Amberley School, always lots to celebrate!
kia ora koutou
Firstly I would like to acknowledge the PTA and the fabulous organisation around our Pet Day. Several people commented on the day suggesting it was the best one yet! This would not have been possible without the guidance and team of support people led by Mrs Grigg. Our school community would like to to say, thank you for making this such a success.
Recently some of our local schools gathered to have a fun and interactive sports day for the juniors called 'Tabloids'. This is an annual event and it is an opportunity for children to be mixing with students from other schools and to be active. Sunscreen, hats and water bottles were a necessity as the heat was intense. Teachers, family, supporters and our community clapped and cheered as our young children showed their personal best with sporting skills and techniques. It's priceless to see and share these moments of elation and joy with our tamariki. Their determination and enjoyment was evident. Thank you to everyone who helped organise and support this event.
We are organising an assembly to farewell Mr O'Halloran on the 15th of December @ 9:45. Children and staff will have the opportunity to share with Mr O'Halloran. The student leaders and Mrs S will support leading this assembly. Mr O'Halloran is looking forward to seeing everyone and we will have a morning tea after the assembly for Kevin and Leita to catch up with people over a cuppa. Thank you to the PTA who will be opening Rewi as our meeting place for a morning tea gathering. Your support once again is appreciated.
School Structure in 2016. A letter went out recently informing families of our classroom structure in 2016. I apologise for making a mistake saying hubs will be over 2 year levels. Some of our hubs are over 3 year levels. We are endeavouring to move forward with modern learning practice and there is lots of media coverage around this. I have been part of an online group along with many principals in Canterbury discussing multi-level year groups and 'hubs' as we are calling them at Amberley. There are several schools who are moving towards this structure. We are no different with the knowledge that Amberley has always had composite classes.
Our modern learning upgrade has been put on hold for 2016. We will not be moving into other learning areas over the Christmas break. This is due to a range of reasons. Firstly, schools have a 5 year allocation of funds towards building projects and upgrades from the ministry. Our funds allocated were not going to allow us to complete the renovations and refurbishments to meet the needs of our children and the requirements of creating a modern learning space. Therefore, the BoT have asked for this to be put on hold until we are due for our next 5 year allocation to support the project being completed in one stage, not several. We also want to have the least interruption to classes and learning. By doing this all in one stage, we know this is the best fit for Amberley children and staff. Thank you for your understanding around this.
A big thanks to Craig and Grant who are ready to go with the first of two pours with concrete this weekend for our newly designed scooter track. Our children have raised a substantial amount of funds for this to happen, along with a $4000.00 donation from our PTA, hours of planning and commitment from Craig to lead this project with support from Grant ( a dad in our community) and our school community. We are all really excited about this and of course there are lots of ideas floating re- the safety (helmets) aspect, perhaps having a licence? and supervision at duty times. We look forward to unveiling this finished project soon.
There is still lots going on for the final two weeks of school. Reports are being proofed, organisation for Prize Giving is under way, classroom celebrations and culminating activities are being organised, certificate assembly scheduled, our swimming programme still running, class lists and stationery lists are being created, the Big Day Out and events for this are in discussion, our student achievement evening is scheduled for next week, the appointments panel are well underway with the interviewing process with appointing a new principal (staff and students have some involvement in this), teacher appointment for Kowai Hub and a Team Leader for te Maugnatere and te Ngahere Hub have been advertised. As you can see there is no slowing down yet.
I look forward to updating you all in the final newsletter around appointments made, staffing for 2016 and your child's report along with their stationery list and hub for next year, including any pre-camp information will be sent home on Wednesday 16th of December.
To finish our celebrations and events I would like acknowledge the $5000.00 donation from our PTA granted yesterday to go towards teacher aide hours in 2016. On behalf of our school community we sincerely thank you for this. This is a wonderful contribution that will make a difference for our children.
Have a great week everyone! e noho ra Mrs. S
