APITI SCHOOL AND DISTRICT NEWSLETTER, 08/03/2010
Welcome to week 6 of term 1 2010.
Term 1 5th Feb – 1st April.
Term 2 19th April – 2nd July.
Term 3 19th July – 24th Sept.
Term 4 11th Oct – Mid Dec.
Event Dates for your Calendar
12th March - Oroua Swimming at the Makino Aquatic Centre in Feilding (p.p. date: 19th March).
15th March - ASSA Meeting @ 7.30p.m.17, 18, 19th March – Education Outside The Classroom.
26th March - Weed-buster Day.
29th March - B.O.T1st April - Assembly.
Term 1 ends.
19th April - Term 2 begins.
Celebrating our Learning at Apiti School
Students of the Week: –
Junior Rm – Wk 4 – Brooke! For getting work completed quickly.
Wk 5 – Keanu! For working well independently on maintenance & literacy. Reading – Ben & Brooke from Blue 2 – 3, using great strategies like sounding out. Drama – Well done Huntah, Hannah, Logan & Charlotte on their play Morepork – very expressive!
Senior Rm – Wk 4 – Emma! 100% in all areas, especially Apiti Show work, French enrichment and swimming training. Wk 5 – Anastaisia! Attitude to learning and improvement in reading.
These students have demonstrated excellent progress and attitude in the following Curriculum and Key Competency Areas:-
Handwriting – Cole.
Numeracy / Problem Solving – Caleb J x 3, Jacob x 2, Ethan, Tom, Chevelle & Cole.
Reading – Ashleigh.
Appreciation box
In the Senior Room we have an appreciation box. It is one way that we celebrate our Key Competencies. We commend our school members on the way they Manage themselves, Relate to others or Participate and Contribute. Well done to the following students whose names have been placed in the Appreciation box :- Caleb J, Chevelle & Ethan C.
Welcome
We would like to welcome Tyler to our school as a brand new 5 year old. Tyler is the younger brother to Huntah. We know Tyler will enjoy learning at Apiti School.
We would also like to welcome Travis & Derek back to our school, it’s great to have you back with us.
Oroua Group of Schools Triathlon
This triathlon was held recently at Rangiwahia for all year 4 – year 8 students and what a fantastic day it was – the weather was magic and our students performed extremely well. We thank all those parents who transported and supported our students at this event and a special thank you to Sheree for transporting all the bikes over there and back again.
Congratulations to our students who gained places in the top 10:-
Year 4 & 5 Girls – Individual = 2nd Ashleigh. 10th Hannah (Year 3 student).
Year 4 & 5 Boys – Individual = 1st Ethan. 5th Chevelle. 8th Huntah (Year 3 student).
Year 6 & 7 Boys – Individual = 3rd Jacob. 8th Caleb J.
Year 8 Girls – Individual = 2nd Emma. 4th Anastaisia.
Year 4 & 5 – Teams = 2nd Ethan/Chevelle,Ashleigh. 10th Huntah/Charlotte/Hannah (Year 3 students).
Year 5 & 6 – Teams = 3rd Caleb/Jacob/Caleb.
Year 8 – Teams= 5th Emma/Caleb/Anastaisia.
Apiti Show
Congratulations to all our students for the great work on display at the recent Apiti Show.
A huge WELL DONE to Emma and Caleb J who won the Show cup. Emma won all categories in the year 7 & 8 section and Caleb won all categories in the year 5 & 6 section. Well done also to Logan who won the year 3 & 4 section & Brooke who won the year 1 & 2 section.
Thank you very much to our judges, ASSA for their fundraising efforts, Mary Burton and Sara for their help putting up and taking down the exhibits and all of those involved in show organisation. You did a fantastic job.
There are several lovely platters, plates and casserole dishes here in the staffroom brought back from the domain, please come and collect them as soon as you can.
Swimming trip to the Makino Aquatic Centre – 3rd March
Thank you to those parents who helped out with transport down to the Makino last Wednesday. This proved to be a very worth-while trip as the students were assessed for events and trained for the Oroua Swimming sports. Students were also able to learn / practice deep water skills in preparation for our EOTC kayaking at Lake Taupo.
As we did not have enough transport to this event, we would like to thank Hugh McIntyre who came to our rescue by letting us use the Makoura Explorer. Our school van is presently getting mechanically sound so will soon be available for use again.
Permission slip
Thank you to all those who have returned their permission slips for all outdoor education events. There are still 2 or 3 parents who have not returned their 2010 permission slip, please do so as soon as possible.
Our School Pool
A recent report show that the water is very clear and up to standard. Thanks Sheree for the great job you are doing.
We want all children to bring their togs to school every day please. Even though the weather can look unsettled in the morning, it can often turn out really nice during the day. If your child is not to swim, we would like a note from parents to excuse your child.
Oroua Group of Schools Swimming Sports
This event will be held this Friday the 12th of March (p.p. date: 19th March), at the Makino Aquatic Centre in Feilding. The whole school will be attending this event, but the pre-swimmers programme is outlined below. The whole school is to be at the Makino by 9.15 as the first events are due to kick off at 9.30. Children will require their togs, 2 towels, their lunch, a drink, a hat and sunscreen. Students also need to wear their school uniform please. Could we please ask a parent to sit with the swimmers to make sure they are ready for their events – their event numbers will be written on their hand. Could we also ask for two parents to help with time keeping. Parents are asked to arrange transport for their own children for this day. If you have difficulty with this, please contact the school as soon as possible. The school bus will not run at all on this day. The day should conclude at about 2.15, so those who are not going to stay at the Makino, please make sure you are back there in plenty of time to pick your children up. The Kimbolton School PTA will have sausages in bread for $2.00, cakes/slices/muffins for $1.00 and bread rolls available through-out the day.
Those not participating in the senior sports are to meet inside the Makino pool, sitting down near the trampoline but not on it! At 10.00 – Apiti, Kimbolton and Rangiwahia students walk to the library. 11.00 - return from the library. 11 – 11.30 - playtime at Makino park. 11.30 - change into togs. 11.45 - start swimming programme. These events should be finished by 12.45 after which time students will be returned to their parents or if desired, the weather is good and a teacher is free to watch them, they may have free time in the small pool. Please remind your child/children that no-one is to use the shop, the trampoline or use other pools on this day.
School Hours
At the recent BOT meeting we discussed reviewing our daily opening hours at school, and we would like your feedback. Many schools (including some Oroua Schools) now finish at 2.30pm and it has proved to be successful. The time spent teaching is the same (4.5 hours per day) We believe our lunch hour is unnecessarily long. To finish at 2.30pm, breaks are shortened and morning teaching time will be optimised. This is usually the teaching time for literacy and numeracy. We feel this will enhance our students learning environment. It will allow your children to get home ½ an hour earlier and make it easier for you to get into after school activities. We already do a similar thing each Friday in Winter and it has been successful.
A survey form has been attached below. Please fill in your preference / comments and return it to school.
Bon Apiti 2010
As you know we have started Bon Apiti again this term! This term we are cooking wraps on Mondays and filled rolls on Wednesdays. These will be on sale for $1.50 each.
If anyone has any ingredients that would be suitable e.g. mince, lettuce, tortilla wraps, to fill the wraps with it would be very much appreciated! Thanks - The Bon Apiti Committee.
Hydroponics
Our hydroponics are growing really well. We are using them for our Bon Apiti. We now have a surplus. We are now starting to sell our basil, tomatoes, capsicans and our chillies. We have got a little store at school, so you can come any time. We hope you buy our fresh fruit and vegies. Prices: Chillies: $50c each. Tomatoes: $5.00 a bag. Basil: $ 1.50 a bag. Capsican: $5.00 a bag. By Ashleigh.
The Blue Duck
Today we have a person called Mark at school. Mark and his dog Snoopy, have a very important job. Their role is to search for the blue duck. Then we can set traps where they are so that the stoats do not kill them or their young. We are looking after the blue ducks because they are endangered. Tomorrow Jock, Mark and Snoopy are going to the top half of the Oroua River. Some students may be invited also. They will learn about the blue duck and how his dog does its job. They will record this to share with the rest of the school and Andrew Mercer from DOC. This is important for our environment in the Oroua area. By Caleb J & Jacob.
Bush Visit
Mrs Minaar came to our school and we took her on a tour and told her how our action projects are developing and what we are going to do to achieve our goal in 2010. We also took her up to our bush to do a short tour to share our bush learning stories. The bush is really over-grown with weeds and the trees have taken off. We were surprised because the bush had over-grown a lot in a short time.
We will have a weed buster day on Friday the 26th of March. If we could have your help it would be really appreciated. Mrs Minaar works for Horizons and she is setting up an E.O.T.C program. We are going to help her.
Thank you. - By Caleb K.
Kopane School Visit
Last week Kopane School came to visit us. Kopane school came because they had heard about our great enviro programme. We took them around our school and shared our action learning projects with them. We made a circuit where we shared our worm farm, hydroponics, growing unit and shade house, orchard and native area, PE shed, recycling centre and herb garden. Kopane School went home with some great ideas. Ethan C and Mrs Prince made a slice for them to have for morning tea. After leaving us they headed up to walk to Heritage lodge. They were interested in this because it is the same river that flooded their school in the floods. We think Kopane School had a great time. By Jacob, Caleb J and Ethan.
Board of Trustee Elections
A reminder that these elections are to be held during May 2010. We hope you are seriously thinking of running for a position on the board, or for who you would like to have representing you on the board.
Time line for 2010: Nominations open March 15th. Nominations close April 23rd. Voting Papers issued April 28th. Voting Day 7th May. Count Votes 13th May. Boards take office 14th May.
EOTC
Our annual camp this year will be to the Rotorua / Taupo area on the 17th - 19th of March. Thank you to all those who attended the camp meeting and assembly last Friday. Forms were collected by any parents interested in joining us as camp parents. Could these please be back by tomorrow morning at the latest so that we can finalise arrangements. Please indicate whether you are extremely keen or are happy to help at a later opportunity.
Photocopying
We have noticed that the photocopying has gone up this term. We are trying to use less copies and paper. Now we have a chart for coloured photocopying and black and white copies or prints. Each time a senior prints, they write it on the chart. At the end of every second week the person with the least number of ticks gets a prize. We are also saving any paper that has been used by mistake so that we can print on the other side. We believe this challenge will make our paper use more sustainable. By Ethan.
Homework
Please click on the link above to keep up to date with senior room homework.
Positive Feedback
We are getting many positive comments from other schools who are impressed with our wikispaces – one recently sent from the Tamatea Intermediate School stated that we have really inspired and motivated their students to learn about wikispaces. Bring it on, we really love hearing positive comments!! We hope our school families check our wikispace too, to see great achievements and progress and help us celebrate learning.
Well that’s it for this newsletter folks, shall catch you in a fortnight.
Regards, Mary, Nicki, Mary B, Pat, and Christine.
ASSA – Please note the change of date.
The next ASSA meeting will be held on Monday the 15th of March starting at 7.30 in the school staff-room. At least one parent from each school family is asked to attend this meeting please. On the agenda is the field day on Lance & Katherine Gillespie’s property on the 25th of March, the trail ride happening on the 11th of April and the possum shoot (date still to be confirmed). See you then. – K. Wilson-Bryant, (ASSA Chairperson).
Community Notices
125th Apiti & Districts Jubilee Meeting – The next meeting is to be held tonight Monday the 8th of March in the Apiti Tavern starting at 7.30p.m. Everyone is most welcome to attend. - C. Digby.
Ladies Night – The next Ladies Night will be held on Wednesday the 17th of March starting at 7.30p.m. The guest speaker will be Gaylene Knight talking about her latest travels. Everyone welcome. - B. George.
Apiti Fire Brigade – Congratulations to the Apiti Fire Brigade for winning the Hatchett Shield after a great exercise on Saturday in Rangiwahia with the burning of an old local farm house. Thanks to all the Rangiwahia fire brigade for putting on a great day. - K. Wilson-Bryant.
Apiti Community Committee – The A.C.C would like to thank all those who helped out with suggestions for the Apiti Hall colour scheme, your efforts where very much appreciated and the hall looks great. - A.C.C.
Twilight Golf – Twilight golf has started at the Apiti Golf Club every Thursday at 3.30. All children and adults are most welcome to come along. If you require more information, please ring Jock on 3284 830. – J. Bielski.
Apiti Cemetery Board of Trustees – There is to be a public meeting on Wednesday the 24th of March in the Apiti Hall starting at 7.30p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend. - C. Digby (Secretary)
Apiti Country Ball - Hi there! A group of us from Apiti have come up with the idea to organise a community ball/dance. We are hoping this will become a fun yearly event for the community, just like the days when every country town held an annual dance! We are not aiming to make a profit, however if any proceeds are made they will be donated to The Cancer Society. Details are: Saturday 22nd May 2010, 6.30pm-late. B.Y.O., non-alcoholic drinks for sale on the night. Live music - Erna Ferry (her music will appeal to all ages). Supper provided. Dress code: semi-formal ('tidy' to as flash as you like!). Tickets $20pp, available from Anita Renes 3284545 or Katherine Gillespie 3284747. - Anita Renes.
Thank You – Mervyn, Yvonne & family would like to thank Katherine Gillespie & Wendy Bethwaite for the wonderful baking they did for them recently, it was very much appreciated. - M. & Y. Clarke.
Girl Guide Biscuits – If anyone is interested in ordering girl guide biscuits, we have a form in the office for you to fill in or you may e-mail Kinross@xtra.co.nz to place your order. - L. Gray.
Playcentre Supervisor Vacancy - Waituna West Playcentre currently has a vacancy for a Supervisor. Our sessions are currently Wednesday mornings 8:45am - 11:45am. If you are interested in learning more about this position and our centre please contact Anna Hare 06 328 6812 or forward your C.V. to:
The Employment Committee, Waituna West Playcentre, Waituna, Tapuae Valley Road, RD9, Feilding. C. Clare.
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Change of School Hours
I am happy for the school hours to change as set out above : Yes / No Please circle one.
I would prefer the times to remain the same : Yes / No
Comment :……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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Signed.
