Otaika Valley School
Together We Grow Ka Tupu Kotāhi ai Tātou
Tēnā koutou OVS whanau and caregivers,
Star Spot – Celebrating Student Learning
A huge OVS congratulations to our R.U.R.U award winners for this week.
Loma and Kodin are being acknowledged for their outstanding attitudes to learning and for displaying our special R.U.R.U values.
New Students
A warm shoutout to Max in Room 1 who joined us in week 6 this term. Welcome to OVS Max!
Stop Press: Matariki and Community Evening
Yes it’s happening…Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th June, will see us celebrating our first ever Matariki – Māori New Year.
This great week will consist of two open days here at OVS, with students moving around the school experiencing a range of art and technology activities related to Matariki. Parents are welcome to come along and be involved, we would love to see you and would appreciate the help!
Wednesday will then end with a kite flying afternoon at school (the more parents the better) commencing at 1.00pm
Later on Wednesday evening, (weather permitting) we will be holding our exciting Matariki Night. This will start at 5.30pm. So, please come along, bring a simple plate of food, and join our Tāwhirimātea Lantern Trail. This trail will be led by the Matariki stars and will wind through the school leading us to a special place.
Matariki Night Wed 27th June 5.30pm.
1. Karakia
2. Mihi/welcome
4.Tāwhirimātea Trail (Lantern Trail)
5. Outdoor legends & performances at the …shhhh, it’s a secret!
6. Community Kai
What to bring: A shared kai finger food plate,, a blanket, warm clothes, and maybe a tarp or folding chair.
Our fabulous PTA will be providing some kai also.
Mark it on your calendar, more details to come over the next few weeks.
Did you know?
In Māori mythology, Tāwhirimātea is the god of weather, including thunder and lightning, wind, clouds and storms. He is a son of Papatūānuku (earth mother) and Ranginui (sky father). Tawhirimatea is the second oldest of 7 children, all of whom are boys.
Inspiring Literacy – Writers/Artists visit OVS students
Last week students were lucky to have a visit from 2 renown illustrators and authors as part of the Storylines National Story Tour
The senior syndicate were fortunate enough to meet Michel Mulipola as part of the storylines tour. Michel is an accomplished comic book artist, professional wrestler and Tekken player! Recently he has been working on a super secret project for Disney. Michel talked to us all about how he got into cartooning, all of the cool opportunities he has had, how he became a pro wrestler and so much more! It was super inspiring to hear how you can turn your passions into a career.
Rose Northey (The Lighthouse Princess) met and presented to the junior syndicate.
Rose is a Wellington-based Comedian, Poet, and Illustrator who was originally a Mechanical Engineer! She spoke to us about her creative work and how she brings a sense of joy and silliness into all of her work.
The attendance conversation continued…
Over the past year there has been a great deal of publicity concerning pupil attendance rates at school. Our school attendance rates are far from where they need to be and it concerns us that there are still some poor attendees.
In a recent review of achievement of some of our students achieving at a lower level of the curriculum, it is very obvious that their poor attendance correlates strongly with their underachievement. The more they miss school the greater this gap gets, and the more difficult it is for students to catch up.
With winter approaching it is inevitable that sickness will affect a child’s attendance however this means that when children are not sick, it is very important that they attend school.
Arriving at school on time is also really important. It enables children to get organised for the day, meet their friends and feel settled before the bell rings. In my experience children who are late to school are often unsettled, anxious and ill prepared for the morning session of school. Please remember that we are always here to assist you to get your child to class, but ultimately it is the parents responsibility to get their child to school. Secondly, please always plan to have your family holidays in the school holiday break. I appreciate that it is often more expensive but please consider what is best for your child. The Ministry of Education is investing heavily in programmes and efforts to ensure children attend school. We need to support this initiative.
“Attend today, achieve tomorrow!”
Watch out!
Coming up in Week 10 we are doing The Garden Bird Survey!
24th June – 2nd July
This is a chance for our students to continue their kaitiaki work and be involved in the NZ’s Citizen Science Projects.
(Info link above, but more information to come home soon)
Otaika Valley Miniball
Kensington Stadium – Game times vary from 3:30pm to 5:30pm – 30 minute games.
It is your responsibility to get your child/ren to the games each week on time.
Contact Darcie 021471980 or d.price@otaika.school.nz
Registration and Cost
Please do not register unless you are committed to playing for the whole term. Registration forms will be in the office.
- Red Falcons – Year 6 – 10 players max
- Blue Phoenix – Year 5 – 10 players max
$30 per player per term.
You can choose to pay and play for 1 term or both.
Registration and payment for each term must be paid before the below dates:
- Term 3 – June 19th
- Term 4 – September 11th
Uniforms
Shirts will be given out at the beginning of each game and handed back at the end of the game.
Please bring water bottles, supply your own shorts and non-marking shoes.
STAFF SPOT
A BIG SHOUT OUT TO MR. T !
Mr T (minus the bling and the mohawk) has made a fantastic start to OVS as our property manager. The grounds look better every day and he still has big, big plans! The PE shed has had a fantastic overhaul complete with electricity, the cleaning and rubbish systems redesigned, shelving built, chainsawing, the huge backlog of ‘get around to it’s’ getting steadily ticked off, and so much more,,.
Staff quote: “where has Mr T been all my life?”,
Student quote: “Who is that guy? – look at him go!”
He has transformed so much in such a short amount of time…go Mr T !
Calling all old farm bits n pieces…we need you!
Otaika Valley School is not only the best kept secret in town, but also our very own ‘little bit of country.’
In keeping with the country feel we are looking to theme our gardens and walls with some old ‘farming and country’ treasures. If you have any old mossy gates, saws, rusty implements, horse collars, scales, pulleys, wheels or anything you think would fit, please get in touch…we would love to hear from you and we collect!
Ps. Top of the wish list would be an old tractor!
Print or Save this Post