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1 July 2016

Kia ora e te Whanau o Whetukairangi

It has been a great opportunity for teachers to discuss your child's progress against the National Standards with you over the last couple of weeks. The feedback has been rewarding as a large amount of teacher hours goes in behind the scenes. Firstly, teachers really have to 'know the learner'. This happens on a minute by minute, hour by hour, week by week........ basis. Things can change quickly! All of a sudden there can be a bridge crossed, a barrier removed or a hurdle cleared...... or, alternatively, a road block appears and the technicians need to figure out how to reroute the traffic!

"Children are like popcorn, they pop at different times". However, we measure them according to time at school in the first 3 years and then at the end of Years 4, 5 and 6. You will have read about the making of Overall Teacher Judgements (OTJs) on the written report. This is a complex process. Here, because we work in teams, we naturally all contribute to the making of an OTJ. It's not one teacher's view. Each child's 'evidence' is carefully considered by the teaching team and, at times, across teaching teams before a decision is made.

"A range of approaches is necessary in order to compile a comprehensive picture of the areas of progress, areas requiring attention, and what a learner’s progress looks like. An OTJ draws on and applies the evidence gathered up to a particular point in time in order to make a judgement about a learner’s progress and achievement. This can include knowledge and appreciation of the child and their interests, observations as they learn, conversations, the child’s assessment of their own work, and results from standardised tests." (WBS reporting template, 2016)

Final OTJs are collated and carefully analysed. These results are then discussed in relation to the 2016 achievement targets and used as the basis for 2017 targets........ from which a whole pile of planning 'falls out of'.

2016 targets are:

Maths
Target 1: Reduce the number of students, especially girls, achieving below the National Standard in Mathematics.
Target 2: Increase the number of students achieving above the National Standard in Mathematics.

Writing
Target 3: Narrow the gap between boys' and girls' achievement in Writing at Worser Bay School.
Target 4: Reduce the number of Maori students achieving below in Writing.
Target 5: Increase achievement of Year 4 and 5 students in Writing.

Reading
Target 6: Increase the number of NZ Maori achieving ‘at or above’ in Reading.
Target 7: Increase the number of Year 4 students achieving at or above.
Target 8: Narrow the gap between girls' achievement and boys' achievement.

Our school's 3 principles - valuing the whole child, knowledge building and inquiry, embracing collaborative learning - National Standards are an aspect of this.

Have a lovely weekend.

Nga mihi



PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS
Our Principal’s Awards are currently focusing on the following:

  • I am connected... (with a focus on empathy) 
  • I can build relationships with others
  • I can communicate clearly
  • I can be part of a team
  • I can connect to my place, the environment and globally

Autahi and Tautoru
Hanna, Sitara, Hunter R and Solly.

Matariki and Mahutonga
Evie, Stirling, Jasper and Danielle.


Welcome

Welcome to Mae and Georgia whose families are already, or have previously been, part of our school community.

We look forward to guiding your development and learning.



Letter from Stephanie Hayes' Parents

Please read the Letter from Stephanie Hayes' Parents about Stephanie's suppressed immunity.

Movie Night Fundraiser for Stephanie

We are holding a Movie Fundraiser to support Stephanie Hayes and her family. Please come and join us with friends and family on Sunday 10 July at the Penthouse Cinema to see what we are sure will be an awesome movie. Please contact Annette (Jessie’s Mum) on 021 626 340 or Angela (Daisy’s Mum) on 027 715 7973 for further information and tickets.

Thanks in advance for your support!
Angela & Annette




Parent Workshops

Our Parent Workshops in the second week of next term are on Writing. The staff will introduce you to "Helping Circles", "Quick Writes" and "Writers' Notebooks", which are new ideas they have learnt about in their professional development with Sally Muir. All the Workshops are on the same topic, so feel free to come to any one that suits you (it doesn't have to be the workshop that your child's base group area is in). Hope to see you there, so that you will be able to support your child when they talk about these things at home.

Mahutonga/Matariki     8.15am - 8.45am on Tuesday 2 August

Tautoru                        8.15am - 8.45am on Wednesday 3 August

Autahi                          2.20pm - 2.50pm on Thursday 4 August



The Festival of Music is Coming!

This year we are going to celebrate sound and music. Across the school we are beginning inquiries into sound in preparation for what will be another fantastic event. Please book in the following dates.

When:  Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th August

Time:  5.30pm to 7.00pm. (Children in Autahi will not be required to stay for the whole time.)



A Note from Nicola


















In August, I will be travelling to Singapore with 11 other educators across New Zealand. I have been connecting with teachers from Bukit Timah Primary School and our students have been starting to learn about Singapore. This week in Tautoru, we have started to write letters to the school and I will bring these over as part of a gift.

By the time our youngest students are in the workplace, the number of middle class in Asia will have increased to over 3 billion… 60% of the world’s middle class will be in Asia by 2030. Three of the four top economies in the world will be in Asia… 1 - China, 2 – USA, 3 – India, 4 – Japan.

New Zealand’s economy is increasingly reliant on our export markets in Asia. China is our biggest export market through our Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2008. We also have FTAs with Korea and ASEAN countries with negotiations underway with India.

In New Zealand itself our demographics are changing. In the last 20 years our Asian population has grown from 3% to 12% and predicted to be 21% by 2038.

An audio visual from Asia New Zealand Foundation helps to explain the Asian Century and what it means for our students – Equipping your child to thrive in the Asian Century

To better prepare our children for their future we are currently exploring how we can develop students’ knowledge, skill and understanding of Asia and Asian cultures. 



Plastic Free Peninsula

Plastic Free Peninsula is a Worser Bay School community-led group wanting to make a positive impact in our local environment. 

It’s International Plastic Bag Free Day, so we’re holding a Miramar Peninsula Coastal Cleanup.

Sunday 3rd July, 10am-12pm (rain or shine)

All Worser Bay families are welcome to join Plastic Free Peninsula in cleaning up our coastal areas. Meet at Worser Bay Beach (near the Surf Lifesaving Club) at 10am; groups will spread out along the coast picking up rubbish that impacts our wildlife and environment.
  • Bring your own gloves, bags provided. 
  • Strong shoes recommended for rocky areas. 
  • Parents/caregivers are responsible for the safety of their own children. 
  • Provide your own transport if moving around the coast. 
Return bags to Worser Bay Beach by 12pm.




School Fair

Running of the Balls
This is an iconic and successful Worser Bay School Fair event, that usually closes the Fair, attracts lots of attention, and makes great money for the school. Using the geography of the site, 1,000 numbered balls are released down a slope on to bottom court. The first three numbered balls across the line win three amazing prizes. In previous years, prizes have included first class accommodation, tablets and travel. This year, we are on the look out for some more fantastic prizes. 

So, how can you help……..?

Are you a Westpac customer? You could redeem your hotpoints for some Noel Leeming Vouchers. These vouchers could go a long way in assisting with the purchase of a tablet (which makes a great prize).

Do you have contacts in the areas of Accommodation, Travel or Tourism?

We would love to hear from you, so please contact Stephanie Wilson at asewilson@clear.net.nz or 021 238 6673 if you are able to help with the above.


Sponsorship Opportunities
Keen to give something back to the school? You have a business that you are keen to promote? We can help. You could sponsor a stall at the upcoming Worser Bay School Fair. You may wish to sponsor a Food Stall or a Games Stall. In return, your name or company name can be associated with the stall. In addition, you can have exposure on our social media sites, fair flyer and on the day. 

If you are keen, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Stephanie Wilson at asewilson@clear.net.nz or Claire Allen at claireandmattallen@gmail.com.


Silent Auction and Rapid Raffle
Keen to promote your business and give something back to Worser Bay School? We can help. We are on the look out for items for the Silent Auction and Rapid Raffle at the upoming Worser Bay School Fair. We are on the look out for goods and services; these could include, artwork, restaurants, wine, cafes, children and adult tuition, professional services, ie. accountant, architect, builder, electrican, plumber, physio - the list goes on. In return, we can offer you and your business great exposure on our social media sites, fair flyer and on the day.

If you are keen, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Stephanie Wilson at asewilson@clear.net.nz or Claire Allen at claireandmattallen@gmail.com


Deli Stall
Any laden fruit trees or veggie gardens you can forage over the upcoming break and moving forward, to donate to be turned into jam, pickle or something tasty, would be greatly appreciated. (To make a decent batch, around 2kg is a good start.)

Please keep an eye out for Rhubarb, Lemons, Pears, Persimmons, Tamarillos, Apples, Grapefruit, Beetroot in season now. 
I can pick up from you - please text Hannah on 021 264 5866, or leave at the school office.

We are still wanting any nice jars with a lid (label removed, please) or pretty bottles you could collect at home. They will be put to good use. I am also looking for someone who can de-label jars. I have lots of jars with labels on…. does this sound like you??

A BIG Thank You for produce that has already been donated - it is hugely appreciated and has been put to good use.

Thank you, Hannah Thornton
 



Many of you have asked if you can sign up grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.

Yes! You can! 

They can follow the link below and sign up with their email address. 

Please make sure that you email your child’s base group teacher so that they know to accept.

The links are:
Autahi: https://app.seesaw.me/s/523-447-673
Tautoru: https://app.seesaw.me/s/429-440-634
Mahutonga/Matariki: https://app.seesaw.me/s/046-841-994




Autahi

Visit the Vet



A new vet has opened in the neighbourhood. If you have a sick or hurt animal bring them into Autahi for some excellent care from our friendly team.

Patterns all Around



We are learning all about patterns. Here is our first thinking about what a pattern is. Can you guess our patterns? Take a look.

Matariki at Te Papa


We had a great time at Te Papa on Monday. There was so much to see and do and we found out a lot of new things.



Tautoru

Salsa Dancing



We are gearing up for our music festival. We have been learning new dance and music skills. This is us learning some salsa dancing.

Where the wild things are…



We read the picture book "Where the Wild Things Are..." and, with musical instruments, we came up with some music to go with some parts in the book. Take a look at the blog to see the full video.

How much do we weigh?



In Maths this week, we used the scales to weigh ourselves in Kilograms. There were many things that we had to consider. Take a look at the blog to look at our learning.



Mahutonga/Matariki


Trip to Te Papa



What a wonderful trip and a beautiful Wellington day to explore the poetry walk around the waterfront last Friday. We went inside an indoor sky tent and saw the constellations, and, yes, Mahutonga, Matariki and Tautoru! Then we made sand art to remember a special person or event in our life, or to plan something special for the coming year.

Capital E trip



After assigning everyone roles in our Sports Desk Presentation, we headed to Capital E and put it all together. There were lots of butterflies in stomachs in the morning, and it was wonderful to see the base groups working well together to create the productions, 100% child made! The videos are all on the blog - have a look!

Learner Attributes continued
We are continuing to explore the Learner Attributes on a daily basis and talking to each other about them and how we can develop them. They are displayed in so many amazing ways in the classroom and around the school.

I am a Goal Setter:


This piece by Oto shows the intensity of the Taniwha, focusing on achieving its goals.

Read more about them on the blog.

ACTIONS AT A GLANCE

  • Pizza Lunch - Wednesday 6 July - $5 per pizza - orders via Wrap It Up by 9am on Tuesday 5 July - no later
  • PFP - Miramar Peninsula Beach Clean Up - 10am - 12noon, Sunday 3 July (International Plastic Bag Free Day). Meet at Worser Bay Beach.
  • Next Lost Property Clearance - Friday 8 July (Please ensure clothing, lunch boxes and drink bottles are named.)
  • Sausage Sizzlers needed for Term 3. (See below.)
  • Please diary: Parent Workshops - 2, 3 and 4 August (See below.)
  • Please diary: Festival of Music - Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 August, 5.30pm to 7pm

      • The following payments are now due:
        • Voluntary Contribution - $335.00 (Full year)
        • Voluntary Contribution by Instalment - 2nd instalment is now due - $83.75 per term (or $71.25 if you made the first payment in Term 1.)
        • Netball - $27.75 - WBS Netball team only.
        • Miniball - $35.00 - WBS Miniball teams only.
        • Any outstanding payments (Te Papa, Capital E, Camp, Seesaw, etc.)

        All payments via Wrap It Up please.




        Board Shorts

        On Monday we had our first meeting of the new Board where Andrew, Andy, Jason and Jude welcomed Janet, Nathan, Erica, Sophie and Suzanne. At the meeting we focused on the role of the Board, with a particular focus on governance, and discussed expectations around the important role that the Board plays. Good governance is critical to having a strong and sustainable school, and school Boards play a critical and wide-ranging role that ranges from guiding the future development and growth of schools through to ensuring that all of the schools' legislative responsibilities are being met. This includes being responsible for the school’s financial wellbeing and sustainability and our indoor and outdoor learning environments – both of which will be key issues for the Board during its term.

        The Chair is elected by the Board at the first meeting after an election and at the start of each calendar year. Andrew Wilson was elected as Chair for the balance of this calendar year, and the Board agreed that it is important that there is a planful approach taken to succession. We can, therefore, expect to see a new Chair in place from the start of the 2017 calendar year; and Andrew will continue to be part of and provide support to the Board and Chair(s) throughout the Board’s three year term.

        The number one priority of all Boards is, of course, student achievement, and we spent time looking at the interim reporting process and report format, and the approach taken to OTJs (Overall Teacher Judgement). We also looked at the content of, and progress against, the Mathematics, Writing and Reading Achievement Plans for 2016; and discussed the need to also remain focused on the development of the whole and every child. We would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment and dedication of the teaching team to student achievement, and thank you all for the effort you have and are putting in to the Reporting on Progress Meetings.

        We also started work on how we want to work together as a Board – which is really important as we come together as a team. You’ll all be happy to know that we came away from the meeting with lots of homework to complete before our next meeting, which we hope we’ll all be at and above the expected standard for!


        A Note from the Office

        Late Arrivals and Early Leavers
        Please remember that your child needs to sign in the Absence Book at the office if they arrive at school after 8.55am and take a Late Pass to give to their teacher. Also, if they leave school before 3pm for any reason, they need to sign out (in the same book).

        School Holidays
        Term 2 finishes at 3pm on Friday 8th July and Term 3 starts at 8.55am on Monday 25th July.

        Nits
        Nits are still doing the rounds. Please check your child's hair and treat, if necessary. 


        WBS Fundraising

        Pizza Lunch - Wednesday 6 July

        On Wednesday 6th July, small individual pizzas will be available for lunch.

        All pizzas have a tomato sauce base and you can choose from three types of topping:
        • Cheese
        • Cheese and Ham
        • Cheese and Salami
        Pizzas cost $5 each. Please order via Wrap It Up. Orders must be in by 9am on Tuesday 5th July - no later.

        As the pizzas will be handed out by area (Autahi, Tautoru and Mahutonga/Matariki), it is important that you order under each child's name separately (if you are ordering for two or more children).

        Sausage Sizzlers Needed

        Firstly, a HUGE thank you to all of those who have helped out so far this year to make the Sausage Sizzles happen! It has been a huge success on all fronts, happiness for the children who love it, a happy break for the parents from "lunch box thinking" and a very successful fundraiser for our school.

        We are now looking for 2-3 more SUPER people to sizzle for us next term to make the system sustainable. Basically, it involves coming in 1 to 2 times per term (we can be flexible on dates) from around 12.00pm to 1.30pm, throwing some sausages on the BBQ and passing them on to a great team of students who then serve them out to the hungry children!

        There are always two people on, so if you want to pop your name down with someone so you can catch-up over the sizzle, please feel free. We would love to have some new faces on board to join our current team - the more, the merrier!!

        If you are able to help out in any capacity, please contact Michelle Kitney at michellekitney@gmail.com or text 027 681 4956. 



        Bee Healthy



        Community Notices...

        Get to Know Your Community
        Wellington All Ages Social Group - This is a group for anyone interested in building community, getting to know new people helping each other out and hopefully learning a thing or two along the way. All ages are welcome, including children. Maybe we can prepare and share an early dinner once a month.

        When: Fridays, 3.30pm - 5pm
        Where: Strathmore Park Community Centre, 108 Strathmore Avenue, Strathmore Park

        RAW Circus - Saturday 2 July
        Come and watch what some of our circus students and other guest artists have prepared for the occasion.
        Show starts at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm.
        Suggested Koha of $10-$20. We will also be selling Pop Corn to raise money for new equipment (cash only, please).
        Wellington's Circus Hub, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
        www.circus.org.nz

        You are also all invited to join us for a celebration after the show at Bebemos, corner of Riddiford and Hall street. Only 5 minutes walk from the Hub.


        Term 3 Circus Classes
        We have a wide range of circus classes available in Term 3. Book now via our website. Some classes fill up fast so be sure to book your spot in the classes.

        Classes include:
        • Aerials - Trapeze and Tissu
        • Hand Balance
        • Contortion
        • Adagio
        • Tumbling
        • Equilibristics
        • Hula Hoop
        • Kids and Teens Circus
        • ...and more!

        Miramar Rangers School Holiday Programme

        https://sites.google.com/site/worserbayschoolv2/home/newsletter/1-july-2016/Miramar%20Rangers.JPG

        Capital E School Holiday Programme
        These July school holidays, Capital E weaves some winter magic into young people’s school break with a full programme entailing digital workshops, live performances and a brand new interactive installation from Monday 11 July – Saturday 23 July 2016.

        Young people will be weaving wonders in Weave Your Way (all ages) at Capital E’s creative space on Queens Wharf. Upstairs in MediaLab there will be workshops on 3D model making and augmented reality in Design Your Reality and on how visual effects are executed in Visual Effects (ages 8-14). Capital E’s new programme, Daring to be Different (ages 10-14) in the OnTV Studio will focus on reality television, and for people who want a full explosion of Capital E we have the jam-packed workshops Digital Day and the Ultimate Capital E Experience (ages 8-10). Capital E National Theatre for Children presents Hinepau (ages 7+), based on the book by Gavin Bishop and directed by Jamie McCaskill, at the Hannah Playhouse before it hits the road on a NZ tour.

        To book, visit Capital E’s website, www.capitale.org.nz, or phone 04 913 3740 for more information.

        Netball
        Pak’nSave Kilbirnie July Netball Holiday Programme for girls and boys in Years 3-8
        Looking for some fun and netball development these holidays? Online registrations now open - click here to register online.
        Offered both weeks of the holidays – Week 1: Monday 11th to Friday 15th July and Week 2: Monday 18th to Friday 22nd July at the Kilbirnie ASB Sports Centre.

        Term 3 Pak’nSave Kilbirnie Junior Netball Academy for girls and boys in Years 5-8
        Keen to brush up your netball skills after-school? Online registrations now open - click here to register online.


        Frosty Spot Indoor Ice Rink
        Wellington now has a permanent Ice Skating Rink - Frosty Spot Indoor Ice Rink is the newest feature to Daytona Raceway in Petone and has proven to be very popular with the young and old(er). With the School Holidays upon us we want to offer you and your family a special school holiday offer - Buy One Frosty Spot Ice Rink Entry & Get One Free Round of Mini Putt (see coupon below).


        The Rock Academy
        Do you have musician children? Do they get bored during the school holidays? The Rock Academy holiday programme could be what you are looking for. We will be running a 3 day holiday programme in both weeks of the July school holidays.

        This is perfect for any budding musician, give them to us and we’ll send them back to you full of inspiration, musical ideas and confidence.

        Location: St Patrick’s Parish Hall, 5 Rongotai Road, KIlbirnie
        Time: Starts at 9:00am and finishes at 3:00pm. Drop off 8:45am.
        July:  12th 13th 14th – Tuesday to Thursday
                  19th 20th 21st – Tuesday to Thursday

        Activities include:
        • Daily busking trips – The pupils get to keep the money, highly motivating and great for their confidence.
        • Group jam sessions – Learning lots of cool new modern rock and pop songs.
        • The Rock Academy’s Got Talent workshop and competition – Pupils learn how to audition, introduce themselves, hold eye contact and perform a piece to take out TRA trophy.
        • Singing lessons/exercises – Singing exercises and scales every morning.
        • Technique skills sessions – learning new riffs, licks, chords, tricks and techniques.
        • Industry workshop – Learning how to be a successful musician however ambitious they may be.
        • Solo and group song writing sessions – Pupils are asked to write and performn their own songs over the three days.
        We do book out in advance so please contact us before the holidays if you are interested. Contact Geoff Day on 021 565 750 or visit www.therockacademy.co.nz.

        Term 3 Swimming Lessons
        Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, Kilbirnie.
        Term 3 is just around the corner... Have you booked in? Call us on 387 5655 or email wracswimschool@wcc.govt.nz to discuss your needs. Don’t forget, our School Holiday Programme is great way for the kids to speed up their learning process - Boating Extreme and Rookie Guard are exciting new holiday programmes for confident swimmers looking for new challenges. Get in touch today.

        Inverlochy Art School
        The Holiday Programme is now on our website.
        Holiday Programme - optional day extension to 3.30pm.
        Due to many requests we have made optional Extended Day classes from 1.30pm to 3.30pm for both weeks. Please let us know what you think. The extra two hours is separated out so that you can attend just the usual 4 hours per day classes or add on the extra time.
        For more information, email manager@inverlochy.org.nz or phone 04 939 2177.

        Creative Writing Workshop
        School holidays are once more coming up, and this time the Katherine Mansfield House and Garden is prepared!

        Monday July 11th, 1pm-4pm
        Ages 10-15 year olds
        $10 per child
        Book tickets here: www.katherinemansfield.com




        Clay Penguin Studio 
        School holiday programmes at the Clay Penguin Studio in Seatoun:
        Monday 11 July - Sitting animals
        Tuesday 12 July - Animal bowls
        All programmes run from 9-12 noon.
        Cost: $35 includes clay, materials and morning tea. (Option to have work fired for an extra $5)
        Email:  theclaypenguin@hotmail.com for a booking form.

        Supporting Success in your School
        If you are a parent, staff member or member of the school community and draw down a new ASB home loan of $150,000 or more, ASB will donate to your chosen participating school $500. Visit www.asb.co.nz/schoolbanking for more information.


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