Term 1 - Week 7

Tēnā koutou,

On Monday next week, we will welcome our French sister school to Taupo-nui-a-Tia College for just over a week.  Thank you to everyone who has accepted billets for the duration of the students’ visit.  We are looking forward to giving these students experiences they will never forget.  Thank you to Mrs Feuillade for arranging the visit and the experiences for these students. 

On Tuesday this week we held an emergency procedure drill with our students and staff.  Prior to the drill we held separate junior and senior assemblies to give the students guidance about what to expect and what to do during the drill.  Pleasingly, at the conclusion of the drill we received positive feedback from the company who has been providing us with guidance and support.  The students responded well and gave us confidence that, in a real scenario, we would be able to keep staff and students safe.  We were instructed to conclude the drill before we had completed all of the tasks, so we were unable to get the whānau communication out to you in time.  Apologies if this caused any uncertainty about the situation.

As a reminder, in a genuine incident, should you become aware of a lockdown or evacuation at the school, can I please ask that you not attend the school or phone, as we will not be able to respond.  Your presence or contact may make it more difficult for us or the emergency services to manage a situation. Thank you for your understanding.

A further reminder, we have scheduled whānau interviews for all year levels in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term: 
Monday, 24 March, 3:30pm - 4:30pm  -  Face-to-face interview
Wednesday, 26 March, 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Face-to-face interview
Monday, 31 March, 3:30pm - 4:30pm  -  Face-to-face interview
Wednesday, 2 April, 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Online Google Meet interview
School Reports will be sent out next week to coincide with our whānau interviews to guide whānau/teacher conversations.
Bookings will close at 3pm on the school day prior to the scheduled appointments.
This is an opportunity to meet with whānau teachers and discuss pastoral, extra-curricular and academic goals.  It is always a valuable time to co-construct progress and future learning steps, so we strongly encourage you to attend. You will have received an email with instructions on how to book an interview. If you encounter any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  We are looking forward to seeing many of you at these times over the next two weeks.

Also on Monday 24th, there are two opportunities for whānau to further their understanding of aspects of numeracy and literacy in the College. 

• Debs Morrison, a Learning Support Coordinator (LSC), will be running  a "show and tell and practice" session of the Read&Write software in the Student Centre from 3.30-4.30pm. This resource can be used by students in a wide variety of ways to assist with their learning. This is a helpful resource and guide link for parents: Read&Write Guides & Resources. This session will be repeated on each of the whānau interview days.
• A numeracy and literacy presentation will occur Monday 24th March at 4:40pm in the Hall. This is intended to help give parent's greater understanding of numeracy and literacy requirements for students in their learning journey. Depending upon numbers further sessions may be added at later dates. 
  

This term’s policies are up for community review.  If you would like to provide feedback on these policies, please go to www.schooldocs.co.nz and log in with our community username: taupocollege and community password:  3330

Also, we updated our Concerns and Complaints procedure to align with our policy on SchoolDocs.  You can view the procedure here. 

An early heads up for Friday 11 April (last day of term 1) - there will be no school buses to and from Taupo-nui-a-Tia College on this day.  Alternative arrangements will need to be made for students who usually utilise the bus service.  Apologies for the inconvenience this may cause.

Have an awesome weekend!

Ngā mihi

Ben Claxton
PRINCIPAL

Sporting News

Upcoming Events
WAIBOP Athletics - 25th March, Hamilton 
KCRU 7s Rugby - 28th March, Taumarunui 
 
Summer tournament week
NZSS Triathlon - 24th-28th March 
Waka Ama - 24th-28th March
NZSS Rowing - 24th-28th March
3x3 Basketball - 27th-29th March
Volleyball Nationals - 23rd-28th March
Sailing CNI - 22-24th March 

                                              Careers Information

                                                    
These University visits have been booked for the College to date.
They are at lunchtimes (12:50 - 1:40pm) in D16.
Parents and caregivers are welcome and they are very informative about what degrees and qualifications they offer and how the University system works and the benefits of higher learning. Any Yr 12 and 13 student can attend these information sessions.
 
24th March -Toi Ohomai
3rd April - Otago University

Kia Ora!
 
As we move forward into 2025, our team would like to thank you for allowing the opportunity to provide quality, comprehensive on-site mobile dentistry to your child.
 
Our mobile clinic will be on-site at the school for from Monday 24^th – Friday 28^th March 2025 
 
As a registered mobile dentalcare provider, Absolute Mobiles is committed to ensuring all students under the age of 18 have access to FREE comprehensive dental care. Our team of experienced dentists take pride as we play our part, providing oral health services, helping to empower and improve the smiles and wellbeing of the adolescents of Taupo-nui-a Tia College .
 
What is your child entitled to?
 
All students up until their 18th birthday (who are eligible and meet the criteria) can access FREE comprehensive dental care. The dental care is provided on-site at Taupo-nui-a Tia College  so your child's experience is as seamless and convenient as possible.
 
 These services include:
 Examinations
Radiographs (if required)
Preventative treatment such as fluoride application and fissure sealants
Scale and Polish
Restorative treatment (white fillings)
Non orthodontic extractions
Root canal treatment
Increased awareness of good oral health practices
 
 How Do I Enrol the service available to my child?
Enrolling or declining the service is simple! Simply click the link HERE !
 
How Do I Decline the service available to my child? 
Already have your own dentist? Simply click the link HERE !
 
Already enrolled your child to our service? 
Great! We look forward to providing quality dentalcare to your child!

 Want to learn more, have any questions?
 email [email protected] 
 
Thank you again on behalf of our team,
Absolute Mobiles

HUT BUDDIES WANTED!!
 
Want to make a positive difference for outdoor education at your school…?

Our school is a member of the Central Plateau Schools Alpine Charitable Trust (CPSAT), which administers Memorial Hut on Mount Ruapehu.  The Trust is looking to assemble a group of 10-15 outdoor education enthusiasts from member school communities keen to help maintain and develop this unique outdoor education resource.  “Hut Buddies” will be invited to:
 
Volunteer for a hut check-up roster – a good excuse to enjoy a walk or ski while you’re up there!
Help with “spring” cleans and working bees, typically held once or twice a year. 
Support fundraising efforts and leverage relevant networks.
 
In return, Hut Buddies will enjoy great company amidst breath-taking views, connect with fellow outdoor and education enthusiasts, and have the opportunity to hire Memorial Hut after school / education group bookings have been locked in.  Most importantly, Hut Buddies will help ensure this unique outdoor education resource remains available for their own children and for future generations. 

For more information about Memorial Hut, CPSAT trust, and how to become a Hut Buddy, please read the attached flyer.