Dear Parents and Caregivers
Tenei te mihi atu kia koutou. Welcome to Sullivan M who joined us last week.
- Principal’s Summary
- School events
- Class placements for 2018
- Teacher Only Day
- Property Update
- Aupaki News
What a stunning week we have been treated to in Canterbury. We have also been treated to a number of great events over the past two weeks.
Firstly, well done to our choir who performed so well at the Christchurch Schools Music Festival at the Horncastle Arena last week and at Wednesday night’s Aupaki Music Festival, along with our concert and training bands. I’m constantly impressed when I attend these events at the range of talented students we have at Sumner School. This will again be on display next Thursday evening when we showcase the school’s itinerant music programme.
Different types of talent were on display at last week’s Senior Athletics Sports. It was fantastic to see all of our Years 5-8 students participating in a day filled with running, jumping and throwing. We had some outstanding results on the day with Luca T breaking the 12 year boys 100m record, Benji W breaking the 13 year boys 100m record, Pearce M breaking the 12 year boys discus record and Mimi M who broke the school record for the 9 Year girls high jump. Awesome efforts!
Of course, these opportunities would not be possible without a high level of passion and commitment from our staff and on that note, I would like to particularly thank Robyn Lean (Teacher in Charge of Music) for all of her efforts this year coordinating our music programme and Chris Cole for his tireless commitment to overseeing sport at our school.
Class Placements 2018
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 410 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 welcome you to put them in writing to the Principal before Friday 24 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 2018 before the end of the year.
If your child(ren) is not returning in 2018 (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.
Teacher Only Day
A reminder that the school will be closed for a Teacher Only Day on Thursday 16 November. This will allow our teachers to be involved in a full day of professional development. A major focus of the day will be to review the current Sumner School Curriculum with the aim to update our curriculum to include a greater emphasis on authentic contexts and future-focused concepts.
Property Update
The next phase of our building programme under the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Project will involve the construction of a new two-storey teaching block to house Years 5-8, a new Library/Wellbeing Centre and some significant weathertightness remediation work to the Administration Block. This will see the bulk of our remaining building projects completed in one phase and should take about a year to complete once construction begins.
Unfortunately, we have encountered a few unforeseen delays related to contractual issues and final sign-off from the Ministry of Education which are beyond our Board’s control. This will likely mean that construction of these new buildings won’t start until well into next year, perhaps as late as May or June. The positive aspect of this is that all of our students will be well settled in their current learning spaces so there will be little or no disruption to the first half of next year.
The Board is due to meet with the local Ministry office next week to discuss and hopefully resolve these issues. We expect to be in a position to give you a more comprehensive update at some point following this meeting.
Aupaki News
We are delighted to announce that Lyttelton Primary School has formally joined the Aupaki Kāhui Ako. We have been working closely with the Lyttelton Board, staff and students over the past few months and have already developed some strong networks. The inclusion of Lyttelton in our community of learning is exciting news and we very much look forward to collaborating with them in the future.
This term, all Aupaki students have had the opportunity to participate in a logo design competition. The brief was to create a logo that would reflect the unique nature of our Kāhui Ako and relate to the literal meanings of Aupaki (sloping hillside, crashing waves). We hope to be able to share our new logo with our community over the coming months.
This week, several of our choirs and performance groups took part in the Aupaki Music Festival hosted by Sumner School. This was a great opportunity for our tamariki to share their musical gifts with the Aupaki community. The array of talent on display was very impressive. Thank you to Rose McInerney and the team at Redcliffs School for organising this wonderful event.
The Aupaki Touch Rugby module is now in full swing. This takes place at McCormacks Bay Reserve on Thursday evenings from 3.30pm-5.30pm and will run through until the end of the term. Thank you to Jenni Williams from Redcliffs who is coordinating the module on behalf of the Aupaki schools.
Finally, a major focus for Aupaki during the remainder of the year will be to complete and submit a set of Achievement Challenges to the Ministry of Education. Achievement Challenges identify academic needs across communities of learning. The creation of Achievement Challenges are an important function of Kāhui Ako as they allow communities to collectively focus on specific areas for improvement.
A crucial part of this process will be to develop an action plan to help address our Achievement Challenges and draw on the skills and expertise that exist across all seven schools. Once the challenges have been endorsed by the Ministry of Education, teachers will be appointed to work within and across Aupaki. The action plan will also provide opportunities for our teachers to engage in shared professional learning ensuring that all students will benefit from this initiative.
Have a great weekend.
Ngā mihi nui
Stuart Cameron
Principal
Spotlight on Excellence
Congratulations to the following students who received Surfer Awards this week at the assembly on Monday:
Sincerity: Carter M for consistently demonstrating sincerity in the way he relates to his peers and teachers. He is always a willing helper and kind friend.
Unity: Noah K for working extremely well in a team. He takes turns, helps others and is a respectful listener.
Resilience: Israel C for showing resilience in the morning when settling in for the day. This can be a challenge and you are working on your bravery.
Resilience: Isabella H for constantly displaying perseverance when faced with challenges in class. She has a fantastic can-do attitude towards her learning.
Fairness: George W for showing great leadership skills and treating others with fairness and respect.
Respect: Jake D for consistently demonstrating respect towards his friends, teachers and classmates by being a good listener.
Respect: Jacob M for a positive attitude and excellent focus with everything you do in the class. You should be proud of how much you have achieved.
Responsibility: Alexandra G for being a responsible role model by always showing initiative and helping others.
Empathy: George R for being a really considerate friend and always thinking about how to make people feel valued.
Sumner Athletics
Well done to all students who competed in the Summer School Athletics Day last Friday. Although the day began with a little moisture it fined up and we were treated to some beautiful weather and some very close contests in most age groups. Results of particular note were Luca T who broke the school record for the 12 year boys 100m sprints (13.35 sec), Benji W broke the 13 boys 100m sprints record (13.58sec), Pearce M broke the 12 year boys discus record (22.13m) and Mimi M who also broke the school record for the 9 year girls high jump record (1.15m). The next event is the South East Zone Athletics Championships, which will be held at Hansen Park in Opawa on Tuesday 7 November. A letter with a schedule of events was sent home early this past week however if there is any confusion please come and see me in the senior block.
Triathlon
The Sumner School Triathlon will be held on Tuesday 21 November from 1.30pm. Please see Mr Cole in the senior block if you can help as a marshal. This is the event in which we need the most assistance from parents, due to safety on the bike leg of the course.
Chris Cole Sport
Coordinator
Canterbury Tennis (Doubles)
Congratulations to the three Years 5&6 Tennis teams who competed in the Canterbury Summer Tournament at Wilding Park on Wednesday. To place in the top three in Canterbury for teams tennis (doubles) was an excellent result. Thank you to all parents who assisted with transport and umpiring.
Girls 1 - 1st - equal and 2nd on a count back - Eve T, Torah B, Jessica L, Olivia A.
Girls 2 - 3rd – Jemma B, Zara G, Holly G, Isabel W.
Boys 1 – 3rd – Bailey P, Finlay S, Henry F, Noah C.
Canterbury Touch
Ella A made the Under 12 Girls Canterbury Touch Team recently and she will be competing in a tournament in Oamaru and the Inter Provincial Series in December. Congratulations!
Canterbury Football Reps Four Sumner School boys , Under 11 Years were selected to play football as Canterbury Representatives in the recent South Island Tournament in Nelson. Congratulations to Axel E, Nico D, Damon N and Max S. There were four Canterbury teams in this age group and each boy was placed in a different team Out of 20 South Island teams Axel's team was the top Canterbury team and placed fourth in the overall competition with a penalty shootout in the last game as goals were tied at 3 each. Great achievement boys! |
Garden Tour 2017 - Sunday 26 November
Tickets and event information can all be found on: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2017/gardens-of-sumner/christchurch Or phone 0800 289 849 11 Gardens- workshops- morning tea - raffles. Come and see leading Botonist DR Linda Newstrom - Lloyd take a workshop on Trees for Bees. Also Espalier and Composting workshops. Check out eventfinda.co.nz for all details regarding all this and more. This is a PTA fundraising event and all proceeds are going towards the new school library. Alternatively contact Kirsty Rueppell: 021 02696385 |
The Garden Tour is fast approaching. Please get involved where you can – let friends and family know, and get your tickets!
We are asking for donations of the following please:
Items for the Raffle Hampers
Thank you so much in advance, please also let us know if you have lemons or limes around the 20 November. Baking happens that week so all donations greatly appreciated!!!
Basket for donations located in Office Foyer or txt Kerrie 021 02638562.
We are asking for donations of the following please:
Items for the Raffle Hampers
- 1 smallish Olive tree
- Gardening gloves
- Hose
- Sprinkler
- Vouchers
- Handcream
- Handtools - ie. Trowel
- Bulbs
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Packets of “microgreens” seeds (these will be potted up shortly and can be bought at most supermarkets so please grab a couple of packets to help us, thanks).
- Caster Sugar - Rice Bran Oil
- Self Raising Flour - Butter
- Crystalized Ginger - Golden Syrup
- Ground Ginger - Treacle
- Ground Almond meal
- Lemon, Lime or Elderflower cordial
- Soda Water
Thank you so much in advance, please also let us know if you have lemons or limes around the 20 November. Baking happens that week so all donations greatly appreciated!!!
Basket for donations located in Office Foyer or txt Kerrie 021 02638562.
Term 4 Activities
Term 4 accounts will be emailed home on Monday. Please be aware that recent payments may not yet show on the Request for Payment. Check the information box on the Request.
As the school's financial year ends on 31 December payment of 2017 activities would be appreciated before the end of term. It requires additional work to allocate payments received next year to this year's accounts.
The Requests for Payment do not show any credit that may be on your account. Any credits will show via the Parent Portal https://parent.musac.school.nz/loginpage_caregiver.aspx
Aupaki Touch Fees
Students wishing to participate in Aupaki Touch must pay the $35 cost by Thursday 9 November.
Caregiver Portal for our Student Management System
The Caregiver Portal for our new Student Management System, Edge, has now been activated. This enables you to view your child’s contact details, attendance and payment details.
The portal address is:
https://parent.musac.school.nz/loginpage_caregiver.aspx
Login using your existing account and password at Google+, Yahoo, Facebook or Windows Live. Alternatively click on ‘manually enter your login details’ using the email address you have supplied to school and request a password via the ‘forgotten password’ option.
Your contact details are listed on the Edge Caregiver home page. If any of these details require updating please email the changes required to admin@sumner.school.nz. The school no longer forwards requests to parents to update their details. There are many occasions when school needs to quickly contact parents during the school day so it is important that caregivers are proactive regarding keeping contact details current.
Click on your child’s name to access the Summary, Attendance and Payments tabs. There are currently no reports loaded onto this site, but the school is looking at working towards this area.
Payments cannot be made via this portal, but you are able to see if there is unallocated credit on your account, the details of unpaid items and the balance.
Music Concert Next Thursday
All welcome to the 2017 Sumner School Music Showcase on Thursday 9 November in the Sumner School Hall.
Start time 6pm, approx 7:30pm finish.
Involves CSM Band students, Singing students, Colin's Drum students, School Choir, Rock bands, Piano students, and Ashleigh's second year Recorder students. Please join us for a great evening of musical entertainment.
Children will need to be at school no later than 5:45pm ready in the hall with their instruments and music.
Board of Trustees Meeting
The next Board meeting is on 21 November, 7pm in the Colenso Room.

Trophy Return
In preparation for the final assembly later this term we ask that all trophies awarded at the end of 2016 be returned as soon as possible to the Office. It would be greatly appreciated if these could be polished before their return. Thanks.
Hats in House Colours
Next week beginning on Monday 6 November, we will be screenprinting school hats with the logo designed by Hazel Wilson (one of the pupils in 2013). They will be printed in your child’s House colour. This makes it a little easier to keep track of hats. We can only print one colour per day. Hats will be printed after lunch and be dried and delivered back to their classroom by the next morning.
Monday – Kowhai Tuesday – Matipo Wednesday – Taupata Thursday - Ngaio
Your child should have brought home a permission slip for you to sign which must accompany the hat when it is submitted for printing. A gold coin must also accompany the hat and permission slip. The money will be donated to a charity yet to be determined.
Next and Final PTA Meeting 2017
Monday 4 December 7 - 8pm School Staffroom
Join the PTA! Because many hands make light work….
All school parents are welcome to ANY PTA meeting. You can choose to officially join in our meetings and have a specific role, or just be someone who helps out with special events from time to time. Fresh faces and bright ideas are always welcome!!
Please feel free to contact Amanda Price for any information about the PTA on 027 4888117 or via email pta@sumner.school.nz
Join our PTA Facebook Page Sumner School PTA to keep up to date with all our events.
Monday 4 December 7 - 8pm School Staffroom
Join the PTA! Because many hands make light work….
All school parents are welcome to ANY PTA meeting. You can choose to officially join in our meetings and have a specific role, or just be someone who helps out with special events from time to time. Fresh faces and bright ideas are always welcome!!
Please feel free to contact Amanda Price for any information about the PTA on 027 4888117 or via email pta@sumner.school.nz
Join our PTA Facebook Page Sumner School PTA to keep up to date with all our events.
Point Surf Team
Present the Canterbury Primary School Surfing Champs 2017 Over 50 kids have registered for this years comp with divisions from Year 5 and under through to Year 8. The competition is open to any primary school kids whether they are in a boardriders club or not and would like to dip there toes in the water to find out what its like to enter a competitive surfing contest (Entries are now closed) A hard core group of groms from PST (Point Surf Team ) that go to Sumner Primary will take on the best surfers in the province Callum G , Jack T, Holly C , Ruby A, Amelie W and several other students have been training hard all winter for events like this. PST groms Benji L and Kobe C will also be entering their first major contest. These PST groms will be surfing against top surfers from Northside Boardriders (Waikuku) and North Wai Boardriders featuring Ava H from Sumner Primary. The contest briefing starts 7.15am and the 1st heat in the at water approximately 7.30am. Look for an ezi-up and PST signage somewhere on the esplanade between Head and Stoke street. Photo of Amelie W, Jack T, Ruby A. with Harrison (a NZ junior surfing Rep) at The Mid Winter Freeze comp prize giving - Waikuku. |
Calendars & Cards - Final Orders
Your child should have brought home a second order form today which includes their unique code for ordering from www.kidsartworks.co.nz
This is the last chance to order your child's artwork this year and the final day to place your order is Friday 10 November, 3pm. Thank you for supporting this great PTA fundraiser and especially to Kate Gibson for coordinating it.
Sumner Community Pool
Keys
Keys are still available. Go to the website sumnerpool.co.nz to register for a key. Payment details are on the website also.
Key collection
If you have paid for a new swipe card these can be collected from the pool office:
Saturday 4 November 2 – 4pm
Thursday 9 November 6 – 7pm
Working Bee
This Sunday 5 November from 10am. Any help or assistance with getting the pool ready for the season is appreciated.
Pool Opens
The opening date is Saturday 11 November from 7am.
SurfKids - Children's Surfing Programme Learn the skills of surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years. Sundays 10am to 12pm. December / January Holidays : from 18th December, 10am -12pm Cost $30 per day or $135 for five. Bookings essential. Venue :Sumner. Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or register online at www.surfcoach.co.nz |
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