Riverdale School Newsletter
Newsletter - Week 6 Term 1 2024
Friday 8th March
Kia Ora
Well the term is humming along and the school is a hive of activity both inside the classrooms and out. Our Science Inquiry across the school is quite exciting! Thinking like a scientist and asking questions to find out why and how things occur allows for critical thinking and plenty of questions to ponder. Experiments are also pretty cool and hook us all in that prompt curiosity and reflection opportunities.
Senior swimming sports went ahead on Wednesday and students had the opportunity to display both their ability and attitude in the pool. Teachers were exceptionally proud of behaviour and willingness to take part in events. Our junior school had their own little ‘Swimming Sports Afternoon’ in the pool on Thursday and will continue their professional lessons with Kelly Sports for another two weeks.
Summer football is well underway and it is great to see over 140 Riverdale students take part in this module. Big thankyou to Mr Lion for his effort behind the scenes to make this happen.
It is such a pleasure each day to walk through classrooms and see quality learning occurring across teams. I would again, like to acknowledge our community for ‘setting up’ your children each and every day ready for school. This not only provides the best possible learning conditions for your child, but also our staff's ability to provide consistent and quality learning for all students across the curriculum.
He waka eke noa - We’re all in this together.
Have a great weekend!
Jared
Welcome
To our new students: We wish you happy days at Riverdale School
Piako Tahi - Aylah Bennett, Tianyue Wei
Piako Rimu - Damian Ward
Poutama - Riley Wilkinson
House Captains 2024
Congratulations to our 2024 House Captains. Our Year5 & 6 students had the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills and put themselves forward. These students along with others stood in front of their peers and gave a speech about why they would make a great House Captain. After careful consideration by the students a vote was had, and the following students were appointed House Captains.
Kakapo
Leaders (Year 6)
Grayson Woodmass
Michaela Drew
Deputy (Year 5)
Luca Wylie
Shelby Robinson
Takahe
Leaders (Year 6)
Boy - Grayson Bron
Girl - Evie Morland
Deputy (Year 5)
Boy - Jamie Hamid
Girl - Luca Butters
Kereru
Leaders (Year 6)
Lachlan O'Leary
Bella Hawkins
Deputy (Year 5)
Elijah Lion
Darcie Hanson
Tui
Leaders (Year 6)
Christopher Cox
Alex Murray
Deputy (Year 5)
Tāne Minchin
Brax Hohipa
Enviro Explorers
The Enviro Explorers kicked off their learning for this year with a Wairoa stream study at Ahimate Reserve. This programme is run by Horizons Regional Council to teach children about different ways to measure water quality in our local waterways. This was a fantastic opportunity for these students to take part in meaningful science learning within our local community.
HERO App - Outstanding Payments
Please ensure that you check your Finance icon on HERO to view any outstanding payments. These will include payments for stationery, school donations, sports fee's and hats. If you have any overdue payments please make these asap.
Ballot for Out of Zone Enrolments
We are currently running a ballot for out of zone students looking to start at Riverdale School during 2024. Ballot entries for out of zone placements close at 1pm on Tuesday 19th March 2024.
Parents will be advised of the ballot outcomes by Friday 22nd March 2024.
If you have a sibling of a current student looking to start at Riverdale School 2024, and have moved out of zone, please ensure that you complete a ballot entry.
Any questions please call or drop into the office.
Pounamu Atawhai
A huge part of our Term One learning and starting school is understanding our school beliefs (Ngā Matapono) and understanding Te Whiringa Wha. Te Whiringa Wha is a matrix that we use at Riverdale School to help understand what type of leader and learner we are and we can work together to achieve tau (balance). One of the ways we looked at this, this Term, is through the lens of visual arts. We have used some understanding of symbols and patterns in Toi Māori (Māori art) and created some art pieces describing ourselves and our Whiringa. Check out a few examples.
Piako Tahi
It has been a little bit chilly in Piako Tahi this week as we discovered some things from our classroom had been frozen! We have been exploring water and the way in which it can change into all three states - solid, liquid and gas. It has been lots of fun experimenting and watching water go through the physical changes of freezing, melting, boiling, evaporating and condensing
Swimming Sports
The year 4-6’s had a great event at the Lido on Wednesday showing off their swimming skills.
Thank you to all the parents who made it down to cheer on all the swimmers.
Interschool Triathlon
The Triathlon team have been training hard for the upcoming Interschool event next Wednesday at Skoglund Park where they will compete against other Year 5s and 6’s from across the Manawatu.
As part of one training session last week we were very lucky to have Tristine (a Riverdale Parent and Triathlete) came in to share some tips on how to make effective transitions. Earlier this week we also had some extra swimming training.
All the best to the team.
Weetbix Tryathlon
This is on 19th March at Ongley Park. Get in quick to register for this event at Palmerston North Weetbix Triathlon. Entries and supervision are up to individual parents. Riverdale will have a tent for all students as a meeting point. You are welcome to join us all there before and after your child’s race.
School Docs
Riverdale School uses SchoolDocs to maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date set of policies and procedures. These policies and procedures follow guidelines and legislation and best practice, and have been tailored for our school. For more information about SchoolDocs, see schooldocs.co.nz.
Username: riverdale Password: empowering
Maori Focus Ropu
We would love your support.
A Star In The Making
Wishing Jackson Kingston all the best when he takes the stage in Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical.
Principals Awards
Piako Tahi
Eli Castle - for his enthusiasm and inquiring mind during Explore
Kyran Schou - for always showing an awesome attitude towards his learning
Piako Rimu
Aniwa Tahi - for showing leadership and being a kind friend in Piako Rimu
Phyllis Au - for being an active learner and offering her ideas in class discussions
Piako Rata
Dixie Reweti - for wroking diligently to achieve your writing goals
Henry Vindriis - for making an amazing improvement in his writing
Pae Ake
Kip Hunt - for writing stories with lots of interesting details
Scottie King-Turner - for his enthusiasm and focus during Maths
Matthew Hill - for being a kind class member who gives 100% every day
Lola George - for being an organised independent learner
Poutama
Austin Woodmass - for being a happy and enthusiastic learner
Mackenzie Green - for her continued commitment to learning
Lachlan Hannon - for being an amazing buddy during reading by showing awhi
Pounamu Atawhai
Eva Standish - for her enthusiasm and determination in her learning
Ella Pyle - for showing confidence and determination in her learning
Maliha Mohamad Sediq - for working hard and being a kind friend
Calendar
TERM ONE
Week 7
Wed 13th March - Interschool Triathlon
Week 8
Tues 19th March - Weetbix Tryathlon
Week 9
Mon 25th March - Interschool Swimming
Fri 29th March - Good Friday, School CLOSED
Week 10
Mon 1st April - Easter Monday, School CLOSED
Tues 2nd April - Easter Tuesday , School CLOSED
Thurs 4th April - Rippa Rugby Tournament
Week 11
Tuesday 9th April - Striders Road Race
Fri 12th April - Right Choice Day & Last Day of Term 1
TERM TWO
Mon 29th April - First day of Term 2
After School Events and Activities
AA Insurance $10,000 Sports Grant - Nominate Riverdale School
Head to AA insurance on FaceBook to enter Riverdale School
Our Big Little Sponsorship celebrates our partnership with Eden Park by championing grassroots sports in schools and giving back to the community. For the fifth year, we’re calling for nominations for two deserving primary schools (one in the North Island and one in the South Island) to each win a $10,000 sports grant.
The lucky winning schools will celebrate in style with a visit from former All Black and rugby legend, Keven Mealamu.
We also have a $2,000 and $1,000 sports grant to giveaway to our second and third place schools for each island.
We know how important sport is to Kiwi kids. It teaches fair play, teamwork, builds confidence and keeps them active, but getting the little ones match ready can be expensive.
Nominate your favourite New Zealand primary school today to help them play a little freer!