Term 1, Week 1 - Wednesday 4 February 2015 Kia ora and welcome to Waitākiri School for 2015!

We have an exciting year planned for your children as we explore the concept of 'Turangawaewae- The place where I stand'. During the year the children will investigate pre-European history, early settlers, current life and the future. This will give our children an in-depth understanding of our community, its history and allow them to be involved in authentic plans for the future. The children will be involved in the Mahinga Kai exemplar project which is the development of the space alongside ANZAC Drive between Travis and New Brighton Roads. This area will have 11 outdoor classrooms where children can learn about the history, ecology and geography of the area. We are already discovering that the Burwood/New Brighton area is rich in pre-European and early settler history and the Wetlands play a key role in the future ecology of Christchurch. Last week staff spent a few days at Ferrymead exploring our past and our future.

As you may have seen the Wetlands Campus construction site is clear and ready for the new school. The contractors, Hawkins Construction, are planning to have stage 1 completed by the end of October so the school can be used before the end of 2015. This is exciting news for all- especially our Year 6 children who I know would love to have some time in the new school. We will monitor the progress carefully and keep you in the loop about the overall project. I know there will be some ‘settling in’ challenges as we get set up for the year - please ask if you are in doubt and we will do all we can to help.

To help your child/children with learning at home, remember to keep on reading to, and with, your child and also listen to their reading or ask them to tell you something interesting about the book they are reading. If you know any of the history of the area, share this with your child. If you have some specific knowledge or contacts then please talk with your child's teacher. I will be based at the River Campus Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and at Wetlands on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I can also be contacted on principal@waitakiri.school.nz or on my mobile on 027 270 3300. The Deputy Principals leading the campuses are Dianna Reynolds on the River Campus and Jacqui Malham on the Wetlands Campus. Dianna and Jacqui will be running the ship in Term 3 as I have been awarded the Canterbury Primary Principals Fellowship for 2015 which provides funding for study leave for a term. My study will be focused on exploring the key components of effective co-teaching. I am looking forward to undertaking in-depth research to ensure we have the best possible learning environment for your children and the children of greater Canterbury. What an exciting year for our community as we make our way forward into a new school, a truly merged community and development of a deep understanding of our Turangawaewae. I look forward to seeing you in the weeks ahead.

Kind regards Neill O'Reilly Principal

SCHOOL NOTICES

Payments can be made into our School account 03 1700 0622075 025

Oscar account 03 1700 0622075 026

Please ensure you are signed up to receive our texts. This is one of the main forms of

communication. Text: follow WaitakiriSchool to 8987

OUR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE IS :- Sue Brown (Mon, Tues, Wed) Public Health Nurse, Ph (3)383 6877 ext. 99626. Email Sue.Brown@cdhb.health.nz. Call Sue if your child has any health issues you wish to discuss. SICK BAY MEDICATION If your child is required to take medication regularly, or has to have an inhaler to hand, please remember medication must be kept at either campus with a completed Authority to Administer form. SUNHATS ARE COMPULSORY FOR TERM 1 The new school uniform hat is now available. Please order this online at www.http://orders.alymaclean.co.nz/waitakiri. Alternatively, school hats worn last year can be worn. The new school sunhat and uniform is compulsory from 2016. If your child does not have a sunhat when outside they will need to sit in the shade.

Wetlands & River Campuses: phone: 03 383 2736

e-mail: office@waitakiri.school.nz

website: www.waitakiri.school.nz

OSCAR bookings: phone: 027 655 8104 School cellphone 027 202 3543

BUSES BETWEEN CAMPUSES

As you will know the Ministry of Education has funded a daily bus to run between campuses primarily to get our OSCAR children to and from the Wetlands. This week we have had a large number of additional children catching the bus from the Wetlands to the River in the morning and then River to Wetlands in the afternoon (very few the other way and this is not a problem). This is a challenge as the bus cannot carry the number of children arriving for the bus. So.... For your child to travel on the bus if they do not attend OSCAR you will need to email the school (prior to Monday) to request a booking for your child on the bus. Priority will be given to:

Year 3 and 4 children travelling from Wetlands to the River in the morning if they have a sibling at Wetlands

Year 3 and 4 children travelling from River to Wetlands in the afternoon if they have a sibling at the Wetlands

Year 3 and 4 children without siblings at Wetlands Year 5 and 6 children with siblings at Wetlands Year 5 and 6 children without siblings at Wetlands

We need to make these priorities as we cannot transport an unlimited amount of children between campuses. Unless your child really needs to be on the bus please get them to walk, scooter, ride or take them by car. This will be especially important for tomorrow and early next week. If on Monday we do not have enough space we will be getting the Year 5 & 6 children to make their own way between campuses- they will not be able to be on the bus Thanks for your support Neill BYOD UPDATE In 2015 we will be giving children on the River Campus the option of bringing their own iPad or iPad Mini (iPad 2 or above) to school. We believe that the use of the iPads will enhance learning opportunities particularly as a way to connect with the world, create new understandings and solutions to problems and communicate learning to others.

At this stage the school is using iPads and iPad minis as these devices:

Are durable and reliable

Work well on the school network and systems

Are creative devices

Have hundreds of free applications that have value in educational settings

Are the device that staff have received the most professional learning in and hence can support learning best with.

As we move to a "Bring you own device" (BYOD) option, our requirement for 2015 is that devices are iPads and iPad minis.

Bringing your own iPad or iPad mini is optional as the school is providing sufficient digital devices for one in every three children to have access to technology for learning. We believe with a combination of BYOD and school devices and the possibility of rental, every child will have equity of access to technology during school time.

The benefits of using technology to communicate, create and share learning is such that all children should have access to quality devices and a quality network. The use of Technology will be guided by our REAL HEROES! values and these will be taught to the children.

Respect - Children are expected to use technology in a respectful manner and only use the device to create or access information or presentations that are appropriate

Encourager - Technology will be used to enhance learning and encourage excellence

Achievement - Through technology children can share their learning journey and achievements

Lifelong Learners - Technology is an integral part of the 21st Century children and staff will learn to use technology in a way that complements our values.

For further information and a BYOD contract (which must be completed prior to your child bringing a device to school) please contact your child's teacher or the River campus office. CALENDAR OF EVENTS For updated lists of events – please refer to our website calendar www.waitakiri.school.nz Please note: we do our best to keep to these dates and times, unfortunately sometimes events do change. 5 Feb River children walk to Wetlands for Immersion into our Turangawaewae 6 Feb Waitangi Day SCHOOL CLOSED 9 Feb Monday’s Subway orders begin 9-11 Feb Team Rima on camp at Wainui (32, 33, 39, 40) 11-13 Feb Team Ono on camp at Wainui (LS1a, LS1b, 25, 26) 12 Feb Thursday’s Pita Pit orders begin 16 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 39/40, p.m. 20/21 16 Feb PTA Meeting & AGM at River 7pm 16-25 Feb Whole school over the week visiting Museum 16-27 Feb Team Rua swimming lessons (18,19,20,21,22) 17 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. LS1a/LS1b) 18 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 25/26, p.m. LS7a/LS8a 19 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 28/29 20 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 41/42, p.m. LS8b/LS8c 20 Feb Triathlon trials/practice 20 Feb Summer Hagley Sports begin 23 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 30/31, p.m. 18/19 24 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 32/33, p.m. 27/35 25 Feb Museum Trip: a.m. 36/37, p.m. 22 27 Feb Learning Celebration at Wetlands 1.45 p.m. 27 Feb Mufti Day for Sponsored Child 9 March 3 Way Conference Booking Site opens 9 March Zone Swimming Sports at Jellie Park 11 March Canterbury Triathlon at Pegasus 16-27 Mar Team Tahi (LS8a, LS8b, LS8c) swimming lessons 18 March Rugby League Tournament 18&19Mar Heritage Photographers for class and individual photos 27 March Summer Hagley Sports end 27 March Learning Celebration at Wetlands 1.45 p.m. 30 March Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre 30 March 3 Way Learning Conference booking site closes at 11 a.m. 30 March 3 Way Learning Conferences 3.30pm - 8pm 1 April School closes early at 12.30pm for 3 Way Learning Conferences 1 April 3 Way Learning Conferences 1.15pm - 6pm 2 April Last day of term 1 20 April First day of Term 2

Waitākiri School Parent 3-Way Conferences

3-way learning conferences will be held on Monday 30th March 3.30pm – 7.45pm and again on

Wednesday 1st April 1.15pm – 6pm. Bookings can be made online from Monday 9th March

Please follow the instructions below:

1. Log on to: www.schoolinterviews.co.nz

2. The school code is 2R5ZG

3. Follow the prompts on screen:

4. When you are done, your interview timetable will be emailed to you.

5. Bookings open on Monday 9th March

6. Bookings will close on Monday 30th March at 11am.

7. Please only book one conference per child.

8. If you have any questions or do not have access to a computer, you may contact either

office and they will be happy to make a booking for you. A confirmation slip will be

sent home with your child.

If these dates and times do not suit your family, please contact the teacher directly about

making a mutually suitable time.

Please note: On Wednesday 1st April, school will be closing at the earlier time of

12.30pm as interviews will start at 1.15pm that day. If you cannot arrange for your

child to be collected at this earlier time, please contact either school office by Monday

23rd March on phone 3832736, txt 027 2023543 or email office@waitakiri.school.nz

On Monday 30th March school will finish at the usual time and interviews will begin at

3.30pm. Please note OSCAR will operate as per usual from 3pm on both days.

Dear Parent Community As you may know, the manufacturer I work with has advised there is a fault with our current polo shirt. The fault relates to the anti-pill function of the shirts. Some polos that have been purchased have pilled. The manufacturer has agreed to replace all polo shirts purchased up to the end of Term 4. Parents can still purchase polo shirts subject to stock availability. All other items will be supplied as normal. Replacement polo shirts will be sent out late February to the school, with your child’s name on them. We sincerely appreciate your understanding in this matter. Aly Maclean 2015 Lunches Subway Subway will be offered each Monday as a lunch option from Monday 9 February. Order forms are on our website and are available from each school office. Orders MUST BE PLACED BY 9AM IN CASH EACH MONDAY at the school office, in an envelope with the child’s name and room number and the correct money (no change will be given as envelopes will be collected by Subway and not processed by the school staff). Late orders will not be able to be processed.

FROM OUR PTA

PTA AGM – Monday 16 February 2015 We will be holding our AGM on 16 February at 7.00pm in the staffroom at River Campus. If you would like to be a parent representative on the PTA or are just interested in what we do, please come and join us, everyone is welcome. The AGM will be followed by our General Meeting at 7.30pm. Pita Pit In 2015 Pita Pit will be offered as a THURSDAY lunch option – instead of on a Friday – with the first Pita Pit day being Thursday 12 February. IMPORTANT – before or when ordering for the first time this term, you will need to amend the classroom number of your child/ren to reflect their class this year. To do this, log in to www.lunchonline.co.nz and click on the ‘add/edit members’ tab on the left-hand side, then edit as applicable. For more information on how to order Pita Pit lunches, visit www.lunchonline.co.nz EZcover Book Covers Are you tired of fighting with the Coverseal? EZcover book covers are a great alternative, are available for almost all sizes of book, and they are recyclable. Order at www.ezcover.co.nz Waitakiri School receives a rebate from every EZcover sold – to double the rebate enter the code XFC186 when you place your order online.

HAVE YOU TRIED IT YET????

Parents, caregivers and students can order school lunches using

Lunchonline via the internet. Pita Pit Addington will provide your

student’s food choices fresh to the school in time for lunch.

It is simple all you need to do is visit

www.lunchonline.co.nz

Register online and link to Waitakiri Primary River or Wetlands

Campus

Once you have set up your account you will need to make a payment

of $20 minimum before you can order (credit card or bank account

transfer options available) and then you are set to order from the

menu provided – healthy and treat options available.

This lunch service is available on Thursdays starting 12th February

2015.

Orders must be in by 9.00 am of delivery day.

So save yourself time in the morning by using

Lunchonline

COMMUNITY NOTICES

I LOVE NEW BRIGHTON This event will be held on Friday 6th February at Thomson Park. I Love New Brighton is a celebration of all that New Brighton has to offer, including sports clubs offering have-a-go sport tasters, live music, bouncy castles, free Heller's sausages, $2 double Decker bus rides and loads of information about local community organisations and services. ORIENTEERING AT THE GROYNES The Groynes Orienteering is a fun ‘have a go’ opportunity for children and families, individuals and groups to try something new. Not like our previous years with a set course, this year YOU select the route and collect as many points as possible in one hour. Markers at the furthest distance or challenging locations are allocated higher points. There will also be some other free activities such as a bouncy castle, giant games, face painting and a free sausage sizzle thanks to Heller's/ HARLEQUIN PLAYERS With a New Year comes a new name and a new look for our beloved Harlequin Players Drama Group. From 1 February 2015, Harlequin Players will be known as Act2 Drama Group. We will continue to provide the same wonderful entertainment as before but with some new and fresh ideas thrown in the mix! Drama Stars This programme teaches all the essential skills, techniques and tips of drama. It involves our students in all on-stage and back stage elements of a production. For our Little Stars aged 6-12 years, the 6-week course covers all aspects of acting including projection, music, movement, improvisation, the audition process and more. Our Big Stars (aged 13 and over) will learn these skills too, plus gain a more advanced knowledge of staging a production, including casting, props, costuming, makeup and more! Every student who auditions gets a part and will then attend twice-weekly rehearsals, culminating in a well-polished production at the end of the April school holidays.

Come and join the football club that started the careers of international footballers

All White , Aaron Clapham and Football Fern , Meikayla Moore

Registration Days

At the Burwood Scout Den, near Clare Park at 16 Travis Road

Sunday 15 February 2015 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Monday 16 February 2015 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm

New Junior players, we need to sight proof of age (birth certificate, passport or Plunket book)

For more details see our website www.burwoodafc.co.nz

Junior coaches required – please contact the Secretary Mark Tolchard 383-2035

Act2 Drama Stars Course It’s that time of the year to register your child aged 6-13, or yourself aged 13 and over for our 2015 Drama Stars Program. This course (formally known as Junior Drama run by Harlequin Players) commences Tuesday 10th February. This program teaches all the essential skills, techniques and tips of drama. It involves our students in all on-stage and back stage elements of a production, where they run the show! For our little stars, the 6-week course covers all the aspects of acting including projection, music, movement, improvisation, the audition process and more. Our Big Stars will learn these skills too, plus gain a more advanced knowledge of staging a production, including casting, props, costuming, makeup and more! Auditions are held during week 3 and every student who auditions gets a part. They will then attend twice- weekly rehearsals, culminating in a well polished production at the end of the April school holidays. Cost $75. To enrol, or for more information on any of our programs, please email us at act2dramagroup@gmail.com, or phone/text Fay on 021 043 1108. Find us on facebook : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1544567815827308/

Parklands United Sports Club Football/Netball Registration Dates 2015 Wednesday Feb 11th 6.30pm to 8.30pm Saturday Feb 14th 10.00am to 12.30pm Sunday Feb 15th 11am to 1.30pm At Parklands Community Centre 75 Queenspark Drive. Football for all ages and all Junior Netball Grades. See website www.parklandsunited.co.nz

BURWOOD EDUCATION CENTRE

(formerly Kip McGrath Education Centre)

Ph 383-6525

Totally aligned to the New Zealand curriculum

Individual tutoring in core subjects, all levels, all abilities

Restore confidence and self-belief in your child

The only professional after school education centre that has a guarantee.

Google 'Burwood Education Centre' and read our guarantee