Tēnā koutou katoa. Tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou
I’d like to start today’s newsletter with a personal heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of you around the support and care that you have shown the school following the events of Friday 15 March. As a new Principal I am always incredibly grateful to work within such a fantastic community, but the last fortnight has really driven home how lucky I am - so thank you! I would again like to thank our incredible staff who worked so hard last week to look after our children’s wellbeing, whilst also ensuring that routines and programmes returned to normal as soon as possible. But I also need to once again acknowledge our truly amazing students - they made all of us incredibly proud, not only with how they responded to the lockdown, but also with how they listened to and respected our messages when we returned to school. I am aware that for some parents our emergency text system did not work as it should on 15th March meaning that some people did not receive the lockdown messages, even though they were subscribed. We apologise for this, and I am currently working to fix the problem as well as exploring options for further improving our communication methods with you.
Spotlight on character strengths…. As you will know, last Friday we supported the Christchurch wide ‘Colour Your Day’ and asked each child to bring a gold coin donation to go towards the ‘Our People, Our City’ fund. We used this day to focus on the character strength of kindness with each class making time to consider the impact our kindness can have on other people. Our Student Wellbeing Leaders led the creation of a special coin trail which each child had the opportunity to contribute to. I’m really pleased to share that as a school we raised $952 which will go towards the Mayoral Fund to support those families affected by the events a fortnight ago.
Spotlight on School Values….Our school wide inquiry on the concept of Identity is now beginning to draw to a close. As part of this we have had a focus on our school identity during our assemblies where we have explored our school SURFER values and looked closely at what it means to be a member of the Sumner School Whānau. This week our School Leaders shared their ideas on our value of empathy. They talked to the school about how empathy is all about understanding the thoughts and feelings of other people and explained how sometimes when people are upset or angry it’s easy to understand what someone is feeling, but how empathy is understanding why someone might feel like that. We explained that we can show empathy by: Noticing how other people around you are feeling, Listening carefully to what they are saying and caring for them.
I think, perhaps more than ever, this value is incredibly important as it enables us to develop a culture for our young people who are tolerant, respectful and who celebrate the diverse identities within our community and the wider world. My vision is that by relating all that we do at school to our values and character strengths, we will grow students who stand up and question those who are not respecting our values.
Spotlight on Curriculum… Around the school there is a real buzz as students work to complete their inquiry learning on Identity. So far this term our teams have moved through the ‘Learn’ and ‘Create’ parts of their inquiries, and now they are busily preparing to ‘Share’ this learning with you next Thursday, 4 April. All learning spaces will be open from 1.45pm - 2.45pm for you to share in the learning that has occurred this term. You are warmly invited to visit any learning spaces, even if your child isn’t currently within that year level. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the learning that has happened across the school. You can find some more information about our ‘Learn Create Share’ process of inquiry learning here .
Spotlight on the 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. We are hoping that the upcoming elections will attract a large field of interested parents who are excited in working alongside us to support our Senior Leadership Team.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our BOT there are a couple of ways you can find out more; The New Zealand School Trustees are running an information evening at Hornby High School at 6pm on 11 April. Please see the flyer below for further details. Also our Board Chair Tim Lawrey or I would be happy to meet with you if you would like to talk it over in person. Please contact the office if you would like to arrange a meeting with one of us.
And finally, don’t forget that the (now legendary) PTA quiz is happening on Friday 5 April. If you haven’t done so already I urge you to book a babysitter and get a team together to attend the quiz. It’s a fantastic night and is for a great cause! Tickets are on sale now from the school office.
Have a restful weekend with your families and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Granger
Principal
I’d like to start today’s newsletter with a personal heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of you around the support and care that you have shown the school following the events of Friday 15 March. As a new Principal I am always incredibly grateful to work within such a fantastic community, but the last fortnight has really driven home how lucky I am - so thank you! I would again like to thank our incredible staff who worked so hard last week to look after our children’s wellbeing, whilst also ensuring that routines and programmes returned to normal as soon as possible. But I also need to once again acknowledge our truly amazing students - they made all of us incredibly proud, not only with how they responded to the lockdown, but also with how they listened to and respected our messages when we returned to school. I am aware that for some parents our emergency text system did not work as it should on 15th March meaning that some people did not receive the lockdown messages, even though they were subscribed. We apologise for this, and I am currently working to fix the problem as well as exploring options for further improving our communication methods with you.
Spotlight on character strengths…. As you will know, last Friday we supported the Christchurch wide ‘Colour Your Day’ and asked each child to bring a gold coin donation to go towards the ‘Our People, Our City’ fund. We used this day to focus on the character strength of kindness with each class making time to consider the impact our kindness can have on other people. Our Student Wellbeing Leaders led the creation of a special coin trail which each child had the opportunity to contribute to. I’m really pleased to share that as a school we raised $952 which will go towards the Mayoral Fund to support those families affected by the events a fortnight ago.
Spotlight on School Values….Our school wide inquiry on the concept of Identity is now beginning to draw to a close. As part of this we have had a focus on our school identity during our assemblies where we have explored our school SURFER values and looked closely at what it means to be a member of the Sumner School Whānau. This week our School Leaders shared their ideas on our value of empathy. They talked to the school about how empathy is all about understanding the thoughts and feelings of other people and explained how sometimes when people are upset or angry it’s easy to understand what someone is feeling, but how empathy is understanding why someone might feel like that. We explained that we can show empathy by: Noticing how other people around you are feeling, Listening carefully to what they are saying and caring for them.
I think, perhaps more than ever, this value is incredibly important as it enables us to develop a culture for our young people who are tolerant, respectful and who celebrate the diverse identities within our community and the wider world. My vision is that by relating all that we do at school to our values and character strengths, we will grow students who stand up and question those who are not respecting our values.
Spotlight on Curriculum… Around the school there is a real buzz as students work to complete their inquiry learning on Identity. So far this term our teams have moved through the ‘Learn’ and ‘Create’ parts of their inquiries, and now they are busily preparing to ‘Share’ this learning with you next Thursday, 4 April. All learning spaces will be open from 1.45pm - 2.45pm for you to share in the learning that has occurred this term. You are warmly invited to visit any learning spaces, even if your child isn’t currently within that year level. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the learning that has happened across the school. You can find some more information about our ‘Learn Create Share’ process of inquiry learning here .
Spotlight on the 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. We are hoping that the upcoming elections will attract a large field of interested parents who are excited in working alongside us to support our Senior Leadership Team.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our BOT there are a couple of ways you can find out more; The New Zealand School Trustees are running an information evening at Hornby High School at 6pm on 11 April. Please see the flyer below for further details. Also our Board Chair Tim Lawrey or I would be happy to meet with you if you would like to talk it over in person. Please contact the office if you would like to arrange a meeting with one of us.
And finally, don’t forget that the (now legendary) PTA quiz is happening on Friday 5 April. If you haven’t done so already I urge you to book a babysitter and get a team together to attend the quiz. It’s a fantastic night and is for a great cause! Tickets are on sale now from the school office.
Have a restful weekend with your families and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Granger
Principal
Upcoming Dates For Your Diary
- Thursday 4 April 1.45pm - 2.45pm - Whole school Identity inquiry sharing afternoon, all welcome.
Glendal Exchange Visit
Glendal students & Sumner host students visit Willowbank
On Wednesday 20 March, 10 students from Glendal Primary School arrived at Sumner School to spend the week experiencing what it is like to live in Sumner. We met our students on Wednesday afternoon and had a brief afternoon tea and then they went home with their host students.
On Thursday morning the Glendal students experienced a Mihi Whakatau, a traditional New Zealand welcome. We then headed off to Willowbank wildlife park, where they saw a real-life Kiwi, fed eels and meet some interesting farm animals.
On Friday they were part of the Awaroa hub for the start of the day and then went off to Surf School. For most of the Glendal students this was their first time surfing.
During the weekend they did whatever the host families were doing and became part of the family. On Monday the students went to the Margaret Mahy playground. They explored Quake City, and learnt about the earthquakes that Christchurch experienced. Then we headed off to Imagination station in the Turanga library. We were challenged to make items with lego in groups of 3 or 4. After we had finished this challenge, we spend some time enjoying our beautiful library.
On Tuesday the students had an ordinary Sumner School day as an Awaroa team member. The next day we said our farewells to our wonderful Glendal Students at 5am on Wednesday morning. It was a great experience for everyone involved and we look forward to spending time next year with our sister school Glendal Primary.
Written by: Eve T
On Thursday morning the Glendal students experienced a Mihi Whakatau, a traditional New Zealand welcome. We then headed off to Willowbank wildlife park, where they saw a real-life Kiwi, fed eels and meet some interesting farm animals.
On Friday they were part of the Awaroa hub for the start of the day and then went off to Surf School. For most of the Glendal students this was their first time surfing.
During the weekend they did whatever the host families were doing and became part of the family. On Monday the students went to the Margaret Mahy playground. They explored Quake City, and learnt about the earthquakes that Christchurch experienced. Then we headed off to Imagination station in the Turanga library. We were challenged to make items with lego in groups of 3 or 4. After we had finished this challenge, we spend some time enjoying our beautiful library.
On Tuesday the students had an ordinary Sumner School day as an Awaroa team member. The next day we said our farewells to our wonderful Glendal Students at 5am on Wednesday morning. It was a great experience for everyone involved and we look forward to spending time next year with our sister school Glendal Primary.
Written by: Eve T
Spot Light on Excellence
Sincerity: Harriet W for always being kind and caring to all the students and teachers. She plays and works well with her friends. What a great role model you are. Tino pai!
Sincerity: Lottie E for showing enthusiasm and a real zest for learning. You always put 100% effort in to everything you do and are a great role model in our class.
Sincerity: Indi O for showing the character strength of sincerity by always doing your best work and trying your hardest in class. Ka mau te wehi!
Unity: Connor G For always taking turns and sharing with the other students in his class. He is a great team player! Ka pai!
Respect: Heidi L for being a responsible student who always shows respect to the classroom, her teachers and her classmates.You are a great role model in Room 6.
Respect: Tom L f or showing respect in all areas of the school; to your peers, teachers, and in your learning environment. Ka pai!
Respect: Isla T for always being a respectful, kind and caring class member. You always show respect to your friends and the teachers.
Resilience: Carter M for showing resilience and perseverance with your reading. Well done, you have successfully completed the Reading Recovery Programme. Ka rawe!
Resilience: Louie A for showing resilience in your learning and in your everyday life. Kia kaha Louie!
Empathy: Toby E for being a genuine, kind and thoughtful student who always goes out of his way to look after and help others.
Sincerity: Harriet W for always being kind and caring to all the students and teachers. She plays and works well with her friends. What a great role model you are. Tino pai!
Sincerity: Lottie E for showing enthusiasm and a real zest for learning. You always put 100% effort in to everything you do and are a great role model in our class.
Sincerity: Indi O for showing the character strength of sincerity by always doing your best work and trying your hardest in class. Ka mau te wehi!
Unity: Connor G For always taking turns and sharing with the other students in his class. He is a great team player! Ka pai!
Respect: Heidi L for being a responsible student who always shows respect to the classroom, her teachers and her classmates.You are a great role model in Room 6.
Respect: Tom L f or showing respect in all areas of the school; to your peers, teachers, and in your learning environment. Ka pai!
Respect: Isla T for always being a respectful, kind and caring class member. You always show respect to your friends and the teachers.
Resilience: Carter M for showing resilience and perseverance with your reading. Well done, you have successfully completed the Reading Recovery Programme. Ka rawe!
Resilience: Louie A for showing resilience in your learning and in your everyday life. Kia kaha Louie!
Empathy: Toby E for being a genuine, kind and thoughtful student who always goes out of his way to look after and help others.
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Canterbury Primary Schools Duathlon - Week 9
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On Monday 25 March, 15 children representing Sumner School competed in the Canterbury Primary Schools Duathlon at Ruapuna Raceway. Racing in hot conditions were over 1770 children from schools all over Canterbury. Well done to all the Sumner School children. This is a tough event and there were some fantastic results: |
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Year 5 boys
32nd Percy H 40th Angus S |
Year 5 girls
20th Kate S 40th Lily R |
Year 6 boys
38th Isaac B 96th Brooklyn A |
Year 6 girls
50th Amelie C 72nd Luca R 103rd Indygo F |
Year 7 boys
5th Joel B |
Year 8 boys
21st Callum G 46th Will D 50th Henry R 62nd Fletcher L Year 8 girls 98th Macy R |
Big Book Buy Up
Thank you again to everyone who donated a book to the school library as part of the Big Book Buy Up. A reminder that payment for these books can be made at the school office. Many thanks.
Yvonne Hall - Librarian
Thank you again to everyone who donated a book to the school library as part of the Big Book Buy Up. A reminder that payment for these books can be made at the school office. Many thanks.
Yvonne Hall - Librarian
Polo Shirt Screen Printing
We are still seeing large numbers of students wearing polo shirts with the cave rock logo washed off and have little idea whether the supplier has remedied the fault. The Warehouse at Eastgate will continue to replace any polo shirts you return with the faulty logo.
We are still seeing large numbers of students wearing polo shirts with the cave rock logo washed off and have little idea whether the supplier has remedied the fault. The Warehouse at Eastgate will continue to replace any polo shirts you return with the faulty logo.
Quiz Night, Friday 5 April 7.30pm
It’s our Annual Quiz Night. Come check out our new Quiz Master with a team of 4 - 6 people. Make up your team name and register at the school office.
Tickets are $15 per person (available soon). Please bring your own nibbles to share with your team mates. Drinks available at the bar and eftpos available (no credit cards). R18 event. Sorry no children.
The class raffle baskets will also be drawn at this event but you don’t need to attend to win the prizes. This is a great night out to end a school term. See you there.
PTA Quiz Raffle - final week to sell
All students received a book of 10 raffle tickets, (a total value of $20 which can be paid in cash or eftpos at the Office). We’d love for children to get busy selling these raffles to friends and family or you are more than welcome to purchase the books yourselves. EARN 20 HOUSE POINTS for each book.
Like last year’s raffle we have organised large gift baskets for each class to fill with goodies e.g. chocolates, special drinks, candles or gifts. These were fantastic last year and we hope everyone will support their classes again this year. The money raised from the raffle will go towards landscaping of our new gardens.
If you have tickets you can’t or would rather not sell, please return them to the office as soon as possible so these can be used as extras. Please return the ticket stubs and money to the office by Wednesday 3 April in time for the draw at the Quiz night, Friday 5 April. The Office will also have spare tickets if required.
Thank you for supporting our school.
Sumner School PTA
PTA Fundraiser - Entertainment Books 2019
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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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Netball Club
Sumner Redcliffs Netball Club are looking for a few more players for their netball teams. They are seeking interest from Year 6 girls and Year 8 girls to fill some spots and make an extra team. If you are interested please contact Cassie this week. 027 9149079 |
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Junior Tennis Coaching Camp – Easter Holidays Wednesday 17 April and Thursday 18 April At Sumner Tennis Club 9.30am until 12pm Suitable for 5-12year olds All abilities welcome To register please phone or text Lynn O’Dell: 021 1632 032 |
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The Patricia Paul School of Dance
Your local dance school, is currently giving Jazz and Ballet lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz, Contemporary, Tumble and Hip Hop starting from age 7.
For all enquiries please phone 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz
Your local dance school, is currently giving Jazz and Ballet lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz, Contemporary, Tumble and Hip Hop starting from age 7.
For all enquiries please phone 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz
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