International Languages Week
This week we are celebrating some of the cultures that make Papakōwhai School a rich and diverse place to learn.
Kia ora koutou
I hope you got a chance to have a bit of a break over the long weekend.
International Languages Week
More than 5% of our learners come from South Africa, nearly 10% come from Indian and Sri Lanka and about 6% come from China. We also have a growing number of students from other parts of Asia. Over the week we will be flying flags from different countries, watching videos made by our students about their language and culture, and learning about the countries that many of our students have connections with.
We are so lucky to have Sean McCrudden providing leadership and resources to teachers for weeks such as this. We are also thankful to our wonderful ESOL team of Jill Clibborn, Shannon Rocher and Mindy Tan who support over 60 English language learners at our school. Almost 20% of our students have a first language other than English. If you have questions about English Language support at Papakōwhai School please contact jill@papakowhai.school.nz .
Inter-School Cross Country
All the best to our school cross country team who are competing at the Parumoana inter-school cross country at Paekakariki tomorrow. Children in Years 4 - 8 who placed in the top five in our school event have progressed to the interschool cross country. Runners who finish well in this event progress to the regional cross country. Good luck team! If you have questions about school-wide or inter-school sports at Papakōwhai School please contact Anne Bunton pe@papakowhai.school.nz.
School Holiday Programme
Please see the article in this week's newsletter to register for the inaugural Papakōwhai School holiday programme run by our awesome After School Care team. If you are not currently an ASC user you will need to register with ASC to book for the holiday programme. You don't have to use the service during term time once you register.
EMOJI DISCO Friday 16th June
I am looking forward to the three discos for all ages that is planned for Friday 16th June. I hope you have started thinking about costumes and registering for tickets and food. Please note that Year 4/5 children in Tōtara 5 can choose to attend the Rimu disco at 5:45pm or the Tōtara disco at 7:30pm. They can't stay for both! Please see the article in this week's newsletter for details.
Teacher Collective Agreement Settled
You will be pleased to learn that the Primary School Teachers' union (NZEI) have agreed to the Ministry of Education's latest offer so there will be no more industrial action.
Fast Feedback
Thank you to everyone who has completed the Board of Trustees' fast five minute survey. Having feedback from the community really helps us a Board to make the best choices for your children. A more comprehensive survey will be available next term. Please click here to take the survey. Feedback closes tomorrow, so if you can do it now that would be awesome.
Toys - Thank you to those who have already donated!
We are looking for toys that are suitable for 4 - 7 year olds. We are particularly keen on construction toys ( lego, duplo, blocks etc.) transport toys ( trucks, cars, trains etc.) dress ups, role play toys (doctor's sets, dolls, shop toys etc.), puzzles and games. If you have any surplus items we would love to receive them. We would be willing to make payment for items by negotiation.
We want to use these toys in Mataī 1 for children with diverse learning needs and for children who might need a quieter play space at times during the day.
If you have items that you are happy to donate, please drop them off at the office. If you would like to talk about payment for toys you are wanting to sell, please contact mark@papakowhai.school.nz .
Ngā mhi
Mark Smith
Principal