Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Transition to School

New Entrant Parent Information Session

Monday 19 August 2013
2:00pm

For parents of new children in koru hub
Meet us in kowhai - the yellow suite

We will cover things such as:
  • Literacy and Numeracy programme
  • Inquiry, iTime and personal contracts
  • Whanau teachers and team teaching
  • Workshops and how we group children
  • Home work and how you can help
  • School website, blogs and planning site
  • Mathletics and Bug Club
  • How children learn to read and write plus tips and tricks
  • Routines and expectations, signing in, lunch, shoes etc
  • Meet the teachers and other parents


FOUR YEAR OLD PROGRAMME

Term 3 2013
Every Wednesday 
 11:30am-12:30pm
Koru Hub

What is it?
For one hour a week four year olds who are pre-enrolled to start at Amesbury School can join other four year olds (and some new entrant school children) in some activities.  This gives the opportunity to meet the children who will become their friends, to build relationships with the teachers, to become familiar with the school environment and for parents to get to know each other and ask questions.  

When do we start?
You can attend as soon as your child turns four years old, however some parents find that if they attend these sessions too far out from their starting date it can be a very long wait for the child until the first day of school, so come along when it suits you.  Many parents find it is best to come along a term before their child starts school. 

Where do we go?
Any week you wish to attend just show up in koru hub and join all the children for the story at the orange carpet. As part of a ministry requirement we ask that parents stay on site during these visits.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

Michael, Demelza, Jeanelle, Lisa and Angela

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Amesbury School Board of Trustees Agenda Wednesday, 31 July 2013, 5.30pm

Amesbury School Board of Trustees
Meeting: Wednesday 31 July, 2013 at 5.30 pm in Meeting Room, Te Rito, Amesbury School
AGENDA
1.      Attendance
1.1.         Present
1.2.         Apologies
1.3.         Conflict of Interest

2.      Minutes of previous meeting: 26 June 2013
2.1.         Confirmation
2.2.         Matters Arising
2.3.         Action Table

3.      Property:
3.1.         End of warranty period – grounds review
3.2.         Development of grounds – Consultation with students (Verbal update – Urs/Angela)
3.3.         Term 2 Hall Report
3.4.         Hall Report to WCC 2012

4.      Self-review
4.1.         ERO Review Report - highlights
4.2.         Check- Annual Self – Review Programme 2013 (standing agenda item)

5.      Health and Safety
5.1.         Health and Safety Policy – annual review
5.2.         Health and Safety Review of Procedures - review
5.3.         River rafting on yr 5/6 camp  - see attached safety procedures
5.4.         3pm pick-ups – vehicles
5.5.         Emergency Procedures for Earthquakes

6.      Legislation
6.1.         Board training
6.2.         Recapitation: MOE update
6.3.         Legislation Policy – annual review

7.      Personnel
7.1.         Staffing for term 3
7.2.         Principal Appraisal

8.      Charter Development
8.1.         School vision and values (standing item)
8.2.         Raising a discussion : ICAS Testing – who are we as a school?

9.      Finance
9.1.         Finance Committee Minutes  (Finance Committee)
9.2.         Finance Committee Report  (Finance Committee)
9.3.         Financial Reports for June 2013

10.   Education/Curriculum/Student Achievement focus
10.1.      Amesbury Curriculum
10.2.      Draft Revision of Curriculum Policy and related documentation – e.g. Assessment, Reporting, Special Needs for final approval
10.3.      Software Development (ICT sub-committee)

11.   Community Engagement
11.1.      PPT Update (Lorraine)
11.2.      Communication Working Group (Steve)
11.3.      Promoting our school

12.   Next meeting:

12.1.      Wednesday 28/08/2013, 5.30 p.m. NOTE: Student achievement data from terms 1 & 2 will be presented

Welcomes and Congratulations


Kia ora koutou

Welcome back to term 3.
It was lovely to see all the smiling faces as students arrived at school yesterday. I hope everyone managed to enjoy their holidays and have begun the term feeling refreshed and ready for a HUGE term of learning.

We are excited about this term. Our student achievement data from terms 1 and 2 is looking pretty good. However, as a staff, we met yesterday to discuss how we can continue to improve the achievement of our students over the next two terms. This includes shifting students who are still below National Standards as well as shifting students who are "at" to "above". We are putting targeted programmes in place to assist a large number of students including some students who are highly capable in particular areas to ensure they receive the learning challenges they need.

Welcome to two new teachers
We have two new teachers who have started at Amesbury School this term. Andrea Smith arrived over the holidays from England where she has been teaching for some years. Andrea is a permanent appointment and will be teaching in Harakeke Hub. We are very pleased to have her here. She seems to be fitting in beautifully. Ange Compton is a teacher, science and technology advisor, researcher etc and she be will be working part-time providing support to the Senior Leadership Team carrying out some projects for us.

Congratulations Matt and Jenna
Matt, Jenna and Charlie travelled to Taiwan over the holidays and just about the first thing Matt and Jenna did when they arrived at Taiwan was to get married! Matt made this announcement at our staff meeting last night. We are thrilled for both of them, offer our heartiest congratulations and wish them every happiness and a wonderful future together.

Student achievements

*Congratulations to Ethan Dunne and Summer Ferguson for winning the Amesbury Awesomeness Awards at our term 2 learning celebration last term. Very well deserved. You are both truly awesome!

* A number of our students competed at the North Island Cross Country Champs over the holidays. Congratulations to Jamie Talbot, Tais Holley, Madi Thomas,  Ryan and Echelon Topp who competed well.

*The following students are representing our school in a cross country series. They were selected from the students who competed well at the Amesbury Cross country Championships: Cruz, Freeman, Kate,
Rosa, Lucy, Arnah, Ryan, Ayrton, Khan, Daniel, Ella and Kate. All the best for your races.

*Congratulation to Ella Jones-Rawstorne who competed recently in her first Taekwando Tournament. She did amazingly well - winning a gold medal in sparring against a much higher graded opponent and coming second in the jumping front kick competition. I am impressed! Well done, Ella.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Quiz Night - Sunday 11th August


AMESBURY SCHOOL QUIZ NIGHT
Sunday 11 August 2013 7.00pm @ Khandallah Trading Company

The time has come to get your teams together for the inaugural Amesbury School Quiz Night.  Be there to find out who will become the first recipient of the Amesbury School Quiz Champions’ Trophy!

Tickets
Tickets are $15 per person and teams are limited to 4-6 people.  If you don’t have a team but would like to be in one you can still buy a ticket and we will try to organise a team for you.
Tickets can be purchased now through this link:

Be in quick
Numbers are limited to 70 people so be in quick to reserve your table.  Entries will be accepted on a first in and first paid basis. 

Meal Deal
For those that want to get out of the house a little earlier KTC offer quiz ticket holders a $25 meal and drink deal before the quiz.  Bookings recommended. 

Donations
We are still gathering donations for prizes, raffle items, etc for the evening.  To avoid asking our usual supporters in the community we need your help.  So, please put your thinking caps on (a warm up for quiznight!) and consider accessing your networks (family, friends, colleagues…) for donations that we can use for prizes/auctions on the night. 

Please have any donations to the school office by Friday 02 August 2013.

If you have any questions please email ppt@amesbury.school.nz


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

ARTSPLASH

Dear Parents/Caregivers

On Thursday 1 August (the first Thursday after the holidays) all the students in Harakeke will be going to the Artsplash Cluster Rehearsal at the Victoria University campus in Karori.  We will be travelling by bus, leaving school just after 9:00 and returning at 11:30.  The students will have morning tea when they get back.

Artsplash is a music festival that is hosted by the Wellington City Council and is part of a wider young person's arts festival.  Many schools in the greater Wellington region participate.  Our students have been busy learning the songs as part of our music programme throughout Term 2.

Our Artpslash concert is on 9 September at 7:45pm at the Michael Fowler Centre.  We are very aware of the lateness of this event, and requested an earlier time slot, but unfortunately we didn't get it.  While it is a requirement for your child to learn the songs and attend the cluster rehearsal, it is not compulsory for them to participate in the actual performance, given that it is out of school hours.  If you do not wish your child to be involved in the concert, we would appreciate it if you sent us an email to let us know.

Tickets to Artsplash will be available in the coming weeks - we will let you know when we have them.  (Students performing don't need a ticket.). It promises to be a great concert!

Best wishes

Fiona and Naomi

Monday, July 8, 2013

Churton Park Community Centre - What's On to 14 July

Check out next week’s activities here<http://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/services/community-and-culture/community-centres/files/calendar-churtonpark.pdf> (please note, due to website maintenance over the weekend, this link won't be live until Monday). If you or someone you know is in the market for a new pet, the SPCA are holding their Adoption Day at CPCC tomorrow from 11 - 3pm. Drop in and show them some support and maybe pick up a cuddly new friend!
This week, there are a few reminders for upcoming events and activities:
**TODDLERS IN TUTUS**
Toddlers in Tutus starts in week one of Term 3, with classes on both Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10am. This is a great music focussed programme for under 5’s, taught by an experienced dance teacher. Delight in seeing your littlies develop musicality, listening skills, co-ordination and focus through the magic of music and dance. Register your toddler for Term 3 via ballet.tracey@gmail.com<mailto:ballet.tracey@gmail.com> and be in the draw to win one of two gorgeous fairy dresses (see attached)
**TAI CHI**
We had a good turn out for an enjoyable Tai Chi session with Janet on Thursday. Don’t forget Tai Chi with Mercedes on Saturday at 9am. The first lesson is free - excellent if you're looking to try it out with no pressure!
**JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE CENTRE**
A reminder to everyone that local Justices of the Peace run a Service Centre in the Community Centre every Tuesday evening between 7 – 8.30pm. No appointment is necessary.
**PUBLIC TOILET**
The public toilet outside the Community Centre is due to open soon. Initially the hours will be 7am – 9pm. Opening date to be confirmed.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Netball News

A cold but fine start for Saturday's game set the scene for another fighting effort from the Amesbury Ferns.  Some great team work on defence created lots of turnover ball but the Johnsonville Royals had improved markedly on their defence too and made it hard to get our ball through the mid court and into the goal circle.  3-0 down at half time, the Amesbury Ferns were faced with a new challenge.  And rise to the challenge they did with a determined come back in the second half.  However, the Royals took this one in the end resulting in the Ferns experiencing their first defeat of the season.  It was a solid effort with the final score 5-3. 

Congratulations to Kimberley for the Magic Moment award, received for her good defensive work at goal keep. Well done also to Emily for her excellent movement on the court, moving into spaces to help her team mates out. 

Next game is this Saturday 11.00am against St Brigids Silver. Please be there for the warm-up at 10.30am.  Same places as usual for warm-up and match.

Captain and shooters will follow in another email (next day or so), as well as details for farewell after the match. 

Until then, have a great week

Monday, July 1, 2013

Wacky Wednesday in Koru Hub



Wacky Wednesday
Wednesday 10 July
Koru Hub 
Wear PJs and/or wacky hair
To celebrate the end of the term


Reminders: Michael and Demelza's maths children need to bring in a plain light coloured t-shirt by this Wednesday 3 July. 


Community Notices - July 2013


Newlands Community Centre is creating a Drop in space for kids and their caregivers/parents for the holidays.  Come on down for some holiday fun, between 10am - 1pm. We will have 2 table tennis tables set up (apart from Wed) , puzzles, board games, a craft table, and a toy basket for younger kids.  All children need an adult with them, as this is not supervised.   This is a drop in not
    a drop off! For more information contact Raph on 477 3724, raphael.millen@wcc.govt.nz
  

Looking for things to do with the kids over the July School Holidays? See www.citywrigglers.co.nz for everything for Wellington parents, and all one place. Try a new playground, a school holiday programme or class, take the kids to some fantastic children's theatre or see the great free events on for Wellington children and parents. And see our Facebook page for regular updates.

Calling all children that love to run, jump, swing, climb, build huts with soft equipment, gym circuits, and jumping down an 11 metre long trampoline – come individually or with a group of friends to Bigair Gym’s July School Holiday Programme. Come while parents are working or just for active fun to use up energy these holidays. Half days are $20 & full days $36. E. office@bigairgym.co.nz P. 232 3508 or visit the office at 1 Lincoln Ave Tawa.
 Term 3 Enrolments for Gym Classes at Bigair Gym are open NOW! We offer a 10 level badge programme which allows children to experience a sense of achievement as they move through the programme and a great increase in self confidence. Classes fill up fast so contact Bigair Gym today! E. office@bigairgym.co.nz  P. 232 3508

“Come along to join fencing class to learn all you need to about fencing”
Tuesdays: 4pm - 5.30pm & Wednesdays: 4pm - 5.30pm
Knox Church, 574 High St, Lower Hutt
(Equipment and protective clothing provided for beginners)
From international qualified coach Ping Yuan who was a world champion and NZ Commonwealth Gold Medalist. More info and to book a place contact Ping Yuan on rainbowfencing@hotmail.com or 021 059 2558"

Kids Have FUN at Craft House - Holiday Craft Classes
Our July holiday class schedule is out now. Classes on offer these holidays include all the fun paper crafting options as well as a day of creating with wool, sock monster inventing and even a class to make a beautiful hand held mirror. Book now to avoid disappointment ... our winter classes sell out quickly! We also have a new line up of Crafty Party options fantastic for your next birthday party.
See all the details at www.CraftHouse.co.nz or call in to our new premises at 108 Hutt Rd, Kaiwharawhara. (Just along from Spotlight in the Otis Elevators building.)
For more information or to book call ... 499 4499 or e-mail: info@CraftHouse.co.nz

ArtRageous Kids Holiday Programme 
We focus on extending children's creativity through many different medias. Our aim is on drawing out your child's creative expression to develop confidence and self esteem and also to have heaps of fun. We will provide new activities every day. However if your child is focused exploring one medium they can work in that medium every day.
8.30 – 3.30  Mon - Fri  22nd July till 26th July
Venue:  Poneke Dojo, Prince of Wales Park, Salisbury Tce, Wellington
$60 per day Bookings essential, 
Please bring Lunch boxes,Afternoon Tea provided 
Sewing, Jewellery making, Clay, Construction, Drama, Knetic art, Painting, Printmaking, Collage, Stop motion movie making, Science experiments, Cooking and much more. 
We provide a 1-5 ratio with a maximum of 20 children.
10% discount for multiple family members 
To book your place now call  Tanya Taylor on  027 367 8244
or email us at artrageouskids@gmail.com

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
Our internationally acclaimed programme for children enhances  Confidence and Creativity, Communication,  Presentation Skills, Public speaking, and  Performance skills
CLASSES ARE HELD  IN: Khandallah,  Lower Hutt,  Whitby,  Hataitai,  Tawa
Telephone: (04) 3889710            www.helenogrady.co.nz

Kids Cross Country Series
Athletics Wellington and Olympic Harriers are running a Kids Cross Country Run Event at Grenada North Park in Tawa on Sunday 14 July.  Register at least 7 days prior and receive your own personalised race bib.  It's is open to year 3s through to year 10s (if you're a year 2 and keen you can enter the year 3 race).  Get a couple of friends together and enter a team of three.  It can be a school team or sports club team.  There are team and individual awards.  The next three events are being held in Tawa, Upper Hutt and Wellington.  For more details go to www.athleticshub.co.nz or email jo.athleticswellington@xtra.co.nz or phone 2329409.


At Porirua Little Theatre's PopUp Theatre these holidays - Red Riding Hat. A magical musical pantomime.
July 23-26
Tue 1pm
Wed 11am & 1pm
Thu 11am & 1pm
Fri 11am
4 Lydney Place, Porirua.
Tickets only $10. Babies under 2 years free.
Door sales available - cash only



Flying Trapeze
Flying Trapeze Classes for 10 to 15 year olds starting in term 2 at the Circus Trust, Wellington.
A trial class will be held on the Saturday on 27th of July from 12:30 at a cost of $10. From more information or to book Email wellington.trapeze@gmail.com or call 803 8666
Check out  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay3s_llOKeE  to see what you could learn.


Tennis Holiday Programme  Term 3  2013
A tennis holiday programme is a great way to have fun and meet new friends.
Roman Cruz (one of Churton Park Tennis Club’s experienced Junior coaches) will be running an action packed tennis holiday programme at Churton Park Tennis Club, so if you are looking for something to do during the break, then this holiday programme is for you. 
Week 1: Monday 14th   July – Friday 19th  July 2013
Week2: Monday 22nd July – Friday  26th July  2013
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Roman Cruz on ph. 021 160 32 79 or  (04) 386 2554  Email: supertennis@hotmail.co.nz