Tēnā koutou katoa, Malo e lelei, Talofa lava, Bula vinaka

We are in full swing of Term 2. Winter sports training and games have started, thank you for your support in organising your child with the correct gear and getting them to games and training on time.

At O.I.S, our teachers go above and beyond the core business to ensure that your child has a number of different opportunities. Winter sport is one of them. This year we have 9 netball, 3 hockey and 14 basketball teams. Thank you to all the parents who have put their hands up to manage and coach teams.

With basketball starting next Wednesday 11 May, I just wanted to ensure that everyone is clear on expectations. We expect O.I.S students at the courts 15 minutes before their game, and to leave after their game. If they are watching another game they need to be sitting up in the stand. We encourage you to come in with your child and watch them play, then take them home afterwards. O.I.S staff will be down at the courts, however, it is expected that you take responsibility for the behaviour of your child. The Waitaki Recreation Centre ask that we don’t bounce balls or run in the hallway, or run around outside, especially in the car park.

Our focus value for students this term is Learning with Purpose, classes have been reflecting on what this means. This may include ideas like

Having a positive mindset - looking for the positive
Using phrases like I can’t do it yet… but I will keep trying…
Allowing others to get on with their learning
Ensuring that each learner has all the equipment they need to achieve
Students own their learning

Often I get asked how can I help my student with their learning. As whanau, we play a vital role in how our children engage at school. Ensuring that your child has had enough sleep, nutrition and the correct uniform each day sets them up for success.

As we all know, our children go through times of success and times when they don’t.

When our students are struggling or finding learning difficult, often I hear teachers saying to them, I can see you are finding this difficult, what do you need from me to help you achieve or accomplish what you want. As adults, how we respond to our children when they have times of struggle or when they make inappropriate choices is one of the biggest ways that we can support our akonga. If we respond calmly and allow our children to share their feelings and struggles it empowers them to solve problems alongside someone, and start the journey to solve them by themselves.

At Oamaru Intermediate one of our values is Acting with Respect, this means respecting ourselves, others and our environment. This year I have talked a lot in assembly and in the newsletter about students doing the right thing even when others are choosing not to, speaking up when something isn’t right and seeking help when a situation is unsafe. On Friday 20 May we will be encouraging students to ‘Wear Something Pink’. This is in support of students to Speak up, Stand up and Stop bullying. Below is a link that has some very useful resources for parents and whanau. At Oamaru Intermediate we have a zero-tolerance for bullying, if you are worried or have concerns about your child then please contact your child’s classroom teacher to make time to discuss your concerns.

Parents and whānau

At OIS we are very proud of our school environment and take a lot of pride in how it looks. Bill McKay, our Property Manager, spends a lot of time ensuring that our school environment is safe, tidy and well cared for. Unfortunately, not everyone takes as much pride in the school as we do and from time to time we can be the target for vandals. Over the holidays our BOT had a new security system put in around the school, these cameras will discourage vandals and keep our staff and students safe.

With the weather cooling down, especially in the morning, it is important that students do not arrive at school before 8.30 am. Thank you for your support in ensuring your child is wearing the correct school uniform. Your child is allowed to wear a jacket outside at break times as long as they have an OIS blue jersey or polar fleece underneath. We do have a school jacket at the school office however this is not compulsory. Please double check that your child's uniform is named. I am seeing a lot of students, particularly girls wearing jewellery, can you please double-check that your child is not wearing necklaces and bracelets to school.

Our apple tree is pumping out the apples, we would love to have a few of our parents stew these up. We use these during the year for camps and other events. If you are available to come in on a Monday and stew apples for us, please contact me.

I am looking forward to getting out and about to watch the first week of winter sports.

Have a wonderful safe weekend

Rebecca Meek

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