Welcome back to school!

We hope everyone had a restful break and got a chance to have some family time.

This term we have a lot of interesting learning activities planned. Our inquiry topic this year is about the Ocean which leads to a great range of learning areas.

On Wednesday we have the theatre production of The Emperors New Clothes. All children will need to wear a mask to attend this.

It was lovely to see everyone today.

Ngā mihi,

Pounamu Teachers.

As you may know, Wendy Blue the Room 4 Teacher, had taken an extended period of leave. Due to ill health, I am sorry to inform you that Wendy has now resigned from her position at Paparangi School so that she is able to concentrate on her rest and recovery.

I thank Wendy for her commitment and service to Paparangi School over the past thirteen years. During this time Wendy has worked in both senior and junior classes. She has been our Sports Coordinator and part of the Enviro Team.

The Board is working to find a suitable replacement teacher who is able to work fulltime in Room 4. In the meantime we welcome back Marilyn Daly who taught in Room 4 for parts of term two. She will job-share with Leah Fuimaono (Mrs Fui) for the start of term. Both Marilyn and Leah are known to the children and are very familiar with Pounamu’s daily routines.

I would like to assure you that we’ve been working to ensure there is minimal disruption to the learning of R4 tamariki. Please contact Amanda Newbery, Team Leader, or myself if you have any queries.

I know that you join with myself, the Board of Trustees, students and staff in sending Wendy warm wishes and aroha at this time.

Tracey Arthurs

Principal/Tumuaki

We are looking forward to having NZ Playhouse come to the school this Wednesday to perform their Emperor's New Clothes play for the whole school. The tamariki thoroughly enjoy these shows, which allow us to bring the experience of the theatre to the children.

All children are expected to wear a mask to this show. We have some spare ones for students if required.

The Emperor's New Clothes performs on Wednesday 27 July at 11.45. The cost per student is $6.00 per person. Please pay via Kindo, internet banking or EftPos at the office.

Pounamu is starting our health unit focusing on Our Changing Bodies in Week 3.

This programme is from the Family Planning, and this term we learn about body parts and puberty. The year 2 and 3 programmes are different.

As part of learning about how our bodies grow, the Year 3 children are given a very brief description of how a baby is made. The Year 2 children do not discuss this but we label all body parts. There is an option to opt out of any lessons if you need to. To do this you need to put the request in writing to the principal, Tracey Arthurs.

We are having an information evening on Tuesday 2 August at 5.30 in Uenuku.

We would love to have you join us and can answer any questions you have about this then or contact Amanda at amanda@paparangi.school.nz.

Pounamu will be showing the movie Moana, which is related to our inquiry topic.

This movie is rated PG. We think it is suitable for the children in Pounamu.

If you would like your child to not see this movie please let Amanda know at amanda@paparangi.school.nz

It’s board election time! Nominations are open for the election of 5 parent representatives to the school board. The returning officer for the triennial board election is Bernardine Vester. She can be contacted at returningofficer@myschoolelection.nz. Nominations close: Wednesday 3 August

Nominations can be made online through an email link provided in the Call for Nominations: https://myschoolelection.nz/mynomination/ . However, a hard copy nomination form can also be obtained from the school office. If you wish to stand for the board, it is recommended that you provide a candidate statement and photograph. We encourage those of you who are keen to stand for election to start preparing – take a great ‘head & shoulders’ photo of yourself and write 1-2 paragraphs about what you have to offer.

Who can join a School Board?

Parents/caregivers and people in the wider community can be parent representatives on the Board. School Boards need people with a wide range of skills but most of all with an interest in education and the well being, progress and achievement of all children. If you would like to know more about the rewards of being a Board Member you are invited to come along to morning tea with the Principal on Thursday 28 July at 9am to hear about becoming a Board Member (RSVP to the office) or contact the current Presiding Member (Chairperson), Helen Ashton, who is available to answer any of your questions - helena@paparangi.school.nz .

Week 1 - School starts at 8.55

Wednesday - Playhouse theatre production in the hall.

Week 2 -

Cook Islands Language Week

Tuesday 5.30 - Relationship and Sexuality Education information evening.

Week 3 -

Maths week

Week 8 -

Te wiki o te reo Maori