Puketapu School Newsletter
Term 2 2020 - Wednesday 10 June
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,
I am sure you were as pleased as I was to hear the Prime Minister’s announcement about moving to Alert Level 1.
For us, there will be no major changes to what we are doing and our school continues to be safe to attend, including any staff and children who are considered more vulnerable to COVID19. We have a good cleaning routine in place, people who are sick are staying at home and we continue to encourage good hygiene practices.
SO WHAT DOES LEVEL 1 MEAN FOR PUKETAPU SCHOOL?
Learning Programmes
Our staff have been amazing in their return to Level 2 schooling, reviewing their learning programmes and focussing hugely on the wellbeing of the students, winning the first hour of the day, the arts, creating, making, building and students having choice with their learning. The students, parents and teachers learned a lot of lessons around learning during the lockdown and we have taken these learnings and focussed more on these during our return. There is a great feel in the school and I believe that is due to these learnings.
Learning Rhythm
During our Level 2 return, we have been trialling new student playtimes and teacher breaks. This means that our Year 4-8 students go out first to play and our Year 0-3 students go out after them. We have reviewed this new rhythm after two weeks and will continue with this for the time being. We will review again at the end of this term. We have seen benefits in the decrease of behaviour incidents in the playground, junior students are able to use more areas that the older students traditionally use, teachers have been able to get their breaks and there has been a calmness through the school during playtimes.
Start Times, Drop Off & Pick-Ups
We will be continuing with the 8.40 am drop off time and we would like all students off the school grounds by 3.15 pm. These times allow all teachers to be fully prepared for their students in the morning and also gives them enough time to connect with their learners before 9.00 am. Thank you, this has been a major success in our return to school. We have noticed really positive parents and students arriving at school and our drop off bay in the morning has flowed really easily. With over 380 students now at our school, there isn’t as much parking space available and the drop off zone is being used well. For Pick Up thank you to all parents that use the alternative pick up zones in Dillon Drive and Northpoint Church, as this has meant there is less congestion at the front of the school.
Late Students
Please continue to go to the office and say good morning to them so that they can register that you are at school.
Contact Tracing
If you are dropping your child off to their class or picking them up you do not need to sign in at the classroom. However, if you are staying for longer than 15 minutes (eg. to be involved in an activity or lead a group) then we do ask you to sign in at the office. We are supporting contact tracing by having QR code posters at our office entrances – so if you haven’t already downloaded the NZ COVID Tracer app the Ministry of Health’s NZ-COVID Tracer app page has information to help you do that.
Kapa Haka, Interschool Sports, Camps, Student Showcases, Breakfast Club
We are currently in contact with the key people involved in these activities and will give you further information on these before the end of Term 2.
KIA KAHA - KIA MĀIA - KIA MANAWANUI
Matua Ngatai
From our Kaitiaki Kotiro
Kia ora, hi I’m Bella your Kaitiaki Kotiro, welcome to level 1!
In my class this week’s focus is kindness, not just to others but also to yourself.
We can be kind to ourselves by: eating healthy, getting the right amount of sleep and keeping your fitness levels up especially if you’re going to play a sport.
I play netball and I’ve gotten some practice playing netball games coached by Mrs J during lunch and morning tea. My friends and I have also been learning how to play volleyball
– what have you been doing?
I hope you are enjoying being at level 1. It’s good to have a bit more normal in your life!
Introducing... Annsuli Marais
As well as helping Mr Quince keep up with our expanding grounds and gardens, Annsuli is a keen to get the most out of our garden beds. She is a keen grower of vegetables and would love to develop a love of growing in our akonga too.
Watch this space for more!
We are Kaitiaki - in pictures
This is the first stage of the Kaitiakitanga pop up photography exhibition by Kauri students. More images coming soon to be added to our collection.
Run Club
Master Sewing Class
Thank you Rotary and Tegel
Our Year 5s would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Tegel and the Rotary Clubs for their generousity.
Thank you!
A picture tells a story
Here are just a few of their writings...
The mum is whistling. “Hi“ baby said. Dad is happy. “Can we be friends?” Said the baby.
By Tyson.
I can see the baby is talking with the man. I can see that the man is shaking the baby’s
hand. I can see that the mum is whistling.
by Ava
The baby is holding his hand. The baby is happy.
By Nova
Are you happy baby are you excited about your trip the man is happy what are you doing can we be friends
By Georgia-Lee
I see a baby, I see a lady and a man with a baby. The dad is holding the baby’s hand, they
are really happy.
By La-Shaye
the man said “are you excited about your trip?” The baby said “yes are you?” can we play
Yes “mum stop whistling “ ok “have you got a friend honey yes “. The End
By Rico
Great Floor Fun in Rimu
House Proud in Rimu
Lucky Book Club
Last day for orders is next Thursday 18 June.
Sick Child?
As we have seen over the past few months germs can spread very easily.
If in the event your child has been vomiting they need to be vomit free for at least 24 hrs before they can return to school.
Dancing in the Fallen Leaves
Hot food at school?
Wintry Wet Weather Days
We don't have a problem with kids playing and getting dirty, but we would rather they didn't bring the mud back into their classroom...
Superstar Awards
- India McKenna
Sports Corner
Thanks to everyone who handed in their registration forms last week.
Miniball and Netball teams are full.
Basketball Years 5/6 and years 7/8 have space for 3 more players.
Notices with all the details of dates and fees will come out in the next few weeks.
Thanks to all the people who have offered to coach. The only team needing a coach is: Netball Year 3/4
Canoe Polo registration forms and information are at the office. This is for year 7/8 children in Term 3, Friday nights, at the Methanex Bell Block Aquatic Centre.
An introduction night is going to be held on the 28th June at 3pm so that we can be ready to go straight away in term 3. All new players must attend this as they will be taught how to get out of the canoe should they tip over.
BIRTHDAYS
- Cara Edwards
- Jaxyn Sandford
- Jakiah Sutton
What's On
Now that we are back to Level 1 our Calendar will start filling up again!
Week 10:
- Hockey coaching for Totara, Kowhai and Kauri
- Tue 16: Board of Trustees Meeting 5.30pm
Week 11:
- Hockey coaching for Totara, Kowhai and Kauri
- Tue 23: Spotswood Promo Visit for the Year 8s
Week 12:
- Transition visits for New Entrants starting in Term 3.
- Tue 30: Inglewood High School Open Day - 12.30-3.00pm
Last Day of Term 2 is Friday 3 July
First Day of Term 3 is Monday 20 July
Community Notices
It's Circus Time!
At the Pukekura Raceway, book via
027 GO ZIRKA (027 46 94 752)
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