Tena koutou katoa, greetings.

Teacher Only Day
I hope that you enjoyed your extra long 'Long Weekend'.
Yesterday the teachers spent time at both Wanaka and Arrowtown Primary Schools looking at the approaches used in these schools in regards to Modern/Innovative Learning Environments. Our visit was valuable in enabling us to view other schools in action, to hear the philosophies behind why they are working as they are, and also for us to be reassured that the developments that we have and continue to undertake are certainly in a clear and meaningful direction. For our teachers to see the use of a variety of spaces and of teaching approaches was invaluable. It is one thing to hear a teacher or Principal talk about what they are doing in their school - but it is another thing to see it in action.

Fizz free schools
There has been a lot on the news this week about sugar free schools - expecting schools to enforce that only water is brought to school. At Waitaki Valley - we have an expectation that children only bring water to school in their water bottles. This isn't a new expectation by any means - but one of which is focussed on children being hydrated and ready to learn for the day. As water bottles are used in classrooms, it also ensures that any spillage is easily dealt with, and doesn't require a time consuming response and distraction to clean up. It also means that once a bottle is emptied, it can be filled up from our water fountain.

I do think that this is primarily an 'urban issue' where children get access to these drinks on the way to school. Thank you for continuing to support your child's learning with supplying water in their water bottle.

Year 8 Leadership Programme
As part of the Waitaki Rural Schools' Network, our Year 8 students take place in Leadership days over the year. These are days where they meet with the Year 8s from the other Rural Schools. They are opportunities to develop leadership skills, but they are also a wonderful chance to meet other Year 8s and build further relationships prior to the move to High School. Last week the Year 8's enjoyed a day of activities at Papakaio and in the first week of next term they will spend 2 days on a camp at Camp Iona.

As well as these 'across school days' we have been looking at ways that we can continue to develop leadership skills in our older children, within our own school. Out of this a programme called 'Leaders of Tomorrow' has been created - along the lines of a mini Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. It is not a compulsory - but one that Yr 7 & 8 students can opt into. This is an exciting programme to be part of and one that will enable our students to be committing to putting themselves out of their comfort zone a little, as well as carrying out acts of service at home and in the wider community. There are different expectations, challenges and tasks at each of Yr 7 & 8. The Year 8s have the opportunity to take part in some of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail with the other schools'. This will take part on Monday 4th April. Information for those interested has gone home.

Easter Break
A reminder that school is closed this Friday (25th), Monday (28th) and Tuesday (29th) for the Easter break. Have a safe and enjoyable Easter.

Waitaki Bob's Teacher Only Day

Kia-ora from beautiful Central Otago! What a busy day I have had, looking around two very amazing schools! We started our day at the very impressive Wanaka Primary School. We took a tour through their learning areas (known as ‘Pods’). It was fantastic to see the collaborative teaching and learning that was taking place within these ‘Pods’. It was also good to see the children totally engaged in their learning, (just like our kids at Waitaki Valley)!

I really loved the pirate ship playground too!

Arrowtown School, is 5 times the size of our school, but as the children played at lunch time, they mixed with a variety of ages from Yr1-8 and looked after each other. They have some very open learning spaces in brand new buildings and some single cell learning spaces in older buildings. The outdoor artwork is very cool!
After a quick (but delicious) lunch, we wound our way over the Crown Range to the equally beautiful Arrowtown Primary School. As we wandered around and talked to the teachers and the students, I was struck by the lovely, friendly vibe I got and it reminded me of our amazing school and the people in it!

The teachers have certainly had a very busy day of learning. It was exciting to see some new things and to be able to celebrate the amazing things that are already happening within the learning spaces of our own school. I can’t wait to see how these spaces evolve over the next year! What lucky children!

Waitaki Bob as reported by Mrs Powell

SAUSAGE SIZZLE
Thursday each week until the end of the term - to support Tuakana Camps.
$2 sausage
$2 slice/muffin
(Gluten free Sausage and Bread available)

A reminder that the pool will close this Tuesday - March 29th. Please return all keys to the school office.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

25th March - 29th March: Easter Holiday. School Closed
Tuesday 29th March: Last day of pool use
Thursday 31 March: BOT Meeting
Friday 1st April: Visiting Principals to WVS
Monday 4th April: Yr 8 Leaders of Tomorrow on Alps 2 Ocean
Monday 11th April: Friends of the School AGM 7pm
Friday 15th April Last day of Term 1
Monday 2nd May First day of Term 2
Thursday 5th/Friday 6th May Yr 8 Leadership Camp

RELIEF BUS DRIVERS

On call, Relief School Bus Drivers required for the Kurow Area.

Class 2 (Heavy Traffic) and P Class Licences Required.
Financial Assistance given to obtain the required licences.

For further enquiries please phone:
Malcolm Budd 027 5341527
Ritchies Dunedin

Waitaki Valley School

1 Settlement Road

KUROW
Principal: Deidre Senior

Important numbers:
School phone: 03 4360 660
Absences: School Mobile Text: 0277142774
School Bank Account: 02 0900 0000532 00

office@waitakivalley.school.nz