Newsletter Thursday 1 July 2021

He mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa

Brrrr! It's been a wild weather week. It's the perfect weather to wrap up with a warm blanket and read a book. It's been some time since I've been allowed to write the newsletter, so I'm making the most of this opportunity to remind all whānau that Reading every day with your child is the best way to help them do well at school and in life. Even if your tamariki are getting on the tall side and don't want you reading to them anymore, make sure they've always got a good book and some quiet time to enjoy it.

Community Matariki Event postponed

The Whānau Hui Group have decided that it's too cold and our Level 2 time is too recent to hold the Community Matariki event that they had planned tonight - so it's postponed for now. They will be planning an event to bring our community together later in the year.

Get on board with the @school app

From next term our @school app will be our teachers' most important way of keeping in touch with you, and you with us. Teachers will no longer send out a weekly Pānui, but will instead use the Teacher Messages and Blog functions more frequently. You'll get reminders about upcoming classroom events via the Teacher Messages button and be able to see photos and find out about what your child has been learning in class via the Blog. You'll also notice that teachers will be reporting on your child's learning throughout the term via the Spotlight button. If you haven't already turned on notifications in the app as well as on your phone you should do this now so that you know immediately when there is a new post or message. If you only access @school via your computer, remember to log in at least weekly to keep up to date.

It may be hard for old dogs to learn new tricks; but it will be worth it! If you need a refresher about how to use @school, watch this Youtube clip, or get in touch with Anneleah for assistance. We expect that using the app for teacher communications will save our teachers time and mean that parents get information when it's needed and relevant. But don't panic, not everything is changing….Sarah will still email out a link to our schoolwide newsletter every time she writes one.

We also encourage you to use @school to notify us about absences. By doing so you'll be helping our busy administration staff to save time too.

Moveathon

Look out for confirmation of the date of our Moveathon day on Monday next week - and let's get moving!

There are great prizes and now extra time to get those dress ups ready and sponsors lined up.

Our Treetop Walkway and Adventure Play area on the bank will be the envy of cousins and acquaintances all over the country and the more we raise this year, the more of it will get completed in stage 1.

Basketball Term 3

Do you have the next Michael Jordan or Le Bron James in your family?

Order your School Photos

Inspire Photography invite you to view our portrait gallery and order photos of your children. Here are the important points:

To view and order photos use the web link and access code that you were emailed.
Orders made before the 27 July will be delivered to us at school and sent home with children.
You may request your photos be mailed to you (for an extra fee) and these will be sent out at the same time as delivery to us at school.
If you purchase a digital file you'll be able to download it as soon as your payment is cleared.
The gallery will still be open for up to 12 months after the main ordering period closes, but postage and packing fees may apply if you order after 27 July 2021.
Please make your orders soon as the school does not receive any commission on sales after July 27.

Community Events

Vogelmorn Community Reflection Hui

Sunday 4 July 2 - 4pm at Vogelmorn Bowling Club

Come along and tell us what you love about Vogelmorn, share your ideas with us and hear of our plans for the future. All welcome with refreshments provided. RSVP to vogelmornbc@gmail.com

Central Park Glow Worms

Registrations are essential for these free guided walks. You can book by emailing kt@danzat.co.nz (Katie Underwood) with glow worm in the subject line. Include your name, phone number, the ages of any children attending and preferred date and time. Children are 12 years and under and must be accompanied by an adult. Each adult may accompany no more than 2 children.

Choose from the following times:

a) Friday 2 July 6.30 - 7.15

b) Friday 2 July 6.45 - 7.15 (suitable for younger children/mobility friendly)

c) Sunday 4 July 6.30 - 7.15

d) Sunday 4 July 6.45 - 7.15 (suitable for younger children/mobility friendly)

Kia pai tō rā whānau
Kathryn Smith
Principal