School Newsletter Term 4, Week 2
Friday 20th October 2023
Kia ora koutou,
We have been enjoying another great week of learning here at Te Kura O Urumutu this week.
As you may be aware, each term, the West End School Board consults with our community. Our next hui will be held on Wednesday 25th October at 6pm in our school library. All are welcome and we are very encouraged and appreciative of our whānau who attend these sessions to support the ongoing planning and development of Te Kura O Urumutu. Please pencil in this date and keep an eye out for more information and updates closer to the time. All are welcome!
Next week we are looking forward to our Vibe Assembly being held on Thursday 26 October at 9.15am in our school hall. This Vibe Assembly is being hosted by Puawaitanga - we hope to see you there!
The West End School Board have agreed to continue to again opt into the government’s donation scheme for the 2024 school year. This means that we will not be seeking voluntary donations next year as we will receive funding from the government.
As shared in previous newsletters, please note in your calendars that we have a Staff Only Day on Wednesday 22 November. On this day our teachers will be joining with teachers from across Palmerston North to work with the Ministry of Education on the Te Mātaiaho (Curriculum Refresh). Our school will not be open for learning on this day. Thank you in advance for your support of our staff as we engage with this important learning.
I wish everyone a safe and happy long weekend and I look forward to seeing our West End School Whānau and tamariki back at school on Tuesday.
Ngā mihi nui,
No school on Monday - public holiday.
School will be closed on Monday as it is Labour Day. For Te Wao Nui o Tāne swimmers, we will have a catchup session for swimming lessons in Week 9. We look forward to seeing you all back at school on Tuesday.
Photolife Codes were sent out last week
Can you please check your child's bag for these codes. If the forms are lost/misplaced or do not make it home, please contact Photo Life on 0800 501 040.
Upcoming Events
WEEK 2 -
- Halloween Disco - Friday 20th October
WEEK 3 -
- Labour Day - no school - Monday 23rd October
- VIBE Assembly (Puawaitanga led) - Thursday 26th October at 9.15am
WEEK 4 -
- West End School Athletics Day - Wednesday 1st November
- Cyber Safety Parent evening - Thursday 2nd November (6pm)
- Year 6 Visit to PNINS - Friday 3rd November (9am-10.30am)
WEEK 5 -
- EPro8 Interschool Competition - Wednesday 8th November
- Pōwhiri - Wednesday 8th November at 10am
WEEK 6 -
- VIBE Assembly (Tipuranga led) - Wednesday 15 November
WEEK 7 -
- Cycle Safety starts for Year 5/6 students
- Staff Only Day (no school for students) - Wednesday 22nd November
Welcome to West End School Room 12
Room 17 Measurement
Room 17 have started learning about measurement. We we using unifix cubes to measure how long the different sized leaves are.
Room 7 and 14 measuring too!!
Room 14 have been using our mana aotūroa to start exploring measurement this week. We have been using metre rulers and cubes to measure the height and length of things around us. We have also discussed 'estimating' and have been thinking about how we might use our knowledge of how long ten cubes is to help us to estimate the length of objects. Lots of great maths language!
Some of us decided to try and measure our classroom!
In Room 7 we have been looking at estimation. We looked at a variety of dinosaur feet and we had to work in pairs focusing on one dinosaur foot at a time. We looked at how long and wide their feet were. We counted the squares and used our times tables to work out the real life size.
Term 4 is Sunhat Season!
A reminder that as we approach Term 4, all students are required to wear a wide brimmed sunhat during times they are outside - including all breaks and times that classes are in the sun. Please provide a hat for your child to wear from the start of term. No caps allowed as we need hats that will protect your child's neck and ears - refer picture below. Please also pop some sunscreen in your child's bag to keep them sun safe.
PE at West End
School Athletics
We are excited to be hosting a whole school athletics on the 1st of November. Puawaitanga and Te Wao Nui O Tāne will out on the field from 9:00am, with Tipuranga joining us after morning tea, about 11am. We invite all whanau to come and watch. School Athletics runs six different disciplines across the run, jump and throw skill sets which enable all of our students to act on their school values. In the afternoon, we will host finals for sprints, 800m and class vs class relays.
Please remember to view all notices on our school app for game times etc. Click on the sport your child is playing.
If you have any questions regarding sports at West End please contact gblack@westend.school.nz
PTA Events and Fundraising
Term 4 Swimming Timetable
School Reports will be going out this term
End of Year Reports will be going out in Week 9, Friday 8th of December. Reports will be sent out to parents/caregivers via Seesaw and will include information about your child’s progress and achievement, as well as a comment from the teacher for reading, writing, maths. There will also be a general comment relating to attitude, behaviour and showing school values. An example of your child’s work to show the progress they have made in that area will also be provided.
Term Dates 2024
Term 1: Monday 29 Jan - Friday 12 April (100 1/2 days)
Term 2: Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July (96 1/2 days)
Term 3: Monday 22 July - Friday 27 Sept (100 1/2 days)
Term 4: Monday 14 Oct - Friday 13 Dec (88 1/2 days)
Which equals a total of 384 half days for 2024.
We would have Call Back Days Wed 24 - Fri 26 Jan before the year starts.
Proposed Ballot Dates for 2024
Ballot held in Term 1 for Term 2
(To be held in Term 1 Week 3, 12th Feb-16th Feb)
Ballot held in Term 2 for Term 3
(To be held in Term 2 Week 3, 6th May - 10th May)
Ballot held in Term 3 for Term 4
(To be held in Term 3 Week 3, 29 July - 2 August)
Ballot held in Term 4 for Term 1
(To be held in Term 4 Week 3, 21st October - 25th October)
If your child is absent from school.
It is really important under the current circumstances you notify the school if your child is absent.
PLEASE DO NOT TXT OR EMAIL THE CLASSROOM TEACHER.
ALL ABSENCES SHOULD BE ADVISED VIA THE OFFICE.
Please remember to advise the office by 8.30am if your child is not attending school.
You can telephone 358-2465 and leave a message or txt 021 118 0156.
ABSENCES CAN ALSO BE SENT EASILY THROUGH OUR SCHOOL APP
In both cases please give a reason for absence.
Thank you.
Kindo Online Shop
It is very important that families register with Kindo, as this is now the only way to register your child for school sports, and ordering PTA lunches.
Below are the links to register.
If you require help please call the Kindo helpdesk on
0508 454 636
New users need this link
Existing users need this link
Location: West End School, 196 College Street, Palmerston North
Phone: 06 358 2465