Kia ora koutou. We have made it to the end of another fun and action packed term. Later today, caregivers will receive a notification from Hero to read about Term 3 learning called "Celebrating Learning". We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday break. We look forward to seeing the children back at school on Monday 14 October.

Book Character Competition: Miss Peterson presented the Book Character competition winners.  From the Juniors we had Jack, Hadia and Eliza getting 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  In the middle school was Purotu, Jasmine and Fayeh.  And in the Senior school was Tise, Jacob and Niall.  

Term 3 Photography: The photography group of 11 Year 5/6 students has been meeting weekly this term. They mostly meet after school on a Thursday or Friday and do two Sunday trips. They have been working on taking photos of animals, people, old building and also their ‘any shot’ which is anything they like. Up to 10 of their best photos are then entered into the A&P Show in November.

On Sunday they went to the Rakaia Gorge plus a farmyard in Methven which included a short walk. The other trip was to Timaru where they took photos at The Shearer’s quarters, botanical gardens and the beach near the Wetlands. Local trips after school have included Wakanui beach, old buildings, and walking around different parts of town. Thanks to everyone who took cars! We couldn’t do these trips without you! Next year photography will run again with up to 12 students.

Midlands Science Fair: We had five Year 5/6 students enter their science projects in the Midlands Science Fair this year. They had to decide what to investigate and follow through with their investigation with research and fair testing. Emily got first place with her investigation into what effect would deep breathing have on blood oxygen levels. Hunter and Dominik got second with their project on which drink causes the most tooth decay. While Jacob and Natalie got third and found out whether more inflation in a rugby ball helps the distance it can be kicked.

Ka pai for all your hard mahi and we also thank Mrs Ross for all her inspiration and guidance. We look forward to seeing your future science projects!

Whole School Athletics: All welcome to support our tamariki having a go and doing their best at Athletics day on Tuesday 22 October. We will post a timetable and map onto Hero and there is a picture attached to this newsletter. Our Year 5-6 Long Distant runners will run the day before on Monday 21 October just after the roll at 9am. All Year 5-6 children will come out to support them and family and friends of the competitors are welcome to come along also.

Dogtober: Our school is taking part in Dogtober to raise funds for Mobility Dogs NZ, who we have applied to for a therapy dog. Mobility Dogs is a charity that trains and matches dogs to support people with a range of needs. Our Student Council will run a dog themed dress-up day on Friday 25 October. All donations gratefully received and these can also be made online and is linked to our Facebook page:https://dogtober.co.nz/hampstead-school?fbclid=IwY2xjawFgHTdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU6nUkhTr0usVzM2a89IxYphZExOfunPa8P8sGeM_9uM7WAfNqXHGiBU-Q_aem_lTz8pUar207tgeLkWiT9mw

Hakatere Cultural Festival: Our Pasifika group and Junior Kapa Haka performed with pride at the Hakatere Cultural Festival on 19 September at the Ashburton Events Centre. Thanks to those that came along to support them and thanks again to Malu, Martha and Miss R for their leadership of these groups and to Te Huka Tai Trust for organising this fantastic event.

Free Period Products: Our school receives free sanitary products which we can supply on a regular basis to our girls that have started menstruating. If you would like a discreet bag of sanitary products, please email claudine.c@hampsteadschool.co.nz and let me know which products you require ie regular or super, pads or tampons and we can arrange delivery.

Sunhats for Term 4: We are a Sunsmart school and therefore we have a policy that all children wear their school sunhats outside in Term 1 & 4. These can be purchased at The Warehouse or from our school office for $15.

Team Assemblies Term 4: These occur in the even weeks of the term and friends and family are welcome. Team Kakano & Tupu (Rm 1,2,5,6,7,8,16,17) meet in the library and Team Mahuri & Rakau (Rm 10,11,12,13,14,15) meet in the Hall. The dates for these are 25 Oct, 8 & 22 Nov, 6 Dec starting at 12 noon.

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).

Cohort Entry for New Entrants from Term 1, 2025: From the start of next year, New Entrant children will start on eight different entry points throughout the year. This helps to support a smooth transition to school. All children turning 5 and within our Hampstead School enrolment zone, will start on entry date after their birthday. We have communicated this to all our Early Childhood Providers. The New Entrant entry dates for 2025 are:

Term 1: 27 January & 10 March

Term 2: 28 April & 26 May

Term 3: 14 July & 18 August

Term 4: 6 October & 10 November

Student of the Week: Scarlett of Rm 2 Scarlett is a fantastic role model! She is always positive, hard working, reliable, dependable and a Room 15 star. Her attention to detail in her written work is outstanding and she always puts 100% into any creative tasks. Scarlett may be quiet but she more than makes up for it in her helpfulness, her smile and her ability to always think of others before herself. The world needs more Scarlett’s! McGregor of Rm 17: McGregor is just amazing in Room 17, he is kind and caring, he works hard and is always willing to be helpful. He is a very good friend and always has fun while including everyone. McGregor loves to share his wonderful ideas and knowledge of the world during discussions. He helps spark others curiosity in learning while exploring his own ideas and takes others along for the ride!

Upcoming Dates:

End of Term 3: 27 September

Start of Term : 14 October

Athletics Day: 22 October

Dogtober Dress-up Day: 25 October

Labour Day: 28 October

County Athletics: 1 November

Teacher Only Day: 14 November

Canterbury Show Day: 15 November

Final Assembly, Picnic, Last day: 13 December

First Day 2025: 27 January

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)