Newsletter No. 21, 15 December 2022
15 December
Principal's Kōrero
Kia ora rā koe,
An extra special Haere Mai to Viggo K who returned to Sumner School from Denmark last week.
And so we come to the last newsletter of 2022! It’s been a busy few days as we have worked our way to the end of the year with our Years 5-8 Awards Assembly, our Christmas Concert and our Prizegiving and farewell assembly yesterday afternoon. A massive thank you to all of you who have taken the time to celebrate the end of the year with us. There are a few tired faces out there (both young and not so young) who I know will be looking forward to a well deserved break when school finishes tomorrow at 12.30pm.
Spotlight on Gratitude… As we are fast approaching the end of the year I would like to take a moment for some ‘thank yous’. I would first like to acknowledge our amazing PTA who have worked to raise a whopping $45,000 for our school this year. This is an absolutely incredible achievement (especially when we reflect that we spent half of the year very much disconnected due to Covid restrictions) and is going straight back into our ākonga at school. Some of this has already been spent on our new Structured Literacy resources including a huge range of decodable texts that will support children across the school who need them. In 2023 we will also be looking ahead to the planning and development of our pump track! Thank you to all of you who have supported the PTA this year - we truly appreciate it.
Many thanks also to our incredible parent community who have supported the school this year; from volunteering time, to supporting students on trips, to offering expertise in the classrooms, we value everything you do - thank you! One of the things I love most about our school is that it sits at the heart of our community. I acknowledge how hard the past few years have been feeling an element of disconnect from the school due to our health restrictions and I am very much looking forward to the start of next year when we can begin a new school year fully connected.
Huge thanks to our incredibly hard-working team of staff at school. Their dedication to our school is simply amazing and, although they are looking forward to a well deserved break, I know that they are already thinking ahead to 2023 and the new learning opportunities that could be developed next year.
And finally, the biggest thank you needs to go to our tamariki - thank you all for making Sumner School a very special place to work and learn. They say time flies when you are having fun, and this year has raced past, and that is all down to you!
Spotlight on 2023… Over the past 6 weeks teaching staff have been busily working on learning placements for next year. As I am sure you can appreciate, there is always much to consider when we make these placements, but first and foremost we start with the individual learning needs of our children, taking into account a range of emotional, social, behavioural, health and academic considerations to ensure that our learning groups are well balanced. Earlier this week our children had the opportunity to meet with their new teachers, classmates and teaching teams. If you haven’t already had a look, your child’s placement for 2023 and end of year Reports are now available to view via Hero.
The wider school structure can be found below. You will see a number of changes as we head into 2023; yesterday we officially farewelled Rachel Kahi who will be stepping away from school after a massive 23 years of service to our school. We are really sad to be losing Rachel as a full time member of our team, but I know we will see her in and around our school next year. Kim Wilson will also be away from school next year as she begins the best adventure… becoming a parent! A massive good luck to Kim and her husband Stephen as they start this journey early next year. We can’t wait to meet our newest to the school whānau when the time comes. Bridget Scoular will also be taking a step back next year and while staying in Rapanui as a release teacher, will not be working in a full time capacity. Robyn Lean will be taking an extended break over summer for some well earned Refreshment Leave during Term One. Vanessa Kearns will be leading Home Room 14 in Robyn’s absence next term. And finally, we will also be welcoming back Pip Andrews to our team in Te Onepoto after a year away on Maternity Leave.
Spotlight on term dates 2023... We have also been gifted an additional Teacher Only Day by the Ministry of Education to focus on the upcoming Curriculum Refresh developments. We will plan to use this day at the start of Term Two on Monday 24 April before ANZAC day on 25 April. Our term dates for 2023 have now been updated to reflect this change and can be found on the App and below.
Spotlight on the start of year… As part of our transition processes we have made a new development at the start of the year next year. This will see all students and their parents invited in before the start of classes (on Thursday 2 February) to meet individually with their new teacher for a special learning conference called Hauora Hui. Families have the opportunity to book in to meet with teachers alongside their children on either Tuesday 31 January or 1 February from 8.30am-4pm. Conferences can be carried out face-to-face on site at school or virtually for those families who may still be away. To book a conference please use the following link: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/fmuaw
These 30 minute hui will enable time for the new Home Group teacher to discuss information that has been passed on from the previous teacher (as part of our handover process) and for families to provide any updates as needed. Parents and students will also be invited to share information related to what excites and is important to their child, how they learn best and the best ways that the teacher can support them. These hui will also work to provide a strong platform for open communication through the year as teachers establish communication channels, check access to our school digital platforms and provide safe space for whānau to share confidential or pertinent information about their child/ren.
These hui will form an essential part of how we ensure we are developing programmes, opportunities and learning environments that meet our children’s needs and so we would like to see bookings from all families.
We will conclude our Hauora Hui on Wednesday 1 February with our Kai me Kōrero where all families are invited back to school for a ‘food and chat’ evening. Further information can be found below.
Spotlight on finance… A final reminder to please log into Hero to check finance statements for your children. Sue Stevens has updated accounts for all families. Our financial year ends on 31 December and so it would make Sue’s life a lot easier if we received your support in making your payments now. A reminder that you can download your own receipts from Hero by clicking 'View Donation Payments' and clicking the desired tax year button. These receipts meet IRD requirements for claiming donation refunds. You can claim a 33% refund of all donations made to the school if you meet the IRD requirements. Please note, receipts are not available from mobile devices. Just a gentle reminder if you haven't paid already we are still waiting for $900 for Aupaki Touch payments. If your child participated and you haven't yet paid please do so asap as Sumner School has already paid on behalf of your child.
If you have any questions regarding your statement please email Sue: sstevens@sumner.school.nz.
Finally, all that remains is to wish you a very happy and healthy holiday with your families. I hope you have a fantastic break from school and we look forward to welcoming you back to school for Hauora Hui on 31 January and 1 February and our Kai me Korero from 5pm on 1 February.
Meri Kirihimete!
Ngā mihi,
Anna Granger
Big Book Buy Up
During Hauora Hui and Kai me Kōrero, there will also be an opportunity to purchase a book for the school library. This is our annual library fundraiser and is always well supported by whānau. When you purchase a book, it will be donated to the library and your child will be the first person able to issue the book. Many thanks in advance for your support of this event. It ensures that we are able to continue to offer a high quality collection of books for all students to enjoy.
Sumner School PTA 2022 - It’s a wrap!
2022 turned out to be a brilliant year for Sumner School. I’m sure all parents enjoyed getting involved with the school again after two years of covid restrictions. As chair of the PTA, it was a lot of fun working on projects with parents and staff to raise funds for the school and keep everyone connected.
In terms of fundraising, it was an extremely successful year for the PTA. We raised over $45,000!! The biggest contribution came from Sumner Spookers which raised around $26,000. Add to that the hot dog lunches, pre-loved clothing, book buy-up, hot cross buns, cards and calendars…. it all adds up! The Sumner School Board have the fun job of deciding where to spend the money - see the Board Brief to find out more.
We also helped the staff at other events that did not involve fundraising. The fabulous Matariki celebration was a highlight for me as well as Book Week.
All these projects require a lot of energy, creativity and hard mahi and I am so grateful to all the parents and staff who made it all happen. Let’s do it all again next year! (but maybe have a holiday first).
Meri Kirihimete,
Georgie Lang
Mrs Vine Sports Coordinator Report - Basketball
Year 3 and 4 Girls Basketball Competition.
On Wednesday 7 December the Years 3 and 4 Girls Basketball team played their final for B Grade mixed school Basketball (Miniball) Competition at Pioneer. It was their first season and they were all amazing. It is great seeing so many of our tamariki playing basketball this year.
Canterbury Basketball Reps
Lennie C and Lewis C both made it to the Canterbury Rep teams this year. It was a tough squad to make, 3 weeks of trials and 8 weeks of intense training leading up to the four day tournament in Ashburton in the October school holidays. It was the U13 Aon Southern Regional Basketball Tournament, Lennie's team won the A Grade Division and Lewis' team won B grade. Congratulations to both of these young gentlemen.
Canterbury Cricket Rep
Riley J has been selected to represent Canterbury at a Year 8 South Island cricket tournament in January 2023. This is the ultimate tournament for Year 8's to play in and the last 3 years of hard work has placed him in this select group. Well done Riley!
The photograph below is of Riley being presented his Canterbury baggy cricket cap from Blackcap legend and dancing with the stars winner Chris Harris.
Year 5-8 Instrumental Lessons at Sumner School 2023
Sumner School students in Years 5-8 have the opportunity to learn an instrument at school during class time. Information regarding our music programmes, tutors and their contact information can be found here.
Stationery 2023 - order now from myschool.co.nz
Term Dates 2023
Term 1
2 February - 6 April
Term 2
26 April - 30 June
Term 3
17 July - 22 September
Term 4
9 October - 15 December (12.30pm finish)
2023 Public Holidays
Waitangi Day - 6 February
Good Friday - 7 April
Easter Monday 10 April & Tuesday 11 April (falls in the holidays)
Anzac Day - 25 April
King's Birthday - 5 June
Labour Day - 23 October
Show Day - 17 November
2023 Teacher Only Days
Monday 24 April
Thursday 16 November
Term 4 School Docs Policy Review
In 2022, we will be reviewing the policies related to Health, Safety, and Welfare throughout the year.
In term four, the review focus is on our Health, Safety and Welfare Policy.
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 - Tuning into Kids parenting course
A six-session programme for parents/caregivers of children aged 5-12 years.
Tuning Into TEENS is an option for parents/caregivers of tamariki in school years 6-8 (10-13yrs).
Please see the poster below for details and enrolment.
Community Notices
Basketball
The Canterbury Rams & Mainland Pouākai are excited to deliver in partnership with Youthtown to run two free basketball camps for both primary-aged and high school-aged. The camps will be mixed boys & girls sessions and include coaching from Canterbury Rams & Mainland Pouākai players. The sessions will also include leadership development sessions led by Youthtown staff.
Lunch will be provided for the School Y5-8 session and dinner will be provided for the School Y9-13 session.
- Cost: FREE
- Date: Thursday, 26th January
- Venue: Cowles Stadium
- Time:
- School Years 5-8 – 10am – 12:30pm
- School Years 9-13 – 2:30pm – 5pm
Registration link: https://canterburyrams.basketball/youthtown-camps
Wondergirl's Camp
Project Wondergirl is Camp Wondergirl's (CWG) signature 5-day leadership programme. CWG inspires, empowers and educates girls ages 8-12 to explore mindfulness, embrace uniqueness, and express their superpowers! The mission is to make sure every girl knows she is a Wondergirl - powerful, loving, and unique.
Date & Time: Monday 9th - Friday 13th January, 9am - 4pm
Location: Steiner School, Christchurch
For more details: www.campwondergirl.com/project-wondergirl
December and January Holiday Surf Lessons
Surf with Nolan and the coaches. These lessons are specifically structured for youth aged 18 years and under and consist of personalized surf and or surf and skate lessons on the beach and in the water and include a valuable ocean water safety component.
Book Your Lessons - https://www.stokedsurfschool.co.nz/bookasurflesson