Kia ora whānau

Thank you for your support on Friday 6th March when the school was closed for instruction and a teacher only day enabled us to have an enriching experience at the Ōtakau Marae with 14 other schools that are part of a professional learning cluster called MAC (Maori Achievement Collaboration). For the past 4 years regular meetings of tumuaki/principals has been a time of learning about making our schools more culturally inclusive, and now the opportunity to include teachers has been important and appreciated.

The inquiry focus for 2020 is called 'Our Story - Pakiwaitara Tātou'. By engaging the children in learning about the history of Ōtakau and Ōpoho, the big idea that the inquiry aims to foster is that we all have a special story to tell as does our kura (school).

We want the children to develop understandings about:

The history of our local environment
The migration of Māori
The names/meanings of all significant landscapes - maunga, awa
Volcanic activity of the area
Local ecosystems and the interdependence of living organisms including humans and their relationships with their physical environment

(and if there is time) Gold-mining and its impact on the development of Dunedin

I know this seems like a formidable list of understandings and most of these focuses will be threaded through class activities and/or personal interest areas over time.

Information about specific learning opportunities will be reflected in newsletters as the year progresses.

From time to time, we will need your help as we engage children in opportunities for them to tell the 'story' of family and connections to particular places. If you have knowledge / suggestions that can enhance the whole school or class focuses and you are willing to share your expertise, please contact your child's teacher(s).

Coronavirus.
Many of you will be aware that five cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New Zealand. I appreciate this is a concern for many, as the unknown and the unpredictable are always unsettling.
The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health have been providing schools with regular updates about the circumstances related to the virus, and schools/boards are prepared with pandemic plans should there be further developments across NZ.

At the moment, the risk is low and I encourage you to keep a rational perspective on the situation especially for the sake of your children. Just as I advised at about this time last year when NZ heard news of the horrendous massacre in Christchurch, your role as a parent is to take practical steps to reassure your children, be prepared, stay well informed but not to show panic or paranoia.

What can you do at this stage? Insisting on good hand washing hygiene and cough etiquette are two very practical habits you can instil in your whanau members to limit the spreading of ALL virus infections. Take practical approaches to the way you manage being prepared while this health challenge is presenting itself.

If you feel unwell, remember to call the Helpline 0800 611 116 for advise before presenting at the doctors.
For COVID-19 health advice and information, contact the designated Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453

Schools take advice from the Officer of Health who has authority to make decisions for communities, and we have multiple communication systems organised to keep you informed if the situation changes.

Parent Information Evening

A parent information evening has been organised for the 31st March 2020 at 7 p.m. as part of the Ngā Tapa Wha project between our school, Mornington and Bradford schools. Anna Baker of reThINK.
reThink Children's Therapy has a team of registered professionals with specialized training & experience. It provides speech language therapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology & social work assessment, diagnosis & intervention for young people up to the age of 18. Anna Baker is a very engaging speaker and the topic is one of great interest to parents and teachers.
See the flyer below.
Please complete this link to enable us to plan for the evening, particularly the child care offer.

Here is the link to the form that we request you complete
https://forms.gle/qSCoMhBwZ2Nd9fpU8

Newsletters and Information evenings - what would you value? If you have suggestions of topics you would appreciate either for newsletters or for parent information evenings, please send me an email at principal@opoho.school.nz

A thought to ponder....... 'Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye'

Nga mihi nui

Jenny Clarke (Tumuaki/Principal)

Children's work to enjoy...............
(and for more of these fun and quirky portraits, visit Papakāinga Tahi

Social Skills Focus for Term 1 2020......

Wise words from Wilson.......

The degree of challenge will determine the degree of development.

Items to Action
Update personal contact details and emergency details - if you are still to complete the form that came home with your child about a fortnight ago (it is lavender if you are looking for it :-), please help us out by filling in the data requested and return the form to school with your child.

Dates to Remember:

13 March - Senior Discovery

17 March - Board of Trustees Meeting 7 p.m.

23rd March Otago Anniversary Day - School Closed

30 March - Whole school assembly in Poutama at 2.15 p.m.

31st March - 9 April Swimming for all classes (details at a later date)

School Notices
Scholastic Book Orders
The Scholastic Book Club brochures will go home this week. Please return orders and payment to the school office by Wednesday 18 March. Payment can be made by cash or internet banking into the school account. Reference Issue 2 book club.
Absences
A reminder that if your child arrives at school after 9am, please have them report in to the school office. When you child is absent from school, the school office needs to be advised. You can ring the school on 03 4738 019 and leave a message or email office@opoho.school.nz. Unfortunately our school mobile phone is not working and we will advise when we have a new mobile phone.

Music Lessons
If any families want to enrol their children for TooT, violin or guitar lessons this year, please email Sara at kelpiebrown@gmail.com. There is also one space for cello if anyone is interested in this.

Sport Subs
A reminder that if your child is playing Tennis or Futsal these subs are now overdue.
Activity Fund and Publishing Contribution invoices should have been received by all families.

Community Notices
Opoho Keas and Cubs
Come along to Keas or Cubs!
Keas (ages 5 1/2 - 7) now at a new time of 4pm-5pm Tuesdays with leaders Stacey and Bronwyn.
Cubs (ages 8-10) on Thursdays 6pm - 7.30pm with leaders Amber, Shane, and Bryce.
Learn outdoors and camping skills, earn badges, have fun.
More info on www.scouts.org.nz, email opoho@group.scouts.nz, or have a chat to Stacey (Ben and Andrew's mum) at school drop-off or pick-up :-)

Magic Kids Club
After School Care is 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