Into the future of Term 2

Dear Parents

Term 2 has started appropriately with a mihi whakatau welcoming all the new families, who have started this term, into our JCS whanau. Our kapa haka group did us proud, once again, by performing with commitment and excellence.

The main topics around inquiry this term are around the human body, Years 1-6 and what constitutes a government, Years 7/8. Kia kaha, an antibullying programme, teaching our students how to be strong, will also be running in classes as part of the Physical Education and Health curriculum. This programme is part of a package of educational resources and programmes the NZ Police provide for schools. The Life Bus will be on site for two weeks. Students will attend the lesson in the bus covering a range of topics about the human body. There will also be a number of guest speakers who are experts in the health industry, including St. Johns coming to teach us all about how to administer first aid and look after the amazing bodies God has given us.

The overarching Biblical theme for Years 1-6 is God is Faithful and for Years 7/8 students will look at how God is our Leader. The JCS value of Faith in Christ, (whakapono ki a te Karaiti) will thread through the learning. On the sporting front soccer and netball will be the focus. Teams will be representing JCS at the Auckland Christian Schools soccer and netball zone days.

The Makerspace has been outfitted with some purpose-built furniture and will be fully functional soon. Mr McDonough is running some exciting lessons where students from Year 4-8 are making and building things using woodwork equipment. Some long overdue work is happening on re-roofing some buildings. This work has been happening in the holidays and is due to continue for two weeks into the term. The Library will not be in use during this time.

Please consult the newsletter and JCS website to see what extra-curricular activities are offered at JCS. Some of these include private music lessons for individuals or groups. Instruments on offer are guitar, drums, voice training, violin, piano and keyboard. Chess during a lunch time each week, Young Engineers, Coding Club and Art will run throughout the Term. There will be an additional Mandarin class starting for beginners on Wednesday afternoons.

There will be a Whanau Korero and a Talanoa Fono during the term for our Maori and Pasifika parents.

We will be running an Open Day and Open Evening, for parents of intermediate students, on Wednesday 26 May. Please spread the word and invite any one you may know who would be interested in attending this day. It will run from 9:30-12 and from 7-8 pm.

It is with sadness that we have said goodbye to Wayne Silailai, who has been offered a full-time job which he cannot refuse. We are looking to replace Wayne so if you are aware of anyone who would fit the job of caretaker/maintenance person at JCS for 13 hours a week, please contact the office. Due to growth, we will be starting a new New Entrant class in Term 3 and are looking for a suitable teacher to take that class for Term 3 and 4.

The Term will end with a Mufti-day which will have a “come dressed as your pet” theme. It will be an opportunity for you to bring you pet to school for the morning. We will have a pet parade around the field. This will be a double gold coin donation which will go towards supporting our TEAR fund sponsor child, Benimana from Rwanda and for the Tiwai trip to Wellington. Formal written progress reports will be given out on the last day of Term 2.

We look forward to another stimulating and vibrant term of learning in partnership with you.

Yours in His service

Sandra Bosman, Principal