Posts tagged Newsletter

27th October 2011 NEWSLETTER NO 32

This week I reported to the Board of Trustees on progress in Term 3. We started with a great ERO report putting us in the top 15-18% of all schools in New Zealand. We had the excellent school production, Room 13 completed a wonderful music project with the Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. We had a marvellous end-of-term assembly with Roland Suniula from the United States Rugby World Cup team and of course our World Cup Opening Ceremony with Mr Ludbrook’s video now seen by 900+ viewers worldwide. The new classroom has been completed on time and over the holidays the Art Suite was re-carpeted and junior courts re-laid. We had a $94000 electrical upgrade and the $15000 Book Flood generously donated by Akzo Nobel and the Waitakere Licencing Trust.

Some might say we achieved as much in a term as many schools would make in a year (or more). Then again, some would say we show off!

WARM WELCOME THIS WEEK TO
Junior Taufia, Lesi-Ann Taufia, Jackson Taufia, Israel Walters, Xtyrling Walters, Georgina O’Neill, Nikita Mereyato, Te Arepa Taiaroa and Charlie White, we wish you all a long and enjoyable time with us here at Matipo Primary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK TO
Dallas Edmonds, Sandy Malua, Blake Travers, Scarlett Kearns McOnie, Victory Boznanski, Kieran Archer, Taran Robson, Charlie White, and a belated happy birthday to Nikita Mereyato, Xtyrling Walters and Te Arepa Taiaroa.

ASSEMBLY CLASS
This week is Room 14, for Friday 28 October.

MATHATHON
Later in the term we are having our major fundraiser, this year a Math-a-thon. As you know (and especially if you have experience of other schools), we do very little fundraising. Although the Mathathon does have a learning component to it, it is primarily a fundraiser. This year the proceeds will go towards buying iPads for the children. These are the future and we must equip our kids with the tools for the future. All children taking part will go into a lucky prize draw.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEARD FROM ANY PARENTS WHO HAVE CONTACTS WHO COULD DONATE PRIZES FOR THE PRIZE DRAW

PURCHASED
Baby Grand Piano for Hall.

COMPLETED
New Classroom Room 19, being taken by Mrs Jan Clark as a 4th New Entrant Class

TE ATATU INTERMEDIATE YEAR 6 TESTING
Has been changed to Monday 14th November 9.30-12.00.

TERM DATES
Wed 2 November – Class Photos
Thurs 3 November – Cross Country 1:30 pm
Tues 8 November – Zone Cross Country
Frid 18 November – Mathathon
Tues 22 November – Cricket Field Day
Thursday 15 November – Reports home
Friday 16 December – Fun Day
Mon 19 December – Prizegiving / Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 20 December – Term ends

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
At the moment, the staff are involved in a school stocktake, looking at all aspects of the school and reviewing what we do and what we could perhaps do. Our arts strand is very well established but I would like to strengthen our science and technology. I would also like us to develop an Asian Awareness as Asia is rapidly becoming our major trade and cultural partner.
In regard to this topic of school development I would far rather engage with parents – seek your input rather than hear that a teacher only smiled 3.75 times per hour! We have an excellent school here and I am seeking to make it even more excellent.

CLASS PHOTOS
Envelopes have been sent home today – class photos are next Wednesday 2nd November, please return money and envelopes ASAP.

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW OF “GIANTS FROM OUTER SPACE”
By Geoff Spedding ex Radio NZ & Taranaki Daily News
“The show was written by one of the teachers who is a published author of science fiction books for young people. It was directed by another literary teacher and took the form of what can only be described as a ‘Rock Opera’.

It was loud, colourful and full of wild dancing with lots of arm-waving and jumping around. The singing was great as the performers, who couldn’t have been more than 10 years old, put everything they had into what they did. The songs were, fortunately for deaf old me, displayed on a screen at the right back of the stage and I’m sure that after having learned them the children would know forever the names of the planets in order, the physics and chemistry of the sun’s radiation and the colours of the rainbow, amongst a lot of other interesting stuff.

Scene changes were quick and the lighting was colourful and bright with a smoke machine adding to the atmosphere, both on and off the stage. I had a great time even though I found the story line hard to follow at times. But then I’m deaf. There were some hilarious one-liners which I wasn’t too deaf to hear, and the frenetic musicality and dancing and total commitment of the cast to the job in hand made up for any little discrepancies there may have been. One hears about “feel-good” shows. This was one of them. I’m so glad I was able to be there to see what can be done by young performers when they are really enjoying themselves.”

29th September 2011 NEWSLETTER NO 30
Congratulations this week to Mr Simpson who has signed a publishing deal for a series of three books. The first is called ‘Raptor’ and will be released shortly. It is a young adult fiction book loosely described as fantasy with an end of the world scenario set in the U.S. For more see www.raptortrilogy.com, www.phillipwsimpsom.com.

WORDS OF THE WEEK
‘May I’

WARM WELCOME THIS WEEK TO
Miah Bult and Mia Gilbert. Welcome back last week to Teagina Aleluia. We wish you all a long and enjoyable time with us here at Matipo Primary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK TO
Miah Bult, Mia Gilbert, Israel Dunick, Bradley Wilson, Kya Moth, Brandee Williams-Abraham, Kieran Alker, Jessica Scott, Tyler Fairbairn, Tane Mua, Tahitia Naisara Babulal, Mila Carswell and Jamaine Gardner.

FREE BOOKS
With the help of the Waitakere Licensing Trust and Akzo Nobel, our school sponsor, all children will be receiving some free reading books next Tuesday.

ASSEMBLY
Room 13 are hosting tomorrow’s assembly and the final week of term is an end-of-term assembly (Friday 7th October). The first assembly of Term 4 will be taken by Room 14.

CORRECTION
The Croatian flag donated to the school came from the Vrdoljak family. Apologies for the wrong name last week.

CONGRATULATIONS
To all involved in the production of ‘Giants From Outer Space’ and particularly to the children who have had 4 nights on the trot this week. School productions are held every 2 years and particular thanks to Mr Webster for all the time he has put into directing and rehearsing this show, to Mr Simpson (the writer), Ms Nicholson (costume), Mrs Verney (dance), Mrs Park (publicity) and all the other staff involved in make up, ticket sales, props, etc.

UNSUPERVISED CHILDREN
Another reminder that children under 14 years old cannot be left home alone.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Lloyd Morrison, Natasha Sealey and Taylor Crawshaw who have received the 2011 Term Three ‘Star Musician’ awards from the Music Education Centre for commitment to music making, aiming for excellence and achieving great progress. For students who would like to enrol in keyboard/piano or guitar lessons at school contact The Music Education Centre on 0800893939.

LEARNING EXPO
Next Tuesday 4th October
9-10 am
Children in all classes will present their learning outcomes to you for their term’s work.

RECYCLING
– Old cell phones to office for Starship Hospital
- Clothing to bin at back gate, Crieff Place.

Parent Seminar
‘Understanding Our Kids’ – Dianne Levy
Family Therapist, Author, Counselor
Light Supper Spot Prizes
@ Te Atatu Intermediate School
Wednesday October 5th, 7pm
$10 for one ticket or $15 per two people
Sponsors – Westside Church, Harveys Real Estate
Tickets available from the school office

TERM ENDS
Next Friday 7th October at 2:45 pm. We will be having a Black Out Day in support of the All Blacks – Black jerseys, t-shirts, black wigs, etc.

BLUE TURTLE AFTER SCHOOL ART CLASSES
Begins Term 4, for 8 weeks. Tuesday 25th October – CHRISTMAS CRAFTS.
Thursday 27th October – CHRISTMAS CRAFTS.
3:30pm – 5:00pm Te Atatu Intermediate School. For more information phone Rowena 021 732 437, or check us out on Facebook “Blue Turtle Design”.

KIDS HOLIDAY MUSIC CAMP
Te Atatu Kids Music Camp, for 5 – 8 year olds. Kids will learn Piano, Ukulele, percussion and hip hop dance.
Mon 17th Oct – Thurs 20th Oct. 9 – 12 each day. $75.00 for the four days.
All levels welcome, children will try all instruments.
Please email heidi@jambalaya.co.nz for more details and to register.

15th September 2011 NEWSLETTER NO 28

It would be hard to top last week as a great week for the school. We started off receiving the great ERO Report and finished the week with the wonderful World Cup opening, both of which show cased the excellence of the school. Congratulations also to Jonah Palota-Kopa of Room 12 who placed 3rd in the Interschool Zonal Speech Competition. Thanks also to Mrs Forgie for organising the event.

WARM WELCOME THIS WEEK TO
Cassidy Conway-Ford, Lorenzo Pearce and Caleb Murphy, we wish you a long and enjoyable time with us here at Matipo Primary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK TO
Cassidy Conway-Ford, Caleb Murphy, Lorenzo Pearce, Kate Harding, Eric Zhang, Tania Pilikosi, Phoebe Webster, Amber Ball, Joshua Burte, Alyssa Vince, Shae Kopua and Marshall Taia.

ROTARY CLUB
The Waitakere Rotary Club has acknowledged Doug Pilkington’s long association with the ‘Trees for Survival’ project by planting a tree in his honour to commemorate his service and commitment.

MATIPO BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Would like to congratulate Wayne and all the staff on an outstanding ERO report for our school this year. Without great leadership and vision Matipo would not be the school it is today, and we hope you agree we are very lucky to have our children in such a positive learning environment.

TE ATATU FOOTBALL CLUB PRIZEGIVING
24th September 2011:
Midgets 9am and 10am at Matipo School Hall.
Juniors 11am-12.30. Free goodie bag.
Youth and older at Te Atatu Football Club 2pm – 4pm.
BBQ and bouncy castle 12.30 – 2pm. Senior Prizegiving from 7pm.

KAPAHAKA GROUP
Will be performing at tomorrow’s assembly, hosted by Room 12, 2:15 pm Hall, all welcome.

GARDENING GROUP
Thanks for the many replies. We will have our first session tomorrow Friday at 9am with a pruning, trimming and planting session. Please bring clippers and pruners (weather permitting). We will then follow up with some heavier work on a Saturday morning.

Parent Seminar
‘Understanding Our Kids’ - Dianne Levy
Family Therapist, Author, Counselor
Light Supper Spot Prizes
@ Te Atatu Intermediate School Wednesday October 5th, 7pm
$10 for one ticket or $15 per two people
Sponsors – Westside Church, Harveys Real Estate
Tickets available from the school office

NETBALL FIELD DAY
We sent three teams to the Netball Field Day where we didn’t feature amongst the prize winners finishing in 5th and 6th positions. Players of the day were;
Betsy-Bella Davis Barr, Margaret Lowe and Indica Elisara
Thanks to our coaches and supporters.

1st September 2011 NEWSLETTER NO 26

Thank you everybody who responded so well to our request for helpers for the Te Atatu Christmas Parade and the gardening detail. We will be in touch shortly.
Netball season has now finished and I especially wish to acknowledge and thank Mrs Kennerley who has had the soul destroying job of being our netball co-ordinator; getting draws out each week, getting uniforms issued and returned, sorting out coaches and solving problems.
Thanks also to all our coaches: Mrs Kennerley, Helen Gavin, Ms Nicholson, Ms Oto, Sandra Hart, Jolyon Ludbrook and Maree McDonald.

WORDS OF THE WEEK
EXCUSE ME

WARM WELCOME THIS WEEK TO
Willy Maheu, Quinton Grindle, Posie Davis Barr and Franklin Davis Barr, we wish you a long and enjoyable time with us here at Matipo Primary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK TO
Franklin Davis Barr, Posie Davis Barr, Stevi Igiraneza, Lilly Marchant, Michael Robson, Anton Vrdoljak, Slade Winthrop, Kristina Bojin, Aaliyah Cash and a belated happy birthday to Quinton Grindle for last week.

FRIDAY ASSEMBLY
This Friday’s assembly will be hosted by Room 11, 2:15 pm in the Hall. All welcome.

WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY
Instead of assembly, we will have our own World Cup Opening ceremony at 2:15 pm on Friday 9th September. Children are encouraged to wear jerseys, t-shirts or colours of their team and make signs or banners. We will have a march past, the National Anthem and a Haka. Come and join in the fun.
All New Zealand Schools are supporting the All Blacks and we have all been given second teams – ours is the USA.

SCHOOL PRODUCTION
Many of you are aware our School Production ‘Giants from Outer Space’ is approaching and we require help. Help can come in all shapes and forms from painters to props. A list of props can be found on Room 14′s website under production.
Miss Oto & Mr Webster look forward to hearing from you!

COMING EVENTS
Tuesday 6th September Netball Field Day at Te Pai Courts
Friday 9th September World Cup Opening
Friday 23rd September School Writing Contest
26-30th September School Production
“Giants from Outer Space”
Tuesday 4th October Learning Expo
Friday 7th October Term 3 Ends
Monday 24th October Labour Day – Holiday
Tuesday 25th October Term 4 Starts – Summer Hours

HATS
In the summer terms, children are required to wear hats at playtime and lunchtime. This normally starts at Labour Day so will start from the beginning of Term 4.

NEW CLASSROOM
Work is proceeding well on the building of our new classroom (Room 19) which will hopefully be ready for a new New Entrant class to start at the beginning of Term 4.

BIKES
Only children Year 4 and above are supposed to ride bikes to school but must wear a helmet. Younger children now appear to be riding to school but must be accompanied by their parents.

PETITION
Shelley Boyack presented her 205 signature petition to the local council board for a walkway around the edge of Te Atatu Park from Neil Ave to Matipo Road. Thank you for your support of her petition and thank you Shelley for organising this.

RECYCLING
- Clothing – Back Gate Crieff Place
- Cell Phones for Starship Hospital – Office

THANK YOU
To those people who help supervise the patrols down by the dairy – Celleste Wilson, Dean Triffilo, Ann MacDonald & Sherryn Flower.