We are well into our first week at school. Here is some information which should prove helpful.

Whakatau: We had our whakatau this morning where we officially welcomed new ākonga (students) and kaiako (staff) into our kura (school). Thank you to the families/whānau who were able to make this. 

School Roll: Our school roll is currently sitting at 194 ākonga and enrolments are still coming in. The Ministry predicted we would have approximately 175 ākonga this year so we are well past their provisional estimate for 2024. As mentioned in another article, this means we are only able to enrol students who are in-zone moving forward in 2024. 

Sailing Trips: Next week, ākonga will participate in our school-wide sailing activities at Lake Rua. This is a great way for ākonga and kaiako to build quality relationships early in the school year. Relationships are key, which is why our school budgets for these events so there is no cost to parents/whānau. Thank you to Whaea Lisa for organising the trips. 

Mobile Phones: As a school, we allow ākonga to bring their phones to school. The reason we do this is to allow parents/whānau to make contact in case of an emergency. We do ask that students hand them in to their teacher as soon as they arrive at school. They are handed back at the end of the day. In the case of an emergency, we will hand the phones out. As you are probably aware, the government will be introducing new legislation regarding phones at school, so watch this space. 

School Hours: 

8:30am: Students are allowed on to the school grounds.

8:55am: School starts.

10:35am -11am: Interval break.

12:30pm - 1:15pm: Lunch break.

2:45pm: School finishes.

Attendance and Punctuality: Regular attendance has a significant impact on your child's academic achievement so please ensure your child attends school regularly. Also, being in class at the start of the day means your child will get important information about the learning activities for the first learning session. Missing this will negatively impact your child's learning. Please ensure your child arrives at school before 8:55am.   

Important Dates - Term 1:

Monday 5th - 9th February: Sailing Trips

Tuesday 6th February: Waitangi Day (School closed)

Thursday 21st March - School Photos

Friday 29th March - Tuesday April 2nd - Easter Break (School closed)

Friday 12th April - End of Term One

Shirley District Music School 2024 Enrolments: There are still some spaces available for tuition from qualified specialist tutors for 2024 music tuition for clarinet, flute, recorder saxophone (from year 5), trombone, trumpet (enrolments are taken when a student has their permanent front teeth). There are a few more spaces for `cello, violin, guitar & percussion. Classes are full for keyboard and piano.

Come to the "Try an Instrument " on Thursday 8th February from 3:30 - 4:45pm at Te Oraka Shirley Intermediate in the old office block off North Parade Road.

Enrolments close on Thursday 15th February!

Browse the SDMS Website shirleydistrictmusic.nz for more information.

Communication: I encourage you to make contact with your child's teacher if you need to pass on any information or if you have any praise or concerns. It's always encouraging to receive encouraging feedback and it also allows us to work through any potential issues which may arise in a timely manner. Teacher email addresses are:

Room 1: jenniw@sis.school.nz

Room 2: aaron@sis.school.nz

Room 3: laurac@sis.school.nz

Room 4: andrewf@sis.school.nz

Room 5: raeleenp@sis.school.nz

Room 6: niquital@sis.school.nz

TTRR: thomasp@sis.school.nz and angr@sis.school.nz

Food Technology: lisam@sis.school.nz

Design Technology: lorenk@sis.school.nz

Deputy Principal: peterr@sis.school.nz

Learning Support Coordinator: tamarad@sis.school.nz

Office Manager/Principal's PA: becst@sis.school.nz

Receptionist: audrag@sis.school.nz

Caretaker: dougw@sis.school.nz

Feel free to contact me on 03 385 2229 ext 713 or you can email me at brettc@sis.school.nz 

Have a great rest of your week!

Ngā mihi nui

Brett Cooper

Tumuaki/Principal