FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Kia ora Koutou,

Haere Mai, a very warm welcome back to 2019!! What a summer we have all had in New Zealand and, it seems it will continue!

A very special welcome to our new families and our Chinese families here for one month.

We are fortunate to have a pool and lots of shade not only man-made like decks, verandahs and shade sails but lots of natural shade with the trees and bush. In case you didn’t know we also have an air-conditioning/ heat pump in every classroom, and almost all teaching spaces. This was made possible over the years by the BOT and the MOE with our property grants. I am pleased to say we even have new ones in the hall, one in the staffroom and I have one in my office now. These were installed over the holidays. We have an excellent environment to learn and teach in and cope with the heat.

It is mandatory that every child wears a hat, the hat needs to shade the sun, in line with the school’s Sun Smart policy. The choice of hat is yours as a parent. We ask you to NAME the hat, please!! Any child without a hat will be asked to stay in the shade.

THIS WEEK 

Is all about settling in, establishing routines both in and outside the classroom. The teachers and staff have all been preparing their classroom environments, programmes and participating in Professional Development over the last two weeks. We attended a one-day mini-conference with all the teachers and principals in the Kahui Ako (Community of Learning, Orewa Schools). It was here we were inspired with a keynote speaker, Marcus Akuhata Brown. His journey and the impact a teacher had on his success at school was inspiring. (There was hardly a dry eye in the Orewa College Hall)!

The teachers then spent two days exploring school culture; “The Fish Philosophy” and new reading programme, sharp reading and ensuring all the dates for the term and in fact the year are well in place so we can ensure “Every Day Matters” in the life of your child!!

2019 Staff:

Teaching staff list 2019

Teaching Staff Kahui Ako Wainui School
Gillian Bray Principal
Jason Irvine Deputy Principal, Teacher Yr 8
Sandy Blackburn Across School Leader Assistant Principal, Teacher Yr 5&6
Wendy Taylor In school Leader Assistant Principal – SENCO
Andrea Goodyer Team Leader Yr 5&6
Lauren Jenkins Maternity Leave
Leanne Stevenson In School Leader Teacher Yr 7
Alice Rowlands Team Leader Yr 1&2
Maddy Taylor Teacher Yr 5&6
Shelley Ross Teacher Yr 3&4
Pam Millar Team Leader Yr 3&4
Anna Collins NE/ Yr 1
Avril Richards Teacher Yr 3&4
Halena Howard Teacher Yr 1&2
Kyla Jackson Teacher Yr 1&2
Maria Morris Teacher – Yr 5&6
Caroline Revell Teacher – Yr 3&4
Marie Mahler Teacher Yr 3&4
Total 13 classes
Support Staff:
Office: (Full time) Mel Ludwig; (Part-Time) Barbara De Cort.
Caretaker: Richard Lee.
Teacher Aides: Barbara De Cort, Rachelle Alexander, Tanya Glover, Mel McDermid-Venter, Mel Bashford.
Daily Volunteer NE Classroom: Rosalind Minto.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Leadership Interviews – Year 8 students will all be participating in their leadership interviews on Thursday 7th February. Our school philosophy is “leadership for everyone”!! Yes, some will become School Councillors, others House Leaders, then others will have leadership with library, bikes, sports, arts and whatever innovation is brought by the students. The interviews are held in front of all the Intermediate area and myself, Mr Irvine and a Board of Trustees member.
Powhiri – A welcome assembly Powhiri will be held on Friday 8th February at 9.15am followed by morning tea in the staffroom. All new families are invited to attend, and wait under the bus shelter to be called (Karanga) into the hall.
We have 22 new children and their families and one teacher to welcome.
A special welcome to our Chinese families. We have four students (International) this means they are fee-paying. One girl is in the year 1/2, two girls in the year 3/4 area and one boy is in the Intermediate area of the school. This is a new trial for our school, it is different from our Japanese students that are hosted by our own families. These students have come with their parents and have their own accommodation. They are integrated into the classrooms to learn English and experience a New Zealand school. Mrs Taylor supports the teachers as English is a second language and actually spent some of her holidays learning Chinese. Whilst she is not fluent yet, she has been able to support these students. Today is actually Chinese New Year.

COMING UP

“Back to School Night” – This is for you to come and meet the teachers, hear from me as Principal and, hear and see the Board of Trustees and the FOWS (Friends of Wainui School). This year is Board of Trustees elections, please think about being a Board member, it is very rewarding. Please think about being a member of the FOWS again as this is also very rewarding and fun!! Our meeting night is less formal than we used to have.

Back to School Night – Programme and Expectations

Thursday, 14th February – 5 pm to 7 pm

5:00- 6:00 pm Classrooms open to View

(children to introduce their parents/caregivers to the teachers, routines & programme shared).
5:30 pm onwards BBQ All those without actual classes man BBQ

One sausage free per person – including you!!

Free Iceblock for every child that brings their parents!!
6:00 pm All staff, FOWS and BOT reps meet on the top deck, eastern side of Kahikatea.

Introductions small talks re whole school direction – principal, BOT chair, FOWS Chair
7:00 pm finish Thank you

FINALLY  

Communication is key for us all, newsletters are now on-line. Only this first newsletter will be paper, after this please let us know if you would like a paper copy. You can subscribe to the newsletter on the website.

Website – Here you can subscribe to the newsletter and find out information about the school. There is a calendar and events to keep you well informed in the next few days.

All teams have a newsletter, this will be sent out on Friday and will also be put onto the website.

We have a school Facebook Page which we use a lot now for quick notices, and information. We would love you to join us on this page, it is a managed page and therefore only we can post on it. We would love your comments and feedback though.

Email – you can email or call the classroom teacher but please remember they will not be checking these forms of communication during teaching hours.

Belongings and Communication – labeling helps us find the owner if belongings are left behind. We aim to keep ost property to a minimum, there is no big lost property box as we aim to have belongings returned.

Any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nga mihi nui,

Gillian Bray

OTHER

Before School Help Needed – A school family is looking for help every Thursday morning and every other Wednesday from 6.30am and to drop off “Miss 6 year old” to school. Pay negotiable. Please contact Christine on mobile: 021 118 0672.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

  • Wednesday 6th February – Waitangi Day.
  • Thursday 7th February – Yr 8 Interviews – 9.30am.
  • Friday 8th February – Powhiri and Morning Tea – 9.15am.
  • Thursday 14th February – Back to School Night – 5 – 7pm.

COMMUNITY

Waitotara Sustainable Living Centre re-opens
Come along for free, all-you-need-to-know or have wondered about on sustainable living and growing.  Hands on and a cuppa with home baking to boot.
Mondays 9-12 and one Saturday morning a month starting March 9th 9-12.
93 Bayer Rd, Upper Waiwera.
Quick RSVP text to 027 234 3242 appreciated so we know how much to bake:)
Marrzipan – Is your child shy? Do they feel intimidated by the idea of public speaking and performance? Do they sometimes find it difficult to make eye contact? Do they just need dedicated time per week to just be CRAZY?! Come and join the revolutionary self-confidence programme – Marrzipan! We run awesome classes at schools, which focus on key life skills and public speaking ability. We play fun engaging games and perform at the end of term once to parents and once to the school. All scripts are original, engaging, educational and HILARIOUS. You can sign your child up for a Trial Lesson via our website www.marrzipandrama.co.nz (we have contact numbers on there too, should you prefer to talk to a human!
Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint +PDF