Sean's Spot
Our learners have had a great start to the year. I have been really impressed with how they have adapted to learning in a new space with a new whānau (family) teacher. Thank you for everything you have done to ensure your children have come back to school refreshed and organised for learning. This weeks Sean's Spot has some important beginning of year information that I encourage you to read.
New Staff:
A big LWG welcome to our 8 new staff members: Monica Massyn, Ruby Clayworth, Paige Bowler-Berendt, Caitlin Hapeta, Emily Simpson, Amy Lock, Chris Goldsack and Amy France. On Tuesday we presented them with a Tarata tree to recognise the strong connection they will develop with our school.
Mihi Whakatau:
Also on Tuesday, we formally welcomed our 70 new learners and their whānau to our school. This was a special occasion for our school. Please remember to make CONNECTions with our new families as we know how challenging it can be moving into a new community.
Teacher Release:
One condition in the New Zealand Primary teachers employment agreement is regular classroom release time. This non contact time is used for planning, collecting and analysing data and observing best practice. On top of this, our first year beginning teachers are released for a day a week and our second year teachers one day a fortnight to ensure they are mentored and supported during their first two years. Our school leadership team are also released regularly so they can carry out their responsibilities. We do all we can too ensure we employ consistent relievers who can continue on with our programmes and develop strong relationships with our learners. Please keep an eye on the notice board each day around the relievers who are in the school on any particular day.
Safety Reminders:
Arriving at school
Over the last week we have seen an increasing number of learners arriving at school just after 8:00am. Although it is awesome to see our tamariki keen to get to school, our staff don't officially start their supervision until 8:30am. Arriving from 8:15am is a more appropriate time to get to school and get organised. Learning Landscapes can be accessed from 8:30am.
Riding Bikes and Scooters to and from school
Can you please remind your child(ren) to stop and walk their bike or scooter across the road (exactly what we expect on the Kea Crossing). Can you please also make sure helmets are checked regularly and the straps are secure.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Virus Update:
The Board of Trustees will continue to keep you updated around the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Virus. We will continue to be guided by the Ministry of Education in regards to the steps we need to take to mitigate any risks associated with the virus.
Major focus areas this year:
There are a number of projects / initiatives we will be actioning this year at LWG that will require your support:
1. Implementing a new programme called PLAY IS THE WAY® across the whole school.
PLAY IS THE WAY® is a programme involving cooperative and physically interactive games that serve as the back bone for a process that builds a sustainable whole school culture of:
- Continuous self-improvement
- Adult guidance and role-modelling
- Safety and non-violence
- Peer support, trust, respect and understanding
- Self-regulation and socially responsible behaviour
- Openness, acceptance and belonging
- Social and emotional competency that helps all children learn to the best of their ability and lead emotionally rich and rewarding lives throughout childhood and beyond.
2. Building Stage 2 of our School. This project will start mid year.
3. Erecting the LWG and Waitaha School shared playground. (We are still waiting on confirmation around community grant applications).
4. Introducing community Te Reo language learning classes.
5. Working with Leisa Aumua - a local artist to create external art works.
6. Creating a new outside play space for our Year 0-2 learners in Kahikitea and Kopara.
My resignation as Foundation Principal:
Thank you for your kind and supportive messages over the last week. Deciding to leave this incredible school was a huge decision as it has been an important part of my life over the last 4 years.
Confirmed Staff Only Days for 2020
The Lemonwood Grove School Board of Trustees have confirmed the Staff Only Days for 2020. These are days when the school is 'open', but not for instruction. Staff use this opportunity to undertake professional development. Please note the Ministry of Education have given schools 8 extra Staff Only Days over a three year period hence 2 extra Staff Only days this year.
Dates:
Thursday 9th April (Thursday before Easter)
Friday 29th May (Friday before Queens Birthday Weekend) Please note: this is a Kahui Ako combined Staff Only Day
Monday 16th November (Monday of Show Week)
Communication in 2020:
One of the most significant contributors to the success of a school is clear communication. Below are some really important guidelines to ensure we develop an effective partnership with you.
Keeping in touch:
Our staff are available to chat to you informally from 8:30-8:55am and then 3:00- 3:15pm each day, apart from Tuesday when we have Professional Development.
If you need to make a time for an individual meeting about your child, please email your child's whānau teacher first. Emails can be found in our A-Z Information Booklet.
Please remember to keep all conversations respectful and focused on your child's learning.
It is important that our staff have a life outside of school. If you email them after 6:00pm, please do not expect a reply until the next day.
Communication Guidelines:
Our Communication Guidelines provide you with information around who you need to go and see should you have a question, issue or concern.
Channels of Communication:
We have developed this Communication Framework to explain what information comes out across the 4 main platforms we use at Lemonwood Grove School. As you will be aware sometimes we may use more than one platform when communicating with you.
Complaints:
We encourage open communication and prefer that parents come to us to talk through a problem.
Most complaints can be resolved informally by discussing the issue with the people concerned for example your child's whānau teacher.
If informal processes don't resolve your concern or complaint, you can make a formal complaint.
Login to SchoolDocs using the following:
Username: lemonwoodgrove
Password: 7615
Congratulations:
Congratulations to Hollie Stone who has been appointed a Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) Within School Teacher. Hollie will work with our team this year to drive initiatives and change relating to the area of Relationship Management. This is an achievement challenge across the 11 schools in our Kāhui Ako.
Steve Codyre, our awesome current part time caretaker, has been promoted to a full time position. Well done Steve!
Sean | Tumuaki (Principal)
principal@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz