Newsletter 18th August 2022

Kia ora whanau

It would be ever so easy to let life get on top of us, for the woes of the world to weigh us down or for us to become morose as it seems to be one of those human traits to sometimes be looking at life from that 'glass half empty' perspective. One of the many neat things about being involved in education is that the energy and positivity that the akonga bring to the school each day is absolutely contagious. And the way that they express themselves shows this. Their joy in all that they do, whether that be something very simple or something difficult or complicated is fabulous to see. We love that sense of wonder and excitement that they bring to life each and every day. We can also add to that the way that they interact with us. Their manners, their empathy and their ability to be respectful and kind is often something we take for granted as it is so prevalent. We shouldn't take it for granted though!

I saw an absolutely brilliant example of that this week when a relatively newly enrolled Year 1 lad was brought to the sickbay by his sister before school had started. He had a scrape on one knee and lots of blood on the other and was doing his best to hold it all together. I asked what had happened and she said that he had been in so much of a hurry to get to school that he tripped up on his own feet. I enquired why the rush to which she replied with a smile, because he loves school. She was so kind towards him and he obviously appreciated the aroha she gave him. Gorgeous moment!

As we move on towards the school Cross Country, I am reminded further of that as one of those special moments which occur at the finish of each race. The cheers for the front runners and the cheers for those who have given it all, not given up and who have finished at the tail-end are equally as loud! What's not to love about that!

A big homai nga pakipaki to all of those that give out that awhi and aroha to all of those around them. It is them that set the standards and who define the culture of our school and community!

Ngā mihi

Marty Hantz

At our August meeting Mr English talked us though the most recent school wide data relating to student achievement in reading, writing and maths.

He showed us how the akonga, as a year group cohort, are tracked as they progress through the school. It is interesting to look at data from previous years to see how many akonga have been accelerated in their learning.

We are very fortunate to have caring staff at Taradale Primary who look at the details in the data, looking for patterns and explanations for them.

Their in-depth knowledge of individual akonga is shown through the comments and additional information provided alongside the numbers.

The high quality of the learning environment and teaching experienced by the akonga at Taradale Primary School is evident in academic outcomes!

• Book Fair - Thursday 25th - Tuesday 30th August
• Milo and Marshmallow Night - Thursday 25th August - 6pm - 7.15pm
• Spooner Shield - Friday 2nd September
• Spooner Shield Postponement - Friday 9th September
• TPS Cross Country - Monday 29th August
• Wig Wednesday - Wednesday 7th September
• School Photos - Thursday 8th September
• TPS School Fete - Sunday 18th September
• End of Term 3 - Friday 30th September

What a delight it is to see our tamariki out and about huffing and puffing around the school as they prepare for the upcoming Cross Country. What I love about the training is that it is not all about tedious laps over and over and over...but no! We have 'morphed' that into a range of training ideas that are fun and effective, and which ensure that our tamariki are fit and enjoy running around!

We have decided that on the day of the Cross Country we will be inviting parents to come and watch as this is a very big open space! However, we would ask that whanau observe some very obvious protocols to ensure that everyone remains safe from Covid and other such illnesses. Please could you....

• Remain at a safe distance from all other spectators other than your own whanau.
• Remain a safe distance away from the track and our budding wee athletes.
• Not hang out with your tamariki at our assembly point. This will be strictly enforced.

We have spaces available for Out Of Zone enrolments for Year 0 (New Entrant) for Term 3 and Term 4 2022. If you have friends and whānau that are looking for a great school then point them in our direction.

Please check out below what is left of the 'Ex Warehouse stock of uniforms with new pricing as of today.

Our Famous Scholastic Book Fair starts next week!

Make sure you head into our school library to grab yourself some bargains.

Book Fair opens hours are:

• Thursday 25th August 8.15-9am & 2.30-3.30pm

• Thursday 25th August Marshmallow Night 6-7.15pm

• Friday 26th August 8.15-9.15am & 2.30-3.30pm

• Monday 29th August 8.15-9.15am & 2.30-3.30pm

• Tuesday 30th August 8.15-9.15am & 2.30-3.30pm

On Monday 22nd August we are lucky enough to have Strike Percussion performing at TPS.

Strike is a NZ premiere classical percussion ensemble. It is a high energy show that draws on styles from around the world.

This is exciting for us as we have not been able to have a visiting group for the last 2 years! If your child is present, $5 will be added to your account.

Our numbers are slowly climbing as you would expect with the way that Covid-19 continues to track around the country. We will continue to insist upon masks being worn from Years 4 to 6 and have just re-ordered another 2500 tamariki sized masks to ensure that we have enough to cater for the classes involved. As a kura and as a staff we have been very fortunate that, unlike many schools, we have not had to close and this has certainly been helped by the preparations taken to keep ourselves safe. We thank you all for the way that you have assisted us in this regard and this has been particularly evident in the way that you have kept your tamariki at home when they have been unwell.