Healthy Active Learning Surveys: Thank you for the replies so far.  Have your say about health and activity opportunities at Hampstead School.  A link to the five minute survey was emailed to all whanau.  The survey was put together by Sport Canterbury who run our HALs (Healthy Active Learning Programme). 

Thank you Lion Foundation: We are extremely grateful to receive a $68300 grant from Lion Foundation for the purchase of ten 65 inch Samsung Smart interactive screens for our classrooms.  Our Board of Trustees purchased four of these amazing screens and now we are able to have one in every classroom.  These modern screens remove the need to have a computer plugged in as the computer is within the device.  It has classroom-friendly software that removes the need for teachers to print and laminate resources as these are all available to drag and drop on screen.  The children of Rm 6,7,8 11 & 16 were super excited to see these had arrived over the holidays.  We have more 5 more coming in the next few weeks.  Thanks again Lion Foundation. 

Structured Literacy: You may have heard about this as a topic of conversation on the news and within NZ schools. Here at Hampstead, we have been embedding the Better Start Literacy Approach in the junior school for the past 2-3 years. This in an evidence based approach from the science of reading. It uses explicit teaching to develop vocabulary, oral, listening, spelling, writing and reading skills. Currently, BSLA is only available in Years 0-2 so this year we have begun trialing another structured literacy provider “iDeaL” in Rms 14 & 15. We are currently in a transition phase and our aim is to access some whole school professional development so that all classes are able to use this approach in the future.

Kings Coronation: Dellwyn Moylan from Mid-Canterbury Volunteer Service has arranged for a Queens Service Medal recipient to come to our school on Monday 8 May to talk to the children about receiving her service medal from the Governor General on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.  She is going to read to the children and we have been donated a Kowhai to plant to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. 

Students of the Week: Week 1 - Dakota of Rm 11 is a courteous and kind class member. She cares about others and is a positive role model. She often helps without having to be asked and does so with a smile. She has gained so much confidence already this year just by giving things a go. Room 11 is lucky to have you! Week 2 - Mabuhay of Rm 2 is an absolute pleasure to have in our class! He is a kind and caring student who always says good morning with the biggest smile. He always helps others and shows amazing manners. He is not afraid to give things a go and always gives his best effort. He is a positive role model that we are lucky to have in our class!

Coming Up:

Kings Coronation Celebration: Monday 8 May
Bullying free NZ Week: Monday 15 - Friday 19 May 
Board of Trustees Meeting: Wednesday 17 May, 6pm in the Staffroom
PTA Meeting: Tuesday 23 May, 6.30pm in the Staffroom
School Cross Country: Thursday 25 May - more information to come.
Samoan Language Week: 29 May - 2 June
County Cross Country: Date TBC
Kings Birthday Holiday: Monday 5 June

Kind Regards,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)