Tuesday, December 13, 2011

New Playground Equipment





Further equipment is being added to our community playground.
An exciting new climbing frame and safety matting being added around the train.
Additional climbing equipment is being added over the next few days for older children...watch this space!

Problem solving and staff bonding

Changing a flat tyre on our staff retreat

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Exciting new photos

Here are some new photos taken today - 24 Nov 2011. We are excited by the progress being made, and hope you are too. Double click on the photos to enlarge them.
One of the teaching spaces. This shows how the glass doors
can be rolled back and the teaching spaces can be opened up.



Another teaching space, though this one has carpet already!
The central coridor in the classroom block.

Steps have been made at the top of Amesbury Drive.

A footpath will be constructed beside the driveway.

The Wellington City Council have started to install the playground.
The equipment which you see above is designed for preschoolers. More advanced equipment for 5 to 11 years olds will be arriving shortly. The playground will be open to the public when Amesbury School aren't using it during their breaks. 



Thursday, November 3, 2011

What does it take to produce a happy, motivated, creative human being?


What do you think?
This trailer finishes with the question that is at the heart of education:
What does it take to produce a happy, motivated, creative human being?
We asked this question of parents at our recent information/consultation session and this is what they said….

Environment:
Environments that are positive and welcoming, family-oriented, with clear boundaries and rules and consistent expectations
Safe physical and emotional environment where children feel supported, respected, unconditionally accepted, safe and secure
A balanced environment which provides enough structure but also allows for creative flow.
An environment where time is taken to really know the children – finding out what their strengths and interests are

Learningprogrammes/culture:
Exposure to the arts, sport, drama, public speaking
Strong focus on the basics/academics
A wide range of experiences, mixed age interaction
Recognising different learning styles
Inquiry Learning that is fun and recognises the value of play
Inspiring and stimulating
Opportunities for some responsibility-taking
The right resources
Focus on the setting and achievement of goals leading to intrinsic motivation
Freedom of choice (age appropriate)
Learning programmes that follow the interests and passions of children and develops it
Flexibility

Teachers:
Who are positive role models
Passionate, enthusiastic, supportive, nurturing, caring teachers who mentor children, and engender passion for learning in the children by their own passion for learning something new

Relationships:
Good communication and co-operation between home and school
A strong sense of community and social spirit – good friendships and good relationships

School Culture:
Acceptance of diversity and embracing difference, recognising the individuality of children – not labelling them
Celebration of achievements – big or small
Encouraging, strong sense of fun
Opportunity to try lots of things, make mistakes and learning from them
Healthy levels of challenge and competition– children carefully pushed beyond their comfort zone, but realistic expectations

Any comments? Tell us your thoughts….

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ERO Visit

The Education Review Office have visited us this week and we took them to see the building site.  We had positive discussions around readiness for opening on 1 February 2012.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Community Newsletter Issue 5

Below is a copy of Issue 5 of the school's newsletter. Click on the images below to enlarge them.


Friday, October 7, 2011

Important Dates

Information Evening, Monday 31 October 2011
School Community Open Day, Friday 27 January 2012
Wider Community Open Day, Saturday 28 January 2012

Transition Session for students starting at Amesbury School in February 2012 are on:
Friday 4 November
Friday 11 November
Friday 25 November
Friday 2 December

It would be great to see students at all four sessions.

For details about these transition sessions see the invitation on our website http://www.amesbury.school.nz/transition-to-school.html

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Out of School Care

We are seeking proposals for the provision of out of school care. Contact Lesley Murrihy for documentation principal@amesbury.school.nz
Written submissions close at 5pm on Friday 12 November 2011.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Update on Progress

As you can see from the photo, construction is forging ahead.  The classroom block on the right is closed up now and builders are working on the interior. The two storied section in the middle of the photo shows the administration offices on the ground floor and the staff room above them.  The hall can be seen on the left of the photo. If you look down on the site from the top of Mauldeth Terrace you can see the beginnings of the landscaped courtyard which sits between the admin offices and the classroom block. Wellington City Council are due to start work on the community playground shortly.  It will be on Amesbury Drive, just to the right of the school driveway. Although it sits on school land, it will be open to the public.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

School Website

Last week we got our temporary website published and it is now live.

You will find us at www.amesbury.school.nz
Have a look in here to find out about our Establishment Board of Trustees, leadership team, our educational vision and philosophy, history and construction, enrolment and notices.
Information will continuously be added to this as more details and planning are developed.

Soon we will have our custom made website ready.

Enrolments

We have also opened up enrolments for Amesbury School.  There are a number of choices on how you can enrol:

  1. Complete the online enrolment form, which can be found under the enrolment tab on the website
  2. Download the documents, complete and send them into us. These can also be found under the enrolment tab on the website
  3. Send us an email or call us and we will deliver an enrolment pack to you.
If you have a child who will start after February 2012, you can complete a pre-enrolment form.  This helps us with future planning.

If you are not sure yet about enrolling your child but would like to receive more information about our school then you can complete an expression of interest of form. 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Community Newsletter Issue 4

Below is a copy of Issue 4 of the school's newsletter. Click on the images below to enlarge them.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Recruiting: Office Administrator

We seek an amazing Office Administrator to join us in the exciting journey of opening a new, innovative, 21st century purpose built school in Churton Park. This position, starting on 25th October 2011, requires a warm, personable and welcoming skilled communicator with the ability to work with a wide range of people. You will need to embrace our vision and values, and have a passion for meeting the needs of children, staff and our community. Being highly competent in office administration, ICT and financial systems is a must.
Applications close on Tuesday 13 September.  To receive an information pack email Jo.Dawkins@paradise.net.nz

Leadership Team Road Trip

Last week the Amesbury School leadership team visited schools in Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.  We were very privileged to visit Stonefields, Pt England, Mission Heights, Hingaia Peninsula, Golden Sands and Te Totara Schools. Professional development also took place on Waiheke Island and in Auckland.  This trip has been monumental to help clarify our thinking and to make decisions about our future direction.  It has been most useful to share our journey so far and to listen to other leadership teams' journeys around opening new schools.


Thursday, August 4, 2011

Amesbury School is now Recruiting Teachers

Applications for teaching positions at Amesbury School are now open.  Refer to our advert in the online version of the Education Gazette:
Amesbury School, Churton Park (several positions)
Foundation staff required for February 2012. Unique opportunity to start at the very beginning. Amesbury School (U4, decile 10) opens to students February 2012. We are looking for a staff of committed, collaborative, thinking teachers who will develop into an awesome, innovative team. You will need to have the capacity and desire to work in a modern 21st century learning environment with flexible learning spaces and a team teaching approach. (1) Passionate and capable teachers. You will be IT literate, environmentally aware, model integrity, and awareness of, and commitment to, being a bicultural New Zealander. You will be committed to developing personalised learning programmes to meet the individual needs of students. You will want to work at the cutting edge of education. (2) Mathematics lead teacher. Experienced teacher/leader of mathematics. Knowledge of, and experience with, the Numeracy Project will be an advantage. Have a proven ability to develop high levels of teacher capability in mathematics and to implement programmes that will ensure high levels of student achievement. (3) Library-based teacher. You will have up-to-date knowledge of information literacy and inquiry processes. You will be very ICT capable and have experience with 21st century learning. Experience with library processes will be an advantage, though training will be provided. You will definitely be a passionate advocate for children’s literature, multi-literacies and an avid reader. (4) ICT lead teacher. We are developing an infrastructure platform to ensure our students will have anytime, anywhere, flexible, accessible use of a variety of devices that engage and motivate them to find, present, reflect, connect, share, interact and collaborate. We are looking for someone with the capacity to provide ongoing leadership for this vision. (5) Various specialist teaching positions. Te reo me tikanga Māori; kapahaka; experience in a multicultural environment; ability to teach Mandarin or other foreign languages; strong passion for, and knowledge of, environmental education; the arts – music, drama and dance; sports and recreation; EOTC.
Applications close for all positions 5pm, 6 September. To attend an information evening and/or receive an information pack (available from 5 August), email Jo.Dawkins@paradise.net.nz

Saturday, July 23, 2011

YouTube Videos of Amesbury School design

Our architect has put together two YouTube videos of what the school will look like when it is finished.  The videos incorporate the colour palette that we have chosen for the interiors, but the furniture is indicative only because we have not chosen any furniture yet.

The main video is about 6 minutes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7c2d3QsIGU&feature=related

The shorter version is about 2 minutes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ5Jwti_VPo&feature=related

We hope you enjoy these videos.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Community Newsletter Issue 3

Below is a copy of Issue 3 of the school's newsletter. It includes a summary of the 'Meet and 'Greet session held on 4 July and great news about the school/community hall. Click on the images below to enlarge them.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Construction Progressing Well

Although we are now in the middle of winter, construction of Amesbury School is still progressing well.   The builders are doing a fantastic job in what can only be described as appalling conditions.  Some days there are 30 builders out there, even when it's raining and very cold.  We thank them for their hard work.

The framing for the classroom block is up and the roof is going on this week.




The foundations for the hall and admin block are being laid in three sections. The second section went down today.  Parts of the framing will be erected next week.







The seed has been laid on the football field and we can finally see green grass emerging.  Roll on summer when we can play on the fields after dinner!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Community Newsletter Issue 2

Below is a copy of Issue 2 of the school's newsletter. Click on the images below to enlarge them. If you would like to know more about Amesbury School, you are most welcome to attend our "Meet and Greet" party at Thyme Cafe on 4 July. RSVP to Jo Dawkins: office@amesbury.school.nz



Thursday, June 2, 2011

Amesbury School Community Newsletter Issue 1 June 2011

Below is a copy of Issue 1 of the school's newsletter. It will be delivered to all houses in Amesbury School's zone over Queens Birthday weekend. We hope you enjoy reading about our progress. Click on the images below to enlarge them.



Wednesday, May 18, 2011

What are 5 Green Stars?

The Green Star rating system was developed by the NZ Green Building Council in partnership with the building industry. Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating scheme that evaluates a building's environmental impact based on site selection, design, construction and maintenance. The categories that buildings are evaluated against are:
• Management
• Indoor Environment Quality
• Energy
• Transport
• Water
• Materials
• Land Use & Ecology
• Emissions

Credits are awarded within each category based on the building's environmental merits. Points are then weighted and an overall score is calculated, determining the project's Green Star NZ rating.

The ratings that can be achieved are:
4 Star Green Star NZ Certified Rating - signifying 'Best Practice'
5 Star Green Star NZ Certified Rating - signifying 'New Zealand Excellence'
6 Star Green Star NZ Certified Rating - signifying 'World Leadership'

Refer to www.nzgbc.org.nz for more information.

The Amesbury School design team have incorporated a variety of environmental attributes and principles that will contribute to the targeted 5 Star Green Star NZ Certified Rating. These environmental attributes will reduce the impact of the buildings' construction and ongoing resource requirements, and will also provide an important learning resource for all those that pass through its gates.

Monday, May 16, 2011

WOW - Have you seen the new sign?

The construction consortium have erected a new sign on the site which includes a colour image of what the school will look like. Next time you are walking past you might like to stop and take a closer look.

The sign also includes our school logo, a large green 'A' for Amesbury School on a blue background. The logo's five shades of green represent the schools' five core values:
- Learning through innovation, inquiry and curosity
- Respect for diversity
- Excellence
- Connectivity with the community, and
- Positive relationships that reflect equity and integrity

Green was selected because it is the colour of nature and life. Blue can be associated with optimism and hope - as in blue skies. The brand will be reflected in school signage, sports uniforms, letterhead and the forthcoming school website.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

More Roadworks

Local residents will have noticed the road works on Amesbury Drive this week.  Water is being connected to the school site and two pipes have been laid under the road - one for tap water and one for fire purposes.  This will be the last of these road based activities because the school site now has phone/broadband, electricity and water.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Enrolment Scheme Approved

We are pleased to advise that the Amesbury School Enrolment Scheme has been approved by the Ministry of Education.
AMESBURY SCHOOL ENROLMENT SCHEME
HOME ZONE
All students who live within the home zone described below, and shown on the attached map shall be entitled to enrol at the school.
 · From a southeast corner start, the eastern boundary of the home zone includes both sides of Westchester Drive from 162/183 inclusive and below. Halswater Drive is out of zone. Melksham Drive is included in zone.
 · Amesbury Drive both sides of the road and all the roads off Amesbury Drive are in zone.
 · The lower western boundary area comprises Erlestoke Crescent both sides of the road with off-streets included.
 · The southern boundary comprises Waverton Terrace to include both sides of the road and its off-streets with a connection back to Westchester Drive.
 · All residential addresses on included sides of boundary roads and all no exit roads off included sides of boundary roads are included in the zone unless otherwise stated.

Proof of residence within the home zone will be required. Out of zone enrolments will not be permitted in the initial years of operation. Pre-enrolments will commence in term 3.



Saturday, April 2, 2011

Establishment Board

The Establishment Board of Trustees were given a tour of the school site on 31 March 2011.

From left back standing: Tricia Chapman (Governance Facilitator), Bishop Muru Walters (Trustee and Kaumatua), David Waters (Trustee), Roger Ellis (Trustee), Dr Lesley Murrihy (Principal), Jenny Wilson (Ministry of Education), Rory O'Connor (Chairman of the Board) From front left kneeling: Wendy Welsh (Trustee), Alison Pask (Trustee)



The foundations for the classroom blocks are progessing well. The drainage for the sports field has been installed and the top soil will be spread shortly. Grass seed will be laid before winter.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Construction Update



Work has begun on the sports fields. Both the tennis courts and the football field will be built up from their current levels. Drainage will be installed under the football field so it drains well in winter.







The buildings are progressing well. Last week a large crane was used to lift parts of the concrete foundations into place.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Two Associate Principal Vacancies

Amesbury School is now recruiting two Associate Principals. Our advert is currently online at Education Gazette http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/Vacancies/Vacancy.aspx?VacancyId=579714 and is repeated below.

Amesbury School (2 positions) (28 Feb 2011, 14 Mar 2011)
(1)–(2) Foundation associate principals, 3MU. Unique opportunity to start at the very beginning. U4, decile 10 school opening to students February 2012. Associate principal positions will begin term 3. We are looking for two committed, collaborative, thinking, learning and leading teachers to provide ideas, energy, innovation and excellence as we explore 21st century learning. Associate principals will have experience in leading/teaching Y1–3 or Y4–6 and leadership experience in a major curriculum area. You will be IT literate, environmentally aware, enthusiastic about growing people, model integrity and awareness of and commitment to being a bicultural New Zealander. Experience in a multicultural environment would be an advantage.

Applications close 5pm, 25 March. For an information pack, contact Jo.Dawkins@paradise.net.nz

Advertising for Scale A Teachers will begin in Term 3.

Construction has commenced


Construction of Amesbury School commenced on 10 January 2011. Work is progessing according to the project plan, thanks to the fine weather that we are having in Wellington.

The two blocks currently under construction are:
1. the hall / admin / library / staff room block, which also includes 4 classrooms
2. a 6 classroom block (closest to the sports fields)

The tennis courts are closest to Amesbury Drive, and a 3/4 size football field is situated just behind the tennis courts. Drainage will be laid to ensure the grounds can be used in winter.

You can click on these photos to enlarge them.