Kia ora OVS whanau and caregivers,
With a few warm days under our belt, we could almost be forgiven for thinking it’s summer. It has certainly been a productive and busy couple of weeks here at school with no sign of easing up as we head into our camp programmes. As a principal it is heartwarming to finally be able to get back to doing the ‘normal’ things that make our kiwi kids so special. A huge thank you to all the staff and parents who have put their hands up to contribute to these uniquely ‘NZ’ experiences.
OVS Junior Camp
Miss Keogh and Whāea Heidi would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped with the Junior Beach Day and Sleepover this week. Our parent / whānau helpers were pro-active, involved, positive and fun to have round! We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to help us. Seeing the Room 1 and 2 tamariki embrace this experience has shown us a whole different side to them. We saw them being independent and brave, stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new things, and developing strong bonds with their peers. As a team, we have created wonderful memories that our tamariki will never forget! Have a well deserved restful weekend. PS, the home baking was extraordinary!
Ngā mihi nui – Anna Keogh and Heidi Kappely
Teacher industrial action
You may be aware that teachers and principals have been in negotiations around their respective collective employment agreements for many months now. There are many things that make up the claims and yes some are to do with pay, but most are around our ability to do our jobs to the best of our ability, and to be supported to do the very best for the children in our care.
Being a teacher has become a more complex and challenging job over the years and in particular over the last decade or so when the requirements and expectations placed on teachers have grown whilst the support for teachers and schools has at best stayed stagnant, and in many cases been reduced.
A classic example is the support provided for children with special learning or behavioural needs which has largely dried up causing more challenges for teachers, their attention to be diverted from the many to the few, and additional stresses and workload. Additionally, it is clearly time for the government to address the inequity that sees primary schools resourced, on average, 20% less than their secondary school counterparts. This is particularly disappointing given that this issue was clearly highlighted in the government’s own Tomorrows School Report. In addition we are facing a critical teacher shortage and the ability to put quality, experienced teachers in front of our tamariki is the single most important factor in student success. Teachers are leaving the profession in increasing numbers and unless the government moves to address the ailing education sector the outlook is bleak.
To this end, primary and area school teachers have voted to take strike action in support of their claim and to encourage the government to provide the resources that will enable them to undertake their professional responsibility to children, their parents, and the wider community effectively.
As of last night, I can confirm that this action will occur next week, on Thursday the 16th of March and the school will be closed for that day.
Whilst we all hoped that this will not occur and are disappointed in the short notification timeframes, I am communicating this to our school whanau at the earliest opportunity to enable you to arrange care options for your children should they be needed.
Camp & Miniball Payments
Thank you for the camp and miniball payments we have received so far. If you have any queries or concerns with regards to payments, please touch base with Jen in the office.
School lunches
Just a reminder that if your child has any dietary requirements and/or allergies please let Jen in the office know so we can update our records and inform Libelle of any changes.
If you would like to know what is on the menu each day, please click on the link Libelle Lunch Menu
Maunga Mayhem
Obstacle Adventure Race. Taking place on 25th March in Maungatapere. There are 3 Full-On races, with obstacles and challenges that are designed to be fun for all ages. All information and tickets on the web page maungamayhem.co.nz
Otaika Valley School Job vacancy
Otaika Valley School is seeking a Property Manager/Cleaner to look after the upkeep, general maintenance and cleaning of our school property. This position will suit someone who enjoys working outdoors and being independent and active. General handyman and ICT skills would be helpful, but enthusiasm and a ‘can do attitude’ are the most important qualities we are looking for. You will need a full, clean driver’s license and successful applicants will be police vetted prior to employment. Previous school experience is desirable.
This position is full time, (7 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.) You will be paid in line with the School Caretakers’ and Cleaners’ Collective Agreement, with the rate being negotiable, for the right person.
Please send a covering letter and a cv, outlining the skills and experience you have to the Principal at admin@otaika.school.nz .
Applications close 4 pm, Friday 17 March 2023.
Teacher only Day
Please note for your diaries that Monday 24th April will be a Teacher Only Day. This is the first day of Term 2 and is the day before Anzac Day. Staff will be undergoing professional development on the new NZ Maths curriculum.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela
Noho ora mai
Rick Sayer
Principal
Print or Save this Post