School Newsletter
1 July, Term 2 - Week 9
Dear Parents, Whānau and Caregivers
A special welcome to Yevin who has started school in Team Pounamu and Ronal in Rākau Nui. Kia ora and welcome to our friendly school!
The end of term is nearly here, and what a wonderful term it's been - classes are settled and focused on their learning. Our tamariki are curious about the world around them and enjoy sharing their learning with others. What wonderful skipping fun we had yesterday - thanks for your support and encouragement - more about Jumping June later in the newsletter ...
Covid Update
The numbers of staff and children who are unwell from other illnesses apart from Covid continues to grow as we move further into winter. Parents will be asked to collect their child if they become unwell at school for any reason. Like many other schools, Paparangi too is struggling with the availability of relief teachers - which means that we are having to split classes or move teachers to cover shortages.
32% of our children and 36% of staff have tested positive this year. We currently have two active cases across the whole school plus a handful of staff and students away because they are household contacts. That means there is 170 children and two thirds of staff who haven't tested positive for Covid. Therefore if we have an increasing number of cases within a class, syndicate or across the school, we will re-introduce compulsory mask wearing in Y4-6 for a set period of time to minimise the risk of spreading Covid. We will keep in touch with parents if the situation changes. If there is a significant increase in staff sickness we may return to hybrid learning at very short notice, which could mean some classes or a syndicate learning from home because of staff shortages.
Reports
Mid year reports will be sent home on Wednesday 6 July. We report twice each year on how students are progressing and achieving in relation to the National Curriculum. The purpose of reporting to parents is to provide clear, meaningful information about children’s learning. We report on reading, writing and maths because doing well in these areas ensures students are equipped with the range of skills, knowledge and attributes needed to access other areas of the curriculum - science; technology; learning languages; the arts; physical education and health.
At mid year, Year 1 students receive a photo report with a general comment about their learning in relation to the GROW values and the Key Competencies. In reports for Y2-6 tamariki, a child’s achievement in reading, writing and maths is compared against the Learning Progressions according to the child’s year level. In addition written comments are provided for reading, writing, maths and your child's attributes as a learner. These comments celebrate your child’s recent achievements, and where appropriate, suggest possible next steps for learning.
Farewell to Teacher Aide, Megan Gill
Paparangi says goodbye to Megan next week, who leaves us for new adventures at Newlands College. Megan has been a valued member of our staff for more than eleven years, supporting teachers and many students across the school during her time. We thank her for her commitment to and care for our tamariki, and for looking after the Lucky Books too. We wish Megan all the best for her new role.
Ngā mihi nui
Tracey Arthurs
Principal
Jumping June!
We had a great time jumping and skipping yesterday for the end of our Jumping June event, we are so lucky the weather held out for us. The students were buddied up with a junior and senior class together, and rotated through different skipping and jumping activities.
Many students have done a wonderful job raising funds for The Heart Foundation. If you have a profile for your child and have raised more than $10, you may now log on and order prizes. This needs to be done before the 22nd of July. At the beginning of next term Ali Sprott, Sports Co-ordinator, will confirm the orders and then the prizes will be sent to school in August.
Thank you all again for your support. This has been a wonderful opportunity to show our school value of "Others" as we showed our support for the research that The Heart Foundation does, so far our school has raised more than $11,000 - what an outstanding achievement!
Check out more
Jumping June photos
at the end of the newsletter!
Visit from NZ Playhouse Theatre Company
We are looking forward to having NZ Playhouse come to the school the first week next term to perform their Emperor's New Clothes show for the whole school. The tamariki thoroughly enjoy these performances, which allow us to bring the experience of the theatre to the children. The Emperor's New Clothes performance is on Wednesday 27 July at 11:45am. The cost per student is $6.00 per person. Please pay via Kindo, Internet Banking or EftPos at the office.
Relationship and Sexuality Education - Term 3 lessons
What is Relationships and Sexuality Education?
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is part of the health and physical education area of The New Zealand Curriculum and sits within the broader area of relationship education. In RSE children learn about themselves and develop knowledge and skills about acting in positive and respectful ways with others. Effective RSE programmes take a positive view of sexual development as a natural part of growing up which is vital to the overall well-being of young people. In New Zealand health and physical education is compulsory in years 1-10.
The RSE guidelines were updated in 2020 by the Ministry of Education. These guidelines assist schools to teach and develop in our students:
Knowledge of issues and concerns around coercion, consent and safety in relationships
Effective and assertive communication skills
Awareness of ethics and of their own personal values
Respect for the feelings and decisions of others
The kinds of things our students learn in RSE are appropriate for their age:
Friendships
Different kinds of families
Respect for each other and people who are different from them
Puberty
Body development and image
Human reproduction
Risks and issues that can arise online and when using social media
As part of the preparation for delivering RSE programmes, information has been sent home today about the upcoming programme, opt-out guidelines and details about the information sessions for parents. Once RSE programmes begin, teams send home a summary of upcoming lessons with weekly notices. Team Leaders are also available to answer questions parents may have about aspects of the RSE programme and parents are encouraged to approach teachers directly with their queries.
A school does not need to seek parents’ or caregivers’ permission for students to participate in the RSE programme. However, according to the Education and Training Act 2020 (section 51), parents or caregivers may write to the Principal requesting to have their child excluded from any particular element of sexuality education in a health education programme. The Principal is required to ensure that the student is excluded from the relevant tuition and that the student is supervised during that time.
We encourage families to seek reputable sources of information about this topic. Click here to go to the ‘Sexuality Education’ pamphlet produced by the MOE which provides support information for parents, families and whānau. A copy of this pamphlet has been sent home today with additional information about RSE. There are other resources available free online to families:
Advance Notice - Health Education Information evenings
Parent information evenings are being held before RSE lessons begin - parents are invited to come along and find out more about this important area of the curriculum.
- 5:30pm, Tuesday 26 July - Y4-6, Rākau Nui
- 5:30 pm, Tuesday 2 August - Y1-3, Uenuku and Pounamu
Thank you Home and School!
Thanks to Home and School volunteers for running the wonderful Matariki discos two weeks ago. Thanks to everyone who came along, thanks for your support. The disco raised $1000 for the school. Special thanks to Ashton D'Silva, a local real estate agent, for sponsoring the DJ and providing prizes on the night. Ashton sponsors our weekly newsletters which is also greatly appreciated!
Orders for next Friday's end of term lunch are closed. Hoodie orders are open until the end of term.
School Board Elections
It’s board election time! In September we will be electing board members for the next three years. Nominations will open for the election of 5 parent representatives to the school board no later than 15 July. NOTE: This starts during the school holidays. The returning officer for the triennial board election is Bernardine Vester. She can be contacted at returningofficer@myschoolelection.nz. The timetable for the election is:
- Main Roll closes: Wednesday 13 July
- Call for Nominations: No later than 15 July.
- Supplementary Roll closes: Monday 1 August
- Nominations close: Wednesday 3 August
- Voting starts: Wednesday 10 August
- Election day is September 7.
- Voting count: Tuesday 13 September
- New board in place: Wednesday 14 September.
Nominations can be made online through an email link provided in the Call for Nominations.
However, a hard copy nomination form can also be obtained from the school office. If you wish to stand for the board, it is recommended that you provide a candidate statement and
photograph. We encourage those of you who are keen to stand for election to start preparing – take a great ‘head & shoulders’ photo of yourself and write 1-2 paragraphs about what you have to offer. The electoral roll will be held at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours.
Duncan Kennington, one of our current trustees has this to say about being a Board Member -
"I have been a member of the BoT since 2017. Being on the Board gives great insight into how our school works to provide a great environment for our tamariki to learn. We set and review school policies, review financial and property activities, and support the Principal in some facets of the running of the school. We review the reporting of educational and operational performance required by the Ministry of Education and discuss what can be done to positively influence these. Being on the Board is a meaningful way of contributing to the Paparangi School community. It does not require any experience - all training is provided for free! And it does not take more than a few hours a month to participate in this valuable forum. Please consider joining us!"
Who can join a School Board?
The School Board plays an important role in the governance of our school. Parents/caregivers and people in the wider community can be parent representatives on the Board. School Boards need people with a wide range of skills but most of all with an interest in education and the well being, progress and achievement of all children. If you would like to know more about the rewards of being a Board Member you can:
contact the current Presiding Member, Helen Ashton, who is available to answer any of your questions - helena@paparangi.school.nz or speak with any of the current members
come along at the start of the next Board Meeting for a Q&A session - 5:45 pm on Monday 4 July in the staffroom to find out more about how the Board works (RSVP to the office please)
read the "Community guide to the role of school boards"
go to the School Trustees Association website for more information
take part in an online Question and Answers session hosted by School Trustees Association on 21 July
Jumping June Skipping Fun!
What's happening?
- Last Day of Term 2 - Friday 8 July at 3pm
Term 3 begins - Monday 25 July at 8:55am
- Y4-6 Health Education Parent Info Evening, Tuesday 26 July at 5:30pm
- NZ Playhouse visit - The Emperor's New Clothes, Wednesday 27 July
- Y1-3 Health Education Parent Info Evening, Tuesday 2 August at 5:30pm
Community Notices
Free flu jabs for tamariki aged 3 to 12
Children aged 3 to 12 years old can get a free flu vaccination from their GP, healthcare provider or at most pharmacies from today Friday 1 July. Most tamariki aged 9 years and over need one vaccination each year to get good protection against flu. If you have a child under 9 years old, talk to your healthcare provider as they may need one or two vaccinations depending on whether they’ve had a flu vaccine before. If tamariki have recently had COVID-19 they can have a flu jab as soon as they’ve recovered.
NZ Garden Bird Survey: 25 June- 3 July 2022
Participate in the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey (GBS) and have fun outside while contributing to our understanding of bird populations. The GBS website has detailed information with instructions for how to take part with your children.
KELLY CLUB JULY HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES
Kelly Club Holiday Programmes focus on giving children aged between 5 and 13 the opportunity to do things they enjoy in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. The July programme is packed with activities to entertain and inspire children. We have some exciting days planned:
"Manic Monday", Kelly Club Speed Races Day", "Pyjama Party Day", "Bricktastic Day", "A Magical Madness day with Zappo the Magician who is coming to Kelly Club with his brand new Magical Workshop". Plus trips to: The movie "Lightyear", Laserforce, Ten Pin Bowling!
To see the activity plan go to: Churton Park Activity Planner. For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellyclub.co.nz email churtonpark@kellyclub.co.nz or call 022 010 9972
FOOTBALL MORNING HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
(Yrs. 1–8) Green Room, Wests Rugby Clubrooms, Wilton (all weather indoor surface).
WEEK 1 - Tues 12 July, Weds 13 July, Thurs 14 July - 9.30am-12.30pm
WEEK 2 - Tues 19 July, Weds 20 July, Thurs 21 July - 9.30am-12.30pm
Perfect for beginners and those just wanting to have some Football Fun! Come along and improve Technique, Knowledge and learn more about the Basic Skills of "The Beautiful Game" (Football).
We will focus on the core skills of Control, Dribbling, Passing, Tackling, Shooting but most importantly having as much fun as possible!
NETBALL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – NORTHLAND MEMORIAL HALL
Week 2 ONLY – Tues 19 July, Weds 20 July, Thurs 21 July - 9am-12pm
Come along and grow your child’s confidence at the Kelly Sports Netball Holiday Programme. We will use fun drills and games to develop and challenge young players focusing on the key skill areas for their level of development while also have fun!
Years 1-4 - For Beginners, these sessions will work on improving basic netball skills and help start to develop technical and tactical knowledge in accordance with the Future Ferns Programme. Children will work towards the following skills Passing, Shooting, Spatial Awareness and Defensive Skills.
Year 5-8 - These sessions will work on sharpening the basic skills (from the above session) Passing and Shooting and we will start to develop a better understanding of the 7-aside game and the different positional roles.
Contact Us
Parents, please use the App to send a message about a student absence. It is our preferred method of contact for non-attendance and is quick and easy to do.
Email: office@paparangi.school.nz
Website: https://paparangi.school.nz
Location: 57-59 Beazley Avenue, Paparangi, Wellington 6037, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4-478 6617