Tena koutou katoa, greetings.
I was privileged to join the Year 8s on the Waitaki Rural Schools' Leaders of Tomorrow Ride last Friday. This was a 27km bike ride from Tunnel Road in the back of Windsor, through to the Oamaru Gardens. We have been talking about 'G.R.E.A.T' all term, but I really saw it in action on this trip. Our Year 8s did us proud - mixing with confidence with students from other schools, respected all those who were with them (and coming the other way!), they stuck to the task, worked hard to complete it and certainly worked as a team to support others around them (including there MUCH older and not as fit Principal!!). Meanwhile . . . I have heard only positive feedback from our Yr 5/6 Rippa Rugby team who represented us similarly at the North Otago tournament. The way our children conduct themselves in any situation is something that we can all (both you as parents, and us as teachers) be proud of.
Last week our Board of Trustees received the resignation of Miss Harriet Bremner, from her teaching role. I'm sure you all understand the difficult decision that this was for Harriet, and will continue to support her.
We welcome Mrs Donna Smith to the Specialist teacher role. Donna has been relieving in the absence of Harriet and we are pleased to welcome her to this position.
We are always celebrating the successes of the children - but I thought that I would share with you some staff success . . . You may have noticed an increased presence of our staff out and about walking around the town over the last month. All of our teaching staff and teacher aides are taking part in a whole year workplace well-being programme called 'Let's Prosper'. At a time when so much in education is contentious and potentially draining - this programme is to ensure that we are putting ourselves first - in order to give our students - your children - the best deal that we can. Congratulations to Miss Harper and her team who won the 'March Out' challenge - the team exercise challenge where every 10 minutes earned the team a point. Special mention to Jules Taylor who clocked up the most points for the month! (Photos below!).
Our camp fundraising programme is underway for our Tuakana children who are heading away in Term 4. If you wish to be considered as a camp parent, you will need to fill out the specific forms that we require. Please see the note below.
The end of daylight saving has certainly seen a change in the weather and seasons. We have just one week of school to go for the term, and it is a busy time ahead. We have a number of things that are going on and that you are welcome to join us at. Please note that our final assembly for the term will be on WEDNESDAY afternoon. We will farewell Mrs Bullin at this assembly. Craig Smith (Of 'Wonky Donkey' fame) is working with some of our students on Thursday morning, and then presenting his show to the entire school before lunch. The Pre-School and Duntroon School will be joining us also. There is no charge for adults to attend this show, and there will be many of Craig's books and other products that you are welcome to purchase. (See below for the price list).
Keep warm and dry!
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Pie Warmer
The pie warmer will be up and running again for Terms 2 and 3 for hot lunches. It will run all days EXCEPT Thursdays due to the sausage sizzle.
Please unsure your child's food is labelled clearly.
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Touch Tops
Just a friendly reminder that if your child played touch this term, please WASH and return their top to the school office by Friday 31st March.
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If anyone has any old towels and face cloths you would like to donate, Michelle would appreciate them for the first aid room.
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Poppies are available at the school office for a gold coin donation.
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We would appreciate prompt payment of all stationery and uniform accounts before the end of the term.
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FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL MEETING - MONDAY April 10th 7pm.
ALL WELCOME
School Meeting Room
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IT'S BASKETBALL SEASON AGAIN!
We are intending to enter a team or teams in the North Otago Basketball Competition which starts in Term 2. Thanks to Kirstie Pritchard who has offered to coach again. If you have any Year 5-8 students who wish to play this season, then please email me (link here) to give your permission. Kirstie will run a session in the gym on Monday April 10th for anyone who is interested in trying it - and for those who will be playing.
Games are usually at 4.15pm in Oamaru. Yr 7 & 8s play on a Wednesday night. If we have enough interest for a Yr 5 & 6 team, this will play on a Tuesday night. (If there aren't enough for two teams we will enter one in the Yr 7 & 8 grade).
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Swimming Pool Keys
There are a number of keys still not returned.
If you purchased a key and are yet to return key please do so ASAP to either the school office or to Carron at the Museum.
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On Friday Our Year 5 and 6 Rippa Rugby Team competed in the North Otago Primary School Rippa Rugby Tournament in Oamaru. The children did a great job of representing Waitaki Valley and then earned a well deserved play at the Steampunk playground afterwards.
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LAST WEEK'S ASSEMBLY AWARDS
CLASS AWARDS:
Mahutonga: Scott Hay
Meg Patterson
Pukepuke: Markus Cubillo
Moana: Allie Laughton &
Joshua Winter
Hauwhenua: Sophie Graham &
Logan McSkimming
Aoraki: Theo Wilson,
Sophie Gray &
Lily Newlands
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Our next whole school assembly will be on Wednesday 12th April
@ 2:30pm and will be hosted by the Tuakana Hub (Yrs 5-8 )
This assembly will include a farewell to Mrs Bullin.
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SCHOOL CAMP
In line with the Vulnerable Children's Act (2015) and our School Procedures, any parent wishing to be considered for camp needs to go through the Police Vetting and/or Identity and Referee checks.
If you were Police Vetted last year you only need to fill in the referee's form. If you weren't vetted last year you will need these forms as well.
Please contact the school office to have the necessary forms sent home.
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YEAR 8s BIKE RIDE
On Friday the Year 8s went on a leadership bike ride for the people who are interested in doing WRSN-Leaders of Tomorrow. We biked 27 km from the Windsor Tunnel to Oamaru Gardens. We had two stops on the way - one at Windsor and one at Enfield. It was meant to take us 3 ½ hours but it only took us 1 ½ hours. We had fun biking alongside other Year 8s from different schools.
We had a great day.
Thanks Mrs Senior for biking with us and for buying us ice blocks.
Thanks Brent Cowles for driving the emergency van.
By Jessica & Jade
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Friday April 7th: Movie Night 6pm-8pm (run by Tuakana Hub)
Monday April 10th: Friends of the School Meeting 7.30pm
Wednesday April 12th: Final Assembly and Farewell to Mrs Bullin @ 2:30pm
Thursday April 13th: Craig Smith - Wonky Donkey presentation and
writer's workshop
Last day of term
Monday May 1 Term 2 Starts
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DVD NIGHT
To raise money for our Tuakana (Yr 5-8) Camps
Date: 7 April 2017
Time: 6 – 8pm
Where: Waitaki Valley School
Gold coin entry at the door and snacks will be available to purchase on the night.
RAFFLE
The Tuakana Hub wood and easter raffle tickets are out at the moment . Tickets to be drawn by the end of the term. If you would like to help us out please contact a Tuakana Hub child.
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Craig Smith, of Wonkey Donkey fame is visiting Waitaki School!!
Next Thursday, the 13th of April, we are lucky to have the popular children’s writer and performer, Craig Smith running writer's workshops and performing a show at our school. Some of our senior children will be taking part in the writer's workshops earlier in the day.
We would like to invite you to join us for the show.
This will be at 11.30am in the Gym. There will be a ‘shop’ on the day where many of Craig’s books and merchandise will be available to purchase. We have included a copy of the order form in the newsletter today so you can see what is on offer. If you would like a copy of the order from, you can pick one up from the office or ask your child to bring one home.
We look forward to seeing those of you who can join us next week. We know this will be an exciting experience for our students.
Thank you to the FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL who help make these experiences available at no cost to our families.
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