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Term 1  Week 3

Wednesday 14th January 2024

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

We have had a lovely start to the year and it is great to see children settling into their new class routines despite the disruptions that have gone around them with staff away.

I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Mrs Sue Fergus to our school in the role of LSC (Learning Support Coordinator) through the Kahui Ako as well as Mrs Sonia Vind in her new role as RTLB (Resource Teacher of Learning & Behaviour). Although neither of them are based in our school they do come in  regularly to work with and support staff.

The pool is well used during the day with all classes swimming. Last week we were fortunate to have the support of Kate Brown to assist teachers and children in their swimming times. She also spent some time with the Turnbull Cup swimmers. 

Please ensure your child’s school uniform top, fleece and jacket are well named. We have had children go home in a top that is not their own on more than one occassion after swimming. If your child arrives home with items that are clearly not theirs, please return so we can reunite with their owner. Thank you.

You will have seen reference to parent Interviews in the first newsletter of the year. Interview times will become available on our Skool Loop app next week. Room 1, 2, 3 parents are invited to a Junior Classes parent meeting on Monday 19th Feb at 3pm to hear about the plans in the Junior rooms. Parents are then able to decide if they wish to make a 1-1 time to meet with their child’s teacher. 

Across the school, classes have been focusing on what it takes to be a learner at Ngaere School with a focus on our shared PMC values (Proud, Motivated, Confident learner). A lot of time has been spent on revisiting the routines and expectations both in the classroom and the playground.

COVID is still very much part of our lives and the recent illnesses of staff and children is a reminder to us all to be mindful of the need to be monitoring health and keeping an eye out for symptoms. 

Newsletters will be published weekly and circulated via email as well as through the Skool Loop app. It is also published on the school website. The newsletter is one of our main ways of communication. If you require a paper copy please get in touch with Karen in the office.

Nga mihi

Megan

Turnbull Cup: This is to be held at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 21st February. Warm up for swimmers will begin at 6.30 pm with racing starting at 6.50pm.

The Turnbull Cup is an inter-school swimming competition between schools in Central Taranaki which is organised by Stratford Flyers Swimming Club.  The Turnbull Cup is contested in 2 sections – Large Schools and Small Schools.  We will be entering two relay teams in the Small Schools section and twelve competitors in the individual races. There is also a Business House relay for any parents who might want to get a team together.

Good luck to those who are swimming.

School Picnic: Bring along a picnic tea and catch up with other school families on Friday night 5pm – 8pm. The pool will be open until 7pm and the PTA will have  barbeque food for sale.  This co-incide’s with the opening of the Maize Maze on the same night. Families are welcome to come along and take the opportunity to go through the maze – cost $5pp

Junior Swimming Sports:   This will be next Thursday 22nd February from 1pm until 2.30pm at the Rawhitiroa Pool.  Students will be travelling by bus to this event, but parents are more than welcome to come along.  A note about this afternoon will be sent home on Monday. 

School Uniform: A reminder that school uniform is a dark blue polo shirt. We would prefer children not wear their sports shirts as a uniform. A new order has been placed for larger polos and you will be notified when these arrive. In the meantime we do have a stock of Youth XS, S, M, XL on hand. There are plenty of polar fleeces too.

Tennis Coaching: $40.00 for a 30mins for 1 on1. $25.00 each for groups of 2 children or $20.00 each for groups of 4 children. Lessons 30 mins. once a week for next 6 weeks.  May be at lunchtime or during school time depending on the availability of the coach. Please let Karen in the office know if you are interested in one of these options.

Don’t forget to come and visit the  Amazing Maize Maze

Forward Planning – Some Dates for your calendar

• Friday 16 Feb – Assembly in the hall at 2.30pm
• Friday 16 Feb – PTA Maize Maze open / School Picnic evening 5pm
• Monday 19 Feb – Junior Hub Parent meeting 3pm
• Wednesday 21 Feb – Turnbull Cup 6.30pm
• Thursday 22 Feb – Junior Swimming Sports
• Monday 26 / Tuesday 27 Feb – Parent Teacher Interviews
• Friday 8 March – Teacher Only Day (Kahui Ako wide)
• Monday 11 March – Taranaki Anniversay Day
• Tuesday 12 March – Senior Swimming Sports (TBC)
• Friday 29 March – Good Friday
• Monday 1 / Tuesday 2 April – Easter Holidays
• Thursday 4 April – Junior Athletics
• Thursday 11 April – Whanau Day / Afternoon
• Friday 12 April – Last Day Term 1

Rest of the Year Please note that some of these dates may change and others may be added

• Friday 31 May – Teacher Only Day
• Monday 3 June – King’s Birthday
• Monday 17 June – Jones Cup (yr 5-8)
• Friday 28 June – Matariki (School closed)
• Friday 6 Sept – School Photos
• Wednesday 18 Sept – School Production
• Wednesday 16 Oct – Pet Day
• Tuesday 12 – Thursday 13 Nov – Yr 7 & 8 Camp, TOPEC
• Thursday 12 Dec – End of Year Prize Giving 
• Tuesday 17 Dec – Last day 2024

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

Term 1  Week 1

Wednesday 31st January 2024

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

Welcome back to a new year of school. We have begun the year with a roll of 150 with 6 more five year olds due this term. A special welcome to our new students and their familes: Piper and Leo in Room 1, Jett in Room 4 and Eve in Room 7.

This newsletter is a quick update and list of reminders.

For 2024 our classes are:

Room 1 & 2: Year 1&2 Ms Tarsh Hey & Miss Kathryn Duncan (Learning Support Sherri Matthews)                                                                                                    Room 3: Year 3&4 Miss Denise Reynolds (Learning Support Emma Mercer / Vicki Caldwell)                                                                                                                        Room 4: Year 4&5  Whaea Mandy Crowe (Learning Support Carol Henderson)        Room 5: Year 5&6 Mr Jonny Mercer (Learning Support Carol Henderson)                  Room 6: Year 7 Miss Emma Dravitzki (Learning Support Lynn Longshaw)                  Room 7: Year 8 Miss Lisa Hulme (Learning Support Lynn Longshaw)                    Mrs Penny Andrews Reading Recovery                                                                        Mrs Kate Brown Specialist Teacher Health & PE                                                          Release / Relievers Mrs Donna Bridgeman, Mrs Maree Johnson & Miss Cushla Best

Some Important Reminders

• If you wish to meet with your child’s teacher please make an appointment time by either emailing the teacher or through the school office. Do not assume the teacher will have time to talk first thing in the morning.
• School is open on Monday 5th February but closed for Tuesday 6th (Waitangi Day).
• All school stationery is provided. This year there is a one-off charge of $10 to help cover costs. 
• We supply your child with a Summer school hat and Winter beanie (the first one is free) when they start at school.  Any replacement hats can be purchased from the school office.
• Learning and many class notices are shared through a platform called “Seesaw”.  Your child’s teacher will send information on how to connect to this. 
• We ask all parents to download a free app called “Skool Loop”.  Here you will find our school newsletters (Wednesdays), report an absence, book an interview, see any school notices and school contact details.
• We swim every day during until at least mid March in our school pool. It is a heated pool. It is an expectation that children take part in daily swimming. For the first two weeks we will utilise Mrs Brown’s expertise in the pool.
• Our school times: First Learning block 8.55 – 10.35am, Morning Tea 10.35am -11am, 2nd Learning Block 11.am -12.30pm, Lunch 12.30pm – 1.30pm (children spend first 15 mins eating) 3rd Learning Block 1.30pm -3pm. Please name all your child’s clothing including their togs and towels.
• If you have changed address, phone number or any other contact details, please advise Karen in the office so our records can be updated.
• There are a few outstanding accounts from 2023. Please pay these or see Karen about setting up a payment plan.

Forward Planning – Some Dates for your calendar

• Tuesday 6 Feb – Waitangi Day (no school)
• Friday 16th Feb – PTA Maize Maze open / School Picnic evening 5pm
• Wednesday 21 Feb – Turnbull Cup 6.30pm
• Monday 26 / Tuesday 27 Feb – Parent Teacher Interviews
• Friday 8 March – Teacher Only Day (Kahui Ako wide)
• Monday 11 March – Taranaki Anniversay Day
• Tuesday 12 March – Senior Swimming Sports (TBC)
• Friday 29 March – Good Friday
• Monday 1 / Tuesday 2 April – Easter Holidays
• Thursday 4 April – Junior Athletics
• Thursday 11 April – Whanau Day / Afternoon
• Friday 12 April – Last Day Term 1

Rest of the Year Please note that some of these dates may change and others may be added

• Friday 31 March – Teacher Only Day
• Monday 3 June – King’s Birthday
• Monday 17 June – Jones Cup (yr 5-8)
• Friday 28 June – Matariki (School closed)
• Monday 9 Sept – School Photos
• Wednesday 18 Sept – School Production
• Wednesday 16 Oct – Pet Day
• Tuesday 12 – Thursday 13 Nov – Yr 7 & 8 Camp, TOPEC
• Thursday 12 Dec – End of Year Prize Giving 
• Tuesday 17 Dec – Last day 2024

Term 4  Week 10

Wednesday 13th December 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

On behalf of all of us at Ngaere School I would like to thank all families and whanau who have supported our tamariki this year. We have appreciated the support, particularly with events over the past couple of weeks, including camps and other outdoor activities which have been enjoyed by all classes.

Although Friday is technically a school day, school finishes tomorrow (Thursday) with our senior Prize Giving at 7pm in the Stratford High School Hall. Our trophies and end of year certificates will be presented and each class will be sharing a dance item. This year those being awarded a trophy will be given a medal to keep with the trophy itself staying at school. There will be photo opportunities with the trophies at the hall after the prize giving.

We have twenty two year 8 students leaving us this year, heading off to various high schools in 2024. For thirteen families tomorrow night will be their last Ngaere School Prize Giving, with some of them having been involved with Ngaere School for many, many years. Again, thank you for the contributions made over the years of being involved, as parent helps, sports coaches, PTA and supporters of Ngaere School.

Looking ahead to 2024 – the school office will be open Friday 26th January from 10am – 2pm and on Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th which are both teacher only days.  We have a new stock of uniform polo shirts and fleeces ready to go. School starts for all children on Wednesday 31st January. Once again, stationery will be provided by the school and we ask for a $10 payment to help meet the cost of this.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year,

Megan

Some of our activities over the last week…

Congratulations to all who helped make the float for the parade in Eltham last week – 3rd place! A huge THANK YOU to Brenton & Shantenelle for their support and use of vehicle.

POOL KEYS: These are available to purchase from the school office up until 11.30am on Friday.  The cost is $60 (cash only please) for a key and are only available to school families.  There are a limited number of keys so it will be “first in, first serve”.  Keys are for use outside of school hours, ie after 5pm, weekends and holidays and must be returned at the end of the swimming season.  Please do not share keys.

A reminder to those using the pool – please replace the cover towards the end of the day or if there is no one else at the pool when you leave.

Please do not use the pool before 11am to allow time to clean etc. or after 8pm. 

There are a number of school library books and readers that still need to be returned. Please look under beds, in cupboards and on shelves to see what you can find and return tomorrow.

We made it!

• School Magazines are available from school office $25 a copy or at the Prize Giving, Thursday evening.
• Reports have been sent home with the eldest child on Monday 11th Dec.
• Whole school Pool Party and sausage sizzle today 
• Whole school rehearsal at Stratford High School for Prize Giving tomorrow
• Children in Rooms 1 & 2 may be picked up from 12.30pm tomorrow for an afternoon rest if necessary.
• All children to be at the Stratford High School Hall by 6.45pm, seated (bare feet) ready for Prize Giving to begin at 7pm Thursday 14th.
• Each class will be performing a dance along with whole school singing.
• Please advise your child’s teacher if your child will not be attending on Thursday night.
• PTA will have raffle tickets on sale 
• Friday 15th – please do not send your children to school unless absolutely necessary 

LOST PROPERTY:  There is currently alot of unclaimed items of clothing in the lost property cupboard.  If you are in school at any time please have a look at the big blue cupboard which is situated on the deck area outside Rooms 4 & 5. 

PTA Raffle

Tickets on sale at the Prize Giving – $2 a ticket 

Three prizes

A Christmas Cake, 2 x$100 New World vouchers, A Baking Selection

From all the staff at Ngaere School, be safe and enjoy a relaxing break over the summer.

Meri Kirihimete me te tau hou

School resumes for all students Wednesday 31st January.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4  Week 9

Wednesday 06th December 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Room 5 Campers at Dawson Falls

POOL KEYS: These are available to purchase from the school office.  The cost is $60 (cash only please) for a key and are only available to school families.  There are a limited number of keys so it will be “first in, first serve”.  Keys are for use outside of school hours, ie after 5pm, weekends and holidays and must be returned at the end of the swimming season.  Please do not share keys with families from outside of our own school community.

Junior Big Day Out: Tomorrow,  7th December children in Rooms 1, 2 and 3 will be heading to Hollard Gardens for their Big Day Out. They may wear mufti and bring one teddy or soft toy ‘friend’ as well as their own lunch, a drink bottle and something warm to put on if colder. If cancelled due to weather parents will be notified via SkoolLoop message by 8.15am and children will have their own ‘Teddy Bear’s picnic’ in the school hall. They may still wear mufti.

Christmas Float: We will be entering a float in the Eltham Christmas Parade on Friday. A huge thank you to the parents who have helped get it ready. If your child has returned a signed permission slip to be on the float they must meet at the Eltham Town Hall no later than 5.15pm (judging at 5.30pm). Mrs Andrews would like children to bring their costumes to school tomorrow.

The end of the year is fast approaching!

• Children will be starting to bring home school books and art works.
• This Friday is our final school assembly, starting at 2.30pm.
• School Magazines are available to pre order from school office $25 a copy.
• Reports will be sent home with the eldest child on Monday 11th Dec.
• Room 4 have a trip to Vertical Horizon on Tuesday 12th.
• Whole school Pool and other activities and sausage sizzle Wednesday 13th (Rooms 5, 6, 7 am / Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 pm) (Only if fine)
• Whole school rehearsal at Stratford High School for Prize Giving 10.15am – 12 noon. Thursday 14th
• Children in Rooms 1 & 2 may be picked up from 12.30pm for an afternoon rest if necessary.
• All children to be at the Stratford High School Hall by 6.45pm, seated (bare feet) ready for Prize Giving to begin at 7pm Thursday 14th.
• Each class will be performing a dance along with whole school singing.
• Please advise your child’s teacher if your child will not be attending on Thursday night.
• PTA will have raffle tickets on sale 
• Friday 15th – children not expected at school.

A HUGE thank you to the parents who supported our teachers on the recent  Room 5, 6 and 7 camps. We are unable to do it without you and were especially grateful to be able to keep costs lower by not using buses.

We would also like to thank those who will be accompanying children to Hollard Garden tomorrow and Room4 to Vertical Horizon on Tuesday.

LOST PROPERTY:  There is currently alot of unclaimed items of clothing in the lost property cupboard.  If you are in school at any time please have a look at the big blue cupboard which is situated on the deck area outside Rooms 4 & 5. 

PTA:  Next Meeting 7pm TONIGHT Wed 6th December in the staffroom.

All welcome.

 What’s On..

• Wednesday 6 Dec – PTA Meeting 7pm
• Thursday 7 Dec – Hollard Gardens (Rms 1, 2, 3)
• Friday 8 Dec – Float entry in Eltham Christmas Parade
• Monday 11 Dec – Reports home this week
• Tuesday 12 Dec – Rm 4 Vertical Horizon’s day
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving 7pm SHS Hall
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4 (Children not expected at school)

School resumes for the 2024 school year Wednesday 31st January

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4  Week 8

Wednesday 29th November 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Congratulations London and calf, Dallas!

London won the “Taranaki School Supreme Champion Beef Calf” category at the Stratford A&P show last weekend. She received a shield which will be engraved with her name and Ngaere School on it. Well done London!

POOL KEYS

These are available to purchase from the school office from today.  The cost is $60 (cash only please) for a key and are only available to school families.  There are a limited number of keys so it will be “first in, first serve”.  Keys are for use outside of school hours, ie after 3pm, weekends and holidays and must be returned at the end of the swimming season.  

LOOKING FOR A UTE OR SMALL TRACTOR FOR OUR XMAS FLOAT

Are you able to pull our float/trailer in the Eltham Xmas Parade on Friday 08th December? We will be leaving Ngaere School at 5.15pm and finishing up at the Eltham Town Hall at 7pm.  If you are able to help, please contact the school office or Mrs Andrews at penny@ngaere.school.nz . Thank you.

End of Year Prizegiving: Thursday 14th December 7pm at Stratford High School Hall. This is an opportunity to celebrate our Year 8 leavers and present our end of year trophies. More details will be sent home closer to the time.

Thursday will be the last official day for children for the year. School will be open until 12noon on Friday but we would appreciate it if children were not sent to school unless absolutely necessary. This is an opportunity for staff to do their final classroom clean and tidy as well as share information with your child’s next year teacher. 

The last day for the Ngaere school buses will be Thursday 14th December. 

Community Survey – Congratulations to Shantenelle Vest who won the $100 Voucher

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey.

We will share the obvious themes in next week’s newlsetter.

Children from Rooms 1 & 2 having fun at their PE lesson with Mrs Brown.

Junior Tryathlon: On Friday, 1st December children in Rooms 1-4 will be participating in a Junior Tryathlon at school. This will be in the middle block, from 11.15am.  Children may participate as an individual or in a group of three (all from the same year group), with one doing the biking, one doing the running and one doing the swimming.  Children will compete in their year group starting with the Year 0s. When they have finished then the Year 1s will start followed by the Year 2s then Year 3s and then Year 4s.   If your child is the cyclist or participating as an individual they will need to bring their bike.  These will need to be put down along the outside of the turf fence on arrival at school.  Cyclists will need a helmet and covered shoes.  Ngaere Sports shirts can be worn or school uniform.

Junior Big Day Out: On Thursday 7th December children in Rooms 1, 2 and 3 will be heading to Hollard Gardens for their Big Day Out. 

LOST PROPERTY:  There is currently alot of unclaimed items of clothing in the lost property cupboard.  If you are in school at any time please have a look at the big blue cupboard which is situated on the deck area outside Rooms 4 & 5. 

PET DAY TROPHIES:  These are now back from the engravers and can be collected from the school office.

PTA:  Next Meeting 7pm Wed 6th December in the staffroom.

All welcome.

 What’s On..

• Wed 29 Nov  – Fri 1 Dec – Room 5 Camp Konini Lodge 
• Friday 1 Dec – Try-athlon for Rooms 1, 2, 3 & 4
• Tuesday 5 Dec – Board Meeting 6pm
• Wednesday 6 Dec – PTA Meeting 7pm
• Thursday 7 Dec – Hollard Gardens (Rms 1, 2, 3)
• Friday 8 Dec – Float entry in Eltham Christmas Parade
• Monday 11 Dec – Reports home this week
• Tuesday 12 Dec – Rm 4 Vertical Horizon’s day
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving 7pm SHS Hall
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4 (Children not expected at school)

School resumes for the 2024 school year Wednesday 31st January

COMMUNITY NOTICES

DOES ANYONE HAVE A CARSEAT I CAN BORROW:  Looking for a carseat with a 5 point harness for a small 4 year old to borrow from 20th December to 12th January.   Please contact Mel 021 0231 7666