Kia ora parents, caregivers and friends of the school,
Seasons Greetings and welcome back to school after the long beautiful summer break. I was up north and could not believe the amazing weather we had.We have a number of new families to welcome, in fact our roll has grown more than we anticipated.
The staff can now use the new staffroom, although there are still a number of final things to finish off, which includes the administration garden area. I am calling it a ‘promise’, as I know that it promises to be a lovely feature of the building in the near future. We will be celebrating when fish take up residence in the pond.
Term 1 is quite short as Easter falls at the beginning of April. There are some important dates to be noted on your calendar including the middle and junior school picnic, Beach Education for the senior school and parent teacher meetings.
Each syndicate will be sending home newsletters with all the above details and these will be available on our website www.westernheights.school.nz.
School Enviro Garden
Due to the fact that a number of people watered the garden during the holidays, our vegetables look fabulous. A good crop of tomatoes, large cucumbers and delicious sweetcorn are ready to be eaten by the pupils.
Dana Taylor will have photos on the website next week before harvesting.
Working Bee
We have never had a real Saturday working-bee here at school for the last ten years, but the time has come. Jo Yukich, Mina Andrew and I walked around the school today and decided we could do with some help from you all with our outdoor maintenance.
The bush area, garden and painted surfaces need some attention, so we are planning a family working-bee day on Saturday 27 February from 9.30a.m. to 12.30ish. We will have a sausage sizzle and cold drinks to finish the day. Children are welcome if accompanied by adults.Details are to be confirmed but do put this date on your calendar and if you are keen to help ring the office or send an email to jo-anny@westernheights.school.nz
Sun Safe
At Jump Jam today, I was almost the only one without a hat on so it was very pleasing to see children are in the habit of wearing their hats when outside.
Our school policy is the same as all other schools, where children and staff are required to wear hats during the heat of the day from Labour weekend to Easter. Sunblock will be available in the sick bay and all classrooms. I suggest that a spare hat be kept at school.
Stationery Sales
Stationery lists were given out yesterday. Sales of stationery will take place from 8.30a.m. - 12.30p.m. daily, from today until Thursday 11 February. There will be no afternoon sales. There is a security box for payments if you wish to drop the order off and stationery will be sent to your child’s class. This will help with the queues.
Dates to Note
Tues 16 Feb.: Wheels Day
Thurs. 18 Feb.: Parent/Teacher conferences.
Frid. 19 Feb.: Junior/Middle Big Day Out
Tues. 23 Feb.: Beach Education at Piha, Room 20 and 24
Wed. 24 Feb.: Beach Education at Piha, Room 21 and 25
Thurs. 25 Feb.: Beach Education at Piha, Room 22 and 23
Sat. 27 Feb.: Working-bee
Wed. 3 March: World Maths Day. Open day 9.30 - 10.30am
Thurs. 4 March: Interschool Swimming Sports - West Wave
Tues. 23 March: Interschool Softball field day
Monday 22 March: World Water Day
Frid. 26 March: Senior School Disco
Tues. 30 March: Senior Basic Facts Competition
Thursday 1 April: End of Term. School finishes at 3pm.
Friday 2 April: Good Friday
Monday 19 April: Term 2 starts
Scholastic Book Club
Brochures will go out today. Orders will close on Thursday 18 February. Please make cheques payable to Scholastic N.Z.
Plastic Bags Required
These are required for our stationery sales. Please leave at the school office. Thanks.
Piano Tuition
Larissa Kuznetsova-McPherson 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 and provides a stimulating friendly learning environment for her students. Some additional spaces are available for new enrolments this year. Further information contact Larissa on 838 3855 or 021 113 9813.
Tuition for Specific Learning Difficulties
Experiences and qualified teacher of specific learning difficulties offers tuition for developing skills in spelling, reading and written language problems. Students aged from primary to secondary school. Inquiries welcome. Please phone Katrina 837 8359.
Ranui Swanson Football Club Season Registration 2010
Kindy Kids for 3 and 4 years olds or join a team from 5 years old +. Registration form available from www.sportsground.co.nz/ranuiswanson or on the day at Starling Park., Glen Road, Ranui.
Sunday 14 February from 10a.m. – 2p.m.
Thursday 18 February from 6p.m. – 8p.m.
Tuesday 23 February from 6p.m. – 8p.m.
Sticky Red Bee Kids Art Club
Drawing, Painting, Clay and more. After school till 5p.m. at a venue near you. $90 courses. $20 casual if space. Afternoon tea provided. Contact Kym on 811 8882 or 021 152 5891 or email: stickyredbee@hotmail.com
Glenora Rugby League Club Registration Days
For Mini, Mod and Juniors (Ages 5-16) at the Club Rooms, 50A Glendale Road, Glen Eden on:
Friday 12 and 19 February: 5.30p.m. - 8.00p.m.
Sunday 28 February: 1.00p.m. - 3.00p.m.
Fees are $40 per child. $60 per family (playing members must be 16 years of age or under). Any questions, please contact Renata Hiskens on 021 029 93101 or after hours 832 0407.
Cross County Running
A great way to have fun and keep fit during the winter. Children aged 8 to 16 years old are welcome to come along and take part in fun runs, races, and relays. Registrations will be taken on Wednesday 24 March, 4 - 6p.m. at the Massey Athletic Club, Granville Drive, Massey. A FREE event, the 1km Challenge will be held on Saturday 27 March, 3p.m. at Moire Park. For more information phone Rachel 416-1922, e-mail coach_rachel@live.com or visit www.masseyathletics.org.nz.
Oratia United Soccer Registrations
Oratia Clubrooms, Parrs Park, Glen Eden
Fridays 12 & 19 February 4p.m. to 8p.m.
Saturday 13 February 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Or register online at www.oratiaunited.co.nz Contact: Ngaire Atherton 818 8486 or 027 4657 545.
West Bike Fest 2010 - Family Bike Event
This event will be held on Saturday 13 February at Corban Estate, on the field behind the art centre from 10a.m. to 12p.m., rain or shine! Supported by the Council, ARTA and the NZ Police and is a free event. Bring your bikes, helmets, a bottle of water, and wear some sunscreen! Take part in the activities and go in the draw to win some great prizes, including 5x $100 Bike Barn Vouchers! Ride to the event and go in an extra prize draw! For more information call 836 8000 x 8524.
Visique Optometrist - Free Sunglasses
Visique are offering free sunnies for five year olds and 20 bonus Fly Buys points for parents for bringing in a school age child (up to 18 years) for an eye test. The free sunnies voucher is available to download through www.visique.co.nz and can be redeemed at your local Visique store.
“KIDS TIME”
Most courses are for children from 5 - 13 years of age.
MONDAY: starts 8 February
Drama for 8 - 12 years, 3.30p.m. - 4.30p.m.
TUESDAY: starts 9 February
Cooking: 3.30p.m. - 4.30p.m.
Arts and Crafts: 3.30p.m. - 4.30p.m.
Gardening for Kids at Ranui Community Garden
WEDNESDAY: Starts 10 February
Sponsored by “Slow Food Waitakere”
THURSDAY: Starts 11 February
Ukulele. $30. Beginners 3.45p.m. - 4.15p.m.
Beginners- Stage 2, 4.15p.m. - 4.45p.m.
Intermediate 4.45p.m. - 5.15p.m.
Hip-Hop and Contemporary Dancing: 5-8 years 3.15p.m. - 4.00p.m.
8 years and upwards 4.00p.m. - 5.00p.m.
Community services card- $2 per class or $16 per term. No
community services card, $30 per term. You must book and pay early to secure your place as these classes are very popular. Further information contact Lippy Chalmers, Coordinator, Ranui Community House. Phone 833 6280 or email ranuicomctr@xtra.co.nz
Children’s Art Classes at Corban Estate
Matisse Colour Portraits, 7 - 14 years. Mondays
15 Minutes of Fame (printmaking), 8 - 14 years. Tuesdays
The Legends of Sailors (sketching & painting), 7 - 12 years. Wednesdays
A Cat with a Hat (clay), 5 - 10 years. Thursdays
Arty Dolls (doll making), 8 - 14 years. Thursdays
Under the Sea (watercolours), 6 - 12 years. Saturdays
PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
Thursday 18 February 2010
Dear Parents,
On Thursday 18 February we are offering you the opportunity to meet and talk with your child's teacher for 10 minutes.
Bookings this year will be done on-line and the site can be accessed as from today. Go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and enter the code EDHDL
Confirmation of times will be emailed directly to you. You can change or cancel your interview at any time by returning to the website. If you haven’t got access to a computer, you can ring me at the school office on 8361213 and I will book a time for you.
If you have more than one child, please book appointments at least 10 minutes apart, so you won’t have to rush from one class to another.
Times will be from 1.30p.m – 4.00p.m, 4.30p.m – 5.50p.m, 6.30p.m – 8.00p.m School will be closed at 12.30p.m. that day. Thanks
Margaret Gray —————————————————————————-
ATTENTION PARENTS
After school Tuition Free assessment by qualified teachers
Maths, English, Reading, Spelling, Dyslexia screening
Call Amanda or Shelly on 836 9061
www.kipmcgrath.co.nz
NO SAUSAGE SIZZLE TOMORROW
SAUSAGE SIZZLE WILL START ON FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY
DON’T FORGET WORLD VISION COLLECTION
