Newsletter No. 15, 9 September 2022
9 September
Principal's Kōrero
Kia ora rā koe,
Welcome back to Noah K who returned last week and also to August and Theodor S who joined us this week.
I feel like the last two weeks have disappeared in a blur and that is partly due to our school calendar being filled with more and more events… which is AMAZING. I am so pleased that our wonderful ākonga (learners) are now getting the opportunity to experience the ‘extra bits’ that not only support and enrich learning, but which also make school even more enjoyable!
One of the things that all Teams have been busily preparing is some spectacular calendar art ready for the PTA fundraiser later this year. We have displayed some of this work on the window of the admin building. If you haven’t already, pop by and have a look at some of the wonderful work on offer - and stay tuned to hear about how you can secure some of this beautiful art work for yourself!
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Aupaki Year 8 Conference focusing on transition to High School. Our Awaroa Year 8 students got to experience their first conference alongside 170 of their peers who will all be heading to High School next year. As part of this special morning, they were able to listen to the keynote speaker in the form of Bevan Eyles who is a fitness and lifestyle coach. He spoke to the Year 8’s about three valuable ideas to focus on as they approach High School;
Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable so that you can grow!
Focus on being the person that makes other people feel good about themselves.
The fact that life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.
I’m sure you’ll agree, these are such important lessons to learn! The conference also had breakout workshops focusing on the likes of timetables, homework and support networks, and a student Q&A panel facilitated by School Leaders from Te Aratai (formally Linwood College). Overall a really valuable day that Aupaki are looking to growing further next year.
Don’t forget to have a ‘Sneak Peek’ with our Media Team to see what else has been happening at school over the past 2 weeks.
Spot light on Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week… Next week will be celebrating Māori Language week throughout the school. This year is extra special as 14 September marks the 50th anniversary of the Māori Language Petition, an event that led to many of the kaupapa we have today, including Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Throughout the week we have planned some special activities to celebrate our te Reo language journey including a visit from Court Theatre and a performance from our Kapa Haka. Below there is some kiwaha for you to practise at home with your whānau. Karawhiua! Give it all you’ve got!
Spotlight on attendance… The Ministry of Education has begun a nationwide attendance and engagement strategy called ‘Every School Day is a Big Day’ which aims to promote regular attendance at school for all learners. Regular attendance is seen as 90% of the year or being absent for no more than 5 days each term. We understand that there are a variety of reasons that children may be away from school, with much of this being beyond a family's control due to sickness and Covid-19 isolation protocols this year. We also appreciate that many families have been away from school due to reconnecting with families overseas and other family events and opportunities that enrich children’s lives by providing them with a range of experiences. However, please be mindful of the impact that absences have on your child’s learning and school routines. Our goal is to ensure that all our ākonga make at least a year’s learning progress each year. When there is irregular attendance this becomes increasingly challenging due to ākonga missing essential learning time.
Sharing of learning… We are excited to be able to open up our classrooms for a sharing afternoon in the last week of term. Please save the date for Thursday 29 September where you will have the opportunity to come into learning spaces and share the Inquiry learning that has been happening. Tuawera and Awaroa learning spaces will be open from 1.45 - 2.15pm and Rapanui and Te Onepoto learning spaces will be open from 2.15 - 2.45pm.
And finally, keep a close eye on our Calendar of Events as we head towards the end of the term as there is a lot happening.
Have a wonderful weekend with your whānau.
Ngā mihi,
Anna Granger
Book Week - Week 10
It's that time again!
Book Week is nearly here!
This year's theme is Keep Calm and Carry On Reading!
There is a lot of evidence that reading is good for our physical and mental health. It improves our memory, increases our focus and concentration and reduces stress. So that's worth celebrating!
We are gearing up again for an exciting week focusing on the joy and power of reading good books with lots of activities in the classrooms and the library and looking forward to a visit from Ned Barraud, well-known non-fiction childrens' writer from Wellington.
The Annual Book Parade - Friday 30 September
Fine weather: Netball courts 9:15am (whole school)
Wet weather: Sumner School Hall
9:15-10am (Years 0-4), 10-10:40am (Years 5-8)
The theme is very general this year so students come dressed as any character from a favourite book.
Please do not feel that you have to spend money on an expensive costume. Changing up something from the dress up box is a great way to go or visit the $2 clothing warehouse in Ferrymead. It is not a competition - just a chance for the children to have some fun and use their imaginations and crafting skills!
There will also be a Book Swap on Friday at lunchtime. Students can drop a book off anytime during Book Week and swap it for a book they haven't read on Friday.
Many thanks,
Yvonne Hall
Sumner School librarian
PTA Parent Evening Fundraiser - Last chance to get a table
Sumner School is trembling with excitement to bring you, Sumner Spookers. An 18+ evening of frightful fun, nervous giggles and unhinged entertainment.
Doors open at 5.30pm for drinks and spooks (pay bar will be open). At 6.30pm the untamed entertainment kicks off. Be on time; your life might just depend on it.
For those wanting to raise their blood pressure a little more, the Sumner Spookers catwalk will be open to all for a "fight to the death" (aka strut your stuff) for top honours as NZ Building Inspectors Ltd "Best Spooker" ($500 cash prize), Best couple/group ($250 cash prize), or Peoples Choice ($250 cash prize).
Finally, thanks to The Standevens - Ray White, lose your inhibitions and let epic Christchurch band, D'sendentz, possess you on the dance floor, until you just can't shake your bones anymore.
In between all of this, Vagabond Chefs will be serving supper and an auction, with prizes worth selling your soul for, will take place.
Only 4 x VIP tables remaining - silent auction for these tables closes 13 September (champagne on arrival & front row seats for the entertainment and catwalk). Please email the address below to place a bid on our VIP tables.
Email: boo@sumnerspookers.co.nz
PTA Meeting Tuesday 13 September - Waiora Space (next to school library)
Afternoon tea provided for kids and parents.
All welcome.
World Vision 40 Hour Famine
Thanks to you all!
Last Term the School Council led the World Vision 40 Hour Famine fundraiser. Our school's goal was to raise $5000. Tim Pamflett from World Vision visited our kura today for the Awaroa hui and thanked the whole community for the incredible contribution and generosity this year. We raised an incredible $6863.40!! This has made a huge difference to the lives of so many people in our world. Thank you all. Kei runga noa atu koutou (you are all amazing)!
Mt Cheeseman Primary & Intermediate School Ski Races
Congratulations to all the Sumner School students who took part in the Mt Cheeseman Ski & Snowboard race day recently. Sumner School did well overall coming second in the intermediate section. Charlie C-T took 2nd place and Sam S 4th for Years 3 & 4, Ed C-T placed 4th for Years 5 & 6, Kobe C placed 1st for Years 7 & 8. Well done!
Term 3 School Docs Policy Review
In 2022, we will be reviewing the policies related to Health, Safety, and Welfare throughout the year.
In term three, the review focus is on our Student wellbeing and safety and Staff wellbeing and safety policies.
Instructions for reviewers:
1. Visit www.schooldocs.co.nz
2. Search for Sumner School (Username: Sumner, Password: Wakefield).
3. Search for the above policies in the search bar.
4. Read the policy.
5. Check the red Policy Review icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. a new screen will appear.
6. Select your role (Board member, staff member, or parent/caregiver) from the drop-down list.
7. Enter your name (optional).
8. Submit your ratings and comments.
Mana Ake is available to Support families/Whānau
If you would like to meet with one of the Mana Ake team please talk to your child's teacher and they will book in a time for you.
Mana Ake encourage parents to visit https://manaake.health.nz/supporting-your-child/ and the Free Parent Helpline 0800 568 856. This is available from 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday.
The Mana Ake website has a section on Big Worries - Mana Ake which is particularly relevant with what’s going on in the world currently.
Parents going to this site can be assured of finding up-to-date and quality information on wellbeing and parenting skills. Another useful link for families and parents. https://realparents.org/
Community Notices
Registration Open for Sumner Tennis & Squash Club Hotshots & Junior Interclub
Programmes
Hotshots
The Hotshots programme is for children aged 6 years (as at 31 December) up to 13 years and comprises twelve 30 minute group lessons where basic tennis skills are coached. It commences at the beginning of Term 4 and runs into Term 1 of next year. Wednesday sessions are already full, however there is still space available on Saturday (9am-11am). Cost is $120 and each child is required to have their own racquet. Cut-off for Hotshots registration is Friday 23 September. Please contact the Hotshots Administrator, Philippa Curtis, with any questions (philippa.jane.curtis@gmail.com).
Interclub
Once a junior can effectively rally, score and serve, they may register to be placed in a team to compete on either a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning in the junior interclub summer season (team training will be Monday afternoons). Cost is $210 per child and registration cut-off is Wednesday 14 September. Please contact the Junior Administrator, Annie Tainui, with any questions (juniors@sumnertennisandsquash.co.nz).
To book: https://www.sumnertennisandsquash.co.nz/our-classes
Kelly Sports October Holiday Programmes
Bookings for our upcoming Kelly Sports Holiday Programmes at Hillview Christian School and Hillmorton High School are now available online.
The focus of our Programmes is to ensure kids are active throughout, with a great mixture of games and activities to suit everyone. WINZ Subsidies are available for families that qualify and we have options of Half Day sessions, School Day sessions and Full Day sessions available.
To register and for more information please visit www.kellysports.co.nz or contact Adelma on chch@kellysports.co.nz for more information.