Newsletter No. 6, April 13 2022
April 13 2022
Tena koutou e te Whānau,
I said at the beginning of the term that our plan was to maintain business as usual for as long as possible and I am so pleased that we have (pretty much) managed this for the whole of the term. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to check Seesaw to see what has been happening in classrooms as I know teaching teams have been busily putting finishing touches to learning.
Rapanui Easter Bunnies - Week 11
Spotlight on end of term gratitude…
The first thank you has to go to our children - they have been absolutely incredible this term and have taken any changes that have come their way in their stride and have shown their kindness and self regulation Character Strengths on a regular basis. I am always proud to be the Principal of such a fantastic group of ākonga, but this term they have surpassed my expectations.
The next thank you is to you all, our fantastic school whānau. Thank you so much for your continued support this term as we have navigated new health and safety measures and worked to keep our school community safe. I know there has been A LOT of communication coming your way via the app, so thank you for doing your best to keep up to date with this! Thank you also for your support in keeping all the additional sickness bugs out of school by keeping your children at home when they’ve been unwell. We appreciate that this isn’t always easy, but it is so appreciated!
And finally, a HUGE thank you to our amazing team of staff at school. It has been a massive term for them as they have worked to continue normal routines and programmes at school while managing Covid mitigations and large absences within their learning spaces. I’m sure you will join me in wishing them a well-deserved break.
Spotlight on heading into Term 2…
One thing I would urge you all to do over the break is to dig out your children's winter uniform and check that it fits! Ongoing advice from the Ministry of Education that we will need to continue to have spaces well ventilated. As we head into winter we will need to keep windows and, at points in the day, doors open. So please make sure you think about getting some thermals for wearing under t-shirts and ensure your child comes to school with a school fleece.
Spotlight on report comments…
Over the last few weeks teachers have been writing general comments for our children. These comments focus on how they have settled into the school year, the Character Strengths that they are demonstrating and developing, and their understanding of our School Values, particularly Whanaungatanga which has been our focus this term. Report comments are now live on Hero, so please log in to see these.
A reminder that there is a link here to our school website so you can see what to expect next term in terms of assessment and reporting at Sumner School. This guide also explains how to access reports on Hero if you are unsure.
And finally, a reminder that today is the last day of the term for the children as tomorrow (Thursday) is a Teacher Only Day. I hope you have a relaxing and healthy break from school with your whānau. Stay safe and take care!
Ngā mihi nui
Anna Granger
Principal
Sumner School PTA
Big Book Buy Up
We were stoked to see so many books donated to the school library. It was a challenge to get this all done online but we did it - thanks and congratulations to Yvonne for coordinating this.
Ngahau i te ra (Fun in the sun).
If you ask the kids which day in term 1 was their favourite they’ll probably say it was the day when they got to eat ice cream and play on a slip n’ slide of course! The Ngahau i te ra day was the school’s way of acknowledging the positive attitude and resilience the students have shown this term in the face of challenging red traffic light restrictions.
A massive shout out to Harcourts Sumner for sponsoring this event. The ice creams were very yummy - ngā mihi nui!!
Hot Cross Buns
The Hot Cross Bun sale was a huge success. Special mention goes to Zachery H, Sam and Jack C who went the extra mile to sell a huge number of packs. You guys are awesome.
Coming up…..
Please keep aside your quality pre-loved clothing for the online sale. We will be in touch about collection at the beginning of next term.
Happy Easter everyone!
Rapanui Easter Art
Mana Ake is available to Support families/Whānau
Mana Ake is available to Support families/Whānau
Please see the links and information below.
MANA AKE TUNING INTO KIDS PARENTING PROGRAMME - 6 week programme - free
Please see the attached flyer containing all of the courses running in Christchurch next term.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
https://www.allright.org.nz/articles/school-holiday-and-weekend-activities
School Holiday Programmes and Activities at Libraries | Christchurch City Libraries
https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on/
https://www.sportcanterbury.org.nz/Health-and-Wellbeing/Active-Families-1
MANA AKE WEBSITE
https://manaake.health.nz/
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. There is also a section to assist families who are requiring financial assistance. https://manaake.health.nz/supporting-your-child/need-more-help/
Other websites: https://realparents.org/
SPARKLERS
There are new additions to Sparklers, Click here
School Docs Term 2 Policy Review
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.
Art After School with Jo Loughnan
It is a class based strongly on drawing skills using charcoal, chalk, pastels, dye and a little paint. Each week we produce a piece of artwork using fun subject matter. It is suitable for children aged 6 and up with all materials supplied as well as artshirts and afternoon tea.
The cost for the term ( 10 weeks) is $200.00 per child.
To book in or for more information please contact Jo: joloughnan@xtra.co.nz or 027 35 10321
Community Dental Service - Dental Care During the School Holidays
Aranui Community Dental Clinic, 240 Breezes Road, Christchurch
Hornby Community Dental Clinic, 2 Hei Hei Road, Christchurch
You can access these appointments by calling our Contact Centre on 0800 846 983.
For any dental advice please call the Contact Centre on 0800 846 983 or email: commdental@cdhb.health.nz
Pebbles Preschool
Pebbles Preschool in Sumner has spaces available every day in our beautiful, boutique nursery for children up to 18 months. Our Pukeko Room can take 8 children and we are open 8.00am till 5.30pm.
Please contact us to find out more information and to arrange a visit admin@pebblespreschool.nz.