Meri Kirihimete

Message from the Principal

This last newsletter in 2017 is an opportunity for me to thank you all for your support and commitment to the school. As well as the support that parents give us  the  wider community also contributes to Thorrington School.  I would like to thank  Oderings Nursery, The Cashmere Road branch of Mike Pero Real Estate, the Warehouse in Barrington Mall and the Halswell Butchery, for their support.

The end of the 2017 year also marks the end of Lisa Dowell's time with us. Lisa has contributed much to  Thorrington during her time here and both her and Mackenzie will be missed by the staff. I know many students over the years  have benefitted from Lisa's consistent caring approach.  We wish  Lisa the very best for her future move to Mount Pleasant School. I have already spoken about Tirina Goldsmith's plans for next year and both of these outstanding women will be formally farewelled in our Leavers Assembly on Friday. 

I would also like to thank Brigitte Bilbe who has worked in the Whanaketanga Team in Year Four this year. Brigette has made a huge contribution in such a short time frame and has quickly become part of the team. Although Brigitte plans to spend more time at home with her family she will definitely  be back at school doing  some relieving during the year.

Finally I would like to thank the students and the teachers who have made this year so special - we have achieved so much in our journey as Caring, Curious, Confident and contributing Citizens.   

Have a safe and happy holiday with family and friends. Remember to book in a time to meet with your child's Home Base teacher during our Whānau Connect times on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 January.  All  students start in their 2018 Home Bases on Wednesday 31 January.

Meri Kirihimete

Ngā mihi nui
Christine Harris
Principal

School uniform reminder

Remember to check the guidelines around our Thorrington School uniform when buying new shoes for your children for next year. We will be checking in on these from the start of next year. 

Ice Blocks this Friday

The PTA are keen to distribute Ice Blocks to the students across the school this Friday as a last day treat. Please speak with your child individually if you do not want them to have one.

Sport news and Highlights for 2017

Click here for the latest news from Helen our sports co-ordinator and highlights for 2017.

New 3D Printer

Earlier this week the Year 6's were formally thanked for the choice they made to put their 'Gala Money' towards purchasing a 3D Printer for Thorrington School. There was a shortfall that was met by the PTA whom have also acknowledged the importance of Future Technologies in our students learning. Liam Crawford who is a past Thorrington pupil and now in Year 8 at Christchurch South Intermediate spoke to the Year 6's about the amazing opportunities he has had at South Intermediate learning design skills and using 3D printers. He reinforced the importance of the legacy that they were leaving for others at Thorrington. Thank you Year 6's 2017 for the legacy you leave, your forward thinking and actions that ensure Thorrington students have the opportunity to make a difference for others.

ICAS Science Medal

Every year some of our Thorrington students enter an ICAS competition. These are paid examinations that students from throughout NZ compete in. This year one of our students Justin scored 100% in the Science ICAS. This wonderful result placed him as the top score in NZ and also meant that he flew to Auckland earlier in December to have the medal presented to him by the head of ICAS New Zealand. We would also like to acknowledge this outstanding result here today. Photos are attached below.

Cardinals Taekwondo Achievements

Last Saturday we had our end of year grading (yes, on that very hot 30 degree day!) where the following belts were awarded:

• Ensar (yellow belt)
  
• Richard Longley (yellow belt green tip)
  
• Charlie Milne (yellow belt green tip)
  
• Ryan Sullivan (yellow belt green tip)
  
• Stephen Longley (blue belt)
  
• Will Cropp (blue belt red tip)
• James Cropp graded with red belt black tip in June - there is a minimum of 1 year probation until he can grade as a junior black belt

It was a very challenging grading day. We are very proud of how these students toughed it through.

Charlie, Stephen, James and Will also competed in the Top of the South Championships (Labour weekend) in Blenheim. This was Charlie's first tournament - he was awarded a silver medal for his poomsae (rehearsed patterns) and a bronze for kyorugi (competition fighting). Stephen teamed up with Will and another club member for team poomsae, and together they pulled off a gold placing! Will also secured a bronze medal for a paired poomsae (with his Dad) and a silver for kyorugi. James was awarded 2 silver and 2 bronze medals for his events.

LOST PROPERTY

Please keep checking the Lost Property – this is again building up into a large amount! Polar fleeces, lunchboxes, water bottles etc. Lost Property will be displayed all day on Thursday 14 December, so please take the opportunity to check for any lost items. Unclaimed items remaining at the end of term will be “re-homed” – either to the tip or a charity box.

Dental Care over the School Holidays

The Community Dental Service will be providing emergency dental appointments on the 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd December available at the following clinics:

• Hornby Community Dental Clinic
  
• Northcote Community Dental Clinic
  
• Woolston Community Dental Clinic
  
• Aranui Community Dental Clinic
  
• and from Hillmorton Community Dental Clinic:
  

Tuesday, 9th January – Friday, 12th January 2018 (inclusive)

This service will operate by appointment only and if we are unable to see your child, alternative options will be given. If your child has dental pain as a result of an accident please contact your dentist in the first instance.

New Year Clinic Openings

An emergency dental service will also be offered from Hillmorton Community Dental Clinic and Northcote Community Dental Clinic on the following dates:

• Monday, 15th January 2018 – 19th January 2018 (inclusive) and 
• Monday, 22nd January 2018 – 26th January 2018 (inclusive)
  

You can phone and make an appointment for these clinics by ringing 0800 846 983.

ENROLMENTS:

If you have a child turning five this year or even next year, please get your enrolment forms into the office soon. It's great to be able to plan ahead for a positive transition to school.

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECT – SCHOOL WEAR SPECIALISTS

Will be open on the following dates at 7B Pilgrim Place Sydenham.

• Sat 16 Dec 10am – 4pm
  
• Sun 17 Dec 10am – 1pm
  
• Sat 6 Jan 10am – 4pm
  
• Sun 7 Jan 10am – 1pm
  
• Sat 13 Jan 10am – 4pm
  
• Sun 20 Jan 10am – 1pm
  
• Sat 27 Jan 10am – 4pm
  
• Sun 28 Jan 10am – 1pm
  

Any queries phone 021 559383. Layby welcome.

COMPETITION – Win a refund of half the value of your purchases. Conditions apply.

Important Update on School Uniforms

Dear Parents and Caregivers, Thorrington School has partnered with Schooltex to make it easier for you to shop for your school uniform, at great prices every day. Who is Schooltex? We are New Zealand’s largest school uniform supplier with over 18 years’ experience providing high quality, affordable uniforms to 163,000 kiwi kids. The Benefits for you: Put simply, our aim is to make buying school uniforms easy. · Uniform are available to buy any day of the week from your local The Warehouse store · We offer a wide range of payment options, from Cash & Credit cards, to layby and WINZ · All uniform is competitively priced and high quality · If you cannot find what you are looking for, please ask at the fitting rooms or Customer Services · If you need to place an order, you can do this in the fitting rooms or with Customer Services · We offer a call centre service, 5 days a week for any questions or concerns on 0800 507 807 Benefits for Thorrington School: We'll reward Thorrington School with up to 10% in cash rebates on nominated Schooltex uniform sales. All you need to do is nominate Thorrington School when purchasing uniform at the checkout and the spend will count towards the schools rebate.

Where to purchase? Thorrington School Uniform can be purchased in your local The Warehouse Store: The Warehouse Barrington, Barrington Mall, Athelstan Street, Christchurch 8024 Phone: 03 337 4427 Hours: 8:00AM - 9:00PM, 7 days a week We look forward to supporting you and your school

Roll: 522

School roll is now at 522.

If you would like a photo of your New Entrant child in the Southern View local newspaper, please send a copy of the photo to caitlin.miles@starmedia.kiwi

Upcoming dates

• Thur 14 Dec 1.30pm Prize Giving Assembly
  
• Fri 15 Dec 11am Leavers Assembly
  
• Fri 15 Dec Last Day Term 4. Children may be collected at 12.30pm
  

TERM DATES 2018

• Term 1: 
  • Monday 29 January Whānau / Family Connect
  • Tuesday 30 January Whānau / Family Connect
  • Wednesday 31 January first full day
  • Monday 29 January to Friday 13 April (102 half days)
• Term 2: 
  •  Monday 30 April to Friday 6 July (96 half days)
  • (Friday 1 June – Cluster Teacher Only Day)
• Term 3: 
  •  Monday 23 July to Friday 28 September (100 half days)
• Term 4: 
  •  Monday 15 October to Friday 14 December (86 half days)

This is a total of 384 half days. The school is required to be open for tuition for 384 half days. The dates are in line with other schools in the area.

STATUTORY HOLIDAYS 2018

• Waitangi Day Tuesday 6 February
  
• Good Friday Friday 30 March
  
• Easter Monday Monday 2 April
  
• Easter Tuesday Tuesday 3 April
  
• ANZAC Day Wednesday 25 April (falls in holidays)
  
• Queen’s Birthday Monday 4 June
  
• Labour Day Monday 22 October
  
• Show Day Friday 16 November
  

Notifying Absences

Click here for instructions on how to notify school absences.

Community News

Click here for the link to notices from our great community.

Commercial Notices

Click here for the link to notices from our Commercial supporters.