Newsletter 1st December 2022

Tena koutou katoa nga mihi ki te whānau o te Kura o Ōtātara

Last week we had a whānau meeting regarding the creation of composite classes for the Year 3 and 4 classes in 2023. While we only had a small turn-out it was obvious that those there just wanted to know more and like all parents and whānau, wanted the best for their tamariki. For us this is an exciting next step in the further growth of our Tuakana-Teina buddy systems and allows for the creation of even stronger relationships between kaiako, akonga and whānau. There will always be fears around any form of change and that is no surprise, however we would hope that any of the misconceptions were laid to rest! One of these, the fear that Year 4 learners would be learning the same 'stuff' from the previous year, is an easy one to pull apart. In Aotearoa New Zealand there is no specific curriculum aimed at a year group or cohort. Rather, we teach to the needs of each individual, stages not ages!

One interesting aspect that came out of the discussions was the possibility of heightened anxieties. We were aware that this was a potential issue and so we have increased the number of transition visits for many of the Year 2 cohort however anxiety is something that doesn't always present at school, and it is often whānau that have to deal with the fears at home. If that is the case in your whare then please let us know. If your tamariki are at all worried about any shift from class to class we would really love to hear about that so that we can put a little extra in place for them. This is a natural reaction for many and the quicker we can deal with those anxieties the quicker your child starts to learn. True story!

Further to that, we know that relationships are the key to lessening potential anxiety so if we know that this is the case, a little more love is shared, bases are touched more often and there is more often than not greater levels of initial conversation so that we can get to know your tamariki even more! Please don't assume that we know that your child has anxiety. For that reason it is also important for you to touch base with your tamariki's kaiako nearly next year so that we know all that we need to know. It is a great thing when we have the triangulation of the whānau, the learners and the kura all on the same page.

Nga manaaki

Marty Hantz

Tumuaki

• Whānau Helpers Morning Tea - Tuesday 6th December at 10.30am in our school hall. Please RSVP to Amanda, email office@taraprim.school.nz or phone 8442 626 by Monday 5th December.
  
• Cultural Evening - Monday 12th December at 6pm - 7pm
• End of Term 4 - Wednesday 14th December (School closes at 12.30pm)
• Term 1 Begins - Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 9am

Many of you will be receiving invoices in the next week which will be covering costs incurred over the last few weeks of school as we provide those last few trips and events which our tamariki so look forward to. Some of you may also find that your invoices refer to other costs that relate to start of year needs, such as Hapara which is the platform we need to use for our online work.

Please pay these costs as soon as you can as we need to be able to reconcile these by the end of the year. We would appreciate your attention to these costs please.

Kia ora Koutou,

On Monday 12th December we are planning to have our annual Cultural Evening to celebrate the many different cultural activities that several of our tamariki have been part of this year. These include Kapa Haka, Choir and other musical performances.

This is also an opportunity for us as a school community to farewell Marty Hantz, our TPS Principal for the past 13 years.

We invite you to bring along a rug and a picnic and enjoy the evening.

Details are as follows:

Event: Cultural Evening / Farewell to Marty Hantz

When: Monday 12th December 6-7pm (No postponement date)

Where: Taradale Primary School Field

Last Thursday our kura was invited to the opening of Te Wai Mauri Nursery. 6 tamariki represented our kura and were privileged to hear and see all about this amazing plant nursery. The business is owned and run by our local hapū Ngāti Pārau. They won an award this year for the best emerging business venture for Hawkes Bay. If you are looking to buy native plants then contact the nursery. They are based behind Waiõhiki Marae and open by appointment Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm 022 154 2617. nursery@tewaimauri.nz

Here are some photos of the opening

Congratulations to Graecyn Parahi (ex-pupil, now at Napier Girls High) who has just recently returned from Guam where she represented New Zealand U15 Girls Basketball team. Great stuff Graecyn! Kapai to mahi.

Starting to think about Christmas shopping? We have the perfect gift for family and friends right at TPS - Food from the Heart 2 Cookbook! So many fabulous recipes that have been provided by our TPS families in 2020, tried and true!

How to order:

Order yours now at www.taraprim.school.nz/cookbook/ + free delivery to your loved ones, or buy direct from the school office! There is EFTPOS available there.

Taradale Christmas Market

We'll also be selling the cookbooks at the Taradale Business Association Christmas Market. The TPS stall will be set up from 10am Saturday 10th December, on Gloucester Street.

Can you please help us with baking so we can sell to raise more funds for the school? Details are below:

• Some of the most popular baking will be loaves, fudge, cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies. There are some great recipes in our 2 cookbooks - Food from the Heart and Food from the Heart 2.
• Please drop baking to school at the following times (there will be a volunteer there to collect the baking):
  - Friday 09 December between 3.00-3.30pm OR
  - Saturday 10 December between 9.00-9.30am

Thanks for your ongoing support

Nga Mihi

The PTA

Hoatu-give away/give to

Hoatu te pukapuka ki a _____

Give the book to ______