Issue 23: Week 3, Term 3 2024
Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki
Kia orana Karaka friends and whānau! Not only is this week 'Cook Island Language Week', we are also really looking forward to celebrating all of the cultures across our school as we come together for our first 'Cultural Day' on Friday. Everyone is encouraged to come to school dressed in cultural attire and notices have gone out about classes and teams coming together for some shared kai at lunchtime. We are also excited to begin the day with some performances in the Hall and we are looking forward to sharing these with all those in our community who are able to come along. Topped off with the PTA Movie night on Friday evening, it's shaping up to be an exciting end to the week - I know I'll be looking forward to my pizza and popcorn while we all watch a movie together on the big (as in very big!) screen.
Next Thursday school closes at 12:30pm for our next round of 3 Way Conferences. It has been awesome to see the number of slots that have already been booked via the HERO app. There is a 'School Bookings' function as seen in the picture attached and it is a really easy process to follow once you click on that tab. If you would like any help or support with booking a slot, your child's teacher is also able to manage their class bookings and will be happy to help you book a suitable time slot. Please help us out by finding arrangements for your child that afternoon if you are able to - otherwise there will be a lot of students to supervise in the Hall (particularly if the weather is not kind on that day).
This week the trips to the Guy family's farm continued - the Year 5&6 Team had a true farming experience on Monday where they were lucky enough to witness the birth of a newborn calf (which needed a bit of help from Farmer Chris being a breech birth). Fortunately, the calf arrived safe and sound and the students learnt the meaning of adaptability and hard work on the farm. Now all we need is for the weather to be accommodating for our Junior Team who plan to do their visit tomorrow. I want to say a huge thank you to Chris Guy for welcoming our whole school onto their farm, for sharing his knowledge about farming in general, and the different technologies used to track and move their cattle around. I know I learnt a lot from my visits and it is special to be able to connect with our local community for such valuable and real life learning opportunities.
And that's it from me this week - meitaki ma'ata, ka kite.
Anna Powrie
Agricultural Day
Celebrating Learning and Achievement
Notes from the Office
School Uniform:
As a staff, we have noticed we are battling more and more with students wearing non-regulation uniform items. We understand that the weather is pretty cold and miserable at this time of year. However, we do still need to maintain our high standards and encourage students to wear the correct uniform. Black or navy socks have also made way for other colourful and pretty designs - please also keep an eye on this, as well as any colourful hair accessories. And arguably the most important thing to remember, is to name your uniform items to prevent them from being forever lost in the never ending pit that we call our Lost Property Box.
PTA News
**REMINDER** Our next PTA meeting is on Wednesday 14th August at 7pm in the staffroom. All welcome! We would love to see you there.
**NO SUSHI THIS FRIDAY**With our Cultural Day shared lunch this Friday, Sushi is unavailable this week.
Updates from the Wider Community
