 |  |  |
FROM THE TUMUAKI
Tēnā Koutou Katoa,
Here we are already at week 6 of the school term. We started the year with a super vibe and eight days later we were all at home again. The last couple of weeks have seen us all navigating the effects of cyclone Gabrielle in many different ways. I cannot thank this community enough for the support, kindness and love you have shown to one another. The working bees, phone calls, texts, baking, donations, checking in with one another – this is our special character alive and in action. I would like to acknowledge that support, prayers and aroha that we have received from around the motu (country), who have a personal connection to our school, staff and/or families. Their support, generosity and kindness has been amazing.
We now continue to work together supporting one another over the coming days and months. Our tamariki are back into normal school routine, but this does not mean they won’t continue to still feel a range of emotions. Our teachers are here to help and find the best way to help support your child. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can support your child, yourselves and whanau in anyway. Please do not say that others have been affected worse than us and not reach out, as a community we are here to support each other in every possible way. If you know of people who need support, please let us know.
Finally, in the coming weeks we will be holding a couple of events which we would love for you to join us. The first one is a ‘re-meet the teacher’ afternoon. As it feels like we have started the year again, we would like to invite you in after school next Tuesday 14th March, 3.00pm-5.30pm to pop in and catch up with your child/ren’s teacher. These are not formal interviews, but an opportunity to casually touch base again. Then on the Sunday 19th March we have our first whanau mass at St. Mary’s Church for 2023. Also, we have a lot of other events coming up, so please keep an eye out for those via the school app.
Tuku i te nui o ngā inoi me ngā manaaki ki a koe
Teresa Shanks
BOARD'S CORNER
Last week the Board held their first meeting of the year and re-elected Mareli Smith as the Presiding Member for 2023. They discussed the strategic direction for the school and what their key focus will be for the year. A key element to safeguarding the kura is to look after the school roll. The conversation around recapitation has been spoken about before and the Board feels that the school is in an excellent place to revisit this. They have been in communication with the Diocese about next steps and the application process to the MoE. Last Friday, a survey seeking your feedback about whether the community would like Year 7 and 8s as part of our school community. Thank you to those who have already completed this. For those who have not had a say yet, the survey is open till this Friday. Your voice is very important as part of this process. The Board will keep you updated. Finally, due to the recent weather events, the planned Board community consultation evening will be moved to Term 2.
 |  |  |
TE WHARE TAPA WHA
This year our school is delving into the hauora model, Te whare tapa wha. This is a Māori holistic model of health - developed by Sir Mason Durie, which reminds us to take care of all the different aspects of our life to support our wellbeing.
The model describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui-meeting house with four walls. These walls represent taha wairua-spiritual wellbeing, taha hinengaro-mental and emotional wellbeing, taha tinana-physical wellbeing and taha whānau-family and social wellbeing. Also important taha whenua-our connectedness to the land and where we come from.
Over the next few weeks, you will find some amazing wharenui appearing on our classroom walls.
MEASLES
Are you and your whānau protected from measles?
With people travelling overseas again, there’s a risk that someone with measles could unknowingly bring the disease back to Aotearoa.
Measles spreads easily and quickly, usually between people who are unimmunised or only partially immunised. It can be serious and life threatening. In the 2019 measles outbreak in Aotearoa more than 30% of the people infected had to be admitted to hospital.
The best protection against measles is the free MMR vaccine. It will protect you and your whānau, and prevent the virus from spreading.
You will be protected against measles if you:
• had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
• had measles before
• were born before 1 Jan 1969.
If you’re unsure if you or your tamariki have had any or both doses of the MMR vaccine, check by calling your GP or hauora provider. Alternatively, check your Plunket Well Child Tamariki Ora book. If you’re still not sure, be safe and get immunised – there are no safety concerns with having an extra dose. MMR vaccines are free at your local health provider and many pharmacies.
As measles still occurs in many countries, if you’re travelling overseas these holidays it’s especially important to be immunised to prevent the risk of being unknowingly infected and causing an outbreak in Aotearoa on your return.
More information about the measles vaccination can be found here:
ROUTINES
ENTRY/EXIT
Moeller Street is our main entrance, however students can also enter/exit from Chester Street and Guppy Road (by the hall). The Guppy Road Kea crossing is manned with road patrollers from 8.30am-8.50am and 2.50pm - 3.10pm. Please refrain from using the carpark entrance as an entry point into school. This is for Staff and Tradies only.
BEFORE SCHOOL
We ask that children are not on the school grounds before 8.15am. Children and whānau can enter classrooms from the 8.30am bell. Prior to this, they need to gather in the area adjacent to Rm 2. We ask that all family members vacate the school grounds prior to the 8.55am bell.
DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
ALL parents and visitors must enter the school via the office during the school day.
AFTER SCHOOL
Whānau are welcome onsite from 2.50pm. We ask that you not gather directly outside the classrooms as teachers are going though end of day routines in classes. All students should be collected by 3.10pm. Refer to the website for after school care providers.
Students are not actively supervised by staff before or after school. Families are welcome to remain onsite after school on the playgrounds/fields.
ABSENCES
Please use the School App or phone the office if you child is going to be away from school or is going to be late.
START OF DAY & END OF DAY TIMES
School starts at 8.55am and school finishes at 2.55pm.
ASSEMBLY
These are held approximately every three weeks on a Friday at 2.30pm in the hall. Each team will take responsibility for hosting one each term. The purpose of the assembly is for the students in the team to share their learning with the school community.
Principal’s certificates will be presented to one child from each class recognising consistent growth and development.
Our final assembly this term is the 31st March (Team Kereru)
CONTACT DETAILS
Please ensure your phone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts held by the school are up to date. This can be done by emailing admin@reignier.school.nz
TERM 1 - UPCOMING EVENTS
All this and more can be accessed through the school calendar on the School App.
Tuesday 14th March - Re-Meet the Teacher (Informal)
Thursday 16th March - Year 3 - 6 House Swimming
Friday 17th March - Tsunami Hikoi - POSTPONED UNTIL TERM 2 - Date to be confirmed
Sunday 19th March - Whānau Mass
Monday 27th March - Friday 31st March - Year 6 Optimist Yachting
Note: Going forward this section of the newsletter will be utilised to communicate with you, any changes to events coming up, therefore, you will need to access the school calendar to know what the upcoming events are.
DRAMA CLASSES FOR KIDS
DRAMA CLASSES FOR KIDS!
Is your child, a budding performer?
Need more laughter, fun, and creativity?
Drama builds resilience and confidence in a supportive environment.
Classes taught by experienced qualified teacher and internationally trained performer
Ms. Emma Bowyer
Where: All Saints Church, Octagon Hall, Taradale
When: Starts Wednesday 15th February
Classes
Stage 1 - Age 6-8 yrs Time: 3.30pm-4.15pm
Stage 2 - Age 9-11 yrs Time: 4.30pm-5.15pm
Stage 3 - Age 12-14 yrs Time: 5.15pm-6.00pm
Contact Emma on
