Kokopu Newsletter

Kia ora whanau

We have had an amazing few weeks, with two classrooms out on camp, interschool swimming sports, and council dress-up days. Having a broad range of activities engages our students and gives them real-world experiences to use in their learning.

Today we have had our annual bike day where students get to learn a bit about bike safety, check their bikes and practice for the triathlon tomorrow. We love these days as it is an opportunity for our tuakana and teina to work together. It is great seeing our older students show their leadership skills. Thank you Tyla, from room 6, for all the repair work you did on the bikes.

Last week our teachers and principal went on strike. We very much appreciate the kind words and support received from the community. We went on strike so that our tamariki get the best education possible. In particular, teachers want better support of our students with extra needs, and smaller class sizes so that they can maximise learning time. Pay was also part of the pay claim as we think keeping up with our secondary colleges and inflation is important.

You may have noticed that we have had all our fallen trees chipped on the top field. If you would like to help yourself to the chip you are most welcome. Grab as much as you need. A koha would be much appreciated.

Regards

Yaron Overeem

Principal

Kokopu School

Each week room 3 and 4 get together to do some hands on science. They use their tuakana teina buddy to help each other figure out what science is happening. Today was all about the physics of catapults.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 21st March, we are holding our annual triathlon here at school. It will start at 10am with Room 1 followed by Room 2, 4, 3 and 6. The children will compete in their Year groups. Whanau are welcome to come along and watch the children.

The PTA will be selling American hot dogs and other food on the day, so send your children with money to buy lunch if you wish to. Please take note of the information below....

**Due to treefall the bike track is unsafe so students will be biking on the field only.

**Year 1 & 2 students will have a year 7-8 tuakana to support them throughout the race.

**If you are here to watch, please allow your child to do the whole race by themselves. This has been part of their training and keeps things fair.

**A big thank you to Pete Foote for the use of his paddock again this year.

What a fabulous week the year 7-8 students had in Rotorua. It was a great time for building strong bonds, experiencing new activities and building self-management skills.
A huge thank you to the parents that came. I am sure they will tell you they had just as much fun as the kids. Thank you to Paul Ruddell and the Rotorua Education Network for organising such an amazing experience. We could not have done this trip without the support of the Oxford Sports Trust and Pub Charity who donated $7000 towards this camp.

Our kids had a fantastic day at the WPSSA Swimming Championships. Although no one placed, everyone of them made a spectacular effort and gave it their all. We are very proud of their efforts and they represented our school magnificently. Thank you Annabeth, Lachie, Eva, Skyla, Tristan, Caitlin, Carter, Poppy, Ben, Holly and Toby.

We have a casual vacancy for an after school carer to assist Loida on days when our numbers exceed our limit. If you are interested in the position, please contact the school office for more information.

Please let us know if your child is attending ASC before 12pm on the day of care required. It is preferable if you can email the days your child will be needing ASC at the beginning of the week if you know your schedule.

• Swimming. Don't forget to send your children with their togs, towel and a bathing cap for long hair. They swim every day this term unless they have a note from home explaining why they can't.

• Friday Assembly. On Friday afternoon we have a sharing assembly at 2.30pm for the whole school. Parents are welcome to come along and see what the children have to share.

• School Office. Vicki is in the office on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Bexs is in the office on Wednesday and Friday mornings until 11.35am.

• Drink Bottles. Our water issues have be rectified but it would be good to send your child with a drink bottle full of water each day.

• Hats. Please remember this term all children will be required to wear a hat when outdoors.

• Carpark and gate. Please come to the gate in the carpark to collect your children at the end of the day. We do not want children walking through the carpark without an adult as it is unsafe with the amount of cars and limited parking. We have a teacher on duty at the gate each day to supervise. Can we ask parents and visitors to make sure they close the gates if you use them? We have a few children that may be prone to walking out an open gate. Thank you. Please don't park by the entrance gate or teachers carpark area. Also please avoid parking by the letterbox at the front of the school. This is a dangerous area with several close calls lately.
  

• Absences. A reminder that it is important to contact the school before 9.30am when your child will be absent. You can either phone, email or let us know via our Skool Loop app. We need to know where your children are so we know they are safe and can mark them correctly on the roll. See details in this newsletter on how to download our Skool Loop App.
  
• Iceblock Sales. Ice Blocks are for sale again to raise funds for the school. Many children who come to school with $2 like to buy their friend an ice block. Please could you send a note to say they are allowed to do this? The Room 6 children do ask but a note would be easier for them.
  
• Term Dates 2023. Term 1 .. 02/02— 06/04 Term 2 .. 24/04— 30/06 Term 3 .. 17/07— 22/09 .. Term 4 09/10— 15/12

Term 1 2023 - Thursday 2nd February 2023 - Thursday 6th April 2023

Wednesday 22 March - Triathlon

Monday 27 March - BOT Meeting

Monday 24 April - ANZAC Ceremony

Tuesday 25 April - ANZAC Day - No School

Wednesday 5 April - House Day

Thursday 6 April - Last day of Term 1

Michelle will be taking bible lessons in the library fortnightly on Fridays, at 8.30am for those children who opt in. If you would like your child to attend, please email the school office.

If parents/caregivers want to visit the website https://kokopu.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm to look over our school policies and procedures, please see the following instructions: Enter the username (kokopu) and password (0179). Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

The Board of Trustees are happy to accept regular automatic payments throughout the school year. All of last years debts should have been paid in full. If you need to have a chat about your account, please contact Vicki. We prefer payment by direct credit if you are able to please; Kokopu School Board of Trustees 12-3099-0419154-01.

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Email: office@kokopu.school.nz
Website: www.kokopu.school.nz
Location: 921 Kokopu Road, Kokopu, New Zealand
Phone: 094346765
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokopuschool