Kia  Ora Whanau

It’s a wrap! And just like that we have one more academic week in 2023.  The last couple of weeks have been business as usual and we have been working hard to prepare for 2024.  By the end of this week you would see that all your child’s maths, reading and writing comments have been sent to you, their end of year comment as well as the graphs being opened up for you to read.  You will also be able to see which class your child has been placed in for 2024.

Canterbury Athletics Day

We would like to congratulate Oscar for placing second in the long distance race and Emme for placing third in the 80 m sprints.  We are so proud of you! 

🎉 Congratulations!  🎉

Ki-O-Rahi Festival

All our teams represented Ararira Springs well at the first Selwyn Sports Ki-O-Rahi festival.  They played well and although the games were not officially scored our tamariki kept their own score and felt they were evenly matched with the teams they played against.  Thank you to Jamie (Jaelin’s dad) for managing our Year 5/6 , blue team.  We are looking forward to attending this festival again next year!

Thank You Walk! 👍

On Tuesday 5th of December we went on our Thank you walk around Lincoln.  The tamariki had all chosen a local business or community service group to thank for their service to the community.  All were received with much thanks and appreciation.  Thank you to Rhoee (Keanu’s mum), Bill ( Alex B’s dad) and Stacey (Angus’ mum) for joining us and helping our children finish their project. 

Tough Kid

On Wednesday, 6th December all the children from Years 4-8 attended the New Brighton Tough Kid Challenge.  All the children participated and had a great time.  After the event many of our children took part in supporting those still running as well as playing games such as volleyball and singing and dancing with the organisers.  They held Ararira’s name up high and we are very proud of them.

Sausage Sizzle - Tuesday 12th of December 🌭

On Tuesday we will be having a sausage sizzle fundraiser.  If you would like your child to have one please preorder on Kindo.  There  will be no cash sales on the day.  They are $2.50.

Water Fun at School - Thursday 14th of December 

On Thursday we will be having a fun water day at school.  Children will need to bring appropriate togs or clothes they don’t mind getting wet and a towel to dry themselves with after.  They will still come to school in their uniforms and will change when we are ready to start the water fun.  If you have any questions please contact your child’s ako teacher.

Last day of school - Friday 15th of December

Please note that school closes at 1pm on Friday.  The day will start with the final hui where we will farewell our Year 8’s.  If you have any questions please contact your child’s ako teacher.

Have a great weekend!

Meeghan and Blair

Upcoming dates for the last week: Term 4 Week 10

Monday 11th December

Tuesday 12th December Class swap 9.10-10.30am - Meet the teacher.

Sausage sizzle - pre order on Kindo please, no cash on the day.

Wednesday 13th December Class moving day.

Thursday 14th December Water fun at school.

Friday 15th December       Last day of school.

Final Hui at 9:15am.

School closes at 1pm.

Term 4 Week 7 and 8 Notices

Kia  Ora Whanau

And the countdown begins!  We have a couple of events coming up over the next few weeks so please make a note of them and if you are able to help out we would really appreciate it!

Canterbury Athletics Day

We would like to wish Oscar and Emme all the best for the upcoming Canterbury athletics day on Wednesday, 29th November..  

Ki-O-Rahi Festival

We have 2 teams of children competing at the Ki-O-Rahi festival on Thursday, 30th November.  I am still looking for two parents to help manage the teams if you are available.  If you want more information please click on the link below:

Ki-O-Rahi Festival

Friday Dress up day

We had lots of fun dressing up as our favourite book characters today!  Many colourful characters and stories were read and much fun was had!

Gratitude Walk

On Tuesday 5th of December we are planning to say “Thank you” to people who have helped us in our community.  We will be working from school to Lincoln town centre, stopping along the way to deliver thank you cards, posters and messages to various community groups (library, post office, dairy ect)  If you are able to assist Blair and I on this walk please email your child’s ako teacher.  

Tough Kid

On Wednesday,6th December all the children from Years 4-8 will be attending the New Brighton Tough Kid Challenge.  It is held at South New Brighton Domain.  Parents are welcome to attend but will need to find their own way there unless there is space available on the bus once we have filled them with our tamariki.  For more information click on the link below:

Tough Kid

Have a great weekend!

Blair and Meeghan

Some upcoming dates to remember: Term 4 Week 8

Monday 27th November

Tuesday 28th November Canterbury Museum Visit

Wednesday 29th November Canterbury Zones Athletics

Thursday 30th November Ki-O-Rahi Festival

Friday 1st December Yr 1-4 Run, Jump, Throw 9:30-10:30am

Whanau Class Visits from 11:15am-12pm

Teretere - Market day 11:15am-12pm

Some important dates to remember: Term 4 Week 9

Monday 4th December

Tuesday 5th December Gratitude Walk (TBC)

Wednesday 6th December Tough Kid

Thursday 8th December

Friday 9th December

And just like that we are halfway through Term 4!  

Zones Athletics Day

A very big thank you to all who came and supported our athletes on Thursday.  We had a great day!  We had some very patient tamariki who had to wait a long time for their events.  Well done!  I would like to thank Donna (Cameron’s mum) who helped with catching  the track athletes and Whaea Louise who made sure our tamariki were where they needed to take part in their event.  Thank you also to Craig (Zoe’s dad) who also made sure our athletes were on time for their events.  We could not have done it without you!

Ki-O-Rahi Festival

The Ki-O-Rahi festival has been given a new date.  It will be taking place on the 30th of November.  If you are able to assist on the day, please can you let Whaea Meeghan know.  You will just need to manage a team.  Referees for the game will be supplied.

Blue Tuesday

This is a fundraiser for Diabetes New Zealand which will be good to support since we have tamariki in our kura who are diabetic.  On Tuesday the 14th of November children can wear blue and bring a gold coin donation.

General Reminders for Term 4

• Term 4 is a hat term.  No hat - no play.

• Please send water bottles to school.

• Hay fever antihistamines to be taken before school if/when possible.

Remember our blog will only be sent out every second week so please keep an eye on the newsletter which comes out alternative weeks.  

Have a great weekend!

Blair and Meeghan

Some upcoming dates to remember: Term 4 Week 6

Monday 13th November

Tuesday 14th November Diabetes awareness - Wear blue and bring a gold coin

Wednesday 15th November Board Meeting 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Thursday 16th November TOD - no school

Friday 17th November Canterbury Show Day - Public Holiday

Some important dates to remember: Term 4 Week 7

Monday 20th Nov Book Week

Tuesday 21st Nov

Wednesday 22nd Nov

Thursday 23rd Nov

Friday 24th Nov Hui 9:15am

This has been a short but busy week in Hikuwai.  We have had the team from Science Roadshow visiting and teaching our tamariki about atoms, magnets, electricity and a couple of fun experiments.  Check out our blog for the pictures.

Ararira Annual Sports Day

A very big thank you to all who volunteered to help out on the day.  Unfortunately weather conditions did not allow us to go ahead with the day.  We are however going to complete the activities planned for the day during the course of week 4 so we can prepare ourselves for the Lincoln Zones Competition.  All the best to all our athletes!

Ki-O-Rahi Festival

On the 31st of October our Year 5-8’s will be taking part in a first of it’s Ki-O-Rahi festival at Foster Park.  We have entered 4 teams, two Year 5/6 teams and two Year 7/8 teams.  We would like to wish all of them the best.  A big thank you to all our parents who have volunteered to manage a team for the day.  Look out for photos in our next blog!

General Reminders for Term 4

As summer approaches so does hay fever! Over the past couple of days we have seen an increase of hay fever related reactions.  If your child is susceptible to hay fever please ensure that they get their antihistamines before they come to school.  If you feel that they will need another dose during the school day please can you send their medication to school in a clearly marked container/packet with times and dosages.  Please can you also email Trine or Justine (office@ararira.school.nz)  and your child’s ako teacher to inform them that you will be sending it to school

Term 4 is a hat term.  Please ensure your child has either a navy bucket hat or wide brimmed hat to wear at school.  No peak caps, logos or multi coloured hats are acceptable. There is a no hat - no play rule which we follow during terms 1 and 4. Sunblock is also recommended.  We have got some sunblock at school but if your child uses a special brand please can you put some in their school bags.

Remember our blog will only be sent out every second week so please keep an eye on the newsletter which comes out alternative weeks.  

Have a great weekend!

Blair and Meeghan

Some upcoming dates to remember: Term 4 Week 4

Monday 30th October

Tuesday 31st October         Ki o Rahi Competition @ Foster Park

Wednesday 1st Nov

Thursday 2nd Nov

   Friday 3rd November           Gumboot Friday - 

   Music Festival Final Rehearsal (am) 

Whanau Groups 9am 

Curiosity Clubs 11:15

Music Festival Performance Night 

Some important dates to remember: Term 4 Week 5

Monday 6th November

Tuesday 7th November

Wednesday 8th Nov

Thursday 9th November Zones Athletics Day @ Ngā Puna Wai

Friday 10th November Hui 9:15am

Curiosity Clubs 11:15

Term 4: Welcome Back! 

And the countdown to Christmas begins! Only 11 Fridays to go! We have had a good start to the term in Hikuwai with our colour elections and voting.  And the winning colour is………………………………..

ORANGE!

Tamariki can wear orange mufti to school on Monday.  Well done to Hikuwai 3 for winning the vote!

Huxster Mountain Biking Event

This event is a parent lead event held out at Mcleans Island.  If you are interested in participating please contact Whaea Meeghan so she can register you for the event.  If you want more information click on the this link: Huxster Mountain Biking

Ararira Annual Sports Day

This event will be held at Brookside Park on Friday 27th October.  We will be there from 9am to 3pm so feel free to come and watch your child taking part.  

Calendar Art

The information for ordering the calendar art your child has produced went home this week.  Please make sure orders are in before the 24th of October if you want it delivered to the school.  If they have to send to an alternative address there will be an additional charge.

School Photos

The information for ordering your child's individual, sibling and class photo went home this week.  Please make sure orders are in before the 18th of October if you want it delivered to the school.  If they have to send to an alternative address there will be an additional charge.

Lincoln Primary Technology Open Afternoon (Years 6-8)

Lincoln Primary Technology department will be having an open afternoon on Wednesday the 18th of October from 4:30pm-5:30pm.  This will give students and parents and opportunity to have a look at what is on offer for them next year, meet the team of teachers and ask any questions you may have.  If you are planning on going please look at their pamphlet, click on the QR code and RSVP.

General Reminders for Term 4

Term 4 is a hat term.  Please ensure your child has either a navy bucket hat or navy wide brimmed hat to wear at school.  No peak caps, logos or multi coloured hats are acceptable.

We have seen an increase in the amount of litter around our school. Please remember all lunch wrappers, rubbish and recycling needs to be taken home and disposed of there.  To avoid any waste, reusable packaging would be greatly appreciated!

Remember our blog will only be sent out every second week so please keep an eye on the newsletter which comes out alternative weeks.  

Have a great weekend!

Blair and Meeghan

Some upcoming dates to remember: Term 4 Week 2

Monday 16th October: Recycle week & challenge

 Navigating the journey: Sexuality (finishes this week)

Tuesday 17th October:

Wednesday 18th Oct: Shakeout 9:30am

  7pm THT meeting

  Lincoln Primary Technology Open Afternoon 4:30pm-5:30pm

Thursday 19th Oct:

Friday 20st October: Whanau Groups 10am

 Curiosity Clubs 11:15

Some important dates to remember: Term 4 Week 3

Monday 23th October: Labour Day (Public Holiday)

Tuesday 24th October: Science Roadshow (at school)

Wednesday 25th Oct: Science Roadshow (at school)

 Huxster Mountain Biking event (parent lead)

Thursday 26th October: Science Roadshow (ASP)

 Huxster Mountain Biking event (parent lead)

Friday 27th October: ASP Athletics Day

Kia Ora Whanau 

A busy two weeks in Hikuwai 4 and 5.  In Hikuwai 4 Amelie Saunders arrived and has already made great friends within the two ako classes.  

Marae Trip:

A big congratulations to all the Year 6 students who went to the Marae.  It was a wonderful occasion and the students got to say their Pepeha's that they had been practicing.  Thank you to Whaea Carolyn who organised the trip and to Whaea Meeghan and Whaea Charlottte who also attend the Marae Trip.   Check out the photos. 

Rugby and Netball Zones 

Well done to all the students who participated in this event.   It was a big day of sports and lots of games being played, the students were very tired at the end of the day.  It was great to see the school represented by the students who showed all the school's values on the day. 

ATHLETICS DAY  - Friday 15th September - Brookside Park 

On Friday 15th September all students in Years 5 - 8 will take part in the Ararira Springs Primary Athletics Day.  The students will go round different activities throughout the day, these include Long and High Jump, Discuss and Shot Put, and 50 and 80-metre sprints.  They have the option of competing in the long distance race which is 1km for Years 5 and 6.  The timetable is still being decided on but will be available before the event.  

Parent help:  If you are able to help out on Athletics Days please email meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz.  The success of the day rests upon the school having enough parent helpers.  Thank you very much to those who have already put their name down. 

Calendar Art:  Both classes have been working hard on their calendar art over the last few weeks.  We will be asking the students to take a photo of it and add it to their book creator.  This way parents/caregivers will see what their child has created.   

Health consultation

Please read the slides from our Health Consultation held on Wednesday 16th August that was sent out on Friday 18th on Hero. More information on our school curriculum can be found on the school website. Information regarding the Sexuality Education unit we teach, can be found in your child's akomanga class. 

If you wish to comment on this, please fill in the google form.

Whats on 

Week 8 (Year 5 Swimming every day)

A very normal-looking week.  No trips planned or other interruptions. 

Friday 8th Sept:  Quiz Night.  (Thank you to all the parents who donated biscuits, chocolates etc to the hampers.  Well done to the THT team who are running the Quiz Night.)

Week 9 

Mon 11th Sept:  School Photos (Schedule TBC)

Tues 12th: School Photos (Schedule TBC), School Choir rehearsal 

Wed 13th: School Photos (Schedule TBC), 

Friday 15th:  ATHLETICS DAY 9.30 am Brookside Park, Rolleston

If you have any questions please email 

blair.cook@ararira.school.nz (Hikuwai 4)

meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz (Hikuwai 5)

Kind regards

Blair and Meeghan. 

Kia Ora Whanau 

What a wonderful week in Hikuwai 4 and 5.  We are very grateful for the 60 wonderful students we have in our space.  The students are polite and show our school values of Caring, Curious and Capable in a variety of ways.  On Tuesday we went to the Wetlands and the students attempted to plant 300 native tree species, they almost got to their target.  A great effort by all who attended.  Check out some of the photos in the slideshow. 

Busy Busy Busy 

Between now and the end of the term some students will be very busy by going on trips nearly every week until the holidays.  Please make sure you are aware of the dates and what the children need to wear or bring.  We will also be reminding students of the trips and have it up on our whiteboards as well. 

Year 6 Marae Trip:  On Tuesday 22nd August the Year 6's will be attending the Marae at Taumutu near Lake Ellesmere.  Parents:  if you are keen to come along to the Marae please email blair.cook@ararira.school.nz . 

ATHLETICS DAY:  Friday 15th September, Parent helpers needed.  If you are able to assist in helping run our wonderful Athletics Day please email meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz .  We do need a few more parent helpers to make this a s and wonderful day for the students. 

Looking ahead 

Week 6 

Monday 21st: Normal 

Tuesday 22nd: Year 6 Marae Trip, Year 5's will go into Hikuwai 1 - 2 - 3 

Wednesday 23rd: Hikuwai 1 and Year 5 from Matua Blair class on Trip called "Watch your waste."

Thursday 24th:  Rugby and Netball Zone tournament 

Friday 25th: Non Uniform Day 

Week 7:  YEAR 5 SWIMMING every day 

Monday 28th:  Normal 

Tuesday 29th Normal 

Wednesday 30th: Matua Blair (YR 6)  and Whaea Meeghan class on a trip called "Watch your waste."

Thursday 31st: Normal 

Friday 32nd: Normal 

Parent Helpers:

If you are available and keen to go on any trips please email either blair.cook@ararira.school.nz or meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz. 

Swimming:   Once all the organisation is finished and you know what times your child is swimming you are more than welcome to pop into Kings to watch your child swim. 

Kia Ora Whanau 

What a busy week for Hikuwai 4 and 5.  On Monday the students visited House of Bricks and created great sustainable building ideas.   During this week we have been celebrating maths.  Whaea Kelly has written a few questions for the whole school and came up with two challenges.  The students really enjoyed the challenges winners announced at next weeks Hui. 

The students have now started their inquiry - they are in groups and planning to make usable games out of recyclable materials. 

On Wednesday we held an Enviro Day were students were encouraged to wear green and donate a coin that will go to the enchanted forest trees.  Well done to all the students who dressed up - fantastic. 

Hikuwai 4 helped Huarapa 5 (Yr 0-1) in the maths challenge.  It was awesome to see the older kids connect with the younger students at Ararira. 

Marae Trip - Tuesday 22nd August 

The Year 6's will be heading to the Marae on Tuesday 22nd August.  They have been practising their Pepeha which they will be expected to say at the Marae.  It would be great to encourage them to say it at home in front of the family. 

Parent Help:  It would be awesome if a couple of parents would come along and experience going onto a Marae.  If you are keen to come please email blair.cook@ararira.school.nz

Looking Ahead 

Week 5 

Tuesday 15th :  Plant Out Day 

Thursday 17th: PP Plant Out Day 

Friday 18th: Disco 

Week 6 

Tuesday 22nd: Marae Trip 

Wednesday 23rd: Year 5's from Hk 4 - Eco Trip with HK 1 

Thursday 24th: Rugby/Netball Zone Tournament 

Friday: Non-Uniform Day 

Kind regards

Blair and Meeghan 

Another wonderful week in Hikuwai 

Monday Maths Teachers 

On Monday Ararira Springs hosted approx. 40 maths teachers from a variety of schools.  Lead Maths guru Rob Proffitt-White hosted a lesson with Hikuwai 4.  All the students did very well, especially the three girls when all the teachers were looking. 

Hikuwai Hapori time 

On Tuesday the whole of Hikuwai team get together.  During this time we sing songs, do a bit of dancing and fitness.  At the end we share any news items or mention students who have done well in any outside of school competitions. 

Looking ahead 

Week 4:  Maths week

Monday 7th: House of Bricks Hikuwai 4 and 5 will be building at 11.15 am 

Wednesday 9th: Enviro Day, Green mufti and Koha for enchanted forest 

Thursday 10th: Maths evening for Parents and children at Prebbleton school 5.15pm.  If you are able to attend. 

Friday 11th: Whanau and Curiosity groups 

Week 5 

Tuesday 15th: Plant out day at Wetlands 

Thursday 17th: PP Date for Plant out day

Friday 18th: Disco 

Year 5 Swimming 

A reminder to please fill out the swimming survey so the teachers can group students into the right groups.   If you have any questions regarding swimming please email blair.cook@ararira.school.nz

Enjoy your weekend 

Kind regards

Blair and Meeghan 

Matariki Night 

It was great to see so many families enjoy the Wonderful Matariki night.  A massive thank you to Anna Kingi and her team from the THT.  

Parent Meeting:

Thank you to all the parents who made the time to come and talk about their child's progress and their next-step learning goals.  If you missed the meetings and would like to meet the teacher please email your child's ako teacher. 

Kapa Haka Performances 

Amazing performances by the Kapa Haka group led by Matua Steve, Matua Michael and Whaea Sam.  The first one was on Matariki Night and then their performance at Lincoln High. 

Maths Evening for Whanau 

Please read the attached poster for information about a fantastic opportunity for parents to learn about numeracy in the primary school setting. 

Some upcoming dates to remember: Term 3 Week 3

Monday 31st July

Tuesday 1st August

Wednesday 2nd August Board Meeting 6:30 - 8:30pm

Thursday 3rd August

Friday 4th August Hui 9:15am-9:45am

Curiosity Clubs 11:15am

Some important dates to remember: Term 3 Week 4

Monday 7th August House of Bricks TBC

Tuesday 8th August House of Bricks TBC

Wednesday 9th August Enviro Day - Mufti 

Thursday 10th  August Parent workshop 5:15pm - 6:45pm Kāhui

Friday 11th August Whānau Groups 9:15-9:45

 Curiosity Clubs 11:15

Kind regards

Matua Blair and Whaea Meeghan 

Term 3 Week 1 Updates

Welcome back to Term 3!  The first half of the week we had some great weather and managed to get outside but the second half has been a bit more cold and wet!  Have a look at our photo’s to see what we have been up to.

Toy Swop

Thank you to all who supported our Toy Swop.  Those who brought things to trade were both generous and gracious with their trading.

Matariki Celebrations

What a successful evening!  Although it was very cold there was lots of food, activities and stargazing!  What a lovely evening.  Thank you to all who were involved in making it happen!

Wonder Project

On Tuesday we had our last visit from engineers David and Jess.  They launched many rockets as their final launch to see if their adjustments had any effect from their first launch.  Those who recorded their launches will share them with whānau via Hero later in the term.

Parent Conversations

Parent conversations will be happening next week.  If you have not yet made a booking please do so as soon as possible.

Some upcoming dates to remember: Term 3 Week 2

Monday 24th July

Tuesday 25th July Parent Conversations 2:15 - 6:30

Wednesday 26th July Parent Conversations 3:15 - 8:00

Thursday 27th July Kapa Haka Performance @Festival 4:30-6 LHS

Friday 28th July Whānau Groups 9:15-9:45

  Curiosity Clubs 11:15

Some important dates to remember: Term 3 Week 3

Monday 31st July

Tuesday 1st August

Wednesday 2nd August Board Meeting 6:30 - 8:30pm

Thursday 3rd August

Friday 4th August Hui 9:15am-9:45am

 Curiosity Clubs 11:15am

 School Disco (times TBC)

Have a great weekend!

Meeghan and Blair

And just like that we are halfway through Term 2.  Next week is going to be a busy one with out of class learning activities, winter sports and zone events so please check the date reminder at the end of the update!

Wonder Project

This week we met Dave, our ambassador from Wonder Project, who will be helping us build rockets.  We will be meeting with them once a week over the next couple of weeks as we learn about how to create and launch rockets.  If you would like to learn more about the Wonder Project check out this link: https://wonderproject.nz/programmes/rocket-challenge/ 

Our visit to the Marae has had to be postponed until term 3

Food for Thought Programme

New World Lincoln will be running the Food for Thought programme with Hikuwai this week.  There will be 2 in class visits and then a visit to New World in Vernon Drive.  Each class needs at least 2 parent helpers for the off site visit as we will be walking down to New World.  Please contact your child's ako teacher if you can help.  

Matua Blair’s class will be going down on  Friday 2nd June.  They need to leave at  8.50 am to be at New World by 9.30 am and will finish at 10.30 am. Then they will head back to school. 

Whaea Meeghan’s class will also be going on Friday 2nd June and will be leaving school at 9.45 am to be there for a 10.30 am start.  They will finish at 11.30 am and then head back to school.

2023 Activation Spectacular (previously known as winter sports)

This programme will start on Wednesday this week and run for the next 5 weeks.  There is a cost involved for the programme and transport to get the tamariki there.  Please check out your school account on Kindo.  The cost for Year 5/6 is $28 for all 5 weeks of activities and transport.

Zones Cross Country

The Zones Cross Country will be taking place on Thursday the 1st of June for all the information you need please check out the sports web page or click on this link Cross Country

Some important dates to remember: Week 6

Monday 29th May Samoan language week 

  Food for thought programme

Tuesday 30th May Food for thought programme

Wednesday 31st May Activation Spectacular

  Sushi

Thursday 1st June Lincoln Zone Cross Country

  Food for thought programme

Friday 2nd June Hui 

  Food for thought programme

  Enviro Leaders 10-10:30

  Subway

Looking further ahead: Week 7

Monday 5th June King's Birthday 

Tuesday 6th June TOD - Kahui Ako

Wednesday 7th June Hockey/Football Tournament@Foster Park

  Sushi

  Classic hits broadcasting from 2-3pm from Hikuwai 4 and 5.

Thursday 8th June

Friday 9th June Whānua Groups

  Subway

Have a great weekend!

Meeghan and Blair

Wonder Project 

Hikuwai 4 and 5 will be starting the Wonder Project (making rockets) and exploring the physics behind them.  We still need empty 1.5l bottles for our project.  If you have any empty bottles please bring them into Hikuwai 4 and 5.  Thank you 

Some important dates to remember: Week 5

Monday 22nd of May:

Tuesday 23rd of May:

Wednesday 24th May: Sushi 

Thursday 25th of May:

Friday 26th of May:       Whānau Groups

Subway

Looking further ahead: Week 6

Monday 29th May: Samoan language week 

 Food for thought programme

Tuesday 30th May: Marae Visit

 Food for thought programme

Wednesday 31st May: Activation Spectacular

Thursday 1st June: Lincoln Zone Cross Country

 Food for thought programme

Friday 2nd June: Food for thought programme

 Enviro Leaders 10-10:30

Have a wonderful weekend!

Meeghan and Blair

Some important dates to remember:

Monday 15th of May: Leave for Hanmer!

Tuesday 16th of May: Hanmer Camp

Wednesday 17th May: Don’t order Sushi today

 Return from Hanmer @ 17:15 

Thursday 18th of May: EPro8 internal event

Friday 19th of May: Hui

Pink Shirt Day

 Subway

Have a great weekend!

Blair and Meeghan

Start of Term 2 Update:

Hoods up Wednesday 

On Wednesday 26th April we will be supporting Autism NZ's 'Hoods Up' day to help raise understanding, awareness and acceptance of autism. 

We would love the children to wear something with a hood on Wednesday (our first day back of term 2) alongside their regular school uniform, or with mufti clothing of their choice. 

Many autistic people experience sensory input, like light and sound, more intensely - Wearing a hoodie with the hood up can help to block out anything that is uncomfortably bright or loud. Hoodies also tend to be made of softer fabrics, which is helpful for autistic people with sensitivities to touch and texture. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the neurodiverse children and adults in our community. 

People are welcome to bring a gold coin donation for Autism NZ or check out the hoodies you can purchase via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/AutismNewZealand 

Sports- Please ensure you check the school sports site  (the link is here) before emailing Meeghan about upcoming events. Everything you need to know will be added to this page for your convenience. 

Top Team- Thank you to those who have already said they can help with this event; we are keen to have another couple of parent helpers if possible. The event is on Monday 1 May and volunteers will need to be at school by 1 pm for a briefing. Please contact Meeghan if you are able to help. meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz 

We look forward to seeing the tamariki on Wednesday. 

The Hikuwai teachers

Kia ora, whanau, 

We have enjoyed our Life Education lessons, most classes have one last lesson before Harold and his bus depart, this week. 

Thank you to the parent helpers who came to the Year 3-4 Sports Spectacular on Monday. the students had an awesome day in the sunshine. We really appreciate your help. 

It was great seeing so many of you at our Hikuwai Whānanu Evening on Thursday; we loved seeing the students proudly show their work and learning spaces to you. 

Whaea Lilly, a third-year student teaching in Hikuwai 3, will be leaving us at the end of the term. We have loved having Lilly as part of our teaching team and wish her well at her next teaching placement. Lilly's last day is Thursday. 

Important dates: 

Thursday 6 April- Last Day of Term.

Monday 24 April- Teacher Only Day- school is closed. 

Tuesday 25 April - ANZAC Day-  school closed. 

Wednesday 26 April - Term 3 begins.

Celebration of Learning / Picnic Evening Years 4-6- 5:30-6:45 pm 

Please come along to school on Thursday 30th March to have a picnic tea alongside the Hikuwai teachers and parents. During this time, you are welcome to wander through the Hikuwai Hapori; this is a chance for your child to show you what they have been learning this term. 

Life Education: 

Life Education is starting for Hikuwai this week. Each akomonga/class will have 2 sessions before the end of the term. 

Our lesson outlines are:

• What is peer pressure and how can we deal with it? Peer pressure has both physical and emotional effects. Students explore what those are, relate them to different real-life situations, and formulate strategies to deal with them.

• How do the decisions I make online and/or offline affect me and others? Our behaviour (online and offline) affects others as well as ourselves. How can we make good choices in a digital environment? What differences are there between our behaviour in a digital environment compared to a physical one?

Extra notices for YEAR 4s in Hikuwai 2 (Sam) and 3 (Kelly) 

Year 3/4 Selwyn Sports Spectacular: Please note, this event is for ONLY Year 4 students from Hikuwai (as well as Year 3 students from Kaunuku) 

Monday 27 November; we will be leaving school at 11:30 am and plan to return by 3 pm. 

Students will need:

• To be dressed in school uniform including their school hats and jackets 

• To be wearing shoes suitable for running around

• To have sunscreen already applied (with spare in their bags if needed)

• A full lunchbox and a drink bottle filled with water

Extra notices for Hikuwai 4 (Blair) and 5 (Meeghan) 

Wednesday 29th March: Nature Agents Trip.  If you are able to help please email either blair.cook@ararira.school.nz or meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz. 

We are looking for two more parent helpers.  

Please ensure your child has the following:

• a towel

• sunblock (there will be some outside waiting time)

• a sunhat

• a change of clothes

•  morning tea and water bottle

• clothing and footwear that can get wet (students do not need to wear school uniform this day)

END OF WEEK 7 UPDATE: 

Celebration of Learning / Picnic Evening Years 4-6- 5:30-6:45 pm 

Please come along to school on Thursday 30th March to have a picnic tea alongside the Hikuwai teachers and parents. During this time, you are welcome to walk through the Hikuwai Hapori; this is a chance for your child to show you what they have been learning this term. 

Te Ahi Ora Student workshops: 

On Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 March we are privileged to welcome Te Ahi Ora to our school. They will be running performance workshops for the students throughout the day (no fire for these) and 2 free community fire performances in the evenings. Click here to learn about Te Ahi Ora.

Hikuwai 1-2-3- Extra notices: 

Year 4 Sports Day HELP NEEDED: The Year 3 and 4 students will be attending the Selwyn Sports Spectacular on Monday, 27 March; leaving school at 11:30 am and returning by 3 pm- the event is being held at Foster Park in Rolleston. The cost of this trip will be covered by the Term 1 activity fee. Please ensure your contact details are correct at the school office before we go on this trip should we need to get hold of you during the day.    We would love some parents helpers for this trip; currently, we have had no offers to help. The activities will be run by University students, parent helpers will be asked to supervise students (alongside the teachers) during this time. Please email kelly.mcintyre@ararira.school.nz  if you are interested in coming along and let us know if you are happy to provide an emergency vehicle. We are looking for 3-4 helpers in total. 

Hikuwai 4-5: Extra notices: 

Our Nature Agents trip is on Wednesday, 22nd March. 

Deodorant:  We recommend students in Hikuwai 4 and 5 bring roll-on deodorant in their bags and apply it when needed. 

Dates to note: 

• Te Ahi Ora free community fire performance: 20 & 21 March, 6-8 pm on the school field 

• Year 4 Selwyn Sports Spectacular- Monday 27th March, helpers needed 

• Celebration of Learning Picnic 5:30-6:45 pm Thursday 30th March 

• The Life Education Bus is arriving on Thursday. We are looking forward to hanging out with Harold in the bus. 

Hikuwai Hub Notices: 

We have an ice rink coming to our school this coming week! Each akomonga/class has been allocated two 45-minute sessions. The cost of this will come out of the Term 1 activity fee. If your child does not usually wear socks to school, please have a pair in their bag for the week. 

This opportunity also includes 2 whānau skating nights. 

Book your tickets now (https://www.trybooking.co.nz/MMN) to get a session of at least 30 minutes of skating. Start times are staggered throughout the evening. Ticket numbers are limited so be quick! Year 4 students can choose either session. Parents are required to stay for the sessions, just like at a normal public skating session. 

• Juniors- up to and including Year 4- Wed 15th 5-8 pm

• Seniors- Years 4-8- Thurs 16th 5-8 pm

Te Ahi Ora Student workshops: On 20 & 21 March we are privileged to welcome Te Ahi Ora to our school. They will be running performance workshops for the students throughout the day (no fire for these) and 2 free community fire performance evenings. Click here to learn about Te Ahi Ora. 

Hikuwai 1-2-3- Extra notices: 

Year 4 Sports Day: The Year 3 and 4 students will be attending the Selwyn Sports Spectacular on Monday, 27 March; leaving school at 11:30 am and returning by 3 pm- the event is being held at Foster Park in Rolleston. The cost of this trip will be covered by the Term 1 activity fee. Please ensure your contact details are correct at the school office before we go on this trip should we need to get hold of you during the day.    

We would love some parent helpers for this trip. The activities will be run by university students,; parent helpers will be asked to supervise students (alongside the teachers) during this time. Please email kelly.mcintyre@ararira.school.nz  if you are interested in coming along and let us know if you are happy to provide an emergency vehicle. We are looking for 3-4 helpers in total. 

Hikuwai 4-5: Extra notices

Nature Agents:  If any parents are able to help with the Nature Agents trip on Wednesday 22nd March, please email your child’s ako teacher. 

Important Dates:

• Teacher Strike: School is closed this coming Thursday, 16 March due to a Nationwide Teacher Strike. There will be more information coming out about this via your inbox, soon

• Ice skating discos Wednesday 15th (Year 1-4) and Thursday 16th March (Year 4-8) Both are from 5-8 pm in the school hall. Booking details above

• Te Ahi Ora free community fire performance: 20 & 21 March, 6-8 pm on the school field 

• Hikuwai 4-5 Nature Agents trip- Wednesday 22nd March

• Year 4 Selwyn Sports Spectacular: Monday 27 March 

Hikuwai Hapori/Hub Notices: End of Week 5

• Year 5 & 6 Camp: This will be happening 15th - 17th May; please note, ALL Year 4 students will remain at school. When information comes out it will be put on the tab ‘camp information’. Matua Blair, Whaea Meegs, Whaea Sam and Whaea Louise (who will be taking over Hikuwai 1 when Whaea Pamela goes on maternity leave) will all be attending camp. Year 4 students will be participating in a variety of activities with Whaea Kelly and Whaea Pamela. 

• Girls-only rugby sessions will be happening Monday, 6th of March and Friday, 10th of March for girls in Years 5-8 during school time; the sessions are to help promote girls in sport.

• iBike safety Yr 5 only: Wednesday 8th - Thursday 9th March

• Fluro Vests are part of our school uniform; there are a number of students NOT wearing their vests to and from school each day. If your child has misplaced their vest, please notify the school office for a replacement. 

• Reading homework- We would like for all our students to be reading at home each night. If your child is not bringing a school reader home each night this means that they have moved from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn/for enjoyment’. We expect these students to be more self-directed with their reading, this way they can choose to read what interests them most. 

Here are some ideas on how to create/ promote a reading habit at home: : 

• Read to your child or take turns if a book is too long or difficult

• Have an ‘on-the-go’ chapter book at home 

• Listen to audiobooks, this is a great way for children to learn the skill of ‘visualising’

• Ask your child to read picture books from your bookshelf at home

• Encourage your child to read menus, brochures or circulars from the mailbox

• Read recipes or instructions together

• Read a book then watch the movie and compare the two

• Look at photos or pictures together and make up a story about it or share ‘I wonder’ statements. This is a great way to encourage storytelling and build vocabulary 

Extra Hikuwai 1-2-3 notices

• Learning Site- Here is the H1-2-3 Learning Site. Ask your child to give you a guided tour. 

• Student Teacher- Welcome to Lilly Forward, a third-year training teacher. Lilly will be primarily working in Hikuwai 3 under the guidance of Kelly. 

End of week 4 Update: 

On Feb 28th NZEI is hosting another round of paid union meetings for teachers in the area. This time there is only one option for our team to attend and this is at West Melton at 2 pm. We will provide supervision for any families who need it. 

As there will be minimal staff on site to do this, we ask that if you can, you pick your child up early at 1 pm. If you haven't done so already, can you please fill in this form for each child to assist us in our planning. We can't let your child head home by themselves without hearing from you. Kelly Club will begin service for the day at the usual time of 3 pm. We do appreciate this is less than ideal but need to support our teachers in their quest for better conditions.

Curiosity Clubs - These begin next Friday. Children will be making their selections over the next few days. Let us know if you’re keen to help out!

Kapahaka - This begins on Monday. All students will be attending this term.

Photos of our learning: Please scroll down to see the Hikuwai 1,2,3 and Hikuwai 4.5 blogs. 

Please remember there is a 1PM finish on Tuesday.

Hikuwai Weekly Update - Week 3

Notices for all Hikuwai classes

• Please click here to meet the Hikuwai teachers and to learn more about how the Hikuwai Hapori runs. 

• There has been a change to the upcoming Swimming Sports event. Please see a separate email, sent yesterday, for further details; only those children competing will now be attending.

• A reminder: On February 28th, NZEI is hosting another round of paid union meetings for teachers in the area. This time there is only one option for our team to attend and this is at West Melton at 2 pm. We will provide supervision for any families who need it. As there will be minimal staff on site to do this, we ask that if you can, you pick your child up early at 1 pm. If you haven't done so already, can you please fill in this form for each child to assist us in our planning? We can't let your child head home by themselves without hearing from you. Kelly Club will begin service for the day at the usual time of 3 pm. We do appreciate this is less than ideal but we need your support in our quest for better conditions for both teachers and your tamariki.

Notices for H1-2-3 (Whaea Pamela, Sam and Kelly) only:

• Most BYOD students will now be connected to our school wifi, hopefully, if your child has been having problems, this would have been sorted today, provided they remembered to bring their iPad to school. 

We would love for all BYOD devices to have the following free apps downloaded on them, please; 

-EPIC! (blue with white writing) 

-Pic Collage (rainbow coloured)

-Clips (blue with a white movie camera)

• Here is the link to the Hikuwai 1-2-3 learning site. Once you enter the site your child will be able to show you around! 

• Please send along headphones for your child to use in class; preferably not Bluetooth. 

Notices for Hikuwai 4-5 (Matua Blair and Whaea Meegs) only: 

Nothing extra to report this week 

Please scroll down to see photos of what we have been doing at school this week.

Hikuwai Weekly Updates - Week 2

We hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend.  Talking with the students they enjoyed the extra day even though it was quite hot. 

Notices:

Make sure that you put aside time to come to school on Weds 15th February for our Hoolie with the Hapori. This is essentially a school picnic with times set aside for you to pop into the hubs | hapori to see how things will be running this year and meet the teaching team in the hapori | hub.

Our schedule for the evening is;

• 5:30-6 Huarapa (Year 1)

• 6-6:30 Kaunuku (Year 2/3)

• 6:30-7 Hikuwai (Year 4-6)

• 7-7:30 Teretere (Year 7/8)

It will be great to see you there and start to get back together as a school community.

Paid Union Meeting (P.U.M)

On Feb 28th NZEI is hosting another round of paid union meetings for teachers in the area. This time there is only one option for our team to attend and this is at West Melton at 2 pm. We will provide supervision for any families who need it. As there will be minimal staff on site to do this, we ask that if you can, you pick your child up early at 1 pm. Please fill in this form for each child to assist us in our planning. 

Library Times 

Whaea Pam: Monday               Whaea Sam: Wednesday               Whaea Kelly: Friday 

Whaea Meeghan: Thursday                  Matua Blair: Friday 

Commonly Used Apps

The most common apps used in the classroom are: Prodigy, Pic collage, Epic, Clips and Sketches School.

Hikuwai Weekly Updates - Week 1

What a wonderful week all the Hikuwai students have had.  A big warm welcome to all the new students and their whanau.  

Our focus over the first two weeks is to establish great working relationships and settle into new routines.   We will be moving into teaching the core curriculum from week three onwards. 

Emailing Teachers: Digital technology has made teachers contactable 24/7. In order to look after our own well-being and maintain a reasonable work-life balance, we have established some communication guidelines. 

Should you have any questions regarding your child, please do not hesitate to contact their ako teacher. We will acknowledge your email and will reply to your email within 48 hours. Our 'contactable time' is between 8 am-5 pm Monday to Friday.  We will probably be working outside these hours but won't be responding to emails. You can of course send an email outside of these times but we will respond during our 'contactable time.' However, if the email is urgent, we will of course be in touch. 

Digital Technology:   Students can start bringing in their own devices - we ask that they bring them fully charged and has the capability of accessing the internet at a good speed.  At the moment we just need them to be able to access the internet - no specific apps are needed. 

Information Night: There will be an information night on Wednesday 15th Feb 5.30 - 7.30 pm.  This is a chance to meet all the Hikuwai teachers, learn what we are doing in Term 1 and ask any questions. 

Swimming Sports:  All Year 5-6 students have been asked if they would like to compete in the competitive swimming races (2 lengths: 50m) in order to represent the school at the Zone competition.  The date for this event is Tuesday 21st February in the morning.  After the competitive swimmers have raced then all Year 4 - 8 students will attend and compete in either one length or width fun races. 

Hapori Picnic:  The Hikuwai picnic will likely be in week 5 or 6.  This is a great way to meet new families in Hikuwai and socialise. More information to come closer to the time. 

Hikuwai Blog:  Please click on the link below to see Hikuwai 1-2-3 blog and enjoy the photos of the week from Hikuwai 4 and 5 as well. 

Camp:  The Hikuwai Year 5-6 camp will be at Hamner Springs from Monday 15th - Wednesday 17th May.  

Term dates and items:  We will update this throughout the term so if you forget when something is on please look at this page - located at the top.