School Newsletter – 30 April 2019

Term 2, Week 1 — School news, upcoming dates and notices

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents

Welcome back to Kohimarama School for term 2. I especially want to welcome new families and those who have siblings that have started in Kiri team. We have certainly been fortunate with the fine weather and the opportunity to connect with family at Easter and ANZAC day.

Conversation about the use of devices for learning.

We understand that some people have concerns regarding the way that the school uses devices for learning.

We believe that teachers at Kohimarama School know their students, enable and enhance their learning and provide appropriate direction and support using a variety of strategies and tools that may include devices, to contribute to students being successful.

We appreciate the feedback from parents and are currently investigating the points raised while continuing to monitor and develop a balanced curriculum.

Our information meeting is on Tuesday 14 May for the whole learning community.  This will give you an opportunity to hear from speakers about the use of devices at home and at school and the ways that they support and enhance learning. I would encourage you to come along.

When : Tuesday 14th May

Where : School Hall

Time :  7pm

Our presenters are;

Mark Osborne

Mark is a Director of Leading Learning and has been a teacher, school leader and consultant for more than 20 years. He works nationally and internationally on future-focused education, innovative learning environments and educational leadership, helping schools build great places to learn and the capability to make the most of those spaces. Mark is also a doctoral researcher at the University of Melbourne currently looking at change leadership in innovative learning environments. Prior to becoming a consultant, Mark was on the foundation leadership team at Albany Senior High School. He has also worked extensively in libraries, with digital technologies and in makerspaces, working to create diverse, inclusive communities that help each other learn, innovate and find fulfilment.

Nathan May

National Attitude Manager

Nathan initially joined the Attitude team as a presenter in 2009 and has spoken to over 130,000 students and parents throughout New Zealand. He has worked for a variety of organisations including Vodafone and World Vision. He has worked alongside young people for over 16 years, and has a deep passion for Aotearoa. His hope is to see young people throughout Aotearoa live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Attitude has over 18 years of experience reinforcing school health programmes with curriculum-aligned presentations and resources for students, parents and teachers. Tackling Technology Young people need new skills and guidance as they navigate their digital world. Content includes text bullying, online safety, communication, building character, and balance.

We invite all parents/caregivers to join us for this evening.

Paul Engles

Teacher Paid Union Meeting – Friday 10th May

The meeting that was scheduled for 19th March has been rescheduled to Friday 10th May.  The New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) is holding this round of Paid Union Meetings (PUM) for primary teachers who are members.

In the past the school has closed in the afternoon to allow teachers to attend the meeting.  It is very likely the school will need to close at 1pm on Friday 10th May.  An email will be sent to confirm this as soon as possible.

Board of Trustee Elections 2019

Background work is in progress for the upcoming Parent Representative elections.

Canterbury Education Services (CES) are providing BOT election services to our School in the upcoming Election.

In May nominations will be called to become members of the BOT.

Key dates are as follows:

By Friday 10th May – Nomination forms will be posted to all persons on the school’s caregiver roll.

Friday 24th May – NOMINATIONS CLOSE – 24th May at noon.  An election will then be held if the number of nominations exceed vacancies

Wednesday 29th May – Voting papers will be sent by post to all on the school caregiver roll

Friday 7th June – Voting closes at 12 noon.

Thursday 13th June – Votes are counted, and school advised of the results

Friday 14th June – New Board takes office

Kohimarama’s Got Talent – for all students

Yes, it is that time again when we share our talents!  All students are able to enter any of the categories, which are:

Singing, Musical Instrument, Dance, Comedy or Magic Tricks.

They may enter as individuals or as a group.  The auditions will take place in Weeks 3 and 4 this term, this means starting on Monday 13th May going through to Friday 24th May.  We are so looking forward to seeing the creativity we have here at Kohimarama.

School Guest WIFI Password

The School has a Guest WIFI which is used by teachers or visitors who are working within the school.  The password for this will be changed this week.  If you require access to our guest WIFI please contact Karen in the school office.

Email Contacts

The Caregiver emails provided to school are used for a number of purposes including SchoolTalk, contact by Class Co-ordinators, to receive weekly newsletters and other school email communication.  A number of our families have only provided us with one email contact.  If you would like another caregiver email added please email office@kohimarama.school.nz with your childs name and the caregiver email to be added.

News

Sailing Success in the holidays

Waterskiing – National Competition

Carter M won the bronze medal in the sub junior category of the NZ Nationals Waterski competition held in Auckland in the first week of the holidays. He was the youngest competitor to compete in this year’s nationals and there were 8 competitors from all over the country in his sub junior category (sub junior category is under 10 yrs). This is his second year competing in the Nationals, achieving 5th last year.  Well done Carter.

Kohimarama School – Code Champions

Term 2 starts on Tuesday 7th May.   This group of students are learning computer programming with Code Champions. Sometimes you could hear a pin drop; other times, it’s a noisy, collaborative affair. Whichever it is, the outcome is the same. Classes have been successfully developing their computational thinking and having plenty of fun in the process.

If you’re interested in joining us – or just finding out more – get in touch at info@codechampions.nz or www.codechampions.nz/ks

WaterPolo

Are you a strong swimmer in Year 6, 7 or 8?

Register for the School Waterpolo team!

Waterpolo is one of the fastest growing sports in NZ — Lots of fun and great fitness.

No experience is required, we have regular training sessions.

Games are late Friday afternoons, starting in Term 2, played locally at Sacred Heart College.

If your child is interested to find out more contact jen.duder@gmail.com or call 0211504821

Flippaball

Weekly Results

House Points Update: Term 2, Week 1

Congratulations to Colenso for being Week 11 winners.

Class Certificates

Congratulations to these outstanding students:

Walking School Bus: 

Alex G, Kira U, Emily C, Freja E

Caught Being Good – “Greenies”

Congratulations to all the students who have been ‘caught being good’ – you rock!  Special congratulations to our three lucky winners…

• Oliver   Room 1     for Respect              Atkin
• Ava       Room 15   for Committment   Atkin
• Lou       Room 19   for Reliability           Patteson

Special “Greenie” Draw – Caught Being Good

Congratulations to the following people who have the opportunity to attend a live performance of Robin Hood this coming Saturday.  If you check your diary and find you have another engagement, please send the ticket back so we can give it to another lucky student – thank you.