Tēnā koutou katoa. Tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou.
Welcome to Jensen K who started school last week.
Class Placements 2019
Over the next few weeks we will begin the process of organising classes for next year. There is always much to consider when doing this but first and foremost, we start with the individual learning needs of every child. Other important considerations include; gender balance, conflicts, student behaviour, attitudes and work habits, friendship groups and the logistics of organising around 400 children into approximately 16 classrooms. I’m sure you will appreciate that it is not an easy task but it is always done with the children’s best interests at the heart of any decision making.
We understand that sometimes as parents, you too have views/preferences for your child(ren). If you have any exceptional requests or circumstances you would like us to consider in this class placement process we invite you to put them in writing to the principal before Friday 23 November. You need to clearly outline your own reasons, considering the same criteria as above. While consideration will be given to these requests, no guarantees or promise of placement can be made. Please note: this is not an opportunity to request what teacher you would like your child to have next year and these requests will not be taken note of.
Please also be aware that it is highly unlikely that classes will move on to the next year level intact. For a number of reasons there will undoubtedly be changes to the class groups. This is normal practice in schools. You will be notified of what class your child(ren) will be in for 2019 before the end of the year.
If your child(ren) is not returning in 2019 (other than Year 8 leavers) we would appreciate being notified in writing to the school office as soon as possible. Thank you to those parents who have indicated this already, it is vitally important for our planning.
Lime Scooters
Please note that like many schools we have decided to ban the use of Lime scooters on the school grounds. This is for obvious health and safety reasons but also as a result of damage to the school grounds. The most disappointing has been the damage to the blue astroturf court which now has a permanent gouge out of it caused by a scooter burn. Please support us by reiterating to your children that they are not to bring the scooters onto the grounds at any time including after school and the weekends.
Finally, thank you to the PTA and our School Council for organising this evening's disco. I’m sure it will be a fun event for all involved.
Have a great weekend.
Ngā mihi nui
Stuart Cameron
Principal
Welcome to Jensen K who started school last week.
Class Placements 2019
Over the next few weeks we will begin the process of organising classes for next year. There is always much to consider when doing this but first and foremost, we start with the individual learning needs of every child. Other important considerations include; gender balance, conflicts, student behaviour, attitudes and work habits, friendship groups and the logistics of organising around 400 children into approximately 16 classrooms. I’m sure you will appreciate that it is not an easy task but it is always done with the children’s best interests at the heart of any decision making.
We understand that sometimes as parents, you too have views/preferences for your child(ren). If you have any exceptional requests or circumstances you would like us to consider in this class placement process we invite you to put them in writing to the principal before Friday 23 November. You need to clearly outline your own reasons, considering the same criteria as above. While consideration will be given to these requests, no guarantees or promise of placement can be made. Please note: this is not an opportunity to request what teacher you would like your child to have next year and these requests will not be taken note of.
Please also be aware that it is highly unlikely that classes will move on to the next year level intact. For a number of reasons there will undoubtedly be changes to the class groups. This is normal practice in schools. You will be notified of what class your child(ren) will be in for 2019 before the end of the year.
If your child(ren) is not returning in 2019 (other than Year 8 leavers) we would appreciate being notified in writing to the school office as soon as possible. Thank you to those parents who have indicated this already, it is vitally important for our planning.
Lime Scooters
Please note that like many schools we have decided to ban the use of Lime scooters on the school grounds. This is for obvious health and safety reasons but also as a result of damage to the school grounds. The most disappointing has been the damage to the blue astroturf court which now has a permanent gouge out of it caused by a scooter burn. Please support us by reiterating to your children that they are not to bring the scooters onto the grounds at any time including after school and the weekends.
Finally, thank you to the PTA and our School Council for organising this evening's disco. I’m sure it will be a fun event for all involved.
Have a great weekend.
Ngā mihi nui
Stuart Cameron
Principal
Teacher Only Day
A reminder that school will be closed for a Teacher Only Day on Thursday 15 November (This is the Thursday before Show Weekend). Please make alternative arrangements for your child(ren) on this day.
The staff will be using this very valuable day to engage in professional learning about modern learning practice and spend time working on assessments leading up to the end of year written reports.
MASH and FUSE will be open for childcare on both 14 & 15 November. Please see their contact details below.
Strike Message from BOT
The New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), which represents primary teachers and principals, has announced that further strike action may take place across the country. If the strike action does go ahead, it is likely this will require the Board to close our School again on Wednesday,
14 November. NZEI are applying to enter into further negotiations ahead of the proposed strikes. If successful, it is possible that the strike action will be cancelled. The Board will update you when a final position is known.
Sumner School Prizegiving
This year’s Prizegiving will take place on Monday 17 December at 6pm. Prizegiving is an important occasion that allows us to celebrate excellence and effort and as such we would like to offer the opportunity for as many parents and caregivers as possible to attend the event.
To help us prepare for this Prizegiving, if you have any cups or trophies from last year, or know of anyone who has, please return them to the school office as soon as possible to allow time for the engraving of this year’s recipients.
Aupaki Cyber Safety Parent Education Night
Great timing to prepare for a long holiday with children and the devices challenge! Book your babysitter now - this is a not to be missed event. Read about the presenter, John Parsons here
Tuesday 11 December 7pm at Sumner School hall.
SchoolDocs Policy Review
This term the Improving Educational Outcomes for Māori Students policy is due for review. If you would like to take part in the review, please visit sumner.schooldocs.co.nz and follow the instructions below:
- Follow the link to each policy in the table above.
- Read the policy.
- Click the red Policy Review icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
- Select your role (board member, staff member, or parent/caregiver) from the drop-down list.
- Enter your name (optional).
- Submit your ratings and comments.
Spotlight on Excellence
Congratulations to the following students who received Surfer Awards at Mondays assembly:
Sincerity: Leon P-J for consistently showing focus, energy and effort in his learning, both in and outside the classroom.
Sincerity: Israel C for showing sincerity, gratitude and a love of learning during all experiences in and outside the classroom.
Unity: Annie L for always being enthusiastic about learning and trying your best in everything you undertake. You are a great team player and are always looking out for others. Well done.
Unity: William S for always making sure your friends are included in games and participating enthusiastically in any team he is involved in.
Resilience: Charlie S for showing perseverance and bravery during challenges and giving new activities his best effort.
Resilience: Toby B for developing amazing resilience this year and meeting new challenges everyday. Well done Toby!
Fairness: Mia W for consistently ensuring everyone is included and always being kind and fair in the way she treats others.
Fairness: Isla Q for always being very respectful, honest and fair towards her peers. You always make sure that everyone is included and treated fairly.
Empathy: Emily B for always being a kind, caring and supportive member of Room 7 who is constantly looking out for those around her.
Empathy: Lola B for showing kindness to all those around her. You have a lovely, warm manner towards your friends and always makes the new students in Te Manawa feel welcome and supported.
Respect: Lyla L for consistently showing respect and supporting others' learning by following classroom routines, listening to others sharing their ideas, and doing her best in her learning.
Respect: Nathan S for having fantastic manners and always showing respect in the classroom by listening to others and putting 100% effort into all of your work.
Sincerity: Leon P-J for consistently showing focus, energy and effort in his learning, both in and outside the classroom.
Sincerity: Israel C for showing sincerity, gratitude and a love of learning during all experiences in and outside the classroom.
Unity: Annie L for always being enthusiastic about learning and trying your best in everything you undertake. You are a great team player and are always looking out for others. Well done.
Unity: William S for always making sure your friends are included in games and participating enthusiastically in any team he is involved in.
Resilience: Charlie S for showing perseverance and bravery during challenges and giving new activities his best effort.
Resilience: Toby B for developing amazing resilience this year and meeting new challenges everyday. Well done Toby!
Fairness: Mia W for consistently ensuring everyone is included and always being kind and fair in the way she treats others.
Fairness: Isla Q for always being very respectful, honest and fair towards her peers. You always make sure that everyone is included and treated fairly.
Empathy: Emily B for always being a kind, caring and supportive member of Room 7 who is constantly looking out for those around her.
Empathy: Lola B for showing kindness to all those around her. You have a lovely, warm manner towards your friends and always makes the new students in Te Manawa feel welcome and supported.
Respect: Lyla L for consistently showing respect and supporting others' learning by following classroom routines, listening to others sharing their ideas, and doing her best in her learning.
Respect: Nathan S for having fantastic manners and always showing respect in the classroom by listening to others and putting 100% effort into all of your work.
Canterbury Summer Tournament Last Wednesday the Year 6 mixed tennis team of Jemma B, Noah C, Zara G and Izzy W competed in the Canterbury Summer Tournament at Wilding Park. The team played well, dominating the tournament by winning all their matches and earning the number one spot and eventually being crowned tournament winners after 3-4 hours of tennis. Well done on such a fine performance. Parents will be informed of when certificates and badges will be awarded. |
Canterbury Hockey Win Holly S was selected for the Canterbury A Hockey Team who competed in the Colier cup competition over the holidays. Holly played in four pool games in two days and placed first in the pool. Next, she competed in the semi-finals, winning and taking her to the quarterfinals. In this round, her team won against Hawkes Bay pushing the team into the finals. In the final game, her team played against central Otago and placed first overall. |
Calendars and Cards - Kids Artwork
The first Calendar Art order has now been distributed. The last opportunity to order closes on Monday 5 November. High quality calendars, greetings cards, mouse mats, notebooks and diaries printed with your child's art work can be great gifts at Christmas.
Please log on to https://www.kidsartworks.com.
If you no longer have your child's unique code to view their art and place an order ask at the school office or email sumnerschoolcalendars@gmail.com. This is an important event for the PTA that raises funds to support our school. Thank you to Kate Gibson for organising this fundraiser again this year.

Childcare in Week 5
Please contact MASH if you require childcare on both 14 & 15 November when school is closed for the teacher Strike and the Teacher Only day.
Please contact MASH if you require childcare on both 14 & 15 November when school is closed for the teacher Strike and the Teacher Only day.
FUSE
Fuse plans to run a programme to support the schools and parents during the planned teacher's strike on Wednesday 14 November. The programme will be for Years 6-9 and run from 8:00am-3pm and consist of a sign in sign out procedure, have supervised care and structured/organised activities. The cost of this programme will be $30 per child, available to a maximum of 20 students.
On the Teacher Only Day planned for 15 November Fuse will run a free open session from 12-3pm.
Pool Information
Some important dates for the Sumner Community Pool 2018 - 2019 season:
Keys on sale from Wednesday 17 October.
Working bee on Sunday 4 November from 10am.
Pool opens Saturday 17 November at 7am.
To purchase a pool key please access the website as usual www.sumnerpool.co.nz
The cost of the keys remain at $130 (plus $20 if you don't have a swipe card)
Remember to complete the registration form as well as selecting a roster day. Keys are allocated once payment is received.
Be in to Win!
You could win a free fun day for your school at Jellie Park (pool and slide) on the 18 December by filling in a short survey around water safety and learning to swim. Each entry increases your school’s chance of winning. Currently only 30% of school age children participate in swimming lessons and the Christchurch City Council’s Swimsmart team are keen to understand parents and caregivers views around water safety and learning to swim. Here is a link to the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolSwim18 |
Message from the University of Canterbury Tsunami Evacuation Modellers
We are still hoping to get some more responses to our tsunami evacuation survey, these are essential to help evacuation modelling in the case of future tsunamis, so if you did evacuate during the tsunami associated with the Kaikoura earthquake can you please consider filling in our survey available here
There is a link to a google doc that allows people to download the survey which they can fill out and email it back to:
uc.tsunami.research@gmail.com
There is also a Facebook page that people can use if they wish to contact us - UC Tsunami Research
Hard copies are available for pick up at the school office. Please leave completed surveys at the school office or post in the Volcano mailbox at 29 Stoke Street next to school.
Thanks from UC Tsunami Hazard Research Team
Thank you to our newsletter sponsors