuing to organise it each year.
![]() School Disco
Friday 10 May Years 0-4, 3.30 - 4.45pm Years 5-6, 5.00 - 6pm Years 7-8, 6.15 - 7.15pm (TBC) Grab your brightest clothing and dance the night away at our first disco for the year. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale Week 2 of Term 2. If you have any questions please ask your class Student reps or email: pta@sumner.school.nz. |
PTA Fundraiser - Entertainment Books 2019
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CDHB Measles Message
Increasing tamariki vaccination rates is crucial to containing Canterbury’s measles outbreak.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says the upcoming school holidays is a great opportunity to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.
The most effective way to stop the current measles outbreak is to vaccinate those aged 12 months to 28 years who have never received an MMR vaccine.
As well as vaccinating those who have never been immunised, to prevent the transmission of measles, and to protect those most at risk of developing serious complications from measles, a second MMR vaccine is being made available to more people. A second MMR vaccination is available to:
· all those aged12 months–28 years
· caregivers of infants aged up to12months
· those aged between 29 and 50 who work with children
Dr Pink says if you are travelling these holiday’s please make sure your tamariki are fully vaccinated before departing.
For more information click here.
Netball Coach Needed
The Sumner Redcliffs Netball Club are currently looking for a coach to coach and train their Year 6 H-Team. Training days are Wednesday 3.30pm - 4.30pm at the Sumner School netball courts. If you are interested or would like more information, can you please contact the club on sumnerredcliffsnetball@gmail.com and quote Year 6 H-Team.
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Art After School with Jo Loughnan Term 2 Note: Term 2 art classes will not be starting until Week 3 as I will be out of the country until then. On Wednesday 15 May art classes will start in Room 12 from 3pm to 4.30pm. All classes are strongly based on drawing skills using pastels, dye, charcoal, chalk and paint. We cover a fun range of subject matter and complete a piece of art each session. Lessons are suitable for 6 year olds and up, everything is included in the cost as well as afternoon tea. In Term 2 we will be drawing: elephants, a housescape, parrots, a squirrel, horses, peacocks and fantails. The cost for the term excluding the first 2 weeks and the last week of term - (the school is aiming to be relocating into different classrooms this week ) is $126.00 ( 7 out of a 10 week term) To book in please contact Jo by email joloughnan@xtra.co.nz |
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Clay Easter Crafts For 10 - 14 yr olds - Thursday 18 April 12:30 - 3:30pm
Held At Art@Sumner Hub - Book Fast Limited Spaces! Come along and join in a fun clay session making Easter themed crafts using simple pinch pot and slab techniques. You will make at least two items that will then be bisque and glaze fired in a kiln at Nikki’s workshop in Sumner. Sign Up using this google form link - Clay Easter Craft Bunny Day: Thursday 18 April Time: 12:30 - 3:30pm Where: Sumner Hub, 57 Nayland Street, Christchurch 8081 Who: Max of 8 children in class 10 -14 year olds Cost: $32 per child (includes $2 Koha to Sumner Hub) What to bring: All materials provided including clay and firing in kiln x 2 Tutor: Nikki Wallace-Bell - fully registered visual art teacher, practicing potter Contact and enquiries: For this workshop or clay parties. Nikki Wallace-Bell, artatsumnerhub@gmail.com mobile: 027 748 2036. Facebook Art At Sumner Hub |
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