This week we discuss the parking campaign initiative, share details about the upcoming footpath repairs, ask for your help in letting us know what your child will be doing while the teachers are at their NZEI union meeting, share the details of our upcoming Whanau Conferences (in the beginning of Term 3), continue to promote our Truffle Fundraiser and celebrate the success of our Matariki celebrations.

Gootentag

Our Traffic Parking Campaign...

You will have noticed we have had a concerted campaign on improving traffic flow outside the Major Hornbrook entrance. We had a near-miss as a car came out of Billys Track, which was caused by the parking on both sides of the road outside the school. We have had a really positive result and have seen a real improvement in the function and use of the two minute zone. Thanks to all who have contributed to this improvement.

Footpath Repairs...

Related to road safety, we have been notified by the contractors who are currently working on the footpaths above the school. They will begin work on the section from Freemans Street to the uphill boundary of the school from Tuesday 26th June. This will mean there will be significant interruption in this area. We met with contractors yesterday to put a management plan in place. Here is a summary of the plans in place:

• The 2-minute parking zones will still be in use and the sections of footpath in this area will not be affected.

• We highly recommend dropping students on the downhill side of Mt Pleasant School. The Kea Crossing will be in operation during the usual times of 8:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 3:15pm.

• The unofficial 'carpark' above the school in the vacant section will have one entrance and exit only. This will be supervised by one of the traffic management staff. Students and whanau will exit the carpark and be assisted across Major Hornbrook Road, walk along the footpath and be assisted across Billys Track by traffic management staff and then walk down the footpath and cross to school via the Kea Crossing (supervised by the duty teacher and road patrol students).

• All traffic and pedestrians in this area will be under the direct supervision of the traffic management company.

Our Truffle Fundraiser...

Last week we launched our Brumale or Winter Truffle Fundraiser. The truffle grower is one of our parents and he harvests from trees planted over 20 years ago. The New Zealand truffle harvest season has just got underway now so they are fresh. Our first orders went out this week. The proceeds of the sale go to our PTA to be used on projects across the school. Click on THIS link to enter the secret world of the truffle user.

NZEI Union Meeting...

In the last newsletter, we sent out information regarding the Teacher Union (NZEI) meeting to be held next Tuesday 26th June. This meeting is for our staff to meet teachers and the union from across the region to hear about the latest negotiations around their collective agreement. As good employers, we need to ensure all our staff can attend. It is not all about pay as there are several issues related to conditions that will improve the ability for schools to have teachers focussing on what’s really important… teaching. We have asked parents to indicate if their child/ren will be picked up early at 1:00pm or stay until 3:00pm on this day. Classes will run on this day from 9:00am - 1:00pm. There will be limited supervision on this afternoon and if you are able to support us by picking up your child early, we would greatly appreciate it. So far we have had response for 110 students. You can understand that having a clear knowledge of the numbers who will need supervision is critical to us ensuring we have appropriate cover during this time. Click on THIS link to let us know your arrangements.

Whanau Conferences...

This week, you will have had a WHANAU Conference Form come home for each of your children. We do ask that you take the time to fill this document out and return it to school by Wednesday 4th July. This document gives you an overview to the conferences, tells you how to book your conference and asks you to give us some feedback around your child and their learning. There is also a section where you can indicate any specific areas you would like to discuss, and perhaps the goals you would like to see worked on over the second half of the year. From the feedback from the recent survey, you overwhelmingly see these conferences as very important and this document helps teachers prepare for these. Please have these documents returned to the class teacher by Wednesday 4th July as they will be working on the conference documents over the term break.

For parents with students in Basecamp, this is a little different due to the nature of the time spent at school.  Your forms will be sent home next week as this will work a little differently for you.

Our Matariki Celebration...

Finally, we had a wonderful celebration of Matariki last Friday. This was organised by our cultural leaders with support from Nina Ferguson (our Rm. 2 kaiako). Classes participated in a variety of activities with their buddy classes, had hangi for lunch if they wanted and attended a short celebration assembly where the Kapa Haka performed. It was great to see all the parents who came to eat and stayed on for the assembly. Well done to the team of organisers… we look forward to the developments for 2019

Important links in:

• Teacher NZEI Union Meeting: Click on THIS link to let us know your arrangements. 
  
• Truffle Fundraiser: Click on THIS link to enter the secret world of the truffle user.