4 March 2022
Kia ora Koutou
Life at Otaika Valley School
Life at school with children learning and playing continues to be a real buzz. From 8:20am when the bell rings for children to go to classes the school comes alive with noise, laughter and action. This year has seen many children bringing scooters, skateboards, bikes and even pogo sticks. It is such a pleasure to see the children enjoying each other’s company, making up a range of new games and learning to be a well functioning community.
A few weeks ago I had to give my principal speech at assembly to remind them about using their RURU values, when engaging in ever increasing speed and challenge down the concrete path past the library. We discussed being aware of others, skateboards without brakes, managing risk for selves and being respectful of other children’s rights for safety. This is all good learning. At one stage we had 5 to 6 skate-boards, a number of scooters and bike riders all leaving the top gate in a mass of wheels, limbs and bodies and ages. It was not always ending well. Some have been slow to learn about their speed and the amount of skin removed each crash. Again this is a good lesson for the children about managing risk and assessing skill level.
Well-being
The staff are very aware that our 5 weeks of school have been a blessing and that it is so apparent to us that children need school. As a group we decided that camps under the present situation were not feasible and that we would focus on other options. We had hoped to run an Education Outside the Classroom week this term, but have reflected that this would be better at the end of the year with hopefully more certainty to plan exciting day trips and fun activities.
In the meantime, we are planning to have more regular fun days for children’s well-being and ourselves as staff.
Next Thursday we have planned a Thursday Thrill Day at school – this will be a rotation of 6 activities after morning tea. Each class will rotate the planned activities. I will be on the sausage sizzle for an added bite to eat.
No meet the teacher BBQ / interview Term 1
Kia ora parents and caregivers of Otaika Valley School (from the staff),
Due to our current situation with omicron, we will not be running the normal beginning of the year meet the teacher meetings or BBQ. As a staff we are disappointed, as we find this time invaluable and enjoy meeting with parents and learning more about the children in our classes.
With this in mind, our main lines of communication will be through email or Seesaw. Please ensure you have your own login and keep up to date with our class Seesaw to see learning in action. Once again this year, Seesaw will be where we will share assessment information and snippets from classroom life.
We look forward to a time when we will be able to come together as a community and celebrate your children and our school.
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