Puketapu School Newsletter
Term 2 2020 - Wednesday 27 May
Empower All People to be Healthy, Lifelong Learners
Kia kaha - do your best * Kia māia - be courageous * Kia manawanui - have a heart
From our Principal
Kia ora koutou,
How are we doing, everyone?
It's become really apparent over the past week that we're all in different places at the moment - some of us are rushing back amongst it, while others are still playing it safe from our homes. And for some of us, it varies depending on how we’re feeling that day!
While we've all had our own noho rāhui (lockdown experience), we've all played a part in caring for each other and showing aroha.
It is ok to feel a range of emotions as we enter our new normal during Level 2 and beyond.
At our school we understand that the announcement around social gatherings increasing to 100 does not affect us too much, however we still are working hard to make sure that we are:
- minimising the risk that someone gets infected in the first place by having students wash their hands and understand good hygiene practices
- ensuring we can identify and contact anyone who has been in close contact with a person, if someone in a school or early learning centre is infected by having parents or visitors sign in when they come on to the school site
- acknowledging the feelings and emotions of our akonga (learners)
- building strong learning programmes based on the academic and personal needs of our akonga
FIRST WEEK BACK
Last week was an amazing week and I can’t sing the praises of our teachers, parents and kids enough. They were all outstanding reconnecting with each other and our environment.
However, we know lots of kids are feeling a bit tired and cranky after a first big week back at kura/school. We've actually heard from parents who want their lockdown child back.
If you are having some tense times at home you may want to check out these calming tips from our mates at Sparklers. It covers calming techniques, identifying triggers, dealing with aggression, and lots more.
Last week was a big adjustment for many of our tamariki. For some practical information to help them get through this tricky time check out this new Mental Health Foundation resource on heading back to kura/school.
Enjoy the Queen’s Birthday Weekend everyone, continue to keep up the kindness Puketapu.
KIA KAHA - KIA MĀIA - KIA MANAWANUI
Matua Ngatai
From our Kaitiaki Kotiro
Talofa, kia ora! Hi I'm Bella, Kaitiaki Kotiro.
Welcome back to Term 2. This term's focus is kindness. How can we show Kia Manawanui?
Bella’s Top Tips:
- Get up early and make someone else's lunch as well as yours
- Do random acts of kindness eg: smile, saying hi to people on the way to school,
- Caring for our environment by picking up litter when you see some
I hope everyone has settled into their daily rhythm? I've enjoyed getting back to school and learning face to face. It's great to see my friends again and I've missed all the teachers in the Kauri hub.
There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing
If your child likes to play outside, please send them with a change of clothes to change into.
Kowhai 3
Thank you Essential Workers!
A handful of Kowhai students also got to share their letters and videos to Officers Joseph and Liam.
Stress Balls
Totara 1 have been looking after our wellness and we have been making stress balls so that when we are feeling anxious or worried about something we can squeeze, roll and squash the stress ball to help our bodies relax. We had fun trying to stretch the balloons over each other without spilling the rice.
We were very happy with our results.
Kia Manawanui Skipping
Water at School
Even in the colder weather, water is brain juice and keeping hydrated is vital for learning.
Breakfast Club
School Photos
This Access Key will allow you to see all the photographs of your child, including sibling photos. It is then an easy process for you to shop online and purchase the photographs you want.
You will have three weeks after you receive the Access Key to order and have free delivery. After that you can still order but may have a delivery fee of $6.00.
Chromebooks and Chargers
Thank you to everyone who has returned their chromebook borrowed during Lockdown Distance Learning. We are missing a few chargers, so if you still have a chromebook charger at home, please return it.
Sports Ts from Term 1 Touch
Duffy Awards
Congratulations to our Totara akonga who were Caught Being Good recently:
- Bella Stainthorpe
- Nate Stainthorpe
- Parekaiuru Tuturu o te Atiawa
- Lydia Walthew
BIRTHDAYS
- Tariana Ormsby-Turner
- BaileighRose Ramsdale
- Hunter Cleghorn-Flynn
- Greta Phillips
- Louis Frank
- Zakhan Faapulou
- Euan Robinson
- Aaron Gunn
- Emelia-Rose Macioce
- Kirsty Stoneman
- Landon Mottram
- Oracle Rangi
- Francheska Mendoza
What's On
With the Level 2 restrictions likely to be in place for some time, there is not much in our Calendar!
This week:
- Samoan Language Week
Monday 1 June:
- Queens Birthday - NO SCHOOL
Last Day of Term 2 is Friday 3 July
First Day of Term 3 is Monday 20 July
Community Notices
Samoan Language Week
Cruizin' Cuizine - Healthy, Affordable, Interesting Lunches Delivered
How it works:
1. Register
2. Choose Menu Items to Make Lunchbox
Most main items are priced at around $5, and smaller items are $3 or less.
3. Select a delivery date
4. Confirm your order and payment
5. Relax while we do the rest!
Visit: www.cruizincuizine.co.nz or cruizincuizine@yahoo.com or call Simone on 0273910923
Brass Instrument Lessons
The Taranaki Academy of Brass are continuing to offer brass instrument lessons this year on Tuesdays after school from 3.15 – 4.15pm
Instruments and music resources will be provided and lessons will begin next week: Tuesday 26th May.
The lessons are for students in Years 5-8 and the cost is $85 for the year to cover instrument hire and a very small administration fee.
The lessons are being held at the Bell Block School music suite and are open to students in the area.
Please let Mrs Astwood know if you would like your child to take part – office@puketapu.school.nz
Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls
OPEN DAY - Tuesday 30 June
Visit anytime between 10 am and 2 pm
This Open Day is for any families who may be considering secondary school options for their daughter next year or in the future.
Interest for 2021 has been high so early enquiries are suggested.
Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls
Engaging Hearts – Inspiring Minds
Puketapu School
Email: office@puketapu.school.nz
Website: www.puketapu.school.nz
Location: Dillon Drive, Bell Block, New Plymouth, New Zealand
Phone: 06 755 0973