We hope you had an enjoyable summer break. This year, we welcome back all our previous students and give a big warm welcome to the new students starting in Kauri, Year 1, at Sherwood Primary. We all look forward to working with you and your child to develop a love of learning, foster self-worth, and encourage the children to build positive relationships.

Our main focus this term will be introducing the school HEART values to the children and teaching them how to work and play respectfully so that they can develop positive friendships. To help with this, we invite you to the school community picnic on Thursday 15th February. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s new friends and also their teacher, in a more relaxed environment. Details are in the school newsletter.

In this newsletter, we will outline some of the programmes we offer and also, routines. To explain these in more detail and to answer more specific questions, we are holding a parent information evening on Thursday 22nd February. This will focus on how the curriculum is delivered, daily routines and how to help your child to become more independent.

This year, we have some exciting inquiries to offer your child and opportunities for you to share in their learning, our first being The Treaty of Waitangi, followed by Life Education and a social science unit called ‘All About Me’.

Please meet our team for this year -

Nicky Hall (Team Leader – Year 0 & 1), Sheila Brown, Karla Anderson, Magda Huysamen (Mon -Thurs) and Jess Underwood (Fri), plus Sam Rowe and Kate Ho, our Learning Assistants and ESOL support.

Nicky Hall - Team Leader

I have been a teacher in Sherwood Primary School for fourteen years and have taught across all year groups, but Year 1 is my speciality. I trained in the UK but moved here when I was in my twenties to get married. I particularly love teaching maths, STEAM and e-learning, and have been developing my knowledge of Te Reo Māori. This year, I will be extending my knowledge of literacy through the Better Start Literacy programme, taking small groups in my classroom initially before opening up a new class.

I live in Torbay and have two adult children and a crazy labrador dog called Asha, who I take out for many an evening walk. So, don’t forget to wave at me or say hello if you see me out and about!

Sheila Brown - Kauri B

I have been teaching for many years, starting off in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Zimbabwe, South Africa and since 2000 in New Zealand.

I have taught Years 3, 2, 1 and 0, as well as several years doing Reading Recovery. My passion is taking Year 1s through their learning journey and seeing them blossom. I have two adult children and four grandchildren. I live in Manly Whangaparaoa with my husband and our crazy mixed-up kid - dog Oupie. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and grandies and doing a spot of gardening.

Magda Huysamen - Kauri H

I have been teaching since 1987 in South Africa and since 1997 in New Zealand. I enjoyed teaching in all levels up to Year 12 but Year 0-1 has always been my passion with a big focus on play-based learning and perceptual-motor development. I have been at Sherwood for 4 years in Year 0/1 classes. I am involved in the enviro garden with Mrs. Anderson. My passions are art, crafting, reading and spending time with my family.

Karla Anderson - Kauri A

Kia ora tātou, it is my pleasure to be teaching a Year 1 class. I am looking forward to getting to know your whānau and supporting you on this learning journey throughout your first year at school. I live locally with my family and have a cat and a Labradoodle dog named Mabel who visits school regularly. In my spare time I enjoy walking, yoga, gardening and travelling.

Jess Underwood - Kauri H

Kia ora e te whānau. I have been at Sherwood Primary kura on and off for 4 years now. I started my journey at this amazing school as a teacher aide, and have loved continuing my journey here as a kaiako. I have three amazing tamariki; two girls who attend Long Bay High School, and my son who attends Torbay Primary. I have an absolute love and passion for Tikanga, and te reo Māori, so I am excited to find new ways to integrate this into your children's learning. I look forward to being both the junior P.E kaiako this year and co-teaching with the wonderful Mrs Huysamen. Ngā mihi nui, Ms. Underwood.

In this issue

Team Dates To Note