Dear Parents / Caregivers
No Primary Teacher Union Meeting on Wednesday 18 March:
Yesterday we were informed by the Teacher's Union NZEI that the proposed union meeting has been postponed until a time in term two. We are pleased that this means school will be as usual on Wednesday March 18th. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but this has been completely out of the control of the School.
Staff Vests:
Our staff are now going to be wearing high visibility vests when out on duty, so they can be easily identified by the children. Thanks to Impact Design for their assistance with this.
Manuka Poles for Year 7 Camp:
We are looking for 10 manuka poles. Approximately 2 metres in length. If you have any that the school could have or borrow please contact John Western through the Office or email him on johnw@queenstown.school.nz.
Powhiri:
This afternoon we formally welcomed new families, students and staff to our School with a Powhiri. Special thanks to Darren Rewi, Baz Smith, Tua Tolich and Sheree Horomona plus Victoria Lawson from our teaching team for making this event happen.
Welcome to New Families
It was wonderful to see so many families today at our afternoon tea. At this session we met each other, talked about our values, vision and curriculum and answered questions. If you missed this session and would like to find out more visit our website and or feel free to make time to meet with our Principal.
Accurate Contact Details:
Have you changed phone numbers? Moved? New email address? Changed bus runs? Please make sure we have the most up-to-date contact and medical information.
Student Achievement:
Congratulations to Alice Moran, Ella Gibson and Sienna Strachan, who competed in the NZ Junior Swimming Championships in the U11 category. Alice was placed 3rd in the South Island.
PTA Meeting Re: School Fair:
Our annual PTA School Fair is being held on Saturday 27 March. We are having a meeting on Monday 1 March, in the staffroom at 7.00pm to organise who does what, and would like to have as many parents involved as possible. The more people who help, the easier the whole event will be. You don't have to be in the PTA, we just need your contribution. Please come along and offer your assistance.
Year 3 Swimming: Next week the Year 3 swimming programme starts for all children in Rooms 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24. The children will swim every day for three weeks, and need to bring their togs and towel in a named bag. Please make sure you have paid for the swimming lessons at the office ($30.00).
Go-By-Bike Day: A huge thank you to families that supported this event. The children all agreed it was a great experience travelling to school by Cycle Train. Thanks also to:
• Kirsty Barr & QLDC for supporting this initiative with planning, spot prizes and breakfast vouchers.
• Our PTA for breakfast support and food.
• Outside Sports for providing free bike checks.
• The cycling teachers and parents.
If you are interested in helping with a regular cycle train, please let the office know and we will collate names and distribute to interested families. This will be run by parents, not School.
Saxophone and Flute Lessons: This year we are delighted to be able to offer saxophone and flute lessons to Year 6 and up students. Instruments can be hired. For more information contact Jim Turrell via the school office.
READING HOMEWORK
Often teachers get asked the question
"Why can't my child bring home 'harder' readers?"
The reasons why your child brings home books which may appear easy are:
• Meeting books several times helps a child gain confidence.
• They are securing a reading for meaning skill.
• Easy reading trains the eye to focus and move along the print. Your child will be able to take in larger chunks of text and develop mature patterns of eye movement.
• Easy reading will assist with the fluency, and your child will get the 'big picture' and gain understanding.
Parents reading to children daily is important. They will constantly be hearing language and how it functions.
Your child will constantly be meeting challenges with reading while in class under the expert guidance of the teacher. Reading homework is to be a shared experience with material that is familiar to the child.
Sandy Cochrane, Assistant Principal
• National Children's Day: Family day hosted by the Salvation Army on Sunday 7 March from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm, at the Queenstown Primary School field. Bring your togs, towel and a picnic lunch. Phone 442 8373 for more information.
• Touch games are being held on Monday nights, Games are from 4:15 - 5:15. Check the website www.touchsouthland.co.nz to see when your team is playing.
• Lost: Pink I-Pod at school or on Quail Rise bus. Please call 027 464 8864 or leave at office.
