PB4L, Chinese Student Visit, Contributing Schools Visits, Mamma Mia 2 Movie Night thanks, Lock Bikes and Scooters

Kia ora e ngā whānau,

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

In previous newsletters, I have provided you with an overview of the Ministry of Education PB4L initiative that WIS is involved in this year.  This week we were informed that PB4L will be continuing next year. This is excellent news.

Last term staff and students decided to focus on promoting and acknowledging those who use positive language choices to support their friends and fellow learners. This focus had very positive results with the majority of students making really encouraging and positive language choices.  It also highlighted individuals who needed some one-on-one attention in this area. Teachers and students created lists of positive language choices and the focus reminded many students of the importance of a positive mindset in the learning process.

This term this focus continues, as well as adding a focus on being proactive in taking responsibility for self, others and the environment. Being proactive and remembering to do something is often a challenge to the pre teen and is part of their special character at this time of development. We will be focusing on the simple things first, such as having all items ready at the start of a lesson, remembering notices, to complete and return homework, library books, locking your scooter or bike, picking up rubbish, or better still leaving food wrappers at home or making use of the rubbish bins,  etc. This area focuses on the readiness for creating a positive learning environment.

I have included some photos from last week’s assembly showing the running tally competition of the RISE tokens awarded to students who have demonstrated this sense of responsibility without being reminded to do so. Well done to Room 11 for winning the 'Tub of Awesomeness' for being the class the with most RISE tokens awarded last week.

Chinese Visitors to School

Today we welcome four students from Kaifeng, Henan province in China to WIS. They are here with their parents for one week before venturing further south. Thanks to the families who are hosting the students during this time and to the four classrooms; Rooms 5, 6, 11 and 13. We hope to have some photos of their time with us in the next newsletter.

Early Notification of Primary Teachers and Principals Strike – Wednesday 15 August

The Board of Trustees sent home a separate email on Tuesday. For those who missed it I have included the details below.

The NZEI has advised the Waimea Intermediate School Board of Trustees that NZEI members will be taking strike action on Wednesday 15 August 2018 if an agreement cannot be reached between the NZEI and the Ministry of Education prior to the 15th August.

The Board has carefully considered the availability of teaching staff, and unfortunately decided that we can’t provide the normal teaching services during the strike. It’s important that you make alternative arrangements for the care of your child/children on the day of the strike.  The school will need to close during this strike.

I know that this is inconvenient for parents and students alike, but please be assured that student safety is our main concern.  Thank you for your understanding.  BoT Chair Amanda Howard.

Looking Ahead to 2019 –Contributing School Visits

Last week Leith Bruning (DP), Jackie Baken (special learning needs coordinator) and I enjoyed visiting Henley School, Ranzau School, Wakefield School and Hope School. These visits are part of the transition programme for our new 2019 Year 7 students. We will be visiting our other three contributing schools later in August. We look forward to welcoming the Year 6 parents to our parent information evening later this term and the students on their transition visit in Term 4.

PTG Mamma Mia 2 Movie Night – Friday 3 August

It was great to see so many community members attending last Friday’s Mamma Mia 2 film night. We were very close to having a full house. Thanks to Kirsty Mirfin for organizing this fun social event. A special mention of thanks also goes out to Glenna Armstrong who warmed the audience up sharing her beautiful singing voice with us – such a treat!

Please Lock Scooters and Bikes

As you will be aware, from last week’s community email, we had an incident where two people from the community came onto our school grounds during school time and removed two unlocked bikes. Thankfully, a neighbor who alerted the office spotted them but unfortunately, there has been no sign of the bikes since. Incidents like this can be avoided by making sure bikes and scooters are locked. Staff are promoting students to use locks by handing out RISE tokens to those who are. Most students have locks, but some are choosing not to use them. Please discuss the importance of using locks at home with your child to support the conversations staff are having in class and at assembly. The Board of Trustees property team will be discussing bike and scooter security at the next property meeting.

Have a great fortnight.

Justine