Tauranga Primary School

Newsletter

19 October 2012

Newsletter

TERM 4 / WEEK 1

From

the

Principal‘s

Pen

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to Term Four, including a special welcome to our new students and their families. Term Four is always the busiest term of the year and will disappear very quickly. Please watch the future events section of each newsletter (and check the website) for dates and information about all the happenings this term.

Please be reminded that we expect all children to wear sunhats in terms one and four. From next week any children without hats will be required to play under the shade by the buildings. Unfortunately we do not have any hats to sell from the school office but Postie Plus do sell the three approved options. Please make sure hats (and all school uniform items) are named.

********************************************

Congratulations to the Tauranga Primary School’s FPS (Future Problem Solving) team: Luke Matthews, Nathan King, Jessie Huang and Rory Goodchap (and their coach Mrs Ediker). These students have won their way through to the national finals in Auckland to be held on 24th

November. This is a huge achievement as to get this far they have competed against other students from throughtout the whole of New Zealand, (this means that our team are currently third and have a real chance of improving to possibly even win). We are really proud of their efforts to date and wish them all the best for the national competition.

*****************************************

ERO (Education Review Office) Report.Just prior to the end of last term we received the confirmed 2012 ERO report. We were very pleased with the report and the positive comments made by the review team when they were on site. The whole report can be accessed at: http://www.ero.govt.nz/Early-Childhood-School-Reports/School-Reports/Tauranga-Primary-School-10-09-2012. We will also include segments from the report in our next newsletters. This week’s segment is:-

Learning (Tauranga Primary School 10/09/2012)

How well are students learning – engaging, progressing and achieving?The school’s assessment information shows that, on entry, a clear majority of five-year-olds achieve within the expected range of literacy and mathematical knowledge and skills.

The school’s 2011 achievement information in reading and writing shows that the vast majority of students achieve at or above the expected level. In these learning areas, girls are performing better than boys. Most Māori students achieve at or above expected levels. In mathematics the vast majority of all students achieve at or above National Standards.

The school provides effective support for students who are English Speakers of Other Languages. Achievement information indicates that these students make good progress, and over time are able to achieve at the expected levels. The school is able to show progress for groups of students and individuals in reading, writing and mathematics.

While the school has few Pacific students, the school-wide data shows that the spread of achievement for these students is comparable to other groups of learners.

Assessment information is used effectively to identify students who are at risk of not achieving, or who require extension. Extensive, appropriate support programmes are in place to cater for these students, who are assisted by a large team of teacher aides. The senior leadership team is in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of these support programmes in order to accelerate student learning.

Ka kite anoJenny McNicolPrincipal

Tauranga Primary School Newsletter

Term 4:* Monday 15 October - Monday -17th December (Noon)

Week 2 22 October Labour Day - No School 24 October Y2 Marshalls Farm visit 26 October Wheels Day - Yr 3-6

Week 3 29 October - 2 November - Book Week 31 October BoT Meeting @ 7:00 pm

Week 4 7 November TPS Athletics 9 November Orange Day Parade - Road Patrollers

Week 5 12 November Yr 3-6 Pre deep water sessions 13 November NE - Yr 2 Pre deep water sessions 14 November WBOP Cricket

Week 6 20 November South Cluster Athletics 20 November Rms 2 & 3 Deep Water Safety 9:30 - 1:00 21 November Rms 7 & 10 Deep Water Safety 21 November Cool Bananas Christmas Show 22 November Rms 5 & 6 Deep Water Safety 22 November Junior Athletics Day 23 November Rms 1 & 4 Deep Water Safety

Week 7 26 - 30 November -Year 3 - 6 EOTC week 26 November Rms 8 & 9 Deep Water Safety 9:30 - 1:15 27 November Rms 11 & 12 Deep Water Safety 27 November TIS Orientation Day 9:30 - 12:00 28 November Rms 14 & 15 Deep Water Safety 29 November Rms 17 & 19 Deep Water Safety 29 November 2012 Helpers Morning Tea 10:10 am 30 November Rms 16 & 18 Deep Water Safety 30 November Barbara Gray - Drama Group Perform 30 November FoTs Family Picnic night 5 - 7 pm

Note: Dates are guides only and are subject to change

DATES TO REMEMBER

Our Board of Trustees have confirmed Term dates for 2013.

Term 1: Monday 4 February - Friday 19 April(holidays during term time)Waitangi Day: Wednesday 6 FebruaryEaster: ! Good Friday 29 March! ! Easter Monday 1 April! Easter Tuesday 2 April

Term 2: Monday 6 May - Friday 12 July

Queenʼs Birthday: Monday 3 June

Term 3: Monday 29 July - Friday 27 September

Term 4: Monday 14 October - Wednesday 18 December

Labour Day: Monday 28 October

* The school has joined the scheme: Mobile Phones for Rewards Appeal,

which supports the Auckland Starship Hospital and the National Air Ambulance.

If you have any old mobile phones - bring them in and put them in the box on the mosaics. For every 55 phones we collect and send on we qualify for items such as digital cameras, books, sportsgear etc.

for more information visit their website;www.starship.org.nz

* TPS Athletics:When: Wednesday 7th November 2012Where: Tauranga DomainTime: 9.00 - 2.30Who: Years 3 - 6

Please come along and support your child.We also need parent help as we can't run the events without you! If you are able to offer help on the day, please let Jo Taele know by email jtaele@tauranga.school.nz or phone 578-6222.

Mr Maguire.

SNIPPETS

The Kids Grinder!!!Sunday 18th November 10:00am at the Aquatic and Fitness Centre, BOP Polytechnic, WindermereA fun obstacle course with a massive bouncy castle slide, cargo nets and lots more!! For boys and girls ages 4 – 12 years. The school with the most entries will win a prize to the value of $500!!!! So get your mates together and enter as a team!! Grab a form from the school office or from Jo Taele.Jo TaeleSports Co-Ordinatorjtaele@tauranga.school.nz

Sports Talk with Jo

Tauranga Primary School Newsletter

Fostering Literacy Success EarlyThe analysis of the 2009 programme for International Students (PISA) data shows that genuine interest and active engagement, even just once or twice a week can make a difference to the reading performance of 15 year olds.Students whose parents reported that they had read a book with their child “every day or almost every day” or “once or twice a week” during the first year of primary school have markedly higher scores in PISA 2009 than students whose parents reported they had read a book with their child “never or almost never” or only “once or twice a month”.In summary - parents reading with their child as often as possible makes a huge difference to their reading ability.

This competency is about interacting effectively with a diverse range of people in a variety of contexts. A good TEAM PLAYER is able to listen actively, recognise different points of view, negotiate, and share ideas. Students who are skilled at this relate well to others and are open to new learning. They are aware of how their words and actions affect others. They know when it is appropriate to compete and when it is appropriate to co-operate.

By working effectively together, students can come up with new approaches, ideas and ways of thinking.

Key Competency Focus in Term 4 is TEAM PLAYER

IPAD up date:We have now had iPADs in our New Entrant to Year 4 classes for almost two terms. We are extremely excited by the new opportunities these tools have created in our teaching and learning programmes. The iPad engenders an active learning environment where applications are responsive to individual student skills and abilities.

Using the iPad has allowed a more personalised student centered approach to independent learning activities. For example, the filming capability is an excellent tool for students to record themselves reading - they can then play it back to listen to their fluency and expression. The students are critical of their own performance and will re-record over again to improve their fluency and expression. This is one example of the many authentic and effective self-directed learning opportunities the iPad offers.

Also the iPads have opened up new ways to collaborate, create and share learning with our parent community. an example of this are the classes trialling Wordpress (blog), to share daily learning online. Students are easily able to create daily posts to share with a wide audience and learn about responsible digital citizenship whilst doing so in a monitored environment.

With iPads students have the world at their fingertips - anywhere they might be, they are very simple to navigate and our younger students now have greater access to innovative learning software than ever before. Increasingly a 21st century education is less about place and more about space, and the iPad has become the leading device in which students can navigate and create exciting new learning both locally and on-line. The iPad is a versatile and robust tool and you will see them being carried around the school to events so that students can record their learning where and when it happens.

We are only at the beginning stage of learning about the many new opportunities and benefits iPads can have in the teaching and learning process and will keep you informed as we progress.

On Friday 26th October it is Wheels Day for Year 3 - 6 students. Students are able to bring in one ‘wheeled’ item to play with eg; skateboard, ripstik, RC car, Scooter etc. At morning tea and lunchtime there will be coned off areas for students to use their “WHEELS”

Please note helmets are compulsory for students on scooters and skateboards. Bikes can be used to come to and from school on this day, however, they will be too big for the available playground space to ride on at morning tea and lunchtime.

Wheels DayUniform Reminders:

School Hats are compulsory this term, these are plain navy blue ‘bucket’ and the legionnaire styled

hats.Please ensure your children have sun block applied

each morning, additional sunblock in their bag is important, as is teaching your child how to apply it

sensibly throughout the day. Teachers will remind children to apply sunblock and have bottles of sunblock in their class for everyone’s

use.Hair that is shoulder length or longer should be tied

up (this helps prevent the spread of head lice). also hair ties and head bands must be navy blue,

white or black.

Tauranga Primary School Newsletter

We are now beginning to plan and set our TPS Strategic Direction for 2013. Thank you to everyone who responded to our TPS Self Review Survey in Term 3, your input is appreciated and we are using this feedback to inform our plannings for 2013.Two areas we are requesting specific feedback on are the Cool Bananas Programme in Years 3 - 6 and our bell times.

***********************************Cool Bananas is a ʻreligious instruction programmeʼ it aims to provide a safe, professional and motivating programme that teach standards and values. The programme promotes a strong sense of self worth, consideration and respect for others. they also challenge people to be aware that choices have consequences and the choices you make today will affect your future tomorrow. These programmes are designed to enhance the values required to be taught in the NZ School Curriculum. While Cool Bananas do teach these standards and values from a Christian perspective, they do not force their Christian beliefs on others, rather they focus on the values that will enhance their lives and that of the community in which they live. Cool Bananas come most Wednesday afternoons and teach the middle and senior syndicates in the hall for 20 minutes each. An example of a lesson overview is:

! ! Value : CourtesyWe are learning to show good manners to the people we meet.Verse: Say only what helps, each word is a gift. Ephesians 4 v 29Bible Story: The Centurions ServantNZ Curriculum Key Competency: Relating to OthersNZ Curriculum Value: Excellence and Respect

***********************************New Bell Times were trialled this year to address three areas, identified through research, to help maintain mental alertness and cognitive performance:1. steady supply of oxygenated blood - maximising airflows in our rooms as much as possible and providing frequent breaks

to allow children to have additional aerobic exercise.2. steady supply of blood sugar - encouraging healthy lunches and adding an additional ʻfruit breakʼ.3. keeping hydrated - encouraging children to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

We believe that these bell times have helped to meet these objectives and our boys in particular have enjoyed an ʻextraʼ opportunity to have an unstructured run around in the day between learning blocks.

We are keen to continue with three breaks in the day, however we have noted that the shortened lunch break does not allow staff and students sufficient time to sit and have a quality practice or meeting ie; Young Leaders, sport practices, choir etc.

In 2013 we are proposing that our bell times alter to include an additional 10 mins, the proposed new times will include an 8.50 am start to the day - (changed from 9:00 am).

=============================================2013 Planning Feedback Form

Cool Banana Years 3 to 6:We are happy for the Cool Bananas programme to continue at TPS.We think the Cool Bananas programme should not continue at TPS in 2013.We think a religious instruction programme should not continue at TPS, however, we would like values based education to be emphasised in class programmes.

Bell Times:

We are happy for the school day to begin ten minutes earlier at 8.50am.We do not support starting the school day at 8.50am.

Signed:

Comments:

2013 Planning

8.50 - 10.05 am Learning Block 1

10.05 - 10.25 am Morning Tea

10.25 - 11.35 am Learning Block 2

11.35 - 11.45 am Brain Break Fruit Break

11.45 - 12.55 pm Learning Block 3

12.55 - 1.50 pm Lunch

1.50 - 3.00 pm Learning Block 4

proposed new bell times for 2013:

Tauranga Primary School Newsletter

“PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR CHILDREN TO BUILD POSITIVE AND ENJOYABLE MEMORIES OF THEIR EARLY SCHOOL YEARS”

Next Meeting - 12th November, 7pm in the staff room, everyone welcome.

The planning is well underway for the FAMILY PICNIC on the 30th November 5-7pm. Please diary this event in now. It is a fun family night where TPS families are invited to come along with a picnic dinner to eat on our school field. The FOTS provide free rides for the children and it is a great community event.

Plans are now underway to host a mini gala in Term 1 2013 if any parents have any skills, expertise or contacts that might be suitable for this event please contact Fiona Hawes fhawes@tauranga.school.nz

Friends of the School (FOTS)For these next five weeks of Term 4 the middle syndicate will have a technology challenge to do once a week. For the whole week we have to work in a team to research, design and construct something to complete the weekly challenge. At the start of each week an envelope appears in each classroom. It is exciting to discover our new mission and where our mystery walk will lead us to.

This week was the first t echno logy cha l l enge w h i c h i s t h e w a k a challenge. We have a criteria to follow:

Here is our task:We need to build a waka that moves through the water by itself and floats (for at least 5 minutes), it has

to be made of recycled and natural materials. The waka also must be well presented and attractive.

We need to build the waka quickly so that the manu and the ngaruru do not turn it back into a tree. Have you heard the maori legend of ‘Rata’? - this related to that.

By Amelia, Brooke and Shinae Room 4

Terrific Technology Tasks - Years 3 and 4

Room 8 would like to thank all the people who came to our mini market. Altogether room 8 raised $764, but after we paid back all the expenses we had $678.00.

We now have 3 ipod touches that we are using as learning tools and to make animations on. Room 8 will be leaving the ipod touches for thefollowing year sixes to enjoy.

From Madi

Room 8ʼs Mini Market

Congratulations to all students who sat the ICAS Mathematics tests.

Distinction awards to:Benjamin Adams, Paris Allum, Michelle Clayton, Luke Matthews

Credit Awards to:Campbell Syme, Hamish Burke, Max McIntosh, Jasmin Murray, Charlotte Watson, Kelly Brown, Michael Dawson, Vijay Nirvaneshwar, Jade Wardrope, Jessie Huang, Callum Reilly

All other participants receive Participation Certificates. Well done everyone.

ICAS Assessment

‘Out of Zone’ enrolments - ballot

We have joined with Greenpark, Maungatapu, Selwyn Ridge and Tauriko to advertise our Ballot for students for 2013. All schools will have their ballots on the same day (as specified by MoE).

All enrolment forms for ‘Out of Zone’ students wanting to be considered in our ballot for Term 1 2013 need to be received at the office by Thursday 25 October, with the ballot being held on Friday 26 October.

We will be changing from the current 2 ballots per year to four ballots throughout the year. The other dates for 2013 will be:Term 2: 8 MarchTerm 3: 31 MayTerm 4: 23 August

It is essential that the school knows asap of any potential ‘out of zone’ children wanting to enrol, to ensure no-one misses the opportunity of being in the ballot. It you know of anyone intending to enrol during 2013, please pass this information onto them.

Tauranga Primary School Newsletter

DRUM LESSONS - Wednesday afternoons after school. $13 each student in pairs for 1/2 hour. Contact: Carl Homersham 07 552 4481 0204 000 5008 email: carl@mor.org.nz

STOMP LESSONS - learn the art of rhythm. Free trial lessons. (stomp videos on youtube.com), Lessons at Tauranga Primary School = Contact Carl Homersham 552 4481 or 0204 000 5008.

*********************************

Tauranga Martial Arts Centre Karate classes for 4 yrs & up. Mondays & Thursdays 4-7 yrs - 4pm to 4.45pm. 8-12 yrs - 5pm to 5.45pm. 13yrs & up - 6pm to 7pm. Free intro lesson by appointment. Contact Iain or Melisa on 07 5430 931 or 0274 439 414

=====================

Gate Pa Preschool and Childcare Centre, Fantastic new Centre located on Cameron Road, Licensed for 25 Children with 8 babies in their own amazing area. The Centre has an outdoor area any child would dream of, including a mud pit, climbing wall, fort and a huge sandpit. The inside is just as spectacular. Come along and meet us; 1132 Cameron Road Gate Pa Open 7.30 - 5.30. 07 5799496. Taking enrolments now.

=====================

Craig Smith - well known author of Kaha the Kiwi and Wonky Donkey books will be performing on thursday 25 octoer at 4:15 - Edgewater Fan Downtown Waterfront.

******************************

After School Spanish Lessons and French Lessons available at school - Please contact us for more information

==================

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROVIDERS WITH TAURANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL:-

‘Open Minds’ YMCA is a small after school group with an emphasis on learning, individual attention and building confidence in all aspects of life. Daily, children will be assisted with homework and learn to learn through practical and fun activities, including mind mapping and baking, plus a weekly excursion. Debbie provides a caring, friendly atmosphere where enquiring minds are encouraged. With pickup available from Tauranga Primary School, Open Minds situated at 430 Devonport Rd (opposite Tauranga Boys), is a convenient location for city workers returning home. For more information please call YMCA Phone: 5789272.

Allround Kids Tauranga: Before and After School care. Cnr 4th Avenue and Cameron Road. For an enrolment pack phone: 544 1370 or email: allroundkids@hotmail.com.

LAVENDER HOUSE - pick up from school - Historic Village 17th Ave - Ph: 929 6956 or www.lavenderhouse.co.nzBefore & After school care.

YMCA - Pick up in Mini Vans and go to Gate Pa School. Phone 578 9272

KIDS INC - Phone 578 3337

WAIMARINO: 576 4233

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

School Website ... sign up now and keep up to date with school

events.Sign up to the newsletter mailing list and you will receive email notifications of cancelled or postponed events, reminders about up coming school events and newsletters emailed to you.

It only takes one minute to sign up.

• Go to www.tauranga.school.nz

• click on newsletter sign up

BARRY’S NEWSLETTER SERVICES LTD

!"#$%#&'())*+,&-.*%#&/.*&'())*+,&0%

2563

7

HAVE FUN, GET FITLEARN KARATE!

!"#$"%&"'($)*"$+',-.//0

!/'1$/2)34'5.4'61"$7'5."5'7)%3046'5.4' '"*4'/8'0)8490/%&'04"$%)%&:

;)"7")"'54'".)'*"5"#$"%&"'7)"'*#$"'*/'"74'5/%#'"5#:

!"#$"%#&'''

!!!"#$%&$'($")*+,,-"'.

www.expressglass.co.nz

PHONE 541 381864 MALEME STREET, TAURANGA

!"#$%&'()'$*%+,-.$/0%12,1'/#345$!67$6876!

"#$!%&'!&(%)

!"#$%&'()*+%,"-."$%/'$01

To remain switched in today’s world, sometimes a bright idea goes a long way.

!"#$%&'#()*#+,-.,'/,0#12#34#546#3754#82#34#546#37"59990:);9,.)<.%9';0=%0'>

1&2!"#$!%&'(?@A2!"#$!%&''B%<2!)'#*!#""!##'8,C2!"#$!&*#"DE,FG2!+,-./0.123456-57859:;03<=37>

?.5:4@!A17B!CD85E!A4/!F?GHIJ

'))%K!'))*K!'))"K'))LK!'))#K!'))(K')&)K!')&&

!"#"$%&!'()&*+,-&.%$$%#///

0+,1%&2"'1&,#&3%4'))"&567&897:&,#&8;<6&679&6:6

=&>,?,#('1"$',1&&=&@')A'B4'1%

“We Are Your Animal Health Professional”

424 Cameron Road, TaurangaPhone 578 4044

Proudly Supporting Tauranga Primary

Replace your existing windows with retrofit double glazing or new windows.

Call Revive today. 0800 788 002 www.reviveyourhome.co.nz

!"#$%&'()&'*"&+,-.&/$"%,#.&*"&'$0,12&#3#)%.45*)#&678&9:;<

===>.(/#".1,-#.>?*>)@

“Supporting your little ones to become the unique individuals

they truly are”

112 Waihi Road, Judea, Tauranga

www.scuolamontessori.co.nzPhone 07 578 8434

18 months - 6 years

!""#$%&'(")'*+,,'

-.$/012)34

5."%3'678'9:9;'or email abc.taurangacentral@kidicorp.co.nz

We now offer free half day sessions and up to three part time days for 3-5 year olds!

Also, part time sessions for under 3 year olds. Spaces are limited so please contact us,

or pop in for a visit.