Newsletter - 16th September 2022, Term 3, Week 8

I would like to start this week with congratulating the new parent members elected onto the Board of Trustees, Phil Bradfield and Kerri Nakajima joining current members Simon Walker, Angela Osborne and Hamish McDougall. It is a great way to give something back to the school and gives you a broad insight into how the school is governed. Congratulations also to Student rep Yui Nakajima and Staff rep Tim Samson on their election to the board.

I would like to thank Carolyn Bopp who has given many years of dedicated service as the Staff Representative who along with myself stood down this term.

I attended the South Island Secondary Schools Under 15 Rugby Tournament in Nelson two weeks ago where Blake and Jethro played for South Otago High School, we are lucky to have a relationship with SO where our senior students are able to join them for sporting opportunities, this is also the case with Tokomairiro High School having our some of our senior netballers join them for tournament week in Timaru.

The school year seems to be rolling on very fast with only two weeks of school left for the term. Many students and families will be glad to see the back of a long winter with a lot of flu and sickness doing the rounds for months. Hopefully spring arrives again soon and we get two weeks of sunshine for the school holidays.

Thanks for everyone’s support over the last six years I have been on the board.

News

Students Get2Go on an action packed day in Ōtepoti.

TCAS shone in both skills and sportsmanship in an outdoor adventure challenge earlier this week.

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Week 8 Assembly celebrations

Assembly ran a little longer on Tuesday with the introduction of a house challenge.

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Rugby, tries and pizza!

Jethro Melville gives his insight to the recent rugby tournament held in Nelson.

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Te Tumuaki Wero - Te Wiki ō te Māori 2022

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On Monday the 12th of September Liam, Zoe, Anashae and Annabelle represented our school at the Rotary Speech Competition at South Otago High School in Balclutha. There were a lot of children from different schools competing. Liam's speech was about graffiti and how it should be considered art, Zoe's was about technology making people lazy, while Anashae and Annabelle talked about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes. All the children represented our school with pride and performed very well with Annabelle coming second in the Year 7 category. Ka pai te mahi!

A number of ākonga have made an amazing effort with their 'Six Week Homework Challenge' this term and have earned a 'Homework Free Week Coupon' to submit in place of completing homework in week 9 or week 10 (their choice). We are busy putting a ‘Celebrating Homework Wall’ together whereby students will publish some of their amazing work for all to see!

This term there has been a focus on preparing and delivering a speech. Parents, caregivers, relatives and the wider community are warmly invited to come and watch each junior class present their speeches. These will be held in the school hall.

Room 1 - 11.20am - 12.20pm, Room 2 - 10am - 11am, Room 3 - 9am - 10am and Room 19 - 2pm - 3pm.

The Home and School AGM is set for Wednesday 28th September at 7pm in the school staff room. Anyone and everyone are welcome. Spot prizes for the night and delicious cheesecake!

TCAS Netball teams are fundraising for balls, nets and equipment for next years season. For the last two Wednesdays of term, and the first two Wednesdays of term 4, sausage and bread will be available as well as home baking. Students to bring money on the day. Prices : $2 Sausage Sizzle and $1 Baking.

Block Swimming Lessons are back! Run by JC swim school from 5th - 9th October 2022. You can opt for 1 lesson a day or 2 lessons a day. Total for 5 lessons is $92, and $180 for 10 lessons. Your child will be in grouped according to ability, with small teacher to swimmer ratios. Please email Fiona, fiona.m.wilkinson@gmail.com to secure your spot.

Kākā Point Surf Life Saving Club Come and have a go! Pool trainings are currently happening at the Balclutha pool from 6pm - 7pm. The club is offering a service to transport interested people from Owaka to Balclutha and return in the club van. This is a trial service and is free for those wanting to come check it out. Anyone from the ages of 7 and up are welcome to join, but it is preferable to be able to swim 200m without stopping in around 7 minutes. Those 14 years and older will have an opportunity to sit their Lifeguard award. This would be a valuable skill and attribute to add to any course or job application. Any questions, please see email fionaw@catlins.school.nz.

The story tells of how Amy's parents decide to sail a yacht back to NZ from Vanuatu, so Amy has to stay with family in Gisborne. Then she hears about the deadly cyclone hitting the Pacific - her world and that of all those around her - is about to change in a big way.

Just a reminder that parents and pre-schoolers are welcome to be a part of our library which has a HUGE variety of books. All you need to do is either contact our school office or email Mrs McPhee at library@catlins.school.nz.

With the closing of voting for The Catlins Area School Board Representatives (opting in for Staggered Elections) the new board has now taken office as of 14th September 2022.

The following are duly elected on an 18 Month Term: Angela Osborne and Simon Walker. The following are duly elected on an 3 Year Term: Phil Bradfield, Hamish McDougall and Kerri Nakajima. Staff Representative: Tim Samson Student Representative: Yui Nakajima.

The Holiday Programme is three days of fun activities and games to keep children physically active and entertained. For ages 5 - 12, for 3 days, Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th October. For session times, costs and registrations check out the Cross Recreation Centre website. Registrations close Saturday 30th September 2022. For more information contact Bryony 027 368 0320 or email info@crossrecreationcentre.co.nz.