Welcome to the beginning of 2024. Here you will find information on the team, term plans, and everything in between. Your one-stop shop for all things year 7/8.

In the vibrant hub 7/8, you will encounter a blend of familiar and fresh additions comprising our team. It is with utmost delight that we extend a warm welcome to Emily and Annemarie as they join the ranks of Te Kura o Ōwaka. Their diverse backgrounds and innovative perspectives promise to enrich our team. 

For those who missed it, here is the staff information sheet. 

Annemarie Hyde - Deputy Principal & Team Leader Year ⅞

Ko Annemarie Hyde toku ingoa. I bring a wealth of experience to Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka. It is time for a new adventure after thirteen years as deputy principal in my last school in Rotorua. I am returning to Christchurch, where I started my journey, because most of my family are here now, including two daughters and two grandchildren. I have a lot to add to the team at Oaklands. I have a Masters in Educational Leadership and I’m the kind of leader that likes to be present and involved, whether that’s hands on with students or involved in the school gala. I’m keenly interested in helping grow our teachers and your children into the best that they can be.

annemarie.hyde@oaklands.school.nz

Kia ora Whānau. Ko Rebecca Pilbrough tōku ingoa. The students know me as Miss P and I am thoroughly delighted to continue teaching the Year 7/8 ākonga/students, many of whom I met in my first year at Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka. I believe ākonga should have the best from me and I ask the same from them.

On the weekends, you will find me walking in the Port Hills, the Harry Ell track is my favourite! I enjoy swimming at the local pool and trying my hand at Pickleball.

I have a niece who has just started high school and a nephew who will be in Year 12. I try to spend as much time as I can with them especially as they are incredibly sporty and love Water Polo. This has motivated me to introduce Water Polo on Friday nights to any student who would like to give it a go! 

rebecca.pilbrough@oaklands.school.nz

Tēnā koutou whānau! Kō Matt tōku ingoa. Nō Hakatere ahau. I am looking forward to teaching another year in the Year 7/8 area. This will be the seventh year I have taught at Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka.

I have taught in many countries. I have worked here in New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.

My interests outside of the classroom are spending time with my family and enjoying a good sports event. I have two wonderful children. My daughter, Sara will be starting high school next year and my son, Keisuke will be in Year 6. 

matthew.reed@oaklands.school.nz

Kia ora all. Ko Toni tōku ingoa.

And just like that, it's almost 2024! No doubt this will be another fun year with an action-packed timetable.

One of my favourite things about teaching in Year 7 & 8’s is the outstanding atmosphere that has been created. Students are free and encouraged to be their most authentic selves. I love watching the tamariki's unique personalities and quirks thrive as they take risks and experience growth.

Outside of school, I spend the majority of my time with friends, out for walks or binge-watching whatever Netflix or Neon show is the flavour of the month. I'm also a bit of a foodie, always down to try the newest restaurant or recipe. Bring on 2024. toni.booth@oaklands.school.nz

Kia Ora ko Emily McBride toku ingoa. I come from Timaru, South Canterbury. I was born and raised in Christchurch before moving with my Whanau to Timaru when I was 13 years old. I have two sisters, a twin sister and a younger sister. I have a huge passion for teaching, but outside of school I love weight lifting, running, hiking, reading and spending time with my family and friends. I am really excited to be starting at Oaklands in 2024. For the past 4 years I have been teaching High School, and I am ready to get back into a primary school environment. I look forward to meeting you all.

emily.mcbride@oaklands.school.nz

Learning programmes for 2024. 

Stepsweb 

StepsWeb is an online literacy programme which caters for all learners. It develops the core skills needed for reading and spelling in a way which is research-based and comprehensive - but also effective and enjoyable!

All students will be participating in this programme in 2024. StepsWeb analyses each learner’s literacy level and puts them on the right level of a structured literacy course. It will continually analyse each learner’s errors and create individualised reinforcement.

Students will be assigned learning activities each week from mid Term 1, and they will take about 90 minutes to complete. Students will have the opportunity to work on these each day at school although they will most likely need to work on this at home as well to complete their weekly tasks.

School Management System.

HERO

HERO is our School Management System that enables us to communicate with you. All teachers will use Hero to send emails to you. Your Blog and Newsletter links will be sent through the Hero Community Feed link. Hero also enables you to

• read posts relating to your child’s learning

• view information on your child’s progress and goals

• view school term dates

• notify the school if your child is absent or late

• select how you wish to receive notifications

Term 1 Trips 

Halswell Swimming:

On Friday February 23rd, the Year 4-8 hubs are going to Halswell Pool. Students participate in width or length races to earn house points, and take part in house challenges, kicking off the 2024 House points challenge. This is from 9:00 - 1:00pm. Whilst the majority of students will then return to school, students in years 5-8 who can swim 50m and wish to trial for the school swim team will remain at the pool for the afternoon.

Parents are welcome to attend this event.

What to bring: Swimwear, house mufti, towel, enough food/water for an energy-intensive day, sun cream and school hat. Please note that students need to wear a top and their hat when not swimming as part of our SunSmart school responsibilities. 

CCC trip 

• 7/8 B and C (Mr Reed and Miss McBride) - Friday 1st March
• 7/8 A and D (Miss Booth and Miss P) - Monday 4th March 
• Student notices and information will be distributed throughout the week. 

Article 7 year 4-8 Halswell Swim day-Grant will provide this Below

Reminders

Stationery - We still have some students without the necessary stationery. Please contact your childs teacher if there are any issues. 

Sunhats - As we're a sun safe school, all students in terms 1 and 4 must wear hats. 

Contact us

7/8 A - Rebecca Pilbrough: Rebecca.pilbrough@oaklands.school.nz 

7/8 B - Mathew Reed: Mathew.reed@oaklands.school.nz

7/8 C - Emily McBride: Emily.mcbride@oaklands.school.nz

7/8 D - Toni Booth: Toni.booth@oaklands.school.nz