Tēnā koutou e te Whānau,
Welcome to the following students who joined us this week: Indie G, Austin E, Max E, George M, Hunter M, Cooper L, Sarah H, Liam C, Ursula and Felix O.
Welcome back to Term Two! It was lovely to see all the children returning to school on Monday with big smiles on their faces. I know we say it every term, but this term REALLY is set to be an exciting one!
Spotlight on learning… Our concept for inquiry learning this term is ‘Relationships’ and we will again be using our ‘Learn, Create, Share’ model to support the learning process. Over the last year we have worked to re-develop our curriculum to allow our students as much choice and ownership over their learning pathway as possible. These changes came about following a year long curriculum review that we undertook last year where we explored what motivated and engaged our learners. I’m sure that those of you who were able to attend our sharing afternoon at the end of last term will agree that these changes are really impacting the passion and creativity that our students are showing in their learning.
Another change to the way we deliver our curriculum is our purposeful move to delivering a ‘place based’ curriculum. This means that the starting point for learning always begins with our students, their whanau and our local community and environment before students move to explore wider or more global learning opportunities. This was highlighted yesterday when Awaroa (Year 7 and 8) students were able to meet with 12 members of our community who volunteer their time for the benefit of others. A huge thank you to all for this as these relationships with our community are incredibly powerful in enabling us to make learning as authentic as possible.
As Principal I am also dedicated to developing my relationships with the community and consider this a really important part of my job. As part of this I make sure that I am a visible presence before and after school to enable me to connect with the students and our whanau. Please do not hesitate to come and say hello or have a chat with me if there is something that you would like to discuss - don't worry if you think I am not necessarily the right person to be talking to, I will happily point you in the direction of the right person to chat with.
Spotlight on our build project… As I am sure you have seen, our new buildings have progressed yet again over the holidays. The outside of the buildings are now wrapped and awaiting cladding and the insides are rapidly taking shape. I was on site earlier this week and was again hit by a wave of excitement as I walked through the 2 storey spaces and into our new library and wellbeing spaces. All being well, we are due to take possession of our new learning spaces in July, followed by our new Administration block in August.
As I shared with you last term, this will see a big change in the footprint of our school as Awaroa (Years 7 and 8) move upstairs into the two-storey block and Te Onepoto (Years 5 and 6) move downstairs. Rapanui (Years 0-2) will then move cross the school into the hub which is currently home to Awaroa. This will complete Phase 2 of our build, and our focus then will move to Tuawera (Years 3 and 4). The third, and final, stage of our rebuild programme will see Tuawera moved into temporary teaching spaces for the remainder of the year while their block is renovated. The temporary spaces have yet to be confirmed, but I will inform you as soon as we have made a decision about these.
At present we only have one purpose built flexible learning space at school which is currently home to Awaroa (Years 7 and 8). Later this year this space will become home to our Rapanui (Years 0-2) learners, although in a slightly different formation to the way it looks now. If you haven’t already seen this space and are interested in having a look around, you are warmly invited to make a time do this with myself or Rebecca Power our Deputy Principal - this is an ongoing and open invitation.
Welcome to the following students who joined us this week: Indie G, Austin E, Max E, George M, Hunter M, Cooper L, Sarah H, Liam C, Ursula and Felix O.
Welcome back to Term Two! It was lovely to see all the children returning to school on Monday with big smiles on their faces. I know we say it every term, but this term REALLY is set to be an exciting one!
Spotlight on learning… Our concept for inquiry learning this term is ‘Relationships’ and we will again be using our ‘Learn, Create, Share’ model to support the learning process. Over the last year we have worked to re-develop our curriculum to allow our students as much choice and ownership over their learning pathway as possible. These changes came about following a year long curriculum review that we undertook last year where we explored what motivated and engaged our learners. I’m sure that those of you who were able to attend our sharing afternoon at the end of last term will agree that these changes are really impacting the passion and creativity that our students are showing in their learning.
Another change to the way we deliver our curriculum is our purposeful move to delivering a ‘place based’ curriculum. This means that the starting point for learning always begins with our students, their whanau and our local community and environment before students move to explore wider or more global learning opportunities. This was highlighted yesterday when Awaroa (Year 7 and 8) students were able to meet with 12 members of our community who volunteer their time for the benefit of others. A huge thank you to all for this as these relationships with our community are incredibly powerful in enabling us to make learning as authentic as possible.
As Principal I am also dedicated to developing my relationships with the community and consider this a really important part of my job. As part of this I make sure that I am a visible presence before and after school to enable me to connect with the students and our whanau. Please do not hesitate to come and say hello or have a chat with me if there is something that you would like to discuss - don't worry if you think I am not necessarily the right person to be talking to, I will happily point you in the direction of the right person to chat with.
Spotlight on our build project… As I am sure you have seen, our new buildings have progressed yet again over the holidays. The outside of the buildings are now wrapped and awaiting cladding and the insides are rapidly taking shape. I was on site earlier this week and was again hit by a wave of excitement as I walked through the 2 storey spaces and into our new library and wellbeing spaces. All being well, we are due to take possession of our new learning spaces in July, followed by our new Administration block in August.
As I shared with you last term, this will see a big change in the footprint of our school as Awaroa (Years 7 and 8) move upstairs into the two-storey block and Te Onepoto (Years 5 and 6) move downstairs. Rapanui (Years 0-2) will then move cross the school into the hub which is currently home to Awaroa. This will complete Phase 2 of our build, and our focus then will move to Tuawera (Years 3 and 4). The third, and final, stage of our rebuild programme will see Tuawera moved into temporary teaching spaces for the remainder of the year while their block is renovated. The temporary spaces have yet to be confirmed, but I will inform you as soon as we have made a decision about these.
At present we only have one purpose built flexible learning space at school which is currently home to Awaroa (Years 7 and 8). Later this year this space will become home to our Rapanui (Years 0-2) learners, although in a slightly different formation to the way it looks now. If you haven’t already seen this space and are interested in having a look around, you are warmly invited to make a time do this with myself or Rebecca Power our Deputy Principal - this is an ongoing and open invitation.
Spotlight on BOT elections… As you will have read last term in our newsletter and in last Term’s Board Talk, 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 of 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. |
And finally… The highlight of our student’s social calendar is fast approaching with the school disco next Friday 10 May. Tickets are $5 and will go on sale Monday at the Office. Our School Council have decided on an 80’s fluro theme, so time to dust off those legs warmers and get disco ready! Many thanks to our PTA and School Council who work hard to make these events so much fun. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Granger
Principal
Upcoming Dates For Your Diary
- 9 May - Years 3&4 Young Writers Workshop
- 7 May PTA meeting 7pm
- 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: Alex G for showing complete sincerity in all his interactions at school. He excels in everything he does, always shows support for other learners, and enthusiasm for all learning.
Sincerity: Angus S for always showing sincerity at school by always striving for the best. You are a hard worker with a kind nature and a very respected member of Te Onepoto because of this. Kai pai Angus!
Unity: Skilah L for your consistent support for others this year and the unity you show in your day to day interactions. You always make interesting and thoughtful contributions and always try your best!
Respect: Alexander L for showing huge respect for others by giving clear and positive feedback, helping his classmates, and being a part of the CSM Band.
Fairness: Louis S for always being a reliable and responsible classmate. You always include others and demonstrate the Character Strength of kindness.
Empathy: Miriam L for always willingly lending a helping hand. You always show your character strengths of kindness and gratitude with everyone around you.
Empathy: Maitreya H for consistently showing his Character Strengths of Love, Humour and Kindness in all relationships, and for showing Love of Learning during our Identity Inquiry.
Empathy: Ava G for demonstrating love and kindness towards others. You are a thoughtful and inclusive classmate. Kai pai Ava
Resilience: India H for consistently showing enthusiasm for learning and being a fantastic Year 6 role model. You showed bravery and resilience during difficult times and continue to share your experiences and ideas with the class in a unique and inspiring way.
Congratulations to the following students who received Surfer Awards at this morning's assembly:
Sincerity: Alex G for showing complete sincerity in all his interactions at school. He excels in everything he does, always shows support for other learners, and enthusiasm for all learning.
Sincerity: Angus S for always showing sincerity at school by always striving for the best. You are a hard worker with a kind nature and a very respected member of Te Onepoto because of this. Kai pai Angus!
Unity: Skilah L for your consistent support for others this year and the unity you show in your day to day interactions. You always make interesting and thoughtful contributions and always try your best!
Respect: Alexander L for showing huge respect for others by giving clear and positive feedback, helping his classmates, and being a part of the CSM Band.
Fairness: Louis S for always being a reliable and responsible classmate. You always include others and demonstrate the Character Strength of kindness.
Empathy: Miriam L for always willingly lending a helping hand. You always show your character strengths of kindness and gratitude with everyone around you.
Empathy: Maitreya H for consistently showing his Character Strengths of Love, Humour and Kindness in all relationships, and for showing Love of Learning during our Identity Inquiry.
Empathy: Ava G for demonstrating love and kindness towards others. You are a thoughtful and inclusive classmate. Kai pai Ava
Resilience: India H for consistently showing enthusiasm for learning and being a fantastic Year 6 role model. You showed bravery and resilience during difficult times and continue to share your experiences and ideas with the class in a unique and inspiring way.
Canterbury Tennis
Canterbury Tennis Junior Championships were held in the school holidays. A big congratulations to Isaac B for coming runner up in the Boys 10 and under Singles and winner of the Boys 10 and under Doubles.
Uniform Supply
The Warehouse at Eastgate is currently revamping our screen printed logo on the uniform they supply for our school. This may take several weeks and there may be very little stock available until this is completed.
Mainland Uniforms is our secondary provider who will deliver to your home free of charge when you spend $50 or more. Check out their website at: www.mainlanduniforms.co.nz Please note that they are now stocking the merino pullover for $85.
Update from Pure Sushi
Due to a family bereavement overseas Pure Sushi was unable to provide sushi on the last two weeks of term for any student who had pre ordered. The last two weeks of Term 1 will be automatically transferred to the first 2 weeks of Term 2. If you think you have more than two weeks owing or less than two, please contact Jan on jan@puresushi.co.nz for clarification.

Term 2 Hotdogs
The PTA will be offering American hotdogs for lunch on Tuesdays beginning in Week 3 this term. The order form was emailed to you earlier this week and payment is due before Friday 10 May. $20 for 8 weeks.
Thank you for supporting this great PTA fundraiser.
Thank you to our newsletter sponsors