Newsletter Week 7 Term 1 2022

Our Patient Tamariki Finally Get Rewarded

A queue of tamariki keen to get some Pump Track action before the 9am bell last week, patiently wait their turn to drop in.
by Alexia Skipper-Jones

After mounting pressure from Mr Towersey who was keeping a close eye on the grass, i was very happy to reward the patience of our tamariki by opening the pump track last week.

Four weeks has gone by since the dirt was hydroseeded, and we have had very little rain in that time, making growing grass challenging.

I felt despondent at times, even though there were many positive, passing comments about it's appearance. Fortunately for our tamariki, I finally saw the light last week and opened up the track.

Thank you to all our awesome tamariki for being so patient, keeping off the grass, even when a ball or hoop went astray, and for respecting the track guidelines!

Class guidelines, and a demonstration from our confident riders, was on display last week so we can all be on the same page when using the pump track. 

Please take the time to read these to all tamariki, but particularly those who are currently absent from school.

Pump Track Guidelines

1. An adult must be present to use the Pump Track.

2. BMX, Evo wade 20" school bikes or smaller only, or your own similar sized bike, scooters, skates, and skateboards.

3. All riders must travel the same way, and enter when there is a space, and exit with awareness of riders on the skills track.

4. Pedal in, and try and pump your legs and arms, only pedaling as a last resort. Keep your feet level, and bottom off the seat, aiming for the middle of the berms to go round, and you must have lots of momentum to ride up the berm.

5. Riders on top of the berm must give way to the person below them.

6. Maximum of up to 4 beginner riders on the track at once, at the teachers discretion.

7. Maximum of up to 6 riders who are aware of each other, able and responsible on the track at once.

8. Y3-8 only. Y0-2 can practice with a parent/caregiver in the weekends/afterschool/holidays.

9. DO NOT ride on the grass, including down the banks, because it will create ruts.

10. Helmets and shoes are compulsory AT ALL TIMES.