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Kia ora koutou,
Regular Student Attendance is a key strategy for ensuring success at school. The Ministry of Education considers regular attendance to be 90% or higher; however, their analysis shows that every day has a cumulative impact on a child’s learning, and there is no ‘safe’ level of non-attendance. Only a small number of absences (about 1.5 days per term) is related to no change in expected achievement, and every additional absence is associated with lower achievement. The MOE regularly analyzes student attendance data across the region; their recent analysis shows that the percentage of Queenstown Primary School students attending school regularly was lower than in comparison schools (region, decile and type). We know that it has been difficult as families have been required to isolate, and it is best to stay home if unwell. However, we are concerned that our students' attendance rates do not drop further. It is important to pay careful attention to your child’s attendance and ensure that their weekends and holidays are used for rest and recuperation, so they are ready for learning Monday - Friday.
Across the school, classrooms have been a buzz with engaged students as teachers provide instruction. The Snowsports programme is well underway, with many Year 3 and 4’s participating; our Yr 5 and 6 students are excited for their turn next week. Yr 7 and 8 follow them. Dr Kathryn Smith spoke to a number of the girls, parents and caregivers delivering Puberty Talks earlier this week, and many teams engaged with their current PBLs.
This week has marked a significant period in history with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II as the longest-serving monarch and the reign of King Charles III.
Queen Elizabeth II's tenure as Head of State spanned post-war austerity, the transition from Empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK's entry into - and withdrawal from - the European Union. Her reign spanned 15 Prime Ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Ms Truss, born 101 years later in 1975.
Her commitment to the Commonwealth was a constant; she was a remarkable woman that devoted her life to service. She served throughout an incredible period of history. Queen Elizabeth's funeral is to be held on Monday, September 19. New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday and state memorial service to mark the death of the Queen, this will be held on Monday 26 September.
With the refreshing of the New Zealand schools' curriculum, we have much to reflect upon, especially in relation to Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories and Te Takanga o Te Wā. From 2023, Te Takanga o Te Wā and Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories will be part of all Kura and schools’ marau ā-kura and local curriculum.
e Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week was a significant event this year. From schools to workplaces to whānau and friends. Thousands of New Zealanders stopped to share in a moment of unity for our people and the language. With Waiata heard around our school, te reo echoed across learning environments, tamariki engaged in the learning of language, culture and historical events. This year marked the 50th anniversary of Petihana Reo Māori. The Māori Language Petition presentation to Parliament on 14 September 1972, with over 30,000 signatures, kick started significant shifts in the revival of te reo Māori as a living language in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Since this moment 50 years ago, Te Petihana has and continues to inspire the Maōri language movement. With New Zealand's three official languages, I challenge you to integrate te reo Māori within your day. It could be as easy as greeting everyone you see with 'Kia ora'. You may be interested in this resource to help you learn beside your tamariki or mokopuna.
A Māori word a day
“History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.”
"A generation which ignores history has no past and no future."
Have a fabulous weekend.
Kia pai tō mutunga wiki
Nāku noa, nā Justine Lock Deputy Principal
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