Wairau Valley School

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

This has been a very busy term, and with less than two weeks until the term break, we are all wondering how it is suddenly September. This term has been a full one with lots of events, activities, and learning happening. The children in Fishtail Room have been learning about NZ Histories, geometry, and are currently writing a speech or report on a topic of interest to them. The Wairau Room has focused on BSLA, narrative writing, and number operations. I have enjoyed watching the younger children progress their learning into division and multiplication.

On 12th September we began alterations to the Wairau Room. You may have noticed the safety fence is up and you will be aware that the children have moved into the Chalice Room. This will be for the remainder of the term and possibly for part of Term one next year. The children are looking forward to having their room upgraded.

Our Ski Trip was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was great to see so many parents enjoying their day with the children. I have noticed how much the students' confidence and skills have improved. Planning for Pet Day has started and we are looking forward to this on Friday 20th October. An information booklet will soon be sent home so your children are able to work on their exhibits over the school holidays.

I have asked Lisa to add a calendar of events to this newsletter (see below). Please don’t hesitate to come to school and join in with us if you have the time. It is always appreciated when we have an extra pair of hands and eyes for events and activities.

There is still a large amount of clothing being left at school with the changeable weather. If possible, can you please name your children’s clothing so that we can return them.

Please remember that your children enjoy being at school as much as we enjoy them. They work hard and want to do well. Having you support our school helps us promote a positive attitude toward learning and education now and in the future.

Lastly, I urge all families to complete the Survey that was sent out via email last week. It doesn’t take long and the feedback is essential for our school direction. This will help determine what you want us to report back to you as a community.

Nga mihi

Karen O’Donnell

Kia ora Whanau

This term, the students have had a very exciting time going to the ski field, worm farm, and lots of new learning.

In Maths, the tamariki have been learning to divide and multiply along with addition and subtraction. They have been working hard in narrating a story with a problem and solution.

BSLA is progressing well in our room and I can see progress in the students' decoding, segmenting, reading, and writing.

The students will read a book in class and once they are able to read it themselves, they will bring the book home for reading. Please continue the great work of asking children about their learning and enforcing the whanau handouts tasks.

I encourage year 1-2 parents to visit our class to see the reading in action, so they can follow it at home.

Feel free to come in or contact me if you have any questions.

Nga mihi nui

Nimmi

Message from Student

Kia ora,

During this term the Fishtail class has been busy. Every week we have been taking home basic facts and spelling and we have testing every Tuesday. I am happy to say that we have all improved since the start of the term. I would also like to say a big thank you to all the parents that came and helped out at the school ski trip, it was a beautiful day and everyone had lots of fun. It was great to see a lot of the younger kids giving skiing a try.

The year 7 and 8 Wither Hills Rogaine is coming up in week ten, along with the Mastery Spelling Test. Throughout the term the Fishtail room has been writing speeches and we will all be reading them out in front of the class.

by Mia Lasenby

Rural Readiness Expo

A big thankyou to Sarah McComb for organising the school fundraising for this event.

Also thank you to Tyler McComb for doing the Sausage Sizzle and Paula Piper for helping all day. Thank you to all of the other helpers who stepped in during the day and to the parents who provided baking. It was an amazing day with a great outcome.

$1,152.50 was raised at the Expo from Sausage Sizzle, baking, drinks etc.

$870.00 was raised from the Firewood Raffle.

Congratulations to Denise Brown for winning the Firewood Raffle!