Term 2 – Week 7
Kia ora koutou
Contents
- Abandonment of Otaika Valley School enrolment scheme
- Change of advertised ‘Teacher Only Day’ – date for your diary – no school
- Board property update
- PTA meeting – 1st event school disco
- Sandpit helpers
- Advert for caregiver
Abandonment of Otaika Valley School enrolment scheme
The Ministry of Education and our board of trustees have conducted a review of the enrolment scheme as required by Clause 15 of Schedule 20 of the Education Act 2020 (the Act), and have decided to abandon the scheme at Otaika Valley School, due to no longer continuing to need an enrolment scheme to avoid overcrowding. If in the future the school roll increases to the point where the school is again at risk of overcrowding, we will look at re-implementing a scheme. The effective the 16th June 2021.
What this means for our existing families is that you need to let us know (at least 6 months ahead) if you have a new entrant starting with us.
Change of advertised ‘Teacher Only Day’ – date for your diary – no school
I previously advertised the last of our teacher only days for the year would be on the 23 August 2021. This date has been pushed back to the 1st October 2021 making the last day of Term 3 Thursday 30th September. We apologise for any inconvenience this date change causes parents. Teacher only day (accord 6) is required for our 3 year strategic planning review with staff. This is a very important piece of work as we are planning and preparing to consult with our school community on the vision/values and strategic goals for the next 3 years. Please note that this may allow some families who intend travelling south on holiday to get through Auckland a day before the mad rush.
Board property update
Major school property works using money we get every five years…
- Canopies outside R1,2,6&7 completed
- Electrical project upgrade to LED lighting various rooms – due to start next term holiday
- Toilet block between R6 & 7 (Portacom with decking 1x pan girls/1x pan, 1x urinal boys) – signed and approved awaiting start date
- Carpet & Autex (soft colourful stuff on the walls) through rooms not currently done. R6 may get done if there is any money in contingency left over.
- R3 & 4 refurbishment, hall way used as learning space upgrade / toilet modifications special needs – signed for procurement awaiting process
A lot of forms and processes have been completed so we should start seeing much more building work around the school to upgrade buildings and spaces.
Playground project
- successful final design consultation with a group of interest parents who had valuable input into the playground options
- we are now awaiting final cad drawings from the playground company;
- then the grant application process will start
- fingers crossed our playground will be upgraded this year
- donated hardwood logs will be moved on sight for low level climbing (nature playground) – date pending
PTA meeting – 1st event school disco
We had a recent meeting with existing PTA members and a few new faces. Thank you to those who turned up. It was decided the first PTA event would be a school disco. We have a very kind offer from parents of our school who own Flaming Fires Ltd to cook dinner for sale on the night. This would be a great food and social event, a school fun time and social gathering. At this stage the date is set for the 26th August next term.
With some of the existing members of the group are stepping back, this means we urgently require a chairperson, secretary and treasurer to be elected. If we do not get these PTA roles filled they cannot spend the exisiting money on children of this school, or run events like the disco and Ag & Flower Show (with yummy food and raffles) or any other fundraising events involving money. Once we have these roles filled the PTA can action ordering glow sticks, sourcing sound systems and lighting. With the offer from Flaming Fires to purchase and prepare the food a large amount of work has been reduced. We really need more volunteers or the children will miss out.
Please email Terry at principal@otaika.school.nz or ring me for a no-obligation discussion about being on our much need PTA.
Sandpit helpers
Handy-person helpers wanted!
I had intended installing new hardwood sleepers around the sandpit myself with the help of Robyn. Unfortunately my back injury is playing up and I cannot do this. If you are able to install the wood for us please make contact with Terry or Robyn. Once we have helpers organised we will purchase the materials and sand.
Advert for a caregiver
Caregiver required for teenage girl (who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy), after school 2 or 3 days a week (3pm to 6pm), and by arrangement in the holidays. Must have own transport. Location Otaika Valley Rd. Full training provided. Hourly rate approx. $23.00 per hour.
Phone or message Karen on 021 433 322.
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