NZSL Week

This week, at Kaikorai, we celebrated NZ Sign Language Week. We are fortunate to have Renae and Mrs Faulkner, who are skilled users of NZSL and have taken a lunchtime club. Renae has been fully booked this week teaching sign in class; I hope your children have come home and used some sign language with you.

Why is this important? NZSL is more than just a language—it’s a vibrant, evolving means of communication that empowers the Deaf community and breaks down barriers. NZSL is for everyone, and we’re thrilled to promote it at Kaikorai.

Weather

Yesterday's icy weather is a timely reminder to let you know of our late start/snow day protocols.

Representatives from the Otago Primary Principals Association decide by 7 a.m., in consultation with Waka Kotahi, the police, local taxis, and principal representatives. I am notified, and then I notify our community. I do this by sending a message on SeeSaw, posting on our Facebook page, and sending a quick newsletter email. This usually covers all of our bases. If it is unsafe for you to leave your driveway due to ice or snow, please don't.

Structured Literacy

You might be aware of the Minister of Education's recent announcement stating that $67 million from the 2024 budget will go towards implementing Structured Literacy across every primary school in New Zealand.

Kaikorai has embraced Structured Literacy since 2022. All teachers and learning support staff have participated in professional development sessions to understand the most effective methods for teaching this approach and its positive impact on our students' learning and achievement.

Later this year, we will host a whānau evening to share our literacy practices at Kaikorai and provide parents with an overview of what they will see in their children's learning journey.

Wellbeing week, support staff day and Pink Shirt Day

Next week we recognise our support staff's contribution to our kura. Not only our learning support team but also Mrs Fitzgerald and Hannah in the office and Mr Glennie, our fabulous caretaker.

We have a focus on Well-being and will learn about Pink Shirt Day.

Please read Mrs Ferguson's articles in this newsletter.

Please don't hesitate to chat with me if you have any queries or concerns.

Ngā manaakitanga

Beth

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