Friday 13 November 2015  – Term 4 - Week 5

Value Focus for next two weeks:  Quality and Respect

From The Principal

Kia ora tatou katoa, Annyong Haseyo, Talofa, Malo e lelei, Bula vi naka, Kia orana Nga mihi nui ki a koutou, Namaste, Nihao, Greetings to you all.  

The weeks are lurching towards the end of the year and Christmas will be here before we know it.

The teachers have organised lots of exciting things for the children to participate in.  This week the Year 6 students have been to CAMP Merc at Long Bay on the North Shore. The weather was kind, the food was delicious (Mrs Houghton was the chef) and a great time was had by all.  Just to remind the parents/whanau of this year’s Year 5 students, (next year’s Year 6 students),  your children will be going at the end of next year to the same place. The cost is usually around $200.00 and you are welcome to start making payments from week 1 next term.

The Inquiry Showcase was outstanding again, so many different ideas around learning about Well Being. Thanks to all those parents, families, whanau that got to see it. I am sure you were impressed with the quality and variety of ideas, as I was.

There are numerous trips happening over the next few weeks to support the curriculum learning, please ensure that you sign and return the permission slips ASAP as it is difficult to contact those who have not done so and it is a shame if your children miss out. Thanks to those of you who offer your help, it is much appreciated.

The teachers are busy compiling next year's classes and we are also busy recruiting new staff where necessary. Your children will all know who their teacher/s will be for 2016 and visit the classroom and meet the them, on the last day of school, Tuesday December 15 at 1.00 pm.

Please advise the office if your child/ren will not be returning or are going away overseas and will be late returning. A letter or an email to the office will be appreciated.

School starts again for the students on Tuesday 2 February 2016 at 8.50 am.

Have a lovely weekend,

Trish Plowright

Principal

Looking Ahead

UPGRADES TO THE LOCAL WASTEWATER NETWORK- In early-November, Watercare will commence upgrades to the local wastewater network between Larne Avenue and Gossamer Drive Pump Station, located next to the school field.  These important upgrades will see a new section of wastewater pipe installed resulting in increased network capacity allowing for localised growth.

Most of the works will be within Larne Avenue, although there will be increased vehicle movement and some excavations by the pump station. Although every care is taken by the contractor to ensure safety for pedestrians we ask that you take extra care around the construction areas.

Traffic layout changes will be in place in Larne Avenue, with periodic changes in Gossamer Drive within school hours.

These works are expected to be completed by late-December.

PAKURANGA INTERMEDIATE - A reminder to all parents who have children who will attend Pakuranga Intermediate next year, you do need to fill in an enrolment form.  Enrolment is not automatic.  These forms should have been returned already. Please call the school office if you need further information.

STUDENTS CONTACT DETAILS - It is very important for the safety of your child, that our student contact details are correct.  In cases of emergency it is very upsetting for a student when we are unable to contact a parent either at home, work or via mobile phone.  If you have moved or changed your work or mobile number, please phone the office or drop by and fill in an ‘Updated Contact Details Form’ (alternatively email your change of details to the school office including your child’s name and room number).  If you are unsure whether or not you have updated you details, please feel free to phone the school office and we will check for you.

CLASSES FOR 2016 – We are beginning to form classes for 2016.  Please note that no staffing is confirmed and it is not possible to request a specific teacher for any year level.  If you have information you would like us to consider when placing your child in a class please send an email or letter to the school office ASAP.

Can you please notify us in writing if your child is not returning to Elm Park School in 2016.

This Week In Review

CAMP 2015

FRIDAY ASSEMBLY - We were very lucky to have a visit today from Parkeko the Pukeko!

DIGITAL LEARNING @ EPS - All students are given a Google account login upon enrolling at Elm Park School and this gives students access to Google Drive, email, blogs and sites.  Unless the school is advised otherwise in writing, all students enrolled at Elm Park School will regularly upload their work to their e-Portfolio blog and other sites that are viewable to the public.  This may also include their first name and image.  This is common practice across many New Zealand schools and aligns with Ministry of Education guidelines.  Our school uses Network for Learning filtering provided by the Ministry of Education and our teachers closely monitor student use of Google accounts with Hapara Teacher Dashboard.  If there are any serious issues with student use of their Google account or a device we will inform parents immediately.  

 Award Winners

POSITIVE SOCIAL INTERACTION

Congratulations to the following students who were selected and acknowledged this week for their responsible, friendly behaviour.

Personal Presentation Winners - The following students were voted as the overall week’s winner in their year level for the most neatly presented in their uniform.

0

Community Notices

Focus on Children

Room 4 made a tornado in a bottle. We really enjoyed reading our big book 'The Four Seasons'. It was all about different types of weather we have around the world. We have had lots of fun watching our tornado swirl and twirl around. Check out some of our stories and pictures.