Newsletter - WE 16/10/20

Janine Jack

— Oct 16, 2020

Tēnā Koutou

Welcome back to Term FOUR!

An action-packed term ahead with an awful lot to cram into just 81/2 short weeks. Please note the dates below!

- Monday 26th October Labour Day

- Friday 13th November Show Day

- Thursday 19th MOE mandated Teacher only day

- Wednesday 9th December Prizegiving at 11am and last day of Term 4

The teacher only day on the 19th November is set by the Ministry of Education and has created a couple of overlaps for us, so please note that:-

* All exams scheduled on the 19th November will go ahead as normal. Buses will still run!

* This is also the final day of Year 10 camp and they will be returning in time for buses at 3pm.

I am pleased to welcome Kirsten Allison into our team. Kirsten has now taken over the reigns in Room 3 on the primary side and we are so pleased to have her here at Amuri. I would like to take this moment to thank Robyn Davidson for her hard work over the past three terms in this room. What started as cover for study leave turned into a much longer commitment and we thank Robyn for her time and energy. Robyn will still be in from time to time in a relieving capacity.

Our electrical upgrade has been completed over the term break which is a relief as we look forward to a future with the lights staying on as and when requested! The team from Texco are making steady progress on the new basketball court on the senior side. Once again, I ask you take care when on school grounds outside of school hours around this work site.

Next week we see Year 8 students heading off to Raincliff for what looks to be a wonderful camp experience. Our Year 7 students will take part in the Amuri Lions 4-day leadership and service programme. Starting the week with a presentation from Hollie Woodhouse, otherwise known as the adventurous Kiwi. See https://www.holliewoodhouse.com/ for more information on Hollie and her exploits.

A reminder please that under Level 1 our approach to sickness remains unchanged. If your child is sick, keep them home. If a member of your household is directed to get a Covid test then all children in the family must stay home until the result is through. If in doubt, seek professional medical advice.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kia Kitea Toikaka

James Griggs

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Senior School News

Welcome back to the final term of what has been a less than usual year. On a very positive front, students are progressing well with their learning and for our students, very little should or has been lost because of the earlier lockdown.

Term 4 is always a very busy term with completing the work for this year and forward planning in preparation for the next. With NCEA exams starting on Monday November 16th I would just like to confirm the study leave and exam arrangements for the Year 11-13 students:

* Exam leave starts at 3.05pm Thursday 12th November

* Many students will be returning to complete internal assessments across a range of subjects, times and dates will have been advised to the students

* Some teachers are offering exam tutorials prior to their exam but again students will be aware of these

* Students attending exams and/or completing work at school from Monday 16th are able to wear mufti (smart casual please)

* Buses will run for exam students on the scheduled TOD Thursday 19th November

* Staff will be available to help students however, it is best to arrange in advance as the teacher required may be on a camp or providing relief cover and not be available

* Students who have completed all their courses and have no exams do not need to be at school until prizegiving.

Study leave is not the time to start studying – the successful students will already have a meaningful study plan well underway. This gives students time to do a little ‘top up’ before and between exams.

It was great to see photos of and hear very positive stories from the Year 12 Geography field trip during the last week of Term 3. The students are now using the valuable data and research to complete the standard they have been studying. On a lighter note some of the new hair styles acquired were interesting!!

Already we have some of our students who have completed courses out gaining work experience across a range of areas that will hopefully lead to longer term career options. The initiative shown for finding jobs / opportunities, the enthusiasm to work and be independent, and the understanding that the only job where you start at the top is digging a hole, can give us great confidence for the future.

Penny Mossman

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Roll of Honour

Sam Al Rousan

Angela Berrios
Regan Clark

Laura Cundy

Karla De Vera

Hailey Edwards

Luke Hill

Nathan Kay

Becky Minson

Rosie Mones-Cazon