As we welcomed students back this week it has been wonderful to hear about the many adventures that have been had in our own backyard.

It sounds like many of you have managed to get away and have enjoyed exploring New Zealand whether it was hitting the snow, long road trips, camper van breaks or enjoying the blustery winter weather in Auckland, I am sure you appreciated a break and much-needed family time. 

Term 3 Arts Inquiry 

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been preparing for the term ahead and are looking forward to an engaging and exciting term. We will be focusing on The Arts, students will be exploring concepts and inquiring into visual and performing art. 

The Arts are a powerful form of expression and as students explore movement, sound, and image, their creative ideas will be transformed into expressive works that communicate meaning. Learning in, through, and about the arts stimulates creative action and response by engaging and connecting thinking, imagination, senses, and feelings, enhancing student wellbeing and sense of self. 

Throughout the inquiry, students will learn to work both independently and collaboratively to construct meanings, produce works, and respond to and value others’ contributions. They will learn to use imagination to engage with unexpected outcomes and to explore multiple solutions.

There are certainly some exciting learning experiences planned. Towards the end of term, as a culmination of learning, you will be invited to come along and be indulged in a celebration of The Arts.

If you have talent, expertise, or an interest in The Arts we encourage you to contact your child's teacher and find out how you can get involved. We are also looking for a talented parent to teach an enrichment group in visual art, music, dance or drama, if you are able to help please contact principal@stanleybay.school.nz

Mihi Whakatua - Welcoming Our New Students 

On Friday 24 July, 9.10 am you are invited to come along to our termly mihi whakatau to welcome students who started at Stanley Bay in Term 2 and 3. 

The mihi whakatau is an informal welcome used for visitors of guests (manuhiri), for us it is how we welcome students (ākonga) and their families to our community. It is a very sacred (tapu) and a special way to start school, and an event that is well worth attending. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Assembly Times 

This term we are trialing a change to assembly times. School assemblies will be alternate weeks (see the website calendar) at 9.10 am. This is to maximise teaching and learning time on a Friday and cram in as much teaching time as possible to our week! The children love having an audience and as always we encourage you to come along and celebrate the weeks learning with us. 

Building Program Update 

Over the break, building work has continued. Room 11 and the admin remediation is complete and the spaces are looking bright and light. 

Rooms 4,5 and 6 are due to be completed in the next couple of weeks and we are looking forward to moving back in and enjoying the new spaces. 

The final phase of the build is the modernisation of Rooms 1 and 2, this work will begin on completion of Room 4,5 and 6. If you have children in Room 1 or 2 an email will be sent to inform you where the classes will be temporarily relocated. 

The project is due for completion at the end of August. 

New Entrant Class 

Due to roll growth, we are excited to be opening a fourth new entrant class later this term. New entrants starting from the midterm 3 will be in the new class which will be ably taught by Grace Chapman.

Grace is an experienced teacher and has taught at many schools on the peninsula. Most recently, Grace has been teaching part-time at Stanley Bay and we are fortunate to have a teacher of such high caliber. She comes with excellent references and will be a great asset to our team. 

The Great SBS Knowlegathon 

As one of our major fundraisers this year, FOSB is launching the inaugural SBS mind fizzing Knowledgathon. We encourage you to have a go - a whole family fact-finding mission! The focus is on student participation and having a lot of fun along the way. For the next couple of weeks, building knowledge and fact-finding will be included as part of children's home learning.

To kick off the Knowlegdathon, yesterday your child should have bought home a pack to start getting sponsors and studying questions. Details can also be found on the website - Stanley Bay Knowledgathon 

Thanks to FOSB for putting together such a great event!

Give a Kid a Blanket 

The Give a Kid a Blanket charity collects donations of warm bedding and delivers them to families in need. To support this worthwhile charity we will be collecting blankets, wraps, sleeping bags, and duvets. Pjs, dressing gowns, and slippers. 

Have a rummage in your cupboards and bring all items, clean and washed, to the office collection point.

This is a great way to encourage all our learners to reflect on kindness and community, and how they can be part of positive community action. 

Looking forward to yet another fabulous term. 

Nga mihi nui 

Lucy Naylor 
Principal/Tumuaki