Puketapu School Newsletter
Week 1, Term 1, 2019
Empower All People to be Healthy, Lifelong Learners
Kia kaha - do your best * Kia māia - be courageous * Kia manawanui - have a heart
Nau Mai, Haere Mai
It was great to see so many along with their whanau at our Powhiri last week. We know they will be warmly welcomed into our school community.
Over the next weeks we will introduce our new Teachers and Learning Teams and give you more information about some of the exciting new developments at school.
If you have any questions at any time, please speak with your child's teacher or to our friendly office team.
The Kauri Learning Team: David Martin, Amanda O'Dowda, Claire Wigley and Julia Johnstone
2019 Kaitiaki (Head Students)
Sifia Fonoti
Sifia started at Puketapu School in November 2011 as a brand new 5 year old and has been a popular student and friend ever since. Sifia has been described as "an old soul", "easy to talk to", "mature", "trustworthy" and "kind" and we believe she will be an excellent representative for our school. Well done Sifia.
Corban Read
Corban has been a key member of his peer group throughout his time at Puketapu. He is a keen and reliable participant in all kinds of activities, including fundraising and school groups, and works hard to show our School values consistently, inside and outside school. He believes part of his Kaitiaki role is "not to be the best but to help others be their best", something we think makes him a great choice as Kaitiaki Tama.
Values Video
Kia Kaha - Do your best
Kia maia - Be courageous
Kia Manawanui - Have a heart
Check out our values video starring some familiar faces...
Summer Wilkinson made headlines in our local newspaper with her generousity and caring. Read all about it at:
Six-year-old girl donates school supplies instead of receiving birthday presents
Way to go Summer! #pukeproud
Summer Wilkinson showed Kia Manawanui in a big way over the holidays
Shaina and Julia took on the 1.2km Masters swim at the Flannagan Cup this week. They both finished in under 30 mins. Next year the 3.6 km...
Awesome!
Sports... Touch
HELP!
We have 69 students keen to play and only 3 coaches!
If you are able to coach can you also let Kim Sowman know asap as we cannot register teams with no coach. We will also need team managers to help with subbing and sideline, so please let us know if you can help.
Games are at Hickford Park on Wednesdays through Term 1. Under 6s start at 4pm, older players following on.
Swimming!
We have a schedule so everyone gets to swim throughout the week, including some morning tea, lunchtime and after school swims.
After school swimming for Rimu and Totara will be Mondays and Thursdays.
A great start to school! Jade from Rimu 4 having fun and learning in the pool.
Spare Clothes and Togs?
If you have any spare togs at home, we would love donations for kids who forget theirs on the day. All sizes required please.
Spare shorts, tights and pants are always needed too. All sizes, but especially 4-8 years.
Above: Mrs Jackson in the Outdoor Library
Below: the Outdoor Lego Club
Maui's going to Hawaii!
Puketapu ex students Sam Plant and Josh Kingi are also on the selection list. Awesome effort!
Maui will be doing lots of training - some of this is at Puketapu School on the courts. If you would like to come and support his training at school, keep an eye on the Facebook page for details.
Raising the money required will be a big challenge, so watch out for ways that you can help. There will be raffles and lot of ways to help, including the funding page linked below:
Counting with Frogs!
Could you be our new sponsor?
We are seeking new sponsors for our Duffy Awards.
Duffy Award books and certificates are awarded to students at every showcase and Duffy arranges Role Model Assemblies and Theatres for our school throughout the year. It's a great way of encourage reading and positive behaviour - a really worthwhile programme to be part of.
If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact Paula in the office.
Our new Bike Track!
We are delighted with our new Bike Track which goes all the way around our school field. Funded by Bikes in Schools, our perimeter track (which will double as a walking track for getting to and from school) can be used by bikes (not scooters) at play times too.
Check out https://bikeon.org.nz/bikes-in-schools/ for more information
At Student Showcase on Friday we will be talking about how we use the bike track safely for everyone and we look forward to having
Building Demolition and New Deck
Texira in Totara 2 created this pic collage about the concrete truck:
Head Start Hui
It was wonderful to see so many people at our Head Start Hui last week. It is great to begin strengthening the home and school relationship right from the start of the year.
Throughout the year, your child's teacher is your first port of call for any questions or feedback and we would love to hear from you.
The Tech Hub
2019 is going to be an exciting year, with the introduction of Design and Technology onsite here at school. Lots of planning and thought has been going into both the physical space and lesson content, so that students will have a interesting, fun and hands on year.
Being a 'healthy life long learner' is a vision that all of us within the Puketapu community can aspire to be, and parents and teachers are no exception! Throughout the year the Tech Hub will be popping up in the newsletter, it might a link to a interesting website, gardening tips or family friendly recipes for everyone to try.
This week I would love to draw your attention to a easy to navigate website https://www.countdown.co.nz/food-hub. I have found some easy and fun lunchbox ideas which I know I am going to try out with my whanau. Give it go, get your kids into the kitchen and see what happens!
Have a great week. Looking forward to catching up with you all at school!
Nga mihi, Mrs Wigley
Home & School
Our awesome Puketapu Home and School will be having their first meeting of 2019 on Monday 11 February at 6pm in the school staff room and everyone is welcome to come along.
Our role in the school is to organize events and ways to fundraise money to go back into our school and our students.
This is also a great way to meet other parents and family of our school and be involved.
We love to have new people come along to see what we do. We hope to see you all there.
If you want to know contact Cushla Walthew via Facebook PM or call on 0204 000 5722.
What's On: This week and next
Friday 8 February
Student Showcase 9.15 We will hold this outside in our Whanau groups if it is fine
Monday 11 February
First Home & School Meeting for 2019, 6pm in the Staff Room
Tuesday 12 February
Kauri trip to Rock Pools
What's on: Later this term
As we continue with our planning, more things will be added to our Calendar. Further information will come home regarding trips and outings.
Thursday 21 Feb: Board of Trustees Meeting 7pm
Friday 22 Feb: Student Showcase 9.15 (Rimu)
Thursday 28 Feb: Kauri Overnighter at School (tents)
Monday 4 March: Dental Bus on site (will be here for two weeks)
Thursday 7 March: Student Showcase 9.15 (Totara)
Friday 8 March: TEACHER ONLY DAY (No School)
Monday 11 March: TARANAKI ANNIVERSARY DAY (No School)
Thursday 14 March: Board of Trustees Meeting 7pm
Friday 15 March: Rimu trip to Pukekura Park
Monday 18 March: Junior Maths for whanau information afternoon 3.15-4.30pm
Thursday 21 March: Student Showcase 9.15 (Kowhai)
Friday 22 March: School Photos
Tuesday 26 March: Weetbix TRYathlon
Thursday 28 March: Year 7 & 8 Immunisations (part 1), Netball training (details TBC)
Tuesday 2 April: League: Tony Kemp Cup @ Clifton Park Waitara
Wednesday 3 April: Interschool Swimming Competition
Friday 5 April: Student Showcase 9.15 (Kauri)
Wednesday 10 April: League: Howie Tamati Cup (venue TBC)
Friday 12 April: Last day of Term 1
Term 1 ends at 3pm on Friday 12 April
Term 2 begins on Monday 29 April
Friday Lunches
Choose from:
Nachos $4.50
or
Lunch Pack $4.50
(Ham sandwich, fruit yoghurt, fresh fruit, raisins and a mini cookie)
Birthdays
In January:
- Iona Den-McKay
- Parleen Kaur
- Meshach Murray
- Charlotte Mangin
- Lola Parkinson
- Chase Wall-Colvin
- Chyra Roygard
- Hoani Adams
- Zakaia Martley
- Texira Martley
- Honor Boisen-Rau
- Layla-Marie Hall
- Keanu Suthon
- Parker Smith
- Briar Walthew
- Chris Lee
- Ayla Gadsby
- Olly Takurua
- Johnny Read
- Kayden Burnard
- Lajayshea Hori
- Ava Falaniko
- Llashaan Gilligan
- Te Waiaurere Mahinekura
- Lydia Walthew
- Toby Ryan
- Amarni Cooper
- Skylah Meston
- Tyson Manu-Millar Aldworth
So far in February:
- Isaac Wilson
- Navanah Meston
- Lucas Tudor
- Zion Teddy
- Levi Roberts
- Harleyah Kipa
Happy Birthday Everyone!
Community Notices
Cherish Childcare is moving!
Drop of and pick up is at the Maralyn Place entrance.
Children will be walked to school at 8.30am and collected from the school hall at 3pm.
Canoe Polo
For Year 7&8s: how about trying out Canoe Polo?
Canoe Polo is a fast paced, energetic team sport which develops Kayaking confidence in a safe environment.
The School League Introduction Afternoon is this Sunday 10th February, between 1pm and 3pm at NP Boys High School Pool
You MUST attend if this is your first time playing Canoe Polo. There will be an introduction to the rules and safety drill. ALL gear supplied – just wear your togs/wetsuit and be prepared to get wet!!
Regular Social League: Tuesday or Thursday nights at the NPBHS pool from 5–8pm.
(We move to the Methanex Aquatic Centre, Bell Block from Tuesday 2nd April – End of Term 1)
Cost: $70 single, $125 for two in family, $175 for three or more in family
This covers pool entry and use of all equipment for the TERM 1 league.
Payment: Fees are due by 22nd February, or you will not be permitted to play.
Y7 – 13 Students are welcome
As far as possible, Y7/8 will play between 5- 6:30pm, Y9-13 from 6:30 – 8pm
NOTE: rostered nights for ALL levels will vary depending on numbers of teams entered.
You don’t need a team, we can put you in one.
Draws: Game Roster and other communication will be through our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com /New Plymouth Canoe Polo Association
(then request to join the ‘Taranaki Canoe Polo’ group)
To have a school team we would need a parent organiser. There is no need to know much - you can easily pick it up and they will give you loads of help. Any parent is welcome to come and chat to Fiona Warring if they are unsure or have questions.
Marist Muster
Bell Block Marist Dragons Rugby League 2019 Season
Muster Day is Sunday February 17th, 11am at Hickford Park.
We welcome all past, present and new players of U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17, Womens, Prems and all Netballers. Come along to register, meet coaches and get season info.
Junior fees for the season are $40 which includes a Sponsors T-Shirt to keep.
TV Stars wanted!
To film these stories we require 50 metres of flat land in a rural setting (this would usually be a farm or lifestyle block) and three children (aged 8-14), each with a different sort of animal (the more interesting or unusual the better).
The children may be siblings, relations, neighbours and/or friends. To see what we mean, please visit www.heihei.nz and go to ‘Fanimals’ then ‘Farmyard Olympics’. If you or someone you know are interested, please send a short introduction of the child / children and animal/s as soon as possible to: erica.blatchford@whitebaitmedia.com.
Big Life Journal
Check out Big Life Journal on Facebook for ideas, resources and support.
Puketapu School
Email: office@puketapu.school.nz
Website: www.puketapu.school.nz
Location: Dillon Drive, Bell Block, New Plymouth, New Zealand
Phone: 06 755 0973