Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the schoolIn my job as principal, I do attend many meetings so that the school is informed and is part of the wider education community.Last week as an Auckland Primary Principals Council member, I attended a meeting with the Education Minister, Steve Maharey. The main issues were school security, new policies and special education.From next year, the new ratio of staffing for our 1st year pupils will be one to fifteen, as at present it is one to 25+. He announced that he has been able to get classrooms with the new formula, which is fantastic and was not expected. He always impresses me with his working knowledge of what is going on in schools and seems to be able to make informed decisions within the monetary constraints.Lynne Pillay called into school this week to congratulate us on gaining an Extending High Standards Contract with St Dominics and three other Henderson schools, the e-West Cluster. There were only 20 of these contracts given out in New Zealand this year and we gain about $20,000 for each school a year for the next five years. This money is for teachers professional development.Lynne was also excited to see that we had received modernization funding of $817,000. I do keep her informed of the areas’ growth and trends.
Current Issue
School Gate Chaos: Until recently, we have had a pretty well ordered safe drop off and pick up of children before and after school. Over the last two weeks, it has become quite chaotic and dangerous. The ‘drop off’ area at the Kindergarten end of the drive through is for just that - dropping off children and then driving away. No cars should be left in those yellow lined spaces.When the traffic builds up, the whole of Sturges Road becomes gridlocked and drivers tend to take risks that could cause accidents.Constable Stace and the traffic department of the Waitakere City Council have been informed and are prepared to take action.
Suggestions: Thank you to those parents who park down and across the road from the school as this is a huge help. If your children are in the middle and senior areas you can come at about 3.10pm when the ‘rush is over.
Board of Trustees
The Board had their first meeting last Wednesday evening. The old BOT members were farewelled and the new ones welcomed. This board will be the governance body for the next three years.
Westfield Shop For Your School: 21 May - 1 July
Our school has registered for this promotion again this year. We have come in the top 10 for the past 2 years and have won some wonderful computers, printers and cameras. This year there are even more prizes for schools to win - computers, photographic equipment, sports gear and books. Please get down to Westfield Westcity and register early, before 21 May, or register on line at www.westfield.com/sfysnz. Your early registration earns us 500 points.
Dates to Note
11 May: Cross country for middle/senior school at 1.30p.m.
15 May: Henderson Cluster Cross country at Oratia school where we will have a team competing.
17 May: School Council attending Young Leaders Conf.
18 May: Union Meeting: The staff are attending a paid union meeting. School will be closed from 12.30.p.m.
22 May: CS19 at Arataki. (please note change of date)
23 May: CS18 at Arataki. (please note change of date)
24 May: CS20 & 21 at Maritime Museum
4 June: Queens Birthday. School Closed
21 June: Parent/Teacher Conferences. School closes 12.30p.m
Please note: there will be NO sausage sizzle on Friday 18 May, due to school closing at 12.30p.m.
Principal’s Awards
Renee Barrell Craig Hallett Campbell LeslieJessie Ye Michael Blayney Ji Hyun KimJessie Hart Tahnee Wong Eva EnelikoMarieta Pelenato Mitchell Fox Sagrika KumarRebecca New Nathaniel Schuster Brooke RobinsonSaan Binns Dan-Yel James Jackson McGrathAshleigh Robotham James Bird Peter KreutzMadeline Robinson Holly Ye Victor ZhangAlevandre Talopau Matthew Robertson Joshua WorsleyCourtney Voitrekovsky Parham Kanani-KhasroshahiMarissa Oliver-Holton Yashwanth NarendranMadason Leaga Sakey Jaydon Van Der HornLutricia Fecova Jaydin Boston-Chapman
All principal’s awards received a United Video Award.
Entertainment Books available from office - $60 each
Netball
The weekly draw will always be available from CS14 and displayed in the window also. A huge thank you to Donald AhLo who has spent time repairing our goal posts. We really appreciate his help.
Henderson Intermediate Singapore Trip 2008
Any student attending the school in 2008 is eligible to attend this trip which is being proposed, probably for July. For previous trips, the approximate cost has been around $2,500. A meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 May at 7p.m. to form a fundraising group, in the Henderson Intermediate School staffroom. Any queries ring their office.
Jazz/Cheerleading: Sturges West Community House
Starts Tuesday 8 May from 3.30p.m. - 4.15p.m. for 7 - 14 year olds. $64 for eight weeks. Phone Kim on 834 0543.
Henderson Heights House for Rent
3 bedroom, 2 living areas, single internal garage. DVS system, dishwasher, fully fenced. Small animals okay. $380 per week. Contact Fiona Nelson on 021 178 9875
SAUSAGE SIZZLE FRIDAY
Don’t ForgetAnthony, Sona and Keysin World Vision Collection
