FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

E te whānau, ngā tumuaki o Aotearoa, tēnā koutou katoa

Haera mai Matariki

THIS WEEK  

This week it is all about Matariki at Wainui school. This has become one of the traditions we weave into the year, it is a time that gives us opportunity to explore aspects of culture and heritage, it signifies new beginnings. This year we have two key focuses; the first is to share waiata. Our expert in waiata LeeAnne Wade tutor for our kapahaka group, is working with each team on Tuesday to teach everyone some new waiata. These will then be further practised to perform on 23rd June at a celebration performance.

The second focus we hope, is to have a Hangi at school. We are currently working with the Whiti Ora o Kaipara Development Trust who are hoping to be able to support us with  someone who knows how to put down a Hangi and will help us with the baskets and stones we need for cooking. This is exciting as we haven’t had a Hangi for quite a few years at Wainui School.

The Wainui School Kapahaka group will be performing as a culmination of Matariki week at the Tui Team assembly. The Tui team I know are looking forward to sharing their camp highlights with us at this assembly as well.

The staff and BOT are all participating in a Cultural Awareness workshop after school on Tuesday with Rewana from the Whiti Ora o Kaipara Development Trust.

Spellathon Sponsored by Simone du Bernard of Harcourts Cooper & Co – Last Friday every child was given a Spellathon word list to learn their words or letters if this was their level. This came with a sponsor sheet and some information on the dates these are due back, the prizes the children can win, as well as tokens that will be rewarded if children get their sponsors. Over the next few weeks children will use these words for spelling, for homework and in their class spelling work. The whole school will participate in a spelling test at the same time on Thursday 29th June. The aim is that all funds raised will be going towards some much needed shade improvement for our school. This is a great time to raise the funds and plan for the shade we would like for next summer.

Interschool Football Year 5&6 – Four teams, 2 girls and 2 boys are competing in a competition run by the Hibiscus Coast AFC. Schools from the Silverdale/ Orewa region are all included. We have a group of year 8’s managing and coaching the teams who are attending as well.

Hosting a Japanese Student!! – Have you thought about this? Can you possibly offer a space for a Japanese student this year? You will not be out of pocket, you will have the chance to learn about Japan and make new friends. We only need 5 more families, or 3 if two of those would like to take two students together. Please let Mel Ludwig in the office know if you can.

NEXT WEEK 

FOWS – Friends of Wainui School have a social – networking event planned for us. See the advert below. The group had a very enthusiastic and productive meeting last week and really hope lots of you do come along next Thursday evening to Wainui (golf club). Come and be involved – remember the saying, “many hands make light work!!” Come and have fun and get to know other parents.

FINALLY  

Lost Property!! – The lost property box is full to over-flowing with shoes, gumboots, jackets, fleeces and sweaters. Please come and claim your clothes and footwear.

Waifactor – What a great week we had last week, every lunchtime we were entertained by our own talent. The semi finals will be next week. More information as to who has made the cutoff and times will be given by the school student leaders organising this event.

Ka kite ano,

Gillian Bray

OTHER

Basketball Team Year 7/8 – Are considering going to compete at the AIMES Games which are from the 10th to the 15th September in Tauranga.  Finding accommodation for these games is not easy as many suitable places have already been booked. If anyone has a holiday home in or around the Tauranga area that they would be willing to let out to the team, please contact Clare, ph 021 120 7076 asap.  It would probably need to sleep approx 10-12 people.

Bike Track News –  The bike track timetable is below for all the dates you will be riding the track. Remember to bring your bike, helmet and covered shoes. Each class/classes will have a week to ride the track.

SPORTS RESULTS

– email your sports results to Miss Ludwig in the office,[email protected] 

Netball

Wainui 3 vs Whangaparaoa. Lost 5 – 0.  Outstanding Player: Te Ruawai Bayer. Most Improved Player: Keira Sams.

Wainui 7/1 vs Orewa 7/1. Lost 17 – 18. POD: Chalise Tolhopf.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

• Tuesday 6^th – Friday 8^th June – Matariki Week.
• Wednesday 7^th June – Matariki House Day – come in your house colours.
• Friday 9^th June – Tui Assembly, Kapahaka to perform – 2pm.
• Monday 12th June – ICAS Spelling – 10am – Note the change of date.
• Thursday 15th June – Parents Social Networking Event – Wainui Golf Club – 7pm.
• Wednesday 14^th – Friday 16^th June – Waifactor Semi-Finals.
• Friday 16th June – ICAS Writing – 9am – Note the change of date.
• Friday 16^th June – Waifactor Finals.
• Thursday 29^th June – Spellathon Test Day – Note change of date.
• Tuesday 4^th – Thursday 6^th July – Wainui ‘Art Attack’.
• Friday 7th July – Footsteps Dance Performance & Sports Awards Assembly – 2pm.
• Friday 28th July (Term 3) – Spellathon sponsorship money due in.
• Term 3, Week 2 – Music Performance Assembly – Date TBC.

COMMUNITY

House for Rent Wanted – A Wainui School family with 2 cats are looking for a 2-3 bedroom house to rent in the Wainui/ Waitoki area. Please contact either mobile 021 0228 1236 or via email: [email protected]

Foster Hope Pyjama Drive – Don’t forget, we are again supporting the Foster Hope Pyjama Drive who are aiming to collect 5,000 pairs of new pyjamas in 2017. New pyjamas, from size 0 – 16 are needed, especially sizes 12-16. Pyjamas can be dropped into the school office, and will be passed onto our children in need.