Kia ora whanau. It is that lovely time of the year when the children are able to get outside and practice their run, jump, throw techniques in preparation for our school athletics. This will be held on Tuesday 22 October. A timetable and map of events will come out closer to the date. All welcome.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori: With Te Reo being one of our official New Zealand Aotearoa languages, Maori Language Week is a great opportunity to learn to speak and understand more in Te Reo. Our tamariki will engage with a range of experiences and activities to enhance their vocabulary and knowledge.

Hakatere Festival: We wish our Junior Kapa Haka and our Pasifika group all the best for their performances at the Ashburton Events Centre on Thursday (19th Sept). Many thanks to Malu, Martha and Miss R for their hard work and encouragement to get them ready for this event. All welcome to attend this event and support our students and enjoy a range of cultural performances. The event opens with a Powhiri at 10am and our Pasifika group perform at 12pm and our Junior Kapa Haka perform at 12:40pm.

Year 5/6 Swim Week : A reminder that our Year 5/6 students have a week of swimming lessons at the EA Networks pool each day next week (16-20 September). Please remember names togs and a towel each day.

Blake NZ Virtual Reality visit:Last week the Year 5/6 classes had a fantastic virtual reality experience with Blake NZ. Blake NZ and Young Ocean Explorers Matthew and Abbey came in to talk to us about showing Kaitiakitangi (guardianship) and looking after the oceans, seas and all the animals involved.  Using Virtual Reality headsets, the students learnt about the importance of protecting our waters by not overfishing and caring about our effect on the environment through how we use the water and how we can stop polluting it.  Having the VR headsets were a great way to finish up and reflect upon our topic of ‘What lies beneath?’

Year 6 Football team at Canterbury Winter Tournament: We were so proud to hear our team played with pride, passion and were great sports. It is such a big achievement to make it to the Canterbury zone and you all represented Hampstead School so well. Tumeke boys!

Reporting Term 3: On Friday 27 September, children will get a report comment on Hero that shares with caregivers learning progress in Term 3 in other curriculum areas. Our next Reading, Writing, Maths and General Comment report will be sent out at the end of Term 4.

Storage Shed Upgrade: Our storage sheds that sit beside our bike sheds at the Wellington St gates are getting an upgrade (demolition and rebuild). This work will begin in the next school holidays (30 September). Due to the asbestos management plan involved in the demolition, our school grounds will not be open to public access over the school holidays and there will be no access through these gates for the duration of the upgrade (likely all of Term 4).

Student of the Week: Isabelle of Rm 2 Isabelle is a fantastic person to have in any classroom. She is a kind and caring friend and even helps Mrs Moore to settle other children in when they are upset. Isabelle is also a very hard worker and takes pride in everything she does. She shows others how to be a star student by helping them with their work. Isabelle is a fast learner and always has so much enthusiasm for learning new things. Keep shining Isabelle! Matthew of Rm 9: Matthew is a kind and valued member of Rūma Iwa. He is thoughtful towards his peers and teachers and is the first to offer a helping hand. Matthew takes his jobs very seriously and is reliable and trustworthy. His confidence has grown and he enjoys discussions and sharing his interests in front of the class. Matthew, keep up the amazing mahi, you are awesome and we are so lucky to have such a generous and helpful student in Room 9!

Upcoming Dates:

Year 5-6 Swim Week #2: 16-20 September

Board of Trustees Meeting: 17 September, 7pm in Puawai

Maori Language Week: 16-20 September

Ashburton Intermediate Open Night: 24 September, 7pm

Hakatere Festival: 19 September

End of Term 3: 27 September

Start of Term : 14 October

Athletics Day: 22 October

County Athletics: 1 November

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)