Kia ora, Talofa, Kia orana,

Greetings Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers,

Welcome back to Term 3. The term already looks like being a busy one across the school.

ArtSplash and DanceSplash 2021:

All in Team Kahikatea are busy preparing to be part of the fantastic experience that is ArtSplash. They will be part of the music performance on TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER at 7.30pm in the Michael Fowler Centre. This year we will also have a talented dance group performing at DanceSplash on FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER at 7.30pm in the Michael Fowler Centre. Tickets for both events will soon be available to be purchased via Kindo. Jodi or Kathy will email out a notice regarding costs and availability as soon as the school receives the tickets from the event organisers.

PLEASE HELP! I’ve had yet another neighbour write to the school expressing concerns about parents parking illegally in the afternoon when picking up their kids. The list of infringement, include parking on broken yellow lines, across driveways, parking too close to driveways and even double parking in the middle of the road to do a pick up. I appreciate that parking close to school is limited, however the risks associated with the above would seem to outweigh the inconvenience of taking a longer walk to school.

Preparations are well underway for this year’s Years 4-6 School swimming sports on Wednesday 25th of August. More information will be sent out soon by Michael Joseph our event organiser.

ONE OF OUR SCHOOL VALUES

DIVERSITY

At West Park School we value diversity by accepting the individuality of others, their views, beliefs and heritage.

As our society becomes more diverse, children are increasingly exposed to people from different backgrounds and cultures. It is only natural that young children wonder about those who are different from them in some way, so it’s important to teach children about the value of diversity. Show them that these differences in beliefs, cultures and religions only serve to enrich our lives and bring new ideas and energies to our world. As a parent, you can help prepare your child to be accepting and tolerant of others by celebrating differences and creating opportunities for your child to interact with people from various backgrounds.

Talk about the value of diversity. Healthy social and emotional development is often defined by the environment and culture in which a child is raised, and it varies from child to child. Children start identifying as part of a group based on race, ethnicity, religion or other affiliations. Teach your child about diversity by explaining to them that even within their own group, people are different, and that there is not one standard that is better than the others. You can also do this by asking them how they would feel if all of their toys were the same or if all of the crayons in the box were the same color.

As a parents you could further help your child value and appreciate diversity in everyday experiences by modeling behaviors that are open and kind toward others.

To celebrate the Olympics and create an enriched Writing Prompt the children competed in the First Team Miro Olympics. The children competed in a variety of challenges including Paper Plane and Bean Bag toss, Pencil Partner Race, Jumping (how many jumps can you do in 30 seconds), Strength (How many books can you hold?), and lastly Balloon Volley. Great fun was had and the children enjoyed getting a taste of competing.

Just a reminder that teachers are in their classrooms from 8.30 am each day.

Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in students turning up to class much earlier than this. This is a concern for us as we can not guarantee the safety of your child if they come to school early. Prior to 8.30 am, teachers are in meetings, sorting out resources, or making their way to school themselves.

If you are needing to drop your child off early, please feel free to contact Kelly Club who run a before and after school programme in our hall. They will be able to provide further details around their services.

Also, between 8.30-3.00pm teachers are unable to check their emails. If you have an important message to pass on to your child, please ring the office and let them know and they will talk to your child. The school phone number is 04 478 7074. Teachers aim to reply to emails within 3 working days. If the topic is urgent, please contact the office directly to have the message passed on.

Monday 23 August – BoT meeting 6.15pm in Room 15

Tuesday 24 August – Rugby Tournament (Yr 5/6 team)

Wednesday 25 August – Swimming Sports

Friday 27 August – Staff Only Day (School CLOSED)

Monday 6 September – ASB trip for Years 5/6

Friday 10 September – Northern Zone Swimming

Monday 13 September – ASB trip for Years 1/2

Tuesday 14 September – ArtSplash

Friday 17 September – DanceSplash

Monday 20 September – ASB trip for Years 3/4

Wednesday 22 September – Years 5/6 Science Roadshow

Monday 27 September - BoT meeting 6.15pm in Room 15

The following are the Board approved 2022 term dates which will have us align with the 2022 Raroa Intermediate term dates:

· Term 1 Thursday 3 Feb – Thursday 14 April

· Term 2 Mon 2 May – Fri 8 July

· Term 3 Mon 25 July – Fri 30 Sept

· Term 4 Mon 17 Oct – Fri 16 Dec