Te iwi tahi tatou - We are one family.
Tēnā koutou, Konnichiwa, As-salāmu 'alaykum, Hola,
Dear Parents & Whānau
It's been a great couple of weeks at school, with many events in and outside of the classroom.
We were fortunate to get the school cross country in the other day between rain days, and what a great event it was. Thanks to all whānau who came along to support the runners! We are really proud of all our students who participated and gave it their all. See some great photos below or on our Facebook page. Congratulations also to the students who went on to run in the WRISSA Interzone competition this week. You did SWIS proud!
On Thursday we held our Student-Led Conferences, and it was great to catch up with so many of our families, and for our students to have the opportunity to share with you what they're doing in class at the moment. We had 335 bookings for the night, so everyone was kept busy! These sessions are a great opportunity for our students to hone their presentation skills, while also giving you an insight into their learning. We had a couple of teachers away so I stepped into one room to help things run smoothly, while Miss Barry stepped into Room 4.
Then on Friday, it was wonderful to finally hold our school pōwhiri to welcome all our new staff, students, and their families to our school community. As the proceedings took place I was reflecting on the Maya Angelou quote, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." which has been a focus of our professional development last week. The pōwhiri leaders, including myself, have been really pushed to do better this week and I am proud of the progress we are making.
Finally, thanks to all our students who supported Pink Shirt Day! This anti-bullying initiative has really helped to promote a school environment where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. You can see more about it here. This is an important topic and one that is being focused upon in our Health curriculum. Students are being asked the question: "Will you be a bystander or an upstander?" and we unpack the meaning of what a bully is (and isn't). We also investigate diversity, online behaviours and how to recognise bullying (while taking action to prevent it).
Ngā mihi
Toby Stokes
Principal
Don't forget to check out the school's Facebook Page which has the latest updates about what is going on at school.
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COVID Update & Reminders
As you can imagine, we are always tracking the number of absences at school due to COVID and using this data to make informed decisions about the Health and Safety needs of our community here at SWIS. You will see in the above graph (click here for a large version) that we had a significant number of students away last term and that this has tracked down to the single-digit numbers we are seeing today.
What is also key to see is the number of "sick" students away. This is important to note because it reflects the efforts parents and caregivers are making to keep children away from school if they are unwell. This helps to ensure everyone is safe.
Please continue to let me, Toby Stokes (principal@swis.school.nz or 022 536 8035) and your child's teacher know if there is a positive case within your household or if your child is confirmed positive, including if they become positive after a period of isolation.
Rapid antigen test (RATs) available: If you or a family member need RATs then please let our office know. We have a supply here at school that can be used by our community. Just email office@swis.school.nz and request them. They can go home with students (we can make sure they get into their bags) you can collect them (socially distanced if needed) OR we can organise for them to be dropped off at your home.
Additional info
Self-isolation advice
Extra support if you are self-isolating or have COVID
Book your Vaccine
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Upcoming Dates - Term 1, 2022
23 May - School photos
25 May - Tough Guys & Gals Mud Run Event, Wainuiomata
6 June - Queen's Birthday Public Holiday - no school
7 June - Teacher Only Day - no school
8 June - Y8 girls - St Catherine's open day
10 June - Y8 boys - Rongotai Experience
13 June - Board of Trustees meeting in the Staff room, all welcome
24 June - Matariki Public Holiday - no school
School holidays are Saturday 9 July - Sunday 24 July inclusive
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Staffing Changes:
I am sad to say that Todd Hopkins will be leaving us on June 1st. Todd has been at SWIS since the beginning of 2021 and is currently primarily focused on teaching our Literacy and Numeracy support programme. We will miss Todd a lot and wish him well as he moves away from teaching to focus on a new career.
We have found a replacement teacher and we welcome Nicola Clissold to the team.
Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Nicola ahau
I have discovered I’m the fourth and final person in our immediate family to attend SWIS – ranging from 50 – 8 years ago! I have taught across years 1 – 8 both in NZ and the UK, worked for the MOE, run an education website and for the past five years (and continuing) written teacher support material for the MOE Literacy Series. At SWIS, I will work part-time providing support for literacy and numeracy across the school as well as some kaiako release. I have a particular love for literacy and have been told I’ve inspired many tamariki to become writers too. When I get spare time, I love designing and sewing clothes for family, friends and myself.
Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
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School Noticeboard
School Photos - Monday 23 May
Please ensure your child is in full and correct school uniform that day. Your child has an envelope with information about packs you can purchase of their photos, if you want them. Envelopes need to be returned to school, even if you have paid online for the photo bundles. If you are paying cash, please make sure it is the exact amount, as we can't provide change.
Queen's Birthday & Teacher Only Day, 6/7 June
Just a reminder that there is no school on 6 & 7 June.
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SWIS at WRISSA Cross Country 2022
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CodeCamp
CodeCamp allows kids from the ages of 7-12 to develop 21st century skills in a fun and action packed environment. Develop confidence & initiative through design, creativity, solving problems, presenting & collaboration. Create games, apps.
Wednesdays, 3pm till 4:30pm
From the 11th May - 29th June
Book Now at https://codecamp.co.nz
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PRIDE LANDS FUN HOLIDAY ADVENTURES
WINTER HOLIDAYS AT SOUTHERN SUBURBS SWIS
Dates: 11 – 22 JULY 2022 from 7.00am-6pm daily
Fees: Daily $81.04/cub per session
Weekly: $324.16 per cub/week
Social Development: Interactive Activities and NO TV or Video Games, cooking, Fitness, and Life Skills Programme creating healthy Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Teas
Qualified 1st Aid Trained Activities Coordinators and Youth Mentors
One-on-One Care: Available for cub(s) if extra support is needed at $11/hr
MSD Approved & WINZ subsidies are available for eligible families.
SHUTTLE SERVICES (with booster seats) AVAILABLE
Please contact us: 0800 PRIDE 4 U Or Register online: www.pridelands.co.nz or Visit our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/PrideLandsChildcare
PRIDE IN ACTION (1-on-1 Home support) Mentors are also available if needed at $33/hour
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St Catherine's College Open Day/Night - 8 June
There are two times for families to choose from and you will need to book online for either session.
Sessions: 2pm & 6pm
Book here: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/293ps
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Wellington Harriers
Its cross country running season and if your children enjoy running come and give it a go. We offer club races, interclub competitions and fun, friendly training groups. Our club days are Saturday afternoons we meet at the Wellington Harrier Clubrooms on Alexandra Road Mount Victoria just before 2 pm. We also have midweek training groups.
For more information please contact Julie Richards
juliemaerdy@yahoo.co.uk
0212959026
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WELLINGTON SCHOOLS CYCLING WINTER ACTIVITIES
The Wellington Schools Cycling winter programme has kicked off and is welcoming new riders with weekly bunch rides, spin classes and individual or team race events. Bikes and equipment are available to borrow or hire!
Winter Spin Class
Run on Tuesdays 5.30-6.30pm at the PNP shed in Hataitai Park over winter. Any rider from 10yrs old upwards who’re keen to keep fit over the winter. Bikes available to use if you can’t bring your own. Limited spots, contact Gary Gibson at getgazza1@gmail.com for info and to book a slot.
Sunday Bunch Rides
These start at 8am from the near the wind-wand, Evans Bay Marina and are perfect for new riders, and parents are welcome to join. Bikes are available for hire for the season. Advice, tips and help is provided from a Cycling New Zealand accredited coach. This is the 15th year these rides have operated and have an excellent safety record. More info from Gary Gibson at getgazza1@gmail.com.
Upcoming Wellington Schools Cycling races:
29 May Team or Individual Time Trial, Wainuiomata.
26 June Team or Individual Time Trial, Wainuiomata.
7 August Individual Time Trial, Wainuiomata Hill Climb. Gracefield.
11 September Team or Individual Time Trial, Wainuiomata.
Gary Gibson
Youth Coach CyclingNZ Schools Wellington
Cell: 021 173 4406
https://www.pnp.org.nz/schools-cycling
Nick Warren
+64 (0)21 0299 0632
bicwarren@gmail.com
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WELLINGTON JUDO
Tuesday and Thursday - 5.15-6.30pm
Saturday - 12.00 - 1.30pm
Judo is an exciting and challenging martial art which enjoys global popularity. Rolling, falling, throwing and grappling skills are taught in a safe, structured environment by experienced coaches.
Wellington Judo Academy is located at City Dojo, 132 Hutt Road, Kaiwharawhara. Our junior programme is ideal for kids 6—13 years old. Judo helps kids to build fitness, confidence, respect and resilience.
We have kids who travel from locations as far apart as Island Bay and Levin.
Hukutsu no Seishin—Never, ever give up.
Email us at info@wellingtonjudo.org.nz
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Rock Academy
Holiday Programmes
The Rock Academy will again be running our usual school holiday programmes these coming April 2022 holidays, therefore we would muchly appreciate if you could put a notice in your newsletter and on your Facebook page.
Free Music Lesson Voucher
As a way of showing our appreciation for including the Rock Academy in your newsletters and your Facebook page, we would like to offer your school three (3) free music lesson vouchers for up and coming fundraising events or silent auctions. Please let me know if you would like to receive the vouchers offered so I can arrange vouchers with your school name on each voucher.
Music Holiday Programmes
Are you looking for a holiday programme that is suited to creative and musical children? Busking trips to build their confidence, songwriting sessions to unlock their creativity and lots of fun activities. Perfect for singers, guitarists and keyboard players. Beginners to advanced. Contact us today! geoff@therockacademy.co.nz or 021 565 750.
July 2022:
From Monday 11th of July to Thursday the 14th of July. 8:45 am until 3:30 pm.
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Subway on Mondays & Tuesdays
Pita Pit on Wednesdays & Fridays
O'Sushi on Thursdays
See the full menu here.
Order your lunch or register for KINDO here
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