PĀNUI HARAREI - HOLIDAY UPDATE
Gladstone School Newsletter - 28/1/22
Te Karere a te Tumuaki (Principal's Message)
Kia ora tātou katoa (Hi/greetings/hello everybody). It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Gary James. Gary is a long standing parent of the Gladstone School community and our thoughts are with Hayley, Phoebe, Harvey, Lauren and Harry at this sad and difficult time.
On behalf of the school we have delivered a care package to the James family. We are planning to support Hayley and the children as much as possible. As part of this 'Angel Delivery' meal vouchers are going to be organised. If families would like to be part of this please send through your donation to the school bank account 12-3290-0001530-00 ref. Angel.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing this newsletter GoBus is seemingly 'NoBus' for schools across the Wairarapa. Much to our immense frustration we still don't have schedules, timetables, routes or turn around points to share with you. As soon as we have something, we will get it out to you via the app. We have done everything we can to get some action, but to no avail.
We will continue trying to get something from GoBus. If we still have no details by Tuesday afternoon, you may need to make arrangements to get your children to school and home again. We understand how frustrating and upsetting this is.
For families that have used the bus to and from Masterton, please remember that at this stage there is no service being offered. Please make alternative arrangements for the first few weeks while we try to work something out. This also applies to those families living in Carterton and Greytown.
Community Picnic - Wed 2nd Feb - Cancelled
Welcome Assembly - Mihi Whakatau
We are not having a whole school mihi whakatau (welcome assembly), rather we will do 3 separate syndicate welcomes on the first day. Parents of new students are able to support their students during the welcome (masks please) and will then need to leave. We are starting with Kourarau (Y1-3), then Ruamahanga (Y4-6) followed by Ōnoke (Y7-8). Unfortunately unless you are a parent of a new child starting school, you will not be able to attend.
School App - Please Update Your Alert Group Selections
It is now time to update your alert group selections on the school app. On the 'alerts' page there is a tick at the top right of the screen. If you tap on that it will take you to the screen where you select the alert groups you would like to be part of. Please note, it's only the 'General/Important' alert posts that show on our website feed. We will let you know during the year if additional groups are added.
Y4-8 Beach Education - Trips are still going ahead. Week 1, Term 1.
Please see the app alert that went out on Friday 21st of January. At last count we still need some more parent volunteers (with vaccine passes) to come along on the trip. If you are interested please complete the google form that was linked in the alert. There are also information letters attached.
For those of you who don't have our app, the alerts can be found at the bottom of the home page of our new website - www.gladstone1.school.nz
Newsletter Proudly Sponsored by Kayla Watson
School Life at Red
During the week we shared an information folder about how school looks at Red. This was via the app. The link is shared again below. The basic summary is:
- No non-essential visitors on site.
- Parents/caregivers must use the QR code when coming through the gates, and need to keep a 2m social distance (wait by the Gibson Hall pick up area and we will send children to you).
- Sign in using the vistab in the office if coming into school past the pick up point by Gibson Hall, parents/caregivers must wear a mask if meeting with staff.
- Masks for Y4 and up are compulsory (staff and students) while indoors. It is now recommended that students wear medical grade masks.
- Assembly will need to be outdoors or not at all. The MoE have now advised against have assemblies.
- Non-curriculum events ie. picnic limit to 100 with vaccine pass so it won't be able to go ahead as we will be more than 100.
- Ventilation is compulsory, doors and windows open even when it's cold, need to get a cross breeze through the classrooms.
- Hand sanitiser at door entry points & using it is compulsory and we need to think through processes for being stringent with the kids using it.
- Singing at school must take place outdoors.
- Drinking fountains: at all settings of the CPF, drinking fountains can be used.
- Food should be eaten outside at red.
Working Bee - Gardens & Orchard Area (Monday 31st January 2-4pm). CANCELLED
The planned working bee for Monday the 31st has been cancelled. We will work out another day/time and let you all know when it will be happening.
Science Professional Development
Today we started our science professional development. Our strategic focus for the next 18 months in the 'Ako' space is to review our science curriculum, weaving through the teaching of literacy and maths with a particular focus on improving writing. It was an engaging, motivating session and we can't wait to bring science to life in our classrooms.
House of Science Kit
Carrollyn from McKenzie’s Electrical has reached out to all of the Carterton Schools to let us know that they are sponsoring the House of School Wairarapa membership for 2022 like last year. This is a fantastic jesture from McKenzie's Electrical for not just our school, but all of the Carterton Cluster Schools. We will be thanking them for their amazing manaakitanga.
Y7&8 Camp - Watch this Space
Obviously things are changing reasonably quickly across the country. It was great to get feedback from the Year 7&8 families this week so the we could gauge 'the mood of the camp' and make an informed decision. Rest assured we will take all of your comments into consideration and have been looking at what feels like hundreds of alternative options. We are looking to make a decision early next week and will keep you all informed.
Reminder - Start Up Stationery
Student stationery is at school ready to go. Students will be given their stationery at the start of the year - they do not need to bring it from home. Please see a link below to the list of what is being given out here. It was also sent out on the app.
Updated - Syndicate Information
Teachers will be sending out syndicate-specific information in the lead up to school starting. Please look out for this information via the school app.
Singing Lessons
Art Classes
Art Classes are due to start in the 2nd week of term for anyone interested. There was a great response last year and all the kids seemed to absolutely love it. Elissa Smith is keen to continue for the kids this year, but only for two days a week – Tuesday and Wednesday. The classes are $20 per child per week, with classes running from 3:15 to 4:30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you are keen, please email gladstone.artclass@gmail.com with your preferred day, and please include a contact mobile number in case of emergencies. Please note that these are able to continue under Red Alert Level, with students in masks.
Key Dates for the start of Term 1.
Wednesday 2/2 - School starts for students with welcomes in individual syndicates, not the hall.
The community picnic has been cancelled.
Thursday 3/2 - Year 6/7/8 Beach Education @ Riversdale. Information has gone out via the app.
Friday 4/2 - Year 4/5 Beach Education @ Riversdale. Information has gone out via the app.
Monday 5/2 - Waitangi Day Observed (School Closed).
Monday 14/2 - BoT meeting, 6pm.
Term Dates for 2022
Term 1 2022 will start for students on Wednesday the 2nd of February.
Contact Us
Email: office@gladstone1.school.nz
Website: http://www.gladstone1.school.nz
Location: 1471 Te Whiti Road, Gladstone, New Zealand
Phone: +64 6 372 7601