Kia ora parents, caregivers and friends of the school,
What an amazing summer we are having. Glinks Gully was again beautiful this year, but Terry was disappointed with the fishing. He would like a more powerful fishing torpedo, but I think it would be cheaper to buy fish! We did have a wonderful family time.
All the staff have returned rested and two of the teachers have come back married, having had perfect weddings. Jodi Hackett is now Mrs Sparks and Isla Noakes will keep her name.
Welcome to the new families who have joined our school community this week and welcome to the new teachers who have joined the Western Heights staff. Amy Jackson is in CS19, Jenna Bushett is in CS1 and Sarah Daroux CS6. We have been lucky to have received extra staffing for 2009 so we can release some teachers to support staff and children. Adele Nummy will be the support teacher in the junior school and the Deputy Principal, Jo-Ann Yukich is on release from classroom duties in the senior school.
The school newsletters are produced fortnightly and come home on a Thursday. Look in the school bag for them as this is our main publication for school information. The newsletter and other interesting information can also be found on the school website. www.westernheights.school.nz
Reminders
Children must wear sun hats when outside during this term and teachers have sun block in their rooms.We are a water only school so children are encouraged to have water in their drink bottles.The school swimming pool is open and children will have lessons several times a week. We don’t expect to produce Olympic swimmers as our pool is small, so I do suggest you have your children at after school swimming classes at a local swim school.Please name all clothes as we end up each term with a large bin of unclaimed clothing.Bikes: Children who ride their bikes to school will need wheel locks as the bikes are stored in the rack behind CS22.
School Traditions
Research shows that school traditions are a good thing to have and maintain. On talking about our traditions here at school the first one that comes to mind are the summer picnics.The junior and middle school picnic is on Friday 13 March at Long Bay. It is always a very successful day attended by family and friends of the students.The senior school have their ‘Big Day Out’ at Cornwallis on Friday 27 February.More details will be in the syndicate newsletters.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
These will be held on Thursday 26 February from 1.30p.m. School will close for instruction at 12.30p.m. Interview forms go out today. Please return by Wednesday 18 February and put all children in the family on one sheet. After school care is available for the afternoon. Please arrange with Liz on 836 0553 or 027 603 5046.
Board of Trustees
The next BOT meeting is Wednesday 11 February at 7.30p.m.
Scholastic Book Club
Brochures go out today. Orders are to be in by Friday 20 February. Cheques to be made out to Scholastic N.Z. Ltd.
School Donations
Forms for school donations go out today. Please pay at the office with cash or cheque.
Dates to Note
Frid. 6 Feb.: Waitangi Day. School closed.
Frid. 27 Feb.: Senior School to Cornwallis
Thurs. 5 March: Maths evening for parents of juniors
Frid. 13 March: Middle/Junior School to Long BayMon.
30 March: Senior’s Spelling Bee
Frid. 3 April: Senior Disco
Thurs. 9 April: Term 1 finishes.
Frid. 10 April: Good Friday
Pool Keys
Pool keys are available for hire. The cost is $50 with $10 refunded at the end of the term, when the key is returned. Keys are for your family only and not to be shared. A contract needs to be signed by a parent.
Stationery
The stationery shop will be open until Friday 13 February every day, from 8.30a.m. - 3.30p.m. excluding morning tea and lunch times. The shop is in the ESOL room below the senior block at the end of the school.
World Vision Collection
The school sponsors three children, Anthony, Sona and Keysin, through World Vision. We encourage our pupils to bring a coin donation on Fridays.
School Banking - National Bank and ASB Bank
The National Bank will continue to do school banking in the school hall from 8.30a.m. - 8.55a.m. on Wednesdays from next week. The ASB Bank is starting school banking also. Kashin is situated in the hallway near Mrs Hewetson’s office and children may put their banking in the slot on Thursday morning. Information was given out last year, but we do have application packs available at the office.
Reading Support - “Book Club
Over the years we have been lucky to have parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends of the school volunteer to give their time for one and a half hours one day a week to listen to children read. This has led to: increased confidence and fluency improved relationships and social skills. a “lift” in children’s reading levels.(Book Club not only benefits our children but is also very rewarding for you!)PLEASE contact Pat Hutton 836 1213 to offer your support.NB: A training session will be given and there will be on-going support.
Piano Tuition
Larrissa Kuznetsova-Mc Pherson is resuming piano classes with her existing students. Larissa is a highly qualified registered piano teacher, Master of Music, AIRMT NZ ,with over 20 years experience. Some additional spaces are available for new enrolments this year. Contact Larissa on 8383855 or 0211139813
Soccer Registrations
Oratia United Soccer registration will be held at Oratia Clubrooms at Parrs Park, Glen Eden on:
Wednesday 11 February, 6p.m. to 8p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 February, 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Go to www.oratiaunited.co.nz for more details.
Ranui Swanson Football Club registration dates
10 February at Stirling Sports, Westgate, 5p.m. - 7.30p.m.
13 February at Starling Park, Glen Rd, Ranui, 6p.m. -8p.m.
15 February at Starling Park, Glen Rd, Ranui, 9a.m. - 1p.m.for further info contact: Tracy Smith 412 9410
DON’T FORGET WORLD VISION COLLECTION
AND
SAUSAGE SIZZLE STARTS NEXT FRIDAY
