Monday, March 25, 2013

Ice-blocks on Thursday!

Dear Parents and Caregivers,


On the 29th of March (this Thursday) Caitlin, Anaiya and Karina will be selling homemade ice-blocks at the school at lunch-time. If your child would like to buy an ice-block, can you please bring in $1 per ice-block.

These are the flavours we have:
Raspberry
Orange
Tropical
Lemonade
Apple and Berry

We are doing this as a fundraiser for the year 5/6 end of year camp.

From Caitlin, Anaiya and Karina.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Conquering "Shiver Me Timbers" - Rock Climbing!

Electives - "Awesome Adventures in the Amazing Outdoors"

Over the last five weeks our group of 17 Year 1-6 children have been exploring:

  • Planning for a trip in the outdoors
  • Safety
  • Risk management
  • Weather maps
  • Equipment
  • Camping
  • Camp fires
  • Orienteering
  • Geocaching
  • Rock Climbing
Our finale was a trip to Pukerua Bay yesterday to conquer a climb called "Shiver me Timbers". And conquer we did! Find the parent who got to the top!
















 









And Geocaching...








Friday, March 22, 2013

Kelly Club - Tuesday 02 April 2013


Hi there,
As schools are closed on Easter Tuesday (2nd April) but it is a working day, Kelly Club Churton Park will be offering flexible care options for families at Amesbury School for the day as follows

Full Day - 8.00am to 6.00pm - $50
School Day – 9.00am to 3.30pm - $40
Morning – 9.00am to 12.30pm - $29
Afternoon – 12.30 to 3.30pm - $29

A variety of activities will be available during the day.
If you would like to enrol please visit www.kellyclub.co.nz and select “Easter Tuesday (2nd April) Programme

Please noteNo food will be supplied therefore children will need to bring a packed lunch sufficient for the length of their stay.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at amesbury@kellyclub.co.nz or call 021 133 2891

Kind regards

Kristy and Annah
Kelly Club

Monday, March 18, 2013

Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser


Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser

The Friends of the School have organised another lovely fundraiser just in time for Easter weekend.  We are offering bags of traditional or chocolate hot cross buns for $7.50 per bag of 6.  For every bag of 6 sold, Amesbury School gets $2
Orders and payment due no later than 3pm on Friday 22nd March.  Payment must be received for an order to be filled. Payment can be made to school by cash or cheque (made out to Amesbury School), or you can pay by internet banking in the school account: 12-3223-0060207-00
Collection: Tuesday 26th March, 2.45 – 5.45pm, from the school office area.

Click here to submit an order!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Easter Weekend School Closure


School will be closed on Easter Tuesday (2nd April), as this has always been designated a public holiday for schools. 
Kelly Club are considering having a one day holiday programme on the Tuesday. So I suggest that parents who will require care for their children talk to Anna of Kelly Club about this. You can reach Anna on 021 133 2891 or email:amesbury@kellyclub.co.nz


Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Amesbury Summer Day Out - Saturday 23rd February, 2013

We had a fantastic turnout on the day, helped by the brilliant weather! Soon after 11am the crowds arrived to enjoy the entertainment, activities and selection of food. In particular, the queues for the BBQ and Mr Whippy were outstanding, and the atmosphere was buzzing with the awesome sounds of "Lemon and Lime".We achieved our primary goal of organising our first fun day to bring the community together and to welcome new and returning families to the beginning of the school year. Our other goal for the day was to kick off fundraising for the development of the senior playground. Whilst the majority of items for sale were between $1 and $3, with the help of our amazing stall holders we managed to take in nearly $4000 on the day, raising $2500 in profit. The day would not have been the success that it was without the generosity and support of all those involved. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of Novotel, New World, Caffe L'affare, Brumbys, Walmsley Builders and Imaginarium Cakes. And, of course we can't forget our wonderful Amesbury School parents, staff and kids who participated and gave of their time and resources.
The Amesbury PPT





Monday, March 11, 2013

News items


News items:

i.                 Elle Claxton’s Memorial
ii.                Recapitation
iii.               NZEI Paid Union Meeting

Elle Claxton’s Memorial

On Friday I attended Elle Claxton’s memorial service at Westpark School. Elle served as the principal of Westpark School for 23 years, but last month she lost a long battle with cancer. I only met Elle once, but as I listened to past and present students, trustees and teachers talk about her, it was obvious that she was a principal who was much loved by teachers and students alike. There were many glowing tributes to a wonderful woman who dedicated her life to the education of the children in her care. The children particularly highlighted her knack of making each of them feel special and unique. All I could think was…..what a great legacy she has left behind!

This turned my thoughts to a poem by Walt Whitman called “O Me! O Life!” He began this poem quite depressed and asked what the point of life was when so much around him was lack lustre and disappointing. He answered his own question with some incredibly powerful words….

That you are here—that life exists, and identity;

That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse

For me Elle Claxton’s memorial was an opportunity to remember the life of a wonderful educator, but it was also an opportunity to remember that as I live my life, I AM writing a verse (whether I think I am or not) that will remain beyond my earthly years. This led me to think about what is perhaps the most important question – what kind of verse am I writing? Am I writing the best verse possible? Will I leave behind a legacy that I can be proud of?

We wish the Westpark School community all the best as they make important decisions for Westpark School’s future.

Recapitation

Last year we spoke to you at the final community evening of the year about the possibility of applying to recapitate - becoming a year 1 – 8 school. As a result of positive interest in the possibility, we put out an online survey to collect specific data from our school community. We were amazed because 64 people responded within 2 hours and many more within the next 48 hours. Though a couple of very valid concerns were raised, in particular the concern that it is very early in our life as a school to be considering expanding what we do (we should focus on making sure we are doing year 1 – 6 well before thinking of extending to year 7 – 8), the response was overwhelmingly in favour of proceeding with the application. In that survey we particularly noticed the balanced views of parents. Your final decision (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree or strongly disagree) was an informed one, because you had considered the issues in a balanced way.

We have proceeded with the application and this meant consulting with the schools in our local network (northern suburbs). Our main concern was to find out what they thought the impact of the recapitation of Amesbury School would be on their schools. A number of schools felt that it would have no impact and were happy for us to continue with the application. No school was significantly concerned at the impact on their school roll. However, a couple of issues were raised that we need to give consideration to.

It was great to talk to schools and we will take their concerns and issues into account as we put our application together.

The application is due 1 April – so you will see me cloistered in the meeting room over the next week or two (again!), trying to get this big piece of work completed in time and done well.

NZEI Paid Union Meeting – school will remain open

A paid union meeting has been called for this Wednesday afternoon, 13th March. However, our school will remain open. Most of our teachers will be attending the meeting which has been called to discuss the failure to reach agreement with the Ministry regarding the teachers’ collective agreement. Lesley, Merrick, Gail and the Murrihy family will organise activities to ensure that all the children are well catered for. We also have some very special visitors coming which will be a real treat for the students.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Picnic with Churton Park School


NEXT MONDAY WE ARE HOPING FOR SOME MORE SUNSHINE…
.. so that we can share a school picnic and activities with Churton Park School. 
Picnic will be held at Churton Park Park between 11:00am and 1:00pm.  Please make sure your child has their lunch box, sun hat, drink bottle.
It would be great if you could come along and join us – bring your picnic lunch and perhaps something to sit on.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Community Notices - March 2013






Children doing dance and other sports are joining Bigair Gym to help with their strength, flexibility, tumbling, co-ordination, fitness, confidence and skill development. Many are also coming because they have a love of Gymsports! Call 232 3508 to discuss how Bigair kids gym can benefit your child! Free Trials available.



Meditation for a sweeter life – introductory talks: Nowspace offers simple, effortless meditation techniques that allow you to move beyond the chaos of the mind and bring more peace into your life. Benefits include dissolving stress and anxiety, and improving sleep, relationships, health, focus, creativity and clarity. Free introductory talks: Karori Community Centre,  7 Beauchamp Street, Wednesday 20 March, 5.30-6.30pm; Khandallah Town Hall Centre, 11 Ganges Road,  Thursday 21 March,  5.30-6.30pm; Northland Community Centre, 5 Woburn Road, Wednesday 27 March, 5.30-6.30pm.

Churton Park Tennis Club – Term 2 2013
Registrations are now open for Peewee Tennis Coaching (ages 5-7 years) and Junior Tennis Coaching (ages 8-17 years).  Coaching runs for 7 weeks commencing Monday 6 May.  Registrations close Friday 22 March.
For a registration form or more information, please contact Nicola on 478 4446 or email cpjuniortennis@gmail.com.
Need a venue?  Churton Park Tennis Clubrooms are the ideal location for meetings or small social events.  Call Russell for more details on 478 2260.