Friday, November 30, 2012

Harakeke Hub Top Shots (Weeks 4 - 7)

GALA DAY TOMORROW!

Just a reminder that you can bring your cakes/slices/biscuits to the hall kitchen any time today, or between 11:00-12:00 tomorrow (Gala Day.)  Thank you very much.

See you tomorrow!!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Performances on Gala Day

2 more sleeps until Gala Day!

As well as all our exciting stalls, our talented Amesbury students will be performing some cultural items that they have been working on for some time.  If fine, the performances will be on the blue matting outside Koru Hub (on the field side).  If wet, they will be in the hall.  Here is the proposed timetable so that you know when your child/ren will be performing:

2:15pm - Whole school song

2:20pm - Junior Kapahaka (Years 1-2)

2:35pm - Sound Fields (One of our school bands)

2:40pm - Kakahu Catwalk (Years 1-2)

2:45pm - Sasa Haka (Boys)

2:50pm - Mandarin Dance (Girls)
 
3:00pm - Street Dance
 
What to wear:
Junior Kapahaka: school uniform, if possible
Mandarin Dance: the girls need to wear a nice dress (that they might wear somewhere special), preferably that is easy to move in. They also need to wear colourful tights. The accessories to go with their costume will be supplied.
Street Dance: street clothes, if possible (time has been allocated at the end of Mandarin Dance for the girls to get changed)
If children need to get changed between performances, they will be able to use the toilets in Koru hub.
 
 

Thank you.  We're looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!

The Amesbury International Festival Committee


 

 


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Pack the Bus Collection 29 November!


The Wellington City Mission, in collaboration with The Breeze, are once again running their Pack the Bus campaign this year.  Wellington City Mission relies on donations to operate the Foodbank and Drop-in Centres, and to provide emergency food parcels. In addition to items on the list below, we can also accept any tinned food, pasta and spreads.
They will be visiting Amesbury School on Thursday 29th November.  Please help us support this fantastic campaign by donating any of the items on the list below.  Donations can be brought into school from today until the morning of the 29th and left in the box in the reception area. Let's make our first year of donations a whopper!
Thank you for your support.



Monday, November 26, 2012

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH A BLACKOUT!


The inaugural Amesbury International Festival has begun!  And what a way to kick if off with the students decked out in their black gear to welcome the William Webb Ellis Cup and the Women's Rugby World Cup to our school!

It was very exciting to see them close up, and the students performed a fantastic powhiri and stirring haka to welcome Hilary from the Rugby Union with the cups.
Hilary from the Rugby Union (left) and Crisanna talk to the
students about the Rugby World Cups (men's left, and women's right). 
Did you know that there are two copies of the William Webb Ellis Cup (left),
and they are used interchangeably?  We got to see the actual cup that Richie McCaw
held up at the RWC final last year.  Wahoo!
The boys perform a haka to welcome the cups to Amesbury School.
 
Other exciting events that are on during International Festival week for the students include Japanese paper theatre, Greek myths and legends talk, Taiwanese show and tell, French songs, games and activities, plus more.
 
On the subject of cultural events this week, remember to book your tickets for the exciting evening events - it's not too late!  Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see the link for the online booking form.
 
The Amesbury International Festival Committee

Friday, November 23, 2012

Backing Black!

On Monday next week (26th Nov) the Webb Ellis Cup will be visiting Amesbury School to launch our International Festival Week!
To show our support and welcome the cup we would like as many people as possible to wear black to school on Monday.
We will have a powhiri in the community hall at 11:30 am to welcome the cup into our school. Anyone who would like to attend is warmly welcome.
Have a great weekend.

Sharvi & Caitlyn's Lunch Order - Friday 30th November

Hi everyone,

We are running the school lunch orders as part of our ignite project. We are happy to talk to you whenever you like about the lunch orders. If your child  would like to be a tester or a helper to help make sure the food is alright and it is is made perfectly, then come to Sharvi or Caitlyn. If your child is allergic to anything please let Sharvi and Caitlyn know. P.S:If you get bread for your soup, then the bread you will get will be ciabatta bread.

ORDERS FOR LUNCH ON THIS DATE ARE NOW CLOSED.  Keep a look out for the next special lunch day!
Thank you,

Sharvi and Caitlyn in Year 4.

Book Fair at the Gala


Scholastic Book Fair at the Amesbury International Festival

Books for kids!  Books for Christmas! 
Books for Amesbury and Samoa!

A Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the library during the international festival next week. A wide selection of children’s books will be available for you to buy. It will be a great opportunity to buy books at a reasonable price and support both our school and Samoan school libraries as well.  We earn free books (based on sales) and we will operate a ‘one for one’ system with free books being allocated alternately ‘one for Amesbury, one for Samoa’.

The book fair will be open on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for you to make purchases. That could be a good time to buy books to put aside for Christmas.  The book fair will also be open on Saturday during the school gala from 2 to 5 pm.  Payment can be made by cash, cheque or Eftpos.




THREE DAYS TO GO!



Our International Festival starts THIS MONDAY!  Make sure you get your tickets to our exciting evening events very soon

Go to the tab at the top of this blog, then click on the link for the online booking form.  We hope to see you next week!

The Amesbury International Festival Committee

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Final Assembly of the Year - a Red Carpet Affair!

Ever walked the red carpet? Here's your opportunity. Our final assembly, which will mark the end of our foundation year, will be a Red Carpet Affair to honour all the amazing students, parents, staff, Board of Trustees, and extended whanau and community members who make up our school community.

2012 has been quite a journey and we would love to see all families represented at this special occasion. A special foundation year momento will be presented to each Amesbury Family and receiving this will be your chance to walk the Red Carpet.

When: 14 December, 1.30pm
Where: Amesbury Hall

What more?

  • Bling it up if you can - wear a wig or sunglasses, a tux, a tie, some bling, a hat etc. or just come as you are. By the way, faux fur only!
  • Watch The Hobbit Red Carpet and practice acting like a movie star - be prepared to receive adoration
  • Prepare your voice for cheering and honouring your fellow school community members
  • But most of all just come
What else will happen at the assembly?
  • Student Prizes will be given
  • School Leavers will be farewelled
  • Christmas songs will be sung - a return to community singing.
PS. For introverts or those who are just shy - don't worry - you won't be walking the red carpet by yourself, you will be with at least ten other families. The focus won't only be on you!

We look forward to catching up with you at this exciting event.






Tuesday, November 20, 2012

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL NEXT WEEK!!


The inaugural Amesbury International Festival starts NEXT WEEK!

Evening events (26-30 Nov)
Tickets - Get your tickets to the evening events today!  They can be booked online by clicking on the tab at the top of this blog.  This will take you to the link for the online booking form.

If you know people in the community who might not read our blog, but would be interested in the exciting events we have organised, they can call the school on 477 3423 to book tickets.

"Child-friendly" events - Children can come to the Japanese Tea Ceremony (Mon 26th), French movie (Tues 27th) and Indian Cooking Masterclass (Fri 30th).  Children under the age of 13 are free.


Gala Day (Saturday 1 December, 2:00-5:00pm)
Cake Stall - We will be sending a cake box home with the students over the next couple of days.  We would love you to fill this cake box with a cake, slice or biscuits for our Cake Stall.  Your cake/slice/biscuits can be dropped off to the hall kitchen on Friday 30th up until 4:30pm, or on the morning of Saturday 1st from 11:00-12:00.

Could you please write the name of your baking on the outside of the box e.g. carrot cake.  If it is gluten free, it would be a good idea to add that too.

Mini posters for your car - Along with the cake box will be an A5-size poster for you to put up in your car - if you don't mind.  This is a free form of "mobile advertising" for our festival!

White Elephant Stall - A reminder that your good quality second hand items (books, toys, puzzles, games, clothes, homeware) can be dropped off to Fiona in the school library before or after school any day.  Thank you.

And, as always...
Help - If you can help, please let us know.  fiona.white@amesbury.school.nz or crissana.nel@amesbury.school.nz

  * Set up - 12:00-2:00
  * Help run a stall - any time between 2:00-5:00 (please specify)
  * Pack up - 5:00-6:00

Thank you very much for your support.  We hope to see you at the evening events next week!

The Amesbury International Festival committee

Fundraising Offers






Monday, November 19, 2012

STAR Testing Results for 2012

Please read this introduction and then look at the results
Below are the 2012 Amesbury STAR results for your information. I am presenting them to you with a caution as follows. STAR is a nationally normed test of reading skills. However, it is important for you to note that STAR is a narrow test of reading and is only one indicator of achievement that goes towards making a judgement of whether your child is at/below/or above the National Standard in reading. Being “at” in STAR does not in any way suggest that your child will be “at” in National Standards. In fact, it is highly possible that a child who tests “at” in STAR may not reach the Standard.
National Standards are not nationally normed, but are standards that have been set based on what is required to achieve NZCEA. National Standards requires much broader achievement than previously. In order to achieve the standard, students must be achieving at that standard consistently and in work done across the full range of curriculum areas, i.e reading for inquiry, reading in maths. National Standards includes the ability to think critically and solve problems. In the past, a judgement about a child’s achievement was often based on one test result, but now we are required to triangulate data from a number of sources to make a comprehensive judgement about that child’s learning.
STAR testing is useful for the purposes of triangulating data about what your child can do and it does add to our knowledge of each child’s learning, but it must be treated as only one indicator and that much more will be required as we consider where students are at in relation to National Standards.

STAR Achievement Results 2012 

Findings

  • ·         There has been a noticeable increase in achievement from March/April testing to the November testing. 82% of students are now above national norms compared with 66% in the March testing (a 15 – 16% increase over the year) compared with a national norm of 23%.
  • ·         18% are in the “at” Stanine band, with no students below Stanine 5. In March some students achieved at Stanine 4.
  • ·         16% of students achieved at Stanine 9 compared with the national norm of 4%.

Conclusion
It is pleasing to see an improvement in achievement over the year. For 2013, we would like to see more students shifting up into the “above” band, but most particularly, more students achieving at Stanine 9.
Please note: STAR testing will be further interpreted in the light of the whole raft of reading assessment that will take place over the next few weeks. I will report on this at the beginning of next year.



Friday, November 16, 2012

GET YOUR INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TICKETS!


Remember to book your tickets to the evening events for the International Festival:
* Japanese Tea Ceremony - 26 Nov
* French film "The Chorus" and patisseries - 27 Nov
* International Quiz Night - 29 Nov
* Indian cooking masterclass - 30 Nov

Go to the tab at the top of the blog to book your tickets today!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

'Act and Donate' Event by Megan

Hi my name is Megan,

I am a year 6 in Harakeke Hub. I have been doing acting for my Ignite project in Harakeke Hub. Ignite is about taking control of your learning and following your passions.

I am holding an “Act and Donate” event. It is going to be on November the 15th (Thursday - tomorrow!) in the hall. It is at 1:00 till 1:15. It is going to be a one woman show so I will be playing multiple characters without someone else.

The “Act and Donate” is about donating money to the Cancer Society for their cancer research.
It would be great if your child could bring a small gold coin donation to support me and the Cancer Society.

My aim is to raise about $150.00 or anything would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Megan.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - Reminders!


EVENING EVENTS - Have you booked your tickets yet for the exciting evening events for the International Festival?  If not, click on the tab at the top of the blog to find out what's on, when, and book your tickets now.  There's some cool stuff happening!

WHITE ELEPHANT STALL - Remember that we are willingly taking donations of good quality second hand items for our White Elephant stall on Gala Day (Saturday 1st December).  We will happily receive:
* toys
* books
* games
* puzzles
* clothing (children's and adults')
* household items

You can drop your White Elephant items into Fiona at the school library before or after school any day.  A big thank you to people who have brought things in so far.

HELP - Please, please, please get in touch with Fiona or Crisanna if you can give some of your time to help out on Gala Day.  We still need a hand with:
* setting up (any time from 11:00-1:00)
* helping to run a stall (any time between 2:00-5:00 - please specify)
* packing up (5:00-6:00)
Thank you!
fiona.white@amesbury.school.nz or crisanna.nel@amesbury.school.nz

So, make sure you keep Saturday 1 December free for Gala Day.  Just to whet your appetite, here's a selection of what's on offer:
* Ethnic food stall
* Sausage sizzle
* Caffe L'affare coffee
* Cake stall
* Bouncy castle
* Kids' games/activities - made and run by Amesbury students
* Craft stalls and homeware stalls
* And of course, performances by Amesbury School's talented students: Kapahaka, Mandarin dancing, street dance, school band...

You don't want to miss it, and tell your friends too!  (And remember to book your tickets for the evening events on 26th-30th November!)

The Amesbury International Festival committee





Monday, November 12, 2012

Sports top design

So you want to be a designer? Have dreams of being on Project Runway? Or just want a cool sports top for our school!


We are going through the process of designing a sports top for Amesbury students to wear at sporting events next year and need your help designing it!

This is open to all students, parents, a group of friends, parent/student combos to work on a design. The sports top needs to:
·         Reflect our school
·         Stands out when we are part of a crowd
·         Looks good!

Your design can be made on paper or computer. Please email Lisa – lisa@amesbury.school.nz with your final designs by Friday 7th December. 

Northern Zone Athletics


Congratulations to the team that represented Amesbury School at the Northern Zone athletics last week. The rain held off thankfully! It was a great day, and the children all did their best and should be proud of their efforts. Well done Luke Walmsley for making it into the Interzone competition for high jump.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Come and Experience Free Futsal (type of indoor soccer)

We are planning to run Futsal tournaments at the Amesbury Hall next year for interested adults and children. We plan to organise events for those who are interested in more social play and also for those who might want something a bit more competitive.

As this year ends, we are offering an opportunity to try out Futsal before getting a team together and signing up for one of our tournaments.

For four Sundays this year (25th November - 16th December), we would like to provide children and adults the opportunity to try Futsal for free. A qualified futsal referee will organise the teams and ref the games.
Teams will be made up on the day and the focus will be on having a go as well as getting people's ideas on the timing and format of next year's tournaments (day, time, structure etc).

Free futsal sessions will be held for four Sundays beginning 25th November at the Amesbury Hall:

5pm - 6pm: Children (aged 12 and under)

6pm - 8pm: Adults (13 years plus)

No need to book - just turn up on the day.

Note: please do not wear shoes that will mark the floor.

Music and other lessons available in 2013

In 2013 we are looking to offer a variety of music lessons which, if there is enough interest, will take place on Fridays during the school day. There will be a charge for these lessons, but expect that we will be able to offer them a bit more cheaply than other music schools.

Naomi, our qualified and experienced music teacher, will take the lessons. She is able to offer tuition in the following:

-Singing
-Saxophone
-Clarinet
-Recorder
-Keyboard
-Theory
-Speech & drama


This is an initial exploration to see if there is sufficient interest for this to go ahead. We would offer both group and individual lessons.

Please follow this link to register your expression of interest:

https://docs.google.com/a/amesbury.school.nz/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dERNeFFRcko4RldlSUEtZTRobmtrR1E6MQ


A busy week full of culture and learning new skills in Koru.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Amesbury International Festival - EVENING EVENTS!



FESTIVAL WEEK!  Monday 26th – Saturday 1st December

Our inaugural Amesbury International Festival is less than 3 weeks away!!  The festival comprises cultural events that occur throughout the day for the students, and during the evening for adults.  The Gala Day on Saturday 1 December is the culmination of our week-long celebrations.

Take a look at the exciting EVENING EVENTS:

Japanese Tea Ceremony – Monday 26 November 7:00pm

Spend an evening finding out about this interesting and beautiful ceremony, and sample some authentic Japanese Matcha Green Tea.

French Movie and Patisseries – Tuesday 27 November 7:30pm

Come and watch the French movie, “The Chorus”, and devour delicious French pâtisseries.

International Quiz Night – Thursday 29 November 7:00pm

Grab some friends and make a team of up to 5 people for a fun night of international trivia!  Nibbles provided.

Indian Cooking Class – Friday 30 November 6:30pm

Have you wanted to know how to cook authentic Indian food?  Then come along to our masterclass, and also see a sari demonstration.

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS:

Click below to go to the online booking form.  Choose the event/s you would like to book for and submit the form.  All tickets are $10 per person.  Tickets must be paid for within 48 hours of booking, either via internet banking, or by cash/cheque at the Amesbury School office.  All tickets must be collected from the school office.  Thank you!
Click here to book tickets or go to the tab at the top of the school blog.

 
We would love to see you at one or more of our International Festival events throughout the week.  It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to mix and mingle with the community and celebrate its wonderful diversity.

Thank you for your support, and keep checking the latest International Festival updates by clicking the tab at the top of this blog!

The Amesbury International Festival committee

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Alex Moore Park - Media Release



“Alex Moore Park – active community partnership” Website: www.alexmoorepark.org.nz
Alex Moore Park redevelopment - public meetings
The Alex Moore Park Building Development Board (AMPBD) and Wellington City Council have been working closely to ensure the community facilities proposed for Alex Moore Park will meet the needs of the Johnsonville and northern suburbs community.
Two projects are key to the Alex Moore Park redevelopment – a new full-size artificial turf on the northernmost field, and the construction of a community and sports facility building on the park to replace the existing clubrooms (Johnsonville Cricket and Olympic Harriers) and the (Northern Football and Johnsonville Softball) clubrooms on Phillip Street. The existing clubroom buildings would be demolished.
The AMPBD Board, formed in 2010 from motivated people that live in the Johnsonville community has been developing plans, designs and reviewing options for the park in close consultation with the people who live in this area and the Council. Refer to: www.alexmoorepark.org.nz for objectives and details.
The AMPBD Board and the Council would like to invite members of the public, residents and interested persons to a meeting to discuss the options being considered for the park and to ensure what is being developed is in keeping with the community’s wants and needs.
Although still early days with regards to fundraising for the proposed building project, the AMPBD Board Chairman, Hadyn Smith, is pleased with the progress from all parties but feels it’s time to ensure we are in tune with real community needs.
The Council has allocated funding of $1.87 million for the artificial sportsfield and new car parking in the 2013/14 year of the Long Term Plan. There is also $300,000 in 2014/15 towards new changing rooms and $380,000 in 2015/16 to develop a community walkway and associated tree planting.
“Everyone has put a lot of time and effort into the process to date but if we are going to turn the ideas for the park into reality we must give everyone in this community a chance for input into that process. This is that opportunity,” said Mr Smith.
The Council’s Sport and Events Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says Alex Moore Park is one of the region’s most important sports venues and is long overdue to be brought up to 21st century standards. “It’s a heavily-used ground and the people who play on it deserve to have the same level of facilities that the Council is rolling out in other parts of the city.”
Two meetings will enable interested people to view design concepts, architectural drawings, listen to a briefing and ask questions of the Board and the Council.
Both meetings will be in the Northern Football and Johnsonville Softball Clubrooms in Phillip Street, Johnsonville. The first is at 7.30pm on Monday 19 November and the second is at 7.30pm on Thursday 29 November.
If anyone wishes to contact the meeting organisers in advance they may do so through:
Hadyn Smith, tel 022 108 8928
Cr John Morrison, tel 027 289 5894

Glenn McGovern, Recreation Projects Manager, Wellington City Council, tel 021 227 8157.
“Our community needs more – Alex Moore Park Development” 

Amesbury International Festival - GALA DAY!



GALA DAY!  Saturday 1 December 2:00-5:00pm

The inaugural Amesbury International Festival Gala Day is now only three and a half weeks away!  Here is the latest update:

White Elephant stall:  We are holding a White Elephant stall selling any second items that are still in good condition.  This could be an ideal time for a clean out at home!  We are interested in:

·         Toys

·         Puzzles

·         Games

·         Clothing

·         Household items

·         Any other second hand items of reasonable quality

Your White Elephant items can be dropped off to Fiona (based in the Library) before school or after school any day of the week.  Thank you!

Cake boxes:  Over the next week or so, we will be distributing cake boxes for the students to bring home, in the hope that you will fill them with a cake/slice/biscuits to sell at our cake stall on Gala Day.  Contributions to the cake stall can be delivered to the hall kitchen on Friday afternoon of 30 November or on the morning of Gala Day.  Thank you very much in advance!

Help!  If you can help on Gala Day we would love to hear from you.  Here are some ways you can assist us:

·         Help set up on Saturday morning

·         Assist with running a stall for some of the time

·         Tidy up and pack down at the end of Gala Day

Please email fiona.white@amesbury.school.nz or crisanna.nel@amesbury.school.nz  if you can lend a hand.  THANK YOU!

Keep your eye out for our next update (coming very shortly) about the evening events that are on during International Festival week.  There are some interesting things planned…

Kind regards

The Amesbury International Festival committee

Tuesday, November 6, 2012


Amesbury School Athletics Results
Congratulations everyone for an amazing Amesbury Athletics day last Friday 26th October.
There were qualifying distances, heights and times this year for the Year 4-6 to go onto Northern Zone, so not everyone who came 1st or 2nd  in their races made it to Northern Zone competition. Koru field events were not recorded. 


Results:

Sprints

1st
2nd
3rd
Yr 6 Girls
Amber/Grace
Grace/Amber
Rosa
Yr 5 Boys
Luke
Max
Ethan
Yr 5 Girls
Madi/Caitlin C
Caitlin C/Madi
Karina/Aniaya
Yr 4 Boys
James
Esra
Adam
Yr 4 Girls
Tais
Emma L
Kate/Emma D
Yr 3 Boys
Bianca
Carolyn
Sharmani
Yr 3 Girls
Jamie
Ryan/Chris
Chris/Ryan
Yr 2 Boys
Gabriel D
Jacob
Emile
Yr 2 Girls
Lucy
Abbie
Chelsey
Yr 1 Boys
Oliver
William
Freeman
Yr 1 Girls
Rosa
Gracie
Sam















Koru short sprint

1st
2nd
3rd
Yr 2 Boys
Gabriel D
Jacob
Josh A/Gregory
Yr 2 Girls
Lucy
Abbie
Chelsey/Arnah
Yr 1 Boys
William
Fynn
Oliver
Yr 1 Girls
Gracie
Sam
Emily

Long Jump

1st
2nd
3rd
Yr 6 Girls
Amber
Grace
Megan
Yr 5 Boys
Max
Luke
Ethan
Yr 5 Girls
Cailtin C
Madi
Jasmine
Yr 4 Boys
Esra
James
Anish
Yr 4 Girls
Emma
Sharvi
Tais
Yr 3 Boys
Jackson
Ryan
Ayrton
Yr 3 Girls
Bianca
Carolyn
Ella

High Jump

1st
2nd
Yr 6 Girls
Amber
Hannah
Yr 5 Boys
Luke
Max
Yr 5 Girls
Madi
Anaiya
Yr 4 Boys
James
Esra
Yr 4 Girls
Kate
Emma D
Yr 3 Boys
Jackson
Ryan
Yr 3 Girls
Carolyn
Bianca












Vortex


1st
2nd
3rd
Yr 6 Girls
Amber
Grace
Hannah
Yr 5 Boys
Luke
Germain
Samuel
Yr 5 Girls
Mycke
Madi
Caitlin C
Yr 4 Boys
James
Esra
Leni
Yr 4 Girls
Tais
Emily
Kate
Yr 3 Boys
Ayrton
Chris
Jackson
Yr 3 Girls
Carolyn
Bianca
Ella




Quoits
Aplogies, some of the quoits results are missing!

1st
2nd
Yr 6 Girls
Amber
Hannah
Yr 5 Boys
Samuel
Luke
Yr 5 Girls
Cailtin C
Mycke
Yr 4 Boys


Yr 4 Girls
Emma L
Emma D
Yr 3 Boys


Yr 3 Girls






Well done everyone!