He Pānui- Wiki Wha, Whānga Tuatoru
Gladstone School Newsletter - Week 4, Term 3, 2021. 20/8/21.
Te Karere a te Tumuaki - Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau. Gosh, not where we thought this week would head, that's for sure. Thanks to everyone for taking up the PM's challenge of going hard and fast to hopefully curb this latest outbreak. We are remaining positive that school life can return to normal quickly so that we can pick up where we left off and carry on.
Our updated distance learning plan will be shared with you on Saturday afternoon in preparation for a move to distance learning on Monday. This will give you an overview of how learning activities will be distributed to students and outline expectations of staff and students during this latest period of distance learning. We have modified things since 2020 and you can expect less active time 'online', lots of choice over activities and structured check-in points with staff.
We know that for many of you rural broadband and the sharing of devices causes problems. Our plea to you is - manage what you can. Don't stress out if things don't go according to plan. Look for active outdoor options to keep your children motivated - many of you are in the fortunate position of living rurally with lots of space and lots to do. It's a shame it's not docking time so you can put your kids to work! Your kids will be ok. When we get back to school we will pick up with where they are at and carry on with teaching/learning - we are experts at this. For those of you wanting hardpack materials, these have already been ordered from the MoE and we will let you know when they arrive.
If you can manage to access distance learning activites - awesome. We will be happy to interact and help students where we can. Look out for details on how distance learning will work in the document being released on Saturday afternoon.
For those of you whose children still have personal devices at school, we will communicate procedures for collecting these over coming days.
In the meantime, look after each other. Keep calm, stay in touch, share cool lockdown 'happenings' and reach out if you need any help or advice.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Belinda Bunny
Proudly Sponsored by
Whetu o te Wiki - Star of the Week
A big shout out to Mel Macdougall who quickly agreed to take care of feeding Lolly, Eve and Socket. Thanks Mel - you're our star of the week, we really appreciate your help.
Rā Whānau Birthday Peeps Isla & Isla.
Sports Achievements
Well done to Jack Anderson who was named 'Gladstone U13 Player of the Year'. Ka pai, great job Jack. Please send through other end of season awards - we'd love to recognise the achievements of our tamariki.
Distance Learning & Additional Activity Ideas.
Look out for additional activity ideas such as the ones below on our school Facebook page.
Policies to Review
Please logon to school docs, to review our current policies. We invite you to visit the site at https://gladstone1.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there's no "www."). Our username is "gladstone1" and password "1471".
Our policies to review this term are: 'Concerns and Complaints' and ' Behaviour Management'. Please use the link above to enter the website and add any thoughts or comments. We already see that the Kawa Card process needs to be added and linked into the behaviour policy. Thanks in advance for your help.
Lockdown Advice From Another Principal
“What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like it’s all going to be ok. And that might mean that you tear up your perfect schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go on walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do a science experiment together or find virtual field trips of the zoo. Start a book and read together as a family. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing. Don’t worry about them regressing in school. Every single kid is in this boat and they all will be ok. When we are back in the classroom, we will all course correct and meet them where they are. Teachers are experts at this! Don’t pick fights with your kids because they don’t want to do math. Don’t argue with your kids for not following the schedule. Don’t mandate 2 hours of learning time if they are resisting it. If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every single day…”
Pies Are Back!
While we're in lockdown, we would welcome your digital order from yourselves, friends and family - email office@gladstone1.school.nz. Spread the word.
Chicken & Veg; Mince; Mince & Cheese; Mince & Veg; Ham & Egg; Steak; Steak & Cheese; Steak & Mushroom; Apple; Blackberry & Apple; Apricot.
Onoke Camp Reminder - Week 9 (20 - 24 September). NB camp will depend on alert levels. We will keep you informed.
Upcoming Events - Depending on Alert Levels.
- Year 7&8 Design Technology: Friday 27th August.
- Carterton Year 7&8 activities day: Wednesday 1st September.
- Onesie Day: Friday 3rd September.
- Production: Tuesday 7th - Thursday 9th September.
- Onoke Camp: Monday 20th - Friday 24th September.
Term Dates for 2022
Wairarapa College Enrolment Applications - Close Friday 27th August 2021
We would like to remind you that the Wairarapa College 2022 yr 9 enrolment closing date is Friday 27th August 2021. Applications forms may be downloaded or submitted via www.waicol.nz paper applications may also be collected from the WaiCol School Office.
Scarecrow Fair Plant Stall
Our plant stall has gained quite the following over the years, but we need plenty of plants in order to maintain it’s stellar reputation! All types of plants sell well - veges, herbs, shrubs, flowers and natives - we’ll take any you can spare! We are also keen to sell indoor plants, given their current popularity - any cuttings gratefully received. Message Kat on 022 425 7760 if you need any potting mix or pots, or if you’d like some help with potting up.
Yummy Stickers
Contact Us
Email: office@gladstone1.school.nz
Website: http://www.gladstone1.school.nz
Location: 1471 Te Whiti Road, Gladstone, New Zealand
Phone: +64 6 372 7601