Tena koutou e te Whānau,
Welcome to the following students who joined us this week: Briley B, Charlie S, Charlie C, Esme K, Georgia & Samuel B, Iris H, Jacob, Lillie & Saffie M, Kian O, Thomas B and Holly M.
Welcome to Term 3! I hope you all had a very relaxing break away from school and managed to enjoy some time with your whānau.
Term 3 is already well underway and is set to be another busy one with lots of rich and exciting learning opportunities planned. Already this week we have had Rapanui visiting Willowbank and Tuawera planting at Sumnervale, Kelly Sports delivering winter sports skills to our Years 0-4 students and EPRO8 (Engineering, Problem Solving and Innovation) enrichment. Next week looks like it is going to be equally as busy with Zones Cross Country, Learning Conferences (information below) and the first disco of the year. The school Events Calendar has been updated for this term, so please keep an eye on it to keep up to date with everything that is happening this term.
We will be beginning next week with a special Mihi Whakatau at 10am on Monday in our hall to welcome new staff members and students who have joined our school since the beginning of the school year. Parents are very welcome to attend and take part.
Spotlight on Learning Conferences… As you will have seen in the message sent out via the School App earlier in the week, our second set of Learning Conferences for the year are occurring on Wednesday 29 July (1.45 - 7.30pm) and Thursday 30 July (1.45pm - 5.30pm) next week. Bookings are now open via www.schoolinterviews.co.nz using the code sent out via the App and close on Monday.
Our focus for Learning Conferences this term are to provide an opportunity for you to reconnect with your child(ren)'s teacher and to be updated on the progress and learning goals for your child(ren) with particular focus on reading, writing and maths. This is a little different to our normal mid-year conferences, but we feel this is important to do following the COVID-19 related disruptions from the start of the year.
As always, we strongly encourage all children to attend the Learning Conferences so they can actively participate in setting the future direction of their learning. Once again we will be providing supervision in Puna Ora (Library) until 3.00pm for those children who cannot be collected earlier. If you would like to take up this opportunity please let the Office know in advance so we can keep track of the children involved.
Spotlight on learning in Term 3… Our concept for inquiry across the school this term is Diversity. This provides us with a fantastic opportunity to explore what diversity looks like throughout the curriculum, but also how Diversity is something to be celebrated rather than feared. At assembly today we talked about how the Character Strengths of Curiosity and Perspective are important for us to use this term as we learn more about Diversity. It is important that we encourage our ākonga (learners) to ask questions and find out about others by asking questions and exploring differences, but all the while using our School Values of whanaungatanga to ensure we are showing respect and consideration to others.
Earlier this week the teams sent out their Curriculum Newsletters for the term which outlined what their learning pathway for the term looks like for Term 3. If you haven’t already seen these, they can be found here: Rapanui, Tuawera, Te Onepoto and Awaroa.
Spotlight on staffing changes and updates for Term 3… Earlier this week we welcomed back Mrs Lisi Reid to teach in our New Entrant ‘nest’ class in Rapanui. Lisi has a long association with the school, having taught with us on numerous occasions over the last few years. We are really excited to welcome Lisi back to our school whānau. Lisi can be contacted via email at lreid@sumner.school.nz
We are also saying ‘farewell’ to Ms Kathryn Blunn (our Associate Principal) today as she heads away on Maternity Leave for the next year. We wish Kathryn, her husband Matt and son Hugh all of our best wishes and luck as they prepare to welcome their new baby in a couple of weeks time.
Kathryn’s position has been filled for the next year by Ms Collette Sandilands. Collette joins us with huge amounts of leadership experience and we are very excited to have her skills and experience on our team while Kathryn is away. Collette will be taking over the Associate Principal responsibilities from Monday and can be contacted via email on ap@sumner.school.nz
Tēna Koutou everyone!
My name is Collette Sandilands. I am delighted to be your new Associate Principal and to join the wonderful team at Sumner School. I have recently relocated to Christchurch to be closer to my children Michaela (25) and James (23), who are both now well settled in the Christchurch area. I am passionate about student wellbeing and achievement and helping them to flourish and reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives. I very much look forward to working with the staff, students, BOT, whānau and school community at Sumner School. Ngā mihi nui Collette |
Kia ora!
My name is Mrs Lisi Reid and I am excited to be starting the New Entrant class in Room 3 this term and joining the Rapanui Team. Although I may be a new face to some of you, I have been working at Sumner School in a variety of roles for over 10 years and I’m thrilled to be back. I am married to Jonathan and we have 3 young children. I also love to get out in the hills and enjoy a good doer-upperer! I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your families. |
In other staffing news we would like to send huge congratulations to Miss Hannah Smaill (Tuawera teacher) and her partner Tom on the very exciting news that they are expecting their first baby. Hannah will be with us for a little while yet though, and expects to leave us a few weeks into Term 4. Spotlight on Health and Safety... As we begin Term 3 it is timely to give a couple of reminders to parents and whānau about the importance of parking safely and considerately during the busy pick up and drop off times. We are having some instances of double parking, parking in the bus stop and parking across driveways which is making it incredibly tricky for our student led Road Patrol. Also just a reminder that unfortunately our Spiderweb Tower remains out of action due to damage. The Board of Trustees is currently working with the supplier of the tower to rectify this, but in the meantime please ensure your child(ren) do not play on this as it is not safe. And Finally... Please see the flyer (opposite) for information regarding our Whānau Kōrero Mai Coffee Mornings for this term. The first of these will be next Friday 31 July when there is an opportunity to drop in for a coffee and a chat about Hero (our new Student Management System) from 8.30-9.15am. Have a wonderful weekend with your families. Ngā mihi nui Anna Granger Principal |
Head Lice
There have been several cases of head lice reported since returning to school this week and we would appreciate you taking the time to check your child's hair over the weekend and treating before they return on Monday. Check with your Pharmacist for advice if you are unsure of how to treat this pest.
There have been several cases of head lice reported since returning to school this week and we would appreciate you taking the time to check your child's hair over the weekend and treating before they return on Monday. Check with your Pharmacist for advice if you are unsure of how to treat this pest.
Monday 27 July in the Well Being Centre, 8.30am - 9.30am
Drop your children to class and then come join us. All parents are welcome. A great way to meet new parents and be actively involved in your children’s school. Like and join our Facebook page - Sumner School PTA OR email pta@sumner.school.nz with any questions. |

Term 3 Hotdog Lunch
The PTA will be offering American hotdogs for lunch every Tuesday this term beginning 4 August. If you would like your child to have a hotdog each week please complete the form attached here or forms are available at the Office. Payment $20 for 8 weeks (cash or eftpos available). Orders need to be placed before Monday 3 August.

Mana Ake will be visiting on Wednesdays of odd weeks this Term, 8.30-9.30am in the Waiora - Wellbeing Centre.

Our Only Disco for the Year !!!!!
Save the Date – Friday, 31 July
Midwinter Disco
Tickets on sale now - $5 (cash or eftpos available). Monday-Friday in the school office before school.
Years 0-4 3.30pm - 4.45pm
Years 5-6 5pm - 6pm
Years 7-8 6.15pm - 7.15pm
Note to Seniors: if there are not enough numbers for their own disco they will be combined with Years 5-6’s).
Wear your mid winter clothes, pj’s, white clothing, Christmas crazy jumpers. Whatever suits your fancy.
More information to follow next term.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
Save the Date – Friday, 31 July
Midwinter Disco
Tickets on sale now - $5 (cash or eftpos available). Monday-Friday in the school office before school.
Years 0-4 3.30pm - 4.45pm
Years 5-6 5pm - 6pm
Years 7-8 6.15pm - 7.15pm
Note to Seniors: if there are not enough numbers for their own disco they will be combined with Years 5-6’s).
Wear your mid winter clothes, pj’s, white clothing, Christmas crazy jumpers. Whatever suits your fancy.
More information to follow next term.
Look forward to seeing you all there.

Mt Cheeseman Ski Races
Please view the information here regarding Mt Cheeseman Ski Racing on Sunday 16 August. To register your child click here
Please contact Andrea McKendry via email: amckendry@sumner.school.nz
with any queries you may have.
Please view the information here regarding Mt Cheeseman Ski Racing on Sunday 16 August. To register your child click here
Please contact Andrea McKendry via email: amckendry@sumner.school.nz
with any queries you may have.
Thank you to our newsletter sponsors