Kia ora whanau and caregivers,
It is hard to believe we are already half way through 2023, and I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to such a busy and successful term. While it has been packed with literacy and math learning for both students and staff, the highlight for me was undoubtedly the development of our Kapa Haka roopu. Their hard work shone yesterday and the school is super proud of their performance. A massive thank you to Joby Hepa, Darcie Price and Pam Ngawaka for their guidance and assistance in teaching our amazing roopu. High on the engagement and enjoyment front has also been this week’s Matariki activities. Mr T wowed the students with his fried bread expertise as students learnt to make it in a camp oven, and enjoy the results with lashings of golden syrup! A definite hit.
Please do not forget to book your parent teacher interview for week 2. The bookings process and online codes will go out today along with reports (more details below).
Like you, we are all disappointed that our Matariki Evening had to be postponed, but it certainly will be a great way to start our Term 3. Make sure you lock in the Wednesday 19th of July.
Have a great break everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all back on Monday 17th of July for another busy term.
Mid Year Reports and Parent/Teacher Interviews
Class teachers will be handing out mid year reports for students to take home with them this afternoon. Any uncollected student reports will be kept in the office and can be collected at the start of Term 3. Please contact the office via email or phone for collections.
We will be hosting Parent/Teacher In Week 2 of Term 3 which gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to discuss their child’s learning needs.
These interviews will take place over 2 days during Week 2 of Term 3 (dates below). Please note, school will be closing early at 12:00pm on Wednesday 26th of July. After School Care will be available as per normal.
Dates:
- Wednesday 26th of July 12:15pm to 6:45pm
- Thursday 27th of July 3:15pm to 4:45pm
Booking
Either book online https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code Enter code: vpapy
or you can contact the office directly.
Online bookings will close on Monday 24th of July at 3:00pm.
Matariki Community Event – Wednesday 19th of July
The day will consist of Matariki activities and the afternoon will end with kite flying commencing at 1:00pm. Whanau are welcome to come along and spend the day with their children, we would love to see you!
The evening timetable for this event commences at 5:30pm and will consist of:
- Karakia
- Mihi/welcome
- Tāwhirimātea Trail (Lantern Trail)
- Outdoor legends & performances by students at the …shhhh, it’s a secret!
- Community Kai
Please bring:
- a shared kai finger food plate with some cutlery and plates to eat from
- a blanket
- warm clothes
- folding chair or tarp
Room 1 students moving to Room 2
We have 6 excited Room 1 tamariki who are transitioning to a new adventure in Room 2 next term.
A message from Miss Keogh…
“Congratulations on completing your first half year at school, Ella, Tyler, Cameron, Lucan, Elijah and Kurtis! As you transition to the wonderful R2 next term, remember that you are capable of great things. Embrace this new opportunity to learn and grow, and don’t forget the valuable lessons you’ve learned so far. We will miss you. You’ve got this!”
Powhiri
On the first day of Term 3 (Monday 17th of July) there will be a powhiri held at school at the start of the day, to welcome our new students and whanau who started with us in Term 2 and those who will be starting on day 1 of Term 3.
All new whanau will be contacted by the school prior to the start of term and we warmly invite any other whanau to attend. At the end of our powhiri there will be an opportunity for new whanau to share kai and get to know some of the other newly starting families.
Ag Day – Lambs
Otaika Valley School will be hosting its annual Ag and Flower Show Day on Friday 20th of October. For those students who are rearing lambs to compete at our Ag and Flower Show day, Robyn and Pete will be setting up a lamb pen during the holidays. From Wednesday 19th of July, lambs can be brought to school. Robyn will help with feeding the lambs, which will be during both break times this year. Feeding bottles must be named, contain the correct amount of milk powder, and be clearly marked with how much water to add.
Only lambs that are born after the 1st of July will be eligible to enter the competition and must have had their 1st vaccinations before bringing their lamb to school. A school parent has offered to help with vaccinations if required.
All lambs to be registered before bringing them to school. Please contact the school office for the animal registration form and vaccination information.
A message from our PTA
This year the Parent Teacher Association plan to run a raffle, fundraising to subsidise future camp costs, to be drawn at Ag Day in Term Four.
We are hoping to organise the raffle prizes a little differently this year. We will be approaching local businesses for sponsorship or donations of prizes or vouchers rather than asking the whānau of the school to provide prizes.
However, if you, or your whānau, own or are involved in a business that would be interested in either donating an appropriate prize (preferably a voucher) OR sponsor a prize, please let the PTA know. Sponsorship and support of our prizes would include publicity on the raffle tickets and within school communication.
School Office open
During the school holidays, emails and phone messages will be checked regularly. The office will be open Wednesday 12th July and Thursday 13th July between 10am and 2pm, with Friday 14th of July being a public holiday (Matariki).
Dates for your diary
Monday 17th July – Term 3 starts – Powhiri
Wednesday 19th July – Matariki School Community Event
Monday 24th July – Parent/Teacher Interviews online bookings close 3:00pm
Wednesday 26th July – Parent/Teacher Interviews – school closing early (12:00pm)
Thursday 27th July – Parent/Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 2nd August – Board of Trustees meeting (5:00pm)
Tuesday 29th August – School Photos (more details to follow)
Wednesday 13th September – Board of Trustees meeting (5:00pm)
Friday 22nd September – Term 3 ends
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