Tēnā koutou katoa
Ngā mihi nui, kia koutou katoa - Warm greetings to you all
I was absolutely thrilled to finally see our Minister of Education, (Jan Tinetti) express her support for the Structured Literacy approach to the teaching of reading (last night on TV3's Paddy Gower Has Issues). The research and evidence is clear, Structured Literacy is the best way to teach children to read. After extensive research into the best teaching approaches for reading instruction, TPS implemented a Structured Literacy approach (two and a half years ago) and we are certainly seeing strong evidence in the progress our students, that this is a highly effective approach for all children. A video link below provides an overview of the programme we have implemented at TPS.
Thank you for your support of PINK SHIRT DAY; it is great to see our community getting behind the positive anti-bullying campaign. Developing the skills and strategies to create positive friendships, as well as being resilient when facing tough times, are important aspects of learning as we grow. The following is an insightful extract from SPARKLERS (a resource we use to teach social and emotional wellbeing) that highlights the importance of strategies and supports we can use to look after our wellbeing, so we can cope with life's ups and downs.
We all experience unavoidable setbacks as part of life. In these times, look to each dimension of your hauora and see where there is need for strengthening, resting and/or support. According to the Harvard Business Review “the key to resilience is trying really hard, then stopping, recovering, and then trying again”. It isn’t merely about how you endure but how you recharge each aspect of your wellbeing during tough times. Growing your resilience, and shaping your mindset, is easier when you are well and feel supported.
The whakataukī “Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui” affirms there are many steps to resilience. A literal translation tells us to “be strong, be brave, be steadfast”. The shorter phrase “Kia kaha” is often heard during hard times —but what about the other steps?
By continuing to share this whakataukī, we acknowledge that resilience requires support, perseverance and patience and is a process with many steps.
Learning Conferences are a very important time for parents and teachers to come together and discuss learning progress and next steps. Partnering with parents is a critical element of the learning process, we know that through working together we can achieve so much more. We aim to meet with 100% of our TPS families. Teachers are currently checking in with families who could not attend last week. Below I have linked CORE LEARNING summaries for each of the teams, they give a very broad summary of the key learning in Literacy and Numeracy for these year levels. They could be a useful resource if you are working with your child at home.
We are looking forward to another community building event, our Matariki breakfast on the 28th June 7:30-8:30am. We have always enjoyed a huge parent turn out and are hoping the weather will be kind to us and we will have a stunning winter morning to celebrate together. Event details are below.
We are very fortunate to have an amazing group of parents who have joined our Friends of the School (FOTS) team this year. Building community spirit is important to us at TPS and our FOTS team are supporting this kaupapa with a TPS Quiz Night on the 16th of June so grab your tickets as they will sell out fast. It is shaping up to be a great night, with fantastic prizes and opportunities to participate in various auctions, including an auction for a school carpark. Proceeds will go towards the new obstacle course that will be built in July (behind the middle team classrooms).
On the 2nd of June our Tauranga Peninsular Kāhui Ako (community of learning) will join together for a jumbo TEACHER ONLY DAY, where teachers will share best practice. Our Kāhui Ako consists of 15 local schools, iwi, and the Ministry of Education combined. We have approximately 8,700 children in our care. In addition to this, 35 local ECE centres have joined our group and many ECE kaiako will also join us for this day of learning. When planning for 2023 this day was accounted for and the school added an additional day to our calendar to accommodate the school closure.
Nau mai haere mai to Najeeb who started schooling at TPS recently and also to Jonty Scrimgeour, Charlie Lane, Dante Backhouse, Shelby Melville, Otto Peters, Jacob Jarvis who will start in our Year 1 and New Entrant classes on Monday. Great to have you join our school community.
Ngā mihi maioha
Fiona Hawes
principal@tauranga.school.nz
