Message from the Principal
Term 4, Week 6
Kia ora koutou,
We are at the midway point of the term and not long to go. We’ve opened the pool after a round of warm days however the freak storms have taken us a little by surprise. Huge thanks to David Luxon, our pool caretaker for getting this up and running.
Our wonderful teachers are working hard, busy analysing data, writing reports and making recommendations about learning for 2020. From a student perspective some are showing the signs of tiredness, a few niggles in regard to sunhats, reminders needed about showing respect to all, and toys at school. I am increasingly saddened by reports from teachers and other students of foul language being used in our playground. This is not tolerated at our school, consequences will be actioned by staff and parents will be informed. A decision was made this week to ban Beyblades at school after a physical incident, dishonesty and distractions from our core purpose - learning. Please support school by talking with your son or daughter about making good choices that promote learning, being kind to others and showing our core values.
Some students are counting the sleeps until the end of the term. I’ve asked the Year 6 students to celebrate their learning, continue to build their positive relationships with each other and focus on making their final days ones to treasure at Isleworth. For our Year 5’s your time to shine is approaching, be true to yourselves.
Today we have a group of students selected to ‘Experience Burnside’. They will be taking part in workshops facilitated by staff from Burnside High School and the Kahui Ako. A large group of our Year 3-6 students are also heading to South New Brighton Domain to participate in the Tough Kids Challenge. We wish everyone success as they represent Isleworth School with pride.
Celebrate Bishopdale
We will be joining the community on Sunday from 11am-2pm at Bishopdale Park. Come along and support our choirs and kapahaka groups performing. The Isleworth PTA will be running a sausage sizzle and are supporting the park rubbish collection at the end of the day. All students welcome with adult supervision.
Tomorrow’s School Review
Last week's announcement by the Government came and went.
Key points:
Board of Trustees keep their place. Our board, made up of parent representatives, currently does compulsory training by attending NZSTA (School Trustees Association) conferences, trainings and engages outside support where possible.
An outside complaints agency will be established to hear complaints as they arise.
Property will become the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. We are still waiting for our update regarding the proposed refurbishment.
Ministry of Education School/Kura Donations Scheme Decile 1-7
Included with this newsletter is a letter from the Isleworth Board of Trustees outlining that we have ‘opted in’ to the MOE scheme for the 2020 school year.
Staffing & Classes 2020
Staffing for 2020 is nearly complete. Final appointments are underway, in education paperwork needs to be signed off and ratification in writing received before announcements are made. Once this is complete we will finalise the teams, teachers and classes for the new school year. I hope to make these announcements in the next newsletter. All students will receive their class placement with their school report on Friday 13 December.
Please remember to notify the office if your son or daughter is not returning in 2020.
Schooldocs
Reviews this term are: Education Outside the Classroom & Sun Protection.
To provide feedback on this use the following instructions:
Visit the website https://isleworth.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
Enter the username (isleworth) and password (punga).
Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
Read the policy.
Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Select the reviewer type "Parent".
Enter your name (optional).
Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.
Term Dates 2020
Term 1: Thursday 30 January - Thursday 9 April
Term 2: Tuesday 28 April - Friday 3 July
includes Kahui Ako Teacher Only Day Friday 29 May
Term 3: Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
includes School Teacher Only Day Monday 17 August
Term 4: Monday 12 October - Tuesday 15 December
The term dates are fixed, there may be another school teacher only day in Term 4 however I will keep you informed.
In closing, it’s getting to that crazy time of year. Take a moment each day to savour the good things, time with family and friends is important, everything in moderation.
Nga mihi
Suzanne Newton
Tumuaki / Principal
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