Week 2 is done and dusted as we prepare for our first full week of learning in 2022. 

These two weeks have been spent largely getting to know each other and starting to familiarise the children with the new routines. We have been so impressed with how well the children have adapted to school life under Red Light restrictions. In addition to that they have coped remarkably well with working from our temporary accomodation in Poaka whilst the refurbishments are completed. 

Learning in literacy and numeracy will commence in week 3 as we move towards establishing our teaching groups. 

Stars of the week.  After having 2 short weeks at school "Stars of the week" are back. A child from each pakeke will be chosen to be the Star, receiving a certificate and a small prize, along with having their picture on the wall. The Te Awa version of having your name in lights! Children will be identified as being a star by consistently showing their IB's or Intelligent Behaviours. 

Hurunui and Ruataniwha classes.  Due to supply chain issues the completion of work in these two classes has been delayed. Originally we were expecting to be able to begin teaching from these spaces at the start of week 3. We are now hopeful that we will be able to move back in by the end of week 3. Fingers crossed. 

Survey.  A survey has been sent home with your child this week. Please fill it in and return it to school as soon as you can, it will give us a few insights into your child and how we can make 2022 a great year for them. 

Lunch.  It's always tricky at this time of the year to retrain eating patterns after the relaxed holidays, even for us adults. We have noticed that some children eat lots of their food at morning tea, leaving very little or nothing at all for lunch. We would really appreciate it if you could help to remind your child to only eat one or two items at morning tea, or perhaps give them a little more food in their lunchboxes until they settle into the break time routines. 

Mini-ball. Year 3 and 4 Mini-ball begins this Monday. The sessions last for 45 minutes and include skills and a game. We wish the teams luck and hope that they have a lot of fun. We are looking forward to seeing their skills develop. If your child missed out on making it into a team keep your eyes open for the next season.

Wheels. Children are allowed to bring their scooters and skates to school to play on at break times. To avoid congestion on the skate area and any problems that might arise, children may bring their scooters on Monday and Wednesday, and bring skates on Tuesday and Thursday. We will offer a wheels option for our Te Awa reward time on Friday afternoons for both scooters and skates, weather permitting. Please remind your child that they MUST wear a helmet when they are riding their scooter or skates.

Many thanks to all of the parents who have touched base with the Te Awa team in these past two weeks. It's certainly more difficult to make contact face to face given the current restrictions. As always if you have any concerns, questions or just need to give an update on your child you can always send an email or organise a time to meet. 

Have a great week. 

The Te Awa team 

Louise, Emma, Brooke and Terence.

l.hayes@woodend.school.nz

e.clarke@woodend.school.nz

b.purves@woodend.schoool.nz

t.langlands@woodend.school.nz