RD2 Tuakau, Ph 232 8866, FAX 232 8862 Email: office@onewhero.school.nz Number 1 5 February 2009 Forthcoming Events 6 February - Waitangi Day (No School) 10 February - PTA meeting, Food Tech Room, 7:30pm 14 February - Community Touch Tournament 20 February - Top Team Competition 23 February - Franklin Zone Tryathlon 4 March - School swimming sports 6 March - River Group swimming 13 March - Interim reports issued (new senior students only) 17 March - Parent Interviews Kia ora tatou Dear Parents We extend a very warm welcome to 2009 from the Principal and staff of the school to all parents and especially to those who are joining us for the first time this year. The school is in a strong position as we begin 2009 and look forward to a positive and productive year. School Roll The opening roll of the school is around 300. This is still somewhat uncertain at this stage as we are still receiving enquires. This is significantly higher than anyone was predicting during the last part of 2008. Staffing I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new members of staff to the community and to the school. We welcome several new staff to the school this year – Mr Darren Mann, Mr Janni Zwarts, Miss Louise Turmer, Ms Kirsty Clark and Mrs Louise Sharp (Canteen manager). I'm sure you will make these valuable members of our staff feel very welcome. The tentative class allocations are as follows: Room 1 - New Entrants/Year 1 - Mrs Baldwin/Mrs McLean Room 2 - Year 2 - Mrs Spicer Room 3 - Year 4/5 - Mrs Wilson Room 4 - Year 2/3 - Miss Turmer Room 5 - Year 3 - Ms Clark Room 6 - Year 4 - Mrs Bird Room 7 - Year 5/6 - Miss Caldwell Room 8 - Year 5/6 - Mr Kelaiditis Room 12 - Year 7 - Mrs North Room 13 - Year 7 - Mrs Redmond Room 9 - Year 8 - Mrs Ruhe Art Room - Year 9 - Mr Jordan Tech Room - Year 10 - Mr Zwarts Lab - Year 11 - Mr Provo Maths Room - Year 12/13 - Mrs Carter Parents please note: These class allocations are a little different from those announced n Tuesday. We have had to made changes to our Year 4 to 6 classes because of large numbers. A new class has been created and will be taken by Mrs Wilson in Room 3. Mrs Spicer’s class will now be in Room 2. In addition we have the following teachers on staff: Mrs O'Keeffe - Maths and Computing Mrs Pollock - English Mrs Phillips - Phys Ed Mrs Paton - Art Mrs Pryor - Food Technology; Reading Recovery Mr Rowe - Geography, Computers In addition, the school is divided into three areas for pastoral and administrative reasons. The Junior School comprises classes from Year 1 to 6 with Mrs Pryor in charge; the Middle School includes students from Years 7 to 10 and is the responsibility of Mr Mann while the Senior School (Years 11 to 13) is in the care of Mr Rowe. Buses Once again our bus routes and times have undergone a change for the beginning of the year. There will still be some confusion for the next few days as these routes settle into place. Please ring the school to seek clarification. Alternatively, you could access our website and check the maps which are published there. Access to the buildings During the current phase of construction, access to the school office is from the main field side of the school. From the car park, visitors will need to walk around the Tech Block to get to that door. Thus situation is likely to last all this term and we ask for your understanding and forbearance while this is going on. We can assure you that the result will be worth the wait and the hassle. Swimming I would like to remind all parents that with the great run of summer weather, we are fully involved with a swimming programme throughout the school. All students should be ready for swimming on all days. Teachers will make responsible decisions about weather and as you know, the weather in Onewhero is quite changeable - what is happening at 7:30am is often quite different at 12 noon. Swimming is an integral part of the curriculum and we expect all students to take part. Uniform Notes As we start the year, would parents please note the following points: • Students are not to wear make-up • Jandals are not acceptable as footwear in any part of the school. • Jewellery must be limited to a watch and small studs or keepers. • There must be no facial piercing. • Any clothes worn under the uniform (T-shirts etc) MUST NOT be visible. Newsletters Newsletters are published each week on a Thursday. The newsletter is normally given to the oldest child in each family at school. Parents: if you haven't got a newsletter by Friday each week, ask for it from your children. Then ring the school for a replacement if necessary. We are very happy to send these electronically - if you ring the office with your email address we will sent it to you each Thursday. Canteen The Canteen Manager would be very grateful for the donation of any or all of the following: • Fresh fruits and vegetables • Eggs • Any good workable kitchen equipment. PTA meeting There will be a meeting of the PTA at 7:30pm on Tuesday in the Food Tech Room. This is to discuss our involvement at the Onewhero Community day on Saturday 14th and to formulate plans for the year. School Banking Takes place every Thursday 8.35 - 8.50am in the school library. Should your child not have an account but wishes to open one, this may be done at either the school or National Bank Tuakau or ASB Pukekohe. Phone Sharyn in the school office for further information. Two reminders If there is any question or concern you have, please ring and talk to the class teacher or the Head of Department or Principal. We are always happy to discuss matters with you, preferably before they become big issues. The school website is available for anyone with Internet access. The address is www.onewhero.school.nz. Greg Fenton Principal Community Notices St John Youth Meets Monday nights at the school community hall 5.30 - 7pm. For ages 6 - 18 yrs. For a fun night. Contact Kathy Livingstone, Divisional Manager, Ph 2328057 Onewhero Community Day. Saturday 14 February Onewhero Rugby Football Club grounds Touch Tournament and fund raising for the Onewhero Rural Fire Force. Touch teams playing from 10am. Finals at 4:00pm and 4:30pm Prize giving 5:30pm Also: • BBQ; bar facilities; car boot sale (from 9:00am) ; raffle tickets on sale for a free sky dive • Fire Brigade demonstrations and challenge; pony rides; fire engine rides • sky divers; golf circuit; bowling activities; school pool open; OSPA providing entertainment. Come along for a fun filled day. Bring the family and join in some or all of the activity. Wanted Second-hand baby clothes. Anything from birth size. Please phone 232 8152 NZ Modern School of Music Piano and keyboard lessons are available at school every Wednesday $14 per lesson. Enquiries welcome. Jacquie McKelvey, ph 233 4017 or 027 3481 227 Kids Trail Ride Sunday 22 February, Dominion Rd, Tuakau, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Kids only, up to 11yr old or 90cc bikes. $20 each. See notice in the school office window.