Tena Koutou, Talofa, Namaste, Hello and Greetings

This week I write the newsletter from the shores of Lake Te Anau. I am very lucky to take away 24 Year 5 and 6 students on our bi-annual school camp. So far we have enjoyed some brilliant weather which makes all our activities even more fun. During all the activities (glowworm caves, jet boating, fishing at McGregor's Pond, mini golf, bird sanctuary and exploring the Te Anau township) we have had many firsts. We have had students who have caught their first fish, went on a boat for the first time , and got a hole in one for the first time. We also got to see the takahe in person which was special because it is our school mascot. We are all looking forward to our own beds on Friday night - well maybe the adults are!!

It is with sadness this week that I have to let the school community know that our Deputy Principal Claire (Mrs Welch) has decided to relocate to Wanaka. She will be finishing at the end of the year. We wish Claire all the best on her new adventures in Wanaka and with her new position at Alexandra Primary School.

We are currently advertising for a new Deputy Principal and will look forward to sharing with you when a new appointment is made.

Welcome

We welcome Kylie and Grayson to East Gore School. We hope you both enjoy your learning days here with.

New entrants/students for 2022

Please let the office know if you have any children due to start school in 2022/2023. Knowing these numbers helps us plan ahead. Thank you.

Raffle Tickets

Tickets are flying out the door for the grocery grab fundraiser -We have teamed up with GORE NEW WORLD and have created a GROCERY GRAB raffle just in time to stock up your cupboards before Christmas. Families will be asked to sell raffle tickets to win 3 amazing prizes (120 second grab, 90 second grab and 60 second grab). Imagine how many groceries you could grab in 120 seconds or even 60 seconds. There will be a prize for the student and class who sells the most tickets...

This is the last fundraiser for the 2021 school year and replaces our usual Christmas raffle. All profits will go towards the outdoor upgrades for our students... next is the junior playground! Extra books are available from the office.

Kia pai tō rā whakatā (have a great weekend).

Wendy Kitto

Principal

Illness

The onset of winter illness is starting to affect our students. Please keep students home if the are unwell and help slow the spread of these coughs and colds. We have also had a vomiting bug doing the rounds, remember that a student must be 48 hours clear of any vomiting or diarrhoea before returning to school.

Reporting an Absence

If a student is away from school for any reason we need to know. Please text, phone or use the school app to report an absence. We need a reason for absence please, this a legal Ministry of Education requirement so please don't be offended if we ask for this.

Cellphones at School

We are noticing a few students are bringing cellphones to school. They do not need them at school because we have numerous devices for the students to complete school work on. If your child needs to bring a cellphone because of an after school activity, they must hand it in at the office. At the end of the day they can collect it from Mrs Nicholson.

Lunches in School

Unfortunately the daily fruit we were enjoying last term is not been supplied this term, we would ask parents to please send morning tea and something for healthy snack each day - ie: piece of fruit/cheese/nuts/yogurt.

Koha Kai are suppling a lovely range of lunches that our students enjoying this term - mac cheese is a definite hit!

Staying in Touch

Please remember to update any changes in your contact details to the school office, its very important that we have you latest details in case of an emergency. Thank you.

Spare Clothes

We are running short of spare clothes at school. If you child has come home in school clothing could it please be returned asap. A spare set of clothes in the school bag is a good idea this time of year.

We need your help! Do you have a spare half an hour in the morning one day a week?

You would need to supervised helpings of weetbix and make and spread toast and clean up after wards. If you can help for half an hour we would love to hear from you.

Breakfast can not be provided for students without your support.

Just a reminder Breakfast Club starts at 8:30am and finishes at 8:53.

A huge shout out to BP Gore who very generously donate bread to Breakfast Club.