Welcome to Week 4

Tēnā koutou ngā whānau, ngā mihi nui kia a koutou kaota.

Welcome to the end of Week 4. It’s almost March, where is the time going? Almost time for a change in the seasons, I’ve already noticed it is a fraction darker in the mornings.

An extremely busy time in school at present with routines continuing, groups being established in core learning areas and maintenance of relationships a focus. In the leadership office we are working on our charter, annual targets and discussing raising achievement in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

Last Friday we farewelled Whaea Sonya with a wonderful celebration of her 14 years at Isleworth. Thanks to those students and staff who shared stories of skipping, art experiences, cats and lost telephones. We hear she is recuperating well and looking forward to heading North.

Meet our New Staff - Team Awa’s newest addition.

This newsletter is an opportunity to introduce you briefly to Miss Brenna McNaught, teaching our new entrants in Team Awa.

Born and bred in Southland, I have been teaching for almost 3 years. During these years I have taught a range of year levels, two of them in Wellington. Last year I was lucky enough to travel and work overseas in the UK and managed to have back to back summers. I love being active and playing basketball. This year I am excited to be a part of the Isleworth community and continue my passion for teaching.

PB4L - SW

A major focus for Isleworth School in the next three years is Positive Behaviour for Learning - School Wide (PB4L). The framework is based on international evidence where positive behaviour and learning is a way of life. At the heart of this framework are our school values which we believe are essential to being a functioning, happy member of society.

Caring, Respect, Responsibility & Honesty

Ako Time

Each Monday from 2-3pm we host ‘Ako Time’ across the school. Students have been split into whanau groups based on their houses and are spending time working alongside other students in the school from Year 1-6 with an educator. This is a collaborative learning experience where students learn to nurture, share, grow and build sustainable relationships using mindfulness tools, literature, circle time and other wellbeing resources. Ako time provides another teacher within the school for students to connect with. I had a wonderful time connecting with my group and I am sure the students can already tell you about the amazing opportunity getting to know others too.

Mana Ake Drop In - Tuesday 3 March 2020, 8.30-9.30am - Focus: Anxiety in our Tamariki

Mana Ake is a health initiative that was rolled out for schools through Kahui Ako in 2018/9. It provides early intervention for students in Year 1-8 and their families/whānau to support their wellbeing.

Our Mana Ake team are hosting monthly drop in sessions at Isleworth. We have planned focus sessions that will begin on Tuesday 3 March. Kaiarahi Kate Walkinshaw and kaimahi, Alofa Ahdar, will be hosting our first session on Anxiety in the CASPA room near the hall.

Property Update

Today members of the Board met with the Ministry of Education, Project Manager, architects Wilson-Hill, and Mana Whenua facilitators to discuss our refurbishment.

Plans have been drawn up and it is extremely exciting to think about the concept of what is best for our students now and in the future.

The project will be managed in stages:

Stage 1 - Build of the new flat, flexible, multi-purpose space (involves removal of Targeted Learning Centre)

Stage 2 - Refurbishment of Block 3 (Rooms 8-13)

Stage 3 - Refurbishment of Block 1 & 2 (Rooms 1-3 & Rooms 5-7)

Stage 4 - Demolition of old Hall

School Policies - Review

Each term we have policies that are up for review. Reviews are either Board & Staff or Board-Staff-Parents. We encourage you to share your thoughts on these reviews.

The Term 1 review for all stakeholders is Recognition of Cultural Diversity.

Remember our school policies can be found on the Schooldocs site. All of our policies and procedures can be accessed.

• Visit the website https://isleworth.schooldocs.co.nz/

• Enter the username (isleworth) and password (punga).

• Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

• Read the policy.

• Comment using the review tab at the top.

I look forward to seeing as many families as possible at the upcoming Junior & Senior Swimming Showcases/Sports. Communication is vital and we work hard to ensure the messages are getting out to the community. This is reciprocal, please keep talking with your son or daughter’s key educator. No question too big or small.

Ngā mihi nui

Suzanne Newton