Thursday 20th July 2023 | Term 3 Week 1 |
Kia ora e te whānau,
Welcome back to Term 3! We've had a fantastic start to the term, with a very settled feeling around the place as our NCEA students hunker down for the 'academic term'. Here is some news for you as we progress through the early weeks of this term:
Mānawatia a Matariki!
We recently celebrated Matariki, the Māori New Year, with a special evening of waiata, weaving and kai, highlighting the significance of this celestial event in Aotearoa. Our students have learned about the traditions, stories, and importance of Matariki and were able to display some artworks at the event. We hosted and fed approximately 100 visitors. It was a time of reflection, renewal, and a chance to unite as a school whānau. Thanks for sharing this special evening with us.
Semester 2 Options for our Middle School
With the start of the new semester, our middle school students can explore various subjects and interests through our Semester 2 options program. From Robotics to Drama, CO2 Racers to Passion Projects and Adventure Racing - we encourage our students to make the most of these exciting learning opportunities. It's a chance to discover passions and chart their course for the future. Haere tonu!
Staffing Changes and Room Change
As we progress into the new term, we bid farewell to a staff member who enriched our school community during their time with us; Mr Mark Frost will leave us in Week 4. We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to all things PE and Outdoor Ed. We'll miss him a lot when he heads into a new role overseas. Before his departure, there will be an event at school to acknowledge his significant service to our community. After his departure, Mr Metcalfe will take on his teaching role within the school.
At the same time, we have been desperately advertising for a teacher to take on a mix of subjects, mainly in the middle school. We have this work covered by one of our familiar relief team (Mrs Heath), but we hope to have news of a longer-term outcome in the next couple of weeks. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause; unfortunately, with a general teacher shortage in New Zealand, understaffing has been an inevitable situation for us to find ourselves in.
Over the holidays, Room 7 and Room 4's classes have switched locations. This allows our smallest students to have an enclosed courtyard to work and play in.
I'm happy to announce some new roles within the school - Brooke Smith is now our Junior Dean, and we have employed Hanna Devries as a Relief Teacher Aide. I know everyone will make them feel welcome in their new roles.
Buses
Our school bus stops, routes and safety continue to be a high priority for consultation with relevant agencies such as Mackenzie District Council, Waitaki District Council, Waka Kotahi, and the Ministry of Education. An article later in this newsletter summarises the ongoing work in this space.
Rural Health Careers Visit - Exploring Career Pathways
A group of Year 9-13 students had the privilege of participating in a rural health careers visit. They had the opportunity to interact with young healthcare professionals in training and learn about various healthcare career pathways. This experience broadened their understanding of the healthcare sector and inspired some to consider careers in this essential field.
Snow Club
Initial letters regarding Snow Club have been distributed. If you have missed out, more are available at the Main Office. Snow Club intends to commence in Week 2 (snow pending!). Once initial interest is gauged, the weekly online 'sign-ups' will be available. Junior Snow Club will be on a Thursday and Senior Snow Club on a Friday for the remainder of the term.
Photo Day
Photo Day is just around the corner! Our school photographer will visit on Monday, July 24th, to capture our students and staff's smiles. Be sure to come to school looking your best, and let's make this day one to remember.
Cross Country
The Cross Country event is approaching; many students have been training hard for the big day - Tuesday, July 25th, from 1.30 pm (spectators welcome!). It's not just about racing; it's about fostering sportsmanship, resilience, and determination. Whether running for fun or competing at a competitive level, we know our students will give it their all.
We wish all of our students a productive term!
He waka eke noa,
Kate Staniford
Tumuaki | Principal
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From the Head Students
Head Student Monique welcomes everyone back to school for Term 3, reflecting on Matariki. There's also a reminder about Photo Day, our "favourite day of the year"! | |  |
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School Community Celebrates Matariki TogetherLast night we came together as a community to celebrate Matariki. We weaved, sang waiata, enjoyed delicious kai, and stargazed with astronomer Alan Gilmore. | |  |
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Photo DayThis year's school photos will be taken on Monday next week, 24th July. All the information you require can be found here. | |  |
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Finn and the Flux CapacitorYear 12 student Finn continues to enjoy and learn real life systems while on his Gateway experience with thanks to Meridian Energy. | |  |
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Bus Transport UpdateHere's an update on the progress with our bus transport service as we continue to work towards improving our students' school transport experience. | |  |
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Schools Come Together for JSISS Netball CompetitionTAS students joined Waiau and The Catlins to form a team to enter the Junior South Island Secondary Schools Netball tournament over the school holidays. | |  |
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All Set for Cross Country 2023Next week is the annual running of the Twizel Area School Cross Country. Check out all the details here. | |  |
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Students Collaborate with MTFJA group of Twizel Area School students were recently challenged to build a picnic table, in a collaboration with the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs. | |  |
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Netsafe Week WebinarAs part of Netsafety Week, TikTok is hosting a 'Block the Bullies' FREE Webinar. They will cover topics like Family Pairing, managing comments in a way that work for you, how to report content and share the tools that are available to protect younger users. | |  |
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Hands-On Otago 2024Applications for Hands-On at Otago 2024 are now open. If you are a Year 12 or 13 student in 2024, you can experience a week of student life at the University of Otago over the summer holidays. Click the link for more info... | |  |
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Policy Review | Term 3The Board of Trustees are reviewing the following Policies in Term | |  |
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Scholastic Book Club | Issue 5The fifth issue of the Scholastic Book Club for 2023 is now available, orders need to be placed by Friday 15th September. 📚 You can order through the Scholastic website or the Book Club Loop app, available through the App Store and Google Play Store. | |  |
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Girls Basketball Skills and DevelopmentAre you a keen basketballer?
There is a weekly Girls Basketball Skills and Development programme every Monday for girls in Years 5-8. Click here for more info and registration. | |  |
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Wellbeing: Why Pre-Teens and Teenagers Need ResilienceAll pre-teens and teenagers face everyday challenges, and they need resilience to bounce back and learn from these challenges. | |  |
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 → Monday, 24th July | Photo Day
→ Tuesday, 25th July | Whole School Cross Country
→ Monday, 31st July | Upper Waitaki Cross Country, Omarama Sale Yards
→ Thursday, 27th July | Junior Snow Club
→ Friday, 28th July | Senior Snow Club
→ Tuesday, 1st August | Room 5 Dark Sky Project Trip, Lake Tekapo
*All dates above are subject to change* |
 Snow Club 2023 InformationInformation is now available for this year's Junior and Senior Snow Club. Interested students can collect the newsletter (including Consent and Membership Forms) from the School Office.
Consent and Membership Forms should be returned to the School Office ASAP (ideally before the end of this week), so we can organise the first Snow Club days for next Thursday and Friday.
Junior Rock Climbing Club | Starts FridayJunior Rock Climbing Club starts this Friday 3.15 - 4.30pm.
First week is FREE, come along and try it out. Students must be accompanied by an adult to belay, safe belaying instructions will be given.
We look forward to seeing you there. ICAS Assessment LettersA reminder for parents who received an ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) letter. If you would like your child to enter ICAS this year, the date is fast approaching.
Please return your permission slip by 31st July. Head LiceWe have had some reports of children in the Junior School with Head Lice, please check & treat your child's hair if necessary.
Click the link for more information, including treatment, from Kids Health and the Ministry of Health. | |  |
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A Reminder...Please remember that if your child is going to be away from school for any reason, it is vitally important to let us know before the start of school for the day.
If you are taking your child on planned leave from school, we ask that you complete our Student Leave Request form at least 5 school days in advance of the first day's absence from school.
You can us contact through the following channels
Phone - 03 435 0650
Email - [email protected]
Web Portal - Sign In Here
SchoolBridge App - Download Here |
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