Kia ora e te whānau,
We are well and truely in the winter term now! The weather, although sunny as I write this, has certainly added some challenges to the school days recently. It certainly was sad to tell the children we were postponing the disco! It is looking good at this stage that we're all go for tomorrow night - but as a parent said to me at the gate last week, "we make the best decisions we can based on the information at the time" - I like it!
In the media recently you may have noticed korero around mandatory mask wearing and school's place in this. I wanted just to take an opportunity to touch on our school's processes here. When the Government shifted New Zealand to the orange light setting in the framework, we initially kept our processes the same. This gave our team and Board of Trustees time to complete a safety audit and make a decision around our processes at orange. There are a wide range of view points around safety processes - in particular mask wearing. Our BOT made the call to follow the advice given to school by the Ministry of Education, supported by the Ministry of Health, that mask wearing should no longer be mandatory in schools (given the complexities for children wearing masks with varying sensitivities and the impact on teaching / learning) Click here for more information.
So at Silverdale - mask wearing is ENCOURAGED. Along with all of our other processes (consistent hand hygiene, ventilated spaces, cleaning requirements etc) we know that it is an effective tool in managing the spread of any illness. Our school expectations are:
These requirements are also consistent with our neighbouring schools in our Kāhui Ako. We are aware that as the situation changes and new information comes to light - our school processes may also change.
So what can you do to help?
Encourage your child to wear a mask if he or she is able to
Keep children at home if they have any cold symptoms or in fact ANY symptoms indicating they are unwell (tummy bugs are also going around)
Ensure we have up to date contact information at the office should you be required to pick up your child during the school day if he or she becomes symptomatic.
We are able to give you RAT tests to take home too - enough for your whole family if needed.
As a school, we really appreciate the support and flexibility of our families. I know that it's not easy to balance work and manage sick children. If we work together however, we will benefit all and keep each other safe. This is definitely a team effort! We have been able to keep our school open and classrooms working well throughout this term. I know many schools around the Waikato have had to close or partially close due to lack of staff. Your help in minimising illness at school will help us to avoid this too.
If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
Michael Harrop
Tumuaki, Silverdale Normal School
Upcoming Dates:
Please ensure you check our School Calendar for up to date information.
DISCO (take 2!) - Thursday 9 June
Support Staff Day - Wednesday 15 June (celebrating our Learning Assistant, Admin Staff and Mr Nikorn!)
Year 3 / 4 Tabloid Sports Day - Thursday 16 June
Matariki Week - 20 - 23 June
Fete de la Musique and PJ Day - Tuesday 21 June
Middle School Garden Visit - Thursday 23 June
Matariki National Holiday - Friday 24 June
Teacher Only Day - Monday 27 June (school closed)
Tough Guy / Girl Event - Tuesday 28 June
Junior Sports Day - Tuesday 5 July
On Tuesday 31st May, some Hillcrest High School students came and presented their learning with our senior school students. Their presentations aligned with our current senior learning of hauora/well-being.
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On Thursday, 26th May our senior school students had a great day out participating in South East Hamilton Schools' Winter Sports Day.
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Last Thursday all of our senior school students got a chance to share the projects they created over the past few weeks. A lot of mahi went into these projects and children were very proud to share.
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Our School Disco will be going ahead today between 4.30 and 6.30pm under the canopy. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the disco. There is no entry fee but the PTG are selling $5.00 and $10.00 cards for purchases from all stalls.
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There is a lot of sickness in our school community at the moment. We ask that you let us know before 9.00am if your child is not coming to school.
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This term, the Māori Art group has very keen, able art makers who are experimenting with a variety of medias.
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Prospective New Entrants are invited to attend our Jump Start programme for up to ten weeks before starting school. This programme is held on a Tuesday afternoon between 2.00 and 2.45pm in Room 3. Please check in at the School Office before going to the classroom.
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Have you ever thought about standing to be on the Board of Trustees? You should receive nomination forms by Friday,15th July. Nominations will close at noon on Friday, 5th August.
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Last Week in Room 17 we received a sensory box from the wonderful PTG; it has lots of cool things inside of it.
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Next meeting date is Tuesday, 26th July at 7.00pm. We always welcome new members - we’d love to see some new faces at our meetings. If you can’t commit to meetings but would like to help out at events, please let us know. We especially need parents who can help out during the day occasionally. Coming up this term we have:
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The children in Room 5 have had a try at drawing a labelled diagram of an animal
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The students in Room 11 learnt about bees. They discovered what they do and some of the ways they help us.
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On Tuesday, 21st June we will be holding our annual Pyjama Day. This is a fun day here at school where children come dressed in their pyjamas and take part in fun activities in class.
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For a number of years now we have celebrated Fête de la Musique, an annual music celebration that takes place on 21st June, a day when people are urged to play music outside in their neighbourhoods or in public spaces and parks. We are asking children, parents and staff to bring instruments to school and play during an extended morning tea break between 10.30 and 11.30am that morning.
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Silverdale Lakers: Harris, Esra, Luca and Beth. Silverdale Bulls: Archer and Lochie
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Brochures are being given out this week. Orders are due back by Wednesday, 22nd June.
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Please support our PTG who are selling Family pies mince savouries, lunch pies, sausage rolls and lamingtons as their next fundraiser.
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We will be holding a teacher only day on the Monday following our first public holiday to celebrate Matariki.
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With all this wet weather it is more important than ever that you please ensure you have a change of clothing packed in your child's school bag each day.
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If your child would like to purchase a cup of milo, please give him/her a reusable cup to bring from home (unbreakable if possible). The cost is $1.00 and will available this term from the student kitchen window between 8.30-8.50am.
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Our next ballot will be held on Monday, 20th June. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 17th June.
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First Credit Union's school banking programme has started again! It's such a great way for students to learn about saving.
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Noel Leeming is delighted to support KidsCan by raising funds with our Friends and Family Promotion this June. With your help, we hope to make a difference by providing the essentials Kiwi kids need to learn, with 2.5% of the total sales from this event being donated to KidsCan.
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Are you isolating due to a positive case of Covid-19 in your Whare, and in need of support
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We’re taking a Journey through the Stars for Matariki and would love for you and your whaanau to join us!
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Entertainment's ‘’Go on Gift yourself’’ Campaign has started! From now until 30th June supporters will receive a $10 eGift Card when purchasing a Single City or a $20 eGift Card when purchasing a Multi or Multi Plus Membership. Supporters can choose between a Farmers and Macpac eGift Card.
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Based on the The Academy Award-winning animated film Shrek, the hilarious story of everyone's favourite ogre will be brought to life on stage at Clarence Street Theatre, Hamilton from 19th to 23rd July (during the next school holidays)
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OSCAR Available We have an awesome week planned that includes rock climbing, archery, target shooting, bush walks, orienteering, team building and confidence activities.
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