Dear whānau and friends
The term calendar seems to be overflowing with additional activities to the usual school routines. Last week on Tuesday, the senior children organised and led a sports day for all classes. The activities included dodge ball, capture the flag, obstacle race, relays, ripper rugby, running raiders, sponge relay and Cat 'n' Mouse. The senior children are congratulated for their detailed organisation of the day. For the most part it ran like clockwork.
While it was a hive of activity here at school, 9 senior children were competing in the Otago Athletics Championships where those competitors who qualified in their zone or area sports events came together for another day of competition in one or more of the following events - sprints, long distance (800m) discus, relays and hurdles Schools from North, South, East and Central Otago were represented. Well done to Georgie, Harris, Rachael, Charlotte, Jesse, Lewis, Alfie, Naimh and Odin who qualified at the North Zone sports day for particular events. Congratulations to Georgie for gaining 7th place in the 800m girls Year 5 & 6 event, and Jesse Willis for gaining 3rd place in the 800 m Y5&6 boys event at the Otago championship event.
Other achievements from the day...
- Rachael qualified for semi finals in hurdles.
- Harris gained 5th in his sprint final, 4th in hurdles final event
- Boys relay team (qualified 4th at North Zones )- 2nd in heats, 2nd in semis and then 4th at Otago Champs!
- Odin 10th in discus event (out of 20)
            
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Aquatics Programme for Year 5 & 6
Tomorrow is the 3rd and final session of aquatics at Moana Pool for these two classes. All students have participated in snorkelling, kayaking, raft building, diving, and survival skills.
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Special Performance by Te Kura ō Ōpoho
On Friday the 22nd November the kapa haka group gave an awesome performance for many principals from across Otago who had convened for their annual meeting and seminar of the Otago Primary Principals' Association. Special thanks to parents for helping their children get to school super early that day in order to get the bus to the Art Gallery at 8.30 a.m. and to Tania Henderson, Lucy Marr and Korina Ellison for the organisation to make it all happen.
Very special thanks to the members of the kapa haka group, Ana Pene and Eli Ellison for such a rousing and awewome performance.... and for performing with such passion and obvious enjoyment. You were wonderful to watch.
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Other updates:
Final Assembly:
The current plan is to have the final assembly on the 12th December at 1.45 in Poutama. Mrs Henderson (a.k.a our ace events coordinator) is confident that with some careful planning that this is a manageable feat. Although Poutama has a slightly different layout, the size is not too dissimilar to the Church Hall so we are keen for this event 'to be held on-site if we can.
Seating for the whanau of the year 6 students will be prioritised at the front of the audience so next week we will invite you to indicate if you will be attending. This will help us plan....... mind you I am still to recover from the [mostly friendly] banter on a former occasion when an R.S.V.P request was made for planning purposes. It seems spontaneity is the preferred way of operating these days however it you can reply to a google form that will be sent out by email (early next week) we will be appreciative.
School will close for the year on Friday 13th December at 1 p.m.
A thought to ponder.....'Be kind to unkind people; they need it the most'.
Ngā mihi nui
Jenny C (Tumuaki/Principal)
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Term 4 - Life Raft Focus It takes great strength to be sensible.
As the excitement of the end of the year heightens it also brings with it greater challenges to make sensible decisions in all that we do. Add a dose of tiredness into the mix and the challenge is even more complex! The end of year often brings additions to the programme and although many young people can take these changes in their stride (which reflects their ability to manage their emotions appropriately), for a variety of complex reasons many children find these changes hugely challenging and still need considerable support to make good decisions. The way those of us around them behave can be a help or a hinderance. If we can keep our wits about us and continue to make responsible and appropriate decisions, it can be helpful to those who are still working to manage their emotions.
If we forget to keep our own emotions in check, then our reactions are likely to be a hinderance to those who are still working at keeping emotions appropriately regulated.
There are times when individuals run amok and act out in an unacceptable way. It is never okay to hurt others even at times when emotions get out of hand - sadly and unfortunately sometimes this happens. At times like this we work to help individuals calm down and then work to put things right in some way. Sometimes this can be in the form of an apology, or doing something to make amends that is agreed between those involved. Sometimes there is a consequence for the unacceptable actions - e.g.missing an opportunity to participate in a special event or even regular playtimes which most children value a lot.
Getting someone calm from a state of heightened emotions can take many forms. You can probably relate to needing to do something to calm yourself if you get angry, distressed or upset. Children that have learned to do this are in a good position to face life's challenges and upsets. Children that can't do this need the help of caring adults around them - a walk, a story, a distraction that might be in the form of a game, lego, to name some that might get used at school. Once the individual is in a calm state, then the the coaching work and the 'repair' work can begin. It is complex - and not easy to sum up in one brief note like this, nor easy to provide in the short term the depth and breadth of support that some children need, and it usually takes time..... lots of time.
Being kind, being responsible and being the best you can be is something to strive for at all times.
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'Wise words from Wilson'
'The successful journey from childhood to adulthood is rarely made well without the guidance of adults'.
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Pīwakawaka/School Action
Special thanks to the Piwakawaka group and others for their amazing efforts at Creekfest.
At the junior school assembly yesterday, younger Piwakawaka members were reminding their peers to take recyclable containers (e.g: yogurt pottles) home to be washed and thereafter put into the yellow topped wheelie bin (to be collected during the DCC kerbside scheme. These need to be washed before being put in the appropriate bin and getting effective and reliable systems working at school is pretty challenging, so we are hopefully each person can take responsibility for this at home.
The group is pleased to see so many beeswax wraps (perhaps purchased at the school fair) are being used instead of gladwrap or other disposable plastic wraps. This is one great way to reduce rubbish going to the landfill.
The piwakawaka group are hopeful that some families will be able to help out by watering the garden over summer when the school is closed for 6 weeks. A 'helpers' list will soon be available for signing up - please check your holiday schedules and lookout for the sign-up list that will be on the office counter.
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Orange Day Parade.....
On Friday 22nd December, those children that have been road patrollers during 2019 are treated to a fun day hosted by NZ Police. Children from schools from the Greater Dunedin area paraded down George Street from the Dental School to the Octagon where they were welcomed by the Mayor. Soon afterwards the children went to Moana Pool for a day of fun in the water and a barbeque lunch.
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Items to Action
Sport Subs and Activity fund contributions still outstanding - prompt payment please especially as the end of year is approaching and December is also the end of the financial year for schools so having all these finalised is important.
Early Birds (those children arriving before 8.30 a.m.)
If your child is going to arrive at school before 8.30 a.m. please contact the school office in advance to let us know to expect them.
Over recent weeks the number of children arriving at school prior to 8.30 has increased dramatically - some that we have had prior notice about, many we have not. Without a formal before school programme this is a goodwill system without a required payment for now. If inside, children are expected to play board/card games quietly, read from a selection of books on offer, construct with lego, talk among themselves.
You can contact the school office on 4738 019 or by email office@opoho.school.nz
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Dates to Remember:
26 & 27th November - Futsal games
27 November - Aquatics for Year 5 & 6 students (funded from the Activity Fund)
28 November - Touch Games
29 November - PTA Disco at Church Hall at 5.30pm to 7.00pm
2 December - Whole School Assembly at 2.15 in Poutama
3 December - Board of Trustees meeting @ 7 p.m.
6 December - Student's progress reports sent home to families.
12 December - Final Assembly 1.45 in Poutama
13 December - School closes for the 2019 at 1 p.m.
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PTA Notices:
2020 NASEBY FAMILY WEEKEND
Ōpoho School Naseby Families and Friends weekend 2020, 21st and 22nd February,
is a fun and informal weekend for children and parents to enjoy themselves in a safe and friendly environment. Cabins and tent sites are available. For bookings call 03 444 9904 Larchview Holiday Park, Naseby.
This has become an ‘Ōpoho School’ community tradition - new families are welcome.
Come for as little or as much of the weekend as you like - walks, biking and relaxing in the quaint and historic village and a lovely way to get to know each other better.
I recommend you book sooner rather than later if you are wanting a cabin!
The cabins have been blocked out online so that they can be reserved for school families.
If you want to book a cabin you should email the camping ground team at bookings@nasebyHP.nz and they’ll book a cabin in for you.
Lucy Marr (on behalf of the weekend)
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School Notices:
Pekapeka Nectar Nests for Sale
To purchase a pekapeka nectar nest for your garden area, please see Lucy Marr (P2) or Helen at the office. There are a couple on hand at school; others can be ordered. These are $80 - half of the money goes to the school and half goes to the Orokanui Wildlife Sanctuary.
Honey for Sale
Raw Honey for sale. 1kg jar $13.00. The order form can be found in the office foyer. Honey delivered on Friday of the week ordered. Payment is not to be made to the school account. Otto's account details are on the order form.
Magic Kids Club
After School Care is now provided by Magic Kids Club and can be contacted at the following numbers:
Tracy Administration Leader 022 466 5227 or Bridgette Business Leader 022 466 5226
  
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Ōpoho School Fair - Sponsors
Thank you to the following list of sponsors:
Commodore Motels
Mokha Cafe
Allpress Coffee
McArthur & Symons Electrical
Jane and Colleen from Ray White Realty
Orokanui Eco Sanctuary
Luna
Otto's Honey
University Bookshop
New World Gardens
Blacks Road Grocer
Crusty Corner
Monarch Wildlife Cruises
Your Prochef.nz
Larnach Castle
Emersons Brewery
Rialto Cimemas
Vogel Street Kitchen
The Normanby Tavern
Zucchini Bros
Regent Theatre
Esplanade
Metro Cinema
Moana Pool
Joe's Garage
Bivouac Outdoor
Yilmaz
Bowl Line
Paper Plus
Clip 'n' Climb and Leap
Barkers
Speights Ale House
Adjo Cafe
Megazone
Steep Cafe
Fish Hook
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Tart Tin
Highgate Bridge
Dunedin Ice Stadium
Blueskin Nursery
CLS Containers
Fairfield Transport
Residence on Blacks
Wild Dispensary
Beam Me Up Bagels
Dunedin Railways
Bloomin' Gorgeous
Filadelfios Pizza
Ribbonwood Nurseries
Albatross Colony
Frames
Hard to Find Books
Ku Ku Coffee
Leviathan Hotel
Harpoon Cold Brew
Youth Grow
Pool House Cafe
Winter Tattoo
Special thanks are due to Jane Bokser and Colleen Townsend (Ray White Realty) for their sponsorship of the sausages and their sterling effort on the barbeque for the duration of the fair - Thank you both for your ongoing support.
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Term Dates for 2020
Term 1: 3rd February - 9th April
Note: Teacher only day - 6th March 2020
Term 2: 28th April - 3 July
Term 3: 20 July - 25 September
Term 4: 12 October - 16th December (end date to be confirmed)
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Looking (way) ahead:
Kia ora koutou
The summer series of Weetbix Tryathlons are about to begin (in the North Island!) so I’m letting you all know that entries to the 2020 Dunedin event are now open.
Many of our tamariki have participated in this in the past and are showing enthusiasm for next year's event!
Here is a link to the information page to find out about distances and entry costs:
https://tryathlon.co.nz/locations/dunedin/
The Tryathlon is held on the 1st March 2020 at Memorial Park in Mosgiel.
Early bird discount closes 3 weeks before the event.
Children can complete the event as an individual or as a team of two.
Children must be between 6-15 years of age on race day.
If you do want to register, here is our school link which registers our students as a group. As the school co-ordinator, this makes managing our school group much easier!
https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=35579&G=98797
Let me know if you have any further questions that can't be answered from the website.
Lucy Marr
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Community Notices
The annual Dunedin Santa Parade is being held on Sunday 1 December 2019.
If your child/children would like to be a float in the Santa Parade please contact the organisers at dnsantakids@gmail.com. The parade starts at 3pm but your child/children would need to be available from 12.30 until 5.30. All costumes provided.
A parent will need to accompany thechild/children for the duration and walk beside the float.
Fresh coffee delivered to you
Kuku coffee is a small business based in Caversham, specialising in small batch-roasted fairtrade organic coffee. A few families at Opoho school are getting weekly deliveries of this amazing coffee. If you'd like to support this small business and get delicious coffee delivered to you, text Vanessa Gordon 02040077827 or email ness.gordon@gmail.com"
Torpedo7 Friends & Family offer has landed.
This deal kicks off this Wednesday the 13th of November and runs for a week.
The Deal: Epic Trade pricing (which can be as much as 60% off)
Valid from: Wednesday 13th of November until Tuesday 26th of November
Please contact the school office if you would like the flyer sent by email to you.
How to redeem:
In store - Show this email or the flyer
Online - See the voucher code on flyer to use at the online checkout: F&F-54E0-BEA7
T&C's - Discounts vary by category. If the product is already on promotion customer will receive the lower of offer or promo pricing. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. *Excludes Electronics, Gift Cards and Workshop Services. Offer can’t be redeemed on shipping coupon code.
If any item is already on clearance, you will still receive an extra 10% off the marked price with the discount code: GOT2GO
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