11 December
Kia ora e te whānau,
On behalf of the team, we thank you for your support this year in these strange covid times. It has been a pleasure to teach your child and to get to know your whānau. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday break!
Final day - Thursday 15 December at 1pm.
Ali Petersen and Isobelle Clark - are missing school cardigans. Please can you check not mistakenly taken home.
All reading and library books need to be returned on Monday.
We welcome back any half used books for 2023. Book bags/reading folders need to come back to school as well. Keep large yellow s/lit scrap book if you would like to revise heart words over the break
Stationery can be ordered from Qizzle (please name and bring on the open day - 30 January). Please refer to the school website for further information on start dates etc.
Resources for next year - clean red, green, light blue milk bottle tops for s/lit. Also any spare countdown Lego and any natural loose part items we could use for play eg shells. Anything else that might be suitable please ask a Huarapa teacher. Many thanks!
Things to know for this week:
Monday
On Monday morning the tamariki will be spending some of the morning with their new class and teacher/s. We will also have some new tamariki who will be starting in 2023.
Wednesday
Graduation Hui - Senior students - 12.30- 1.15pm
Thursday
Final Hui - 11.30 - 12pm
School finishes at 1pm
Other Notices:
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Meri Kirihimete!
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
4 December
Kia ora e te whānau,
Many thanks to Theo, Brie and Thomas Liberty for hosting the Huarapa picnic on Friday. We all had a fabulous time. It was wonderful to have the weather play ball and families come together in such a lovely way.
An exciting week awaits! The tamariki are very excited to share the production with you this Tuesday evening!
Our final day of school for 2022 is approaching fast. Please note this is a half day with an early finish. Final day - Thursday 15 December at 12.45pm.
Class placements are out later this week.
Unused books will be going home. Please use these for next year. We welcome back any half used books for 2023 as well if your child is staying in Huarapa. Book bags/reading folders need to come back to school as well.
If anybody has any spare paper bags we would love them to send bits and pieces home at the end of the year
All library books to be returned by Friday. Plus reading books as soon as possible. Thank you! Please keep your child’s yellow structured literacy book to revise with over the holidays. The year ⅔ team follow a slightly different approach with regards to homework. Heart words are in the back of the book to rote learn.
Covid is lurking again and is in the hub. Lots of runny noses too. Please be vigilant and keep your child at home if they are unwell to stop the spread of germs. Also there are tummy bugs and chickenpox in the kura. Please take care.
Resources for next year - clean red, green, light blue milk bottle tops for s/lit. Also any spare countdown Lego and any natural loose part items we could use for play eg shells. Anything else that might be suitable please ask a Huarapa teacher. Many thanks!
Things to know for this week:
Tuesday
SCHOOL PRODUCTION
Bring a picnic and enjoy the evening and socialising with other whanau. Food trucks will be onsite and/or BYO kai, picnic blankets etc. Look for designated seating areas. Gold coin donation at the gate. Postponement will be advertised on HERO if weather is bad.
5pm - Gates open. Eating time for tamariki with whānau
5.30pm - The children need to be in their Ako class with their teacher dressed in costumes and ready to perform!
6.15pm - Production start time
7pm - Finale - All children to take a bow!
7.10pm - Collect children from their Ako teacher
Please bring your child’s production clothing items in a named bag and give them to your child’s ako teacher. Please do not buy any new items. Costumes will come home on the day of the production so they can arrive dressed and ready to perform and to avoid losing other clothing items. If your child cannot make it please inform Ako teachers asap.
Production Requests:
Huarapa 3 and 4 (Larissa and Nicky) Can H3 and H4 girls please come with ponytail in hair -if long enough. Tamariki require: black leggings/trousers and either a white or black t-shirt. These should come to their ako teacher in a named bag. Please NAME items!
Huarapa 1, 2 and 5 children require a long sleeved black / dark top and black leggings or trousers/shorts for their costume. We ask that you send your child along to school with these items named and in a named bag as soon as you can. We will be creating and attaching things to these items using safety pins etc. in the lead up to our performance. Please do not send expensive items because of this.
A big thank you to those of you who have already sent these items to school. We appreciate being able to gather these quite quickly so we can add the children’s creations to them.
Friday
Sharing day
Other Notices:
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Coming up on the calendar:
Tuesday 6th December - School Production Evening Performance : Te Waka o Aoraki (Please see the recent Click to Connect Newsletter for further details)
Thursday 15th December 12.45pm - Final day of school for 2022. Please note early finish.
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
27 November
Kia ora e te whānau,
Wow! Time is flying and the tamariki are getting excited as they busily make costumes for our upcoming end of year production. They have been practicing hard and we are sure you will enjoy their performance!
All library books to be returned by Friday if possible. Plus reading books as soon as possible. Thank you!
Covid is lurking again and is in the hub. Lots of runny noses too. Please be vigilant and keep your child at home if they are unwell to stop the spread of germs. Also there are tummy bugs and chickenpox in the kura. Please take care.
Things to know for this week:
Tuesday
Library from this week will be for browsing only. All Library books to return by Friday please.
Friday
Sharing day
Huarapa hui at 9.10am. All welcome. We are hoping to present the money raised at our recent market to the Lincoln Volunteer fire brigade
Huarapa picnic from 4 - 6pm. This is for Huarapa families only. Come along to meet whanāu and teachers in an informal environment. Kids can run wild in the garden and have fun. Bring your own dinner & drinks. Feel free to bring picnic blankets or chairs etc. Take your own rubbish home with you. RSVP: Join Huarapa Whānau on facebook or text Brie: 020 433 2223. Venue details will be provided after you RSVP. Please see the notice on the classroom window for further information (and the previous Hero post).
Production Requests:
A big thank you to those of you who have already sent these items to school. We appreciate being able to gather these quite quickly so we can add the children’s creations to them.
Huarapa 3 and 4 (Larissa and Nicky) tamariki require: black leggings/trousers and either a white or black t-shirt. These should come to their ako teacher in a named bag. Please NAME items!
Production
Tuesday 6 December. Bring a picnic and enjoy the evening and socialising with other whanau. Food trucks will be onsite and/or BYO kai, picnic blankets etc. Look for designated seating areas. Gold coin donation at the gate. Postponement will be advertised on HERO if weather is bad.
5pm - Gates open. Eating time for tamariki with whānau
5.30pm - The children need to be in their Ako class with their teacher dressed in costumes and ready to perform!
6.15pm - Production start time
7pm - Finale - All children to take a bow!
7.10pm - Collect children from their Ako teacher
Please bring your child’s production clothing items in a named bag and give them to your child’s ako teacher. Please do not buy any new items. Costumes will come home on the day of the production so they can arrive dressed and ready to perform and to avoid losing other clothing items. If your child cannot make it please inform Ako teachers asap.
Other Notices:
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Coming up on the calendar:
Friday 2nd December - Huarapa Picnic
Tuesday 6th December - School Production Evening Performance : Te Waka o Aoraki (Please see the recent Click to Connect Newsletter for further details)
Thursday 15th December - Final day (Half day) of school for 2022
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
19 November
Kia ora e te whānau,
The term seems to be flying by with only 4 weeks to go before the Christmas break. Please read the notices below as there are a number of upcoming events including the NZEI Union Meeting for Teachers this Wednesday.
It has been another bustling week at school this week with preparations for production, whānau groups reinforcing what kindness looks like in our playgrounds, Hikuwai's Market day and a visit from members of the Lincoln High School Kapa Haka group.
Things to know for this week:
Monday
Run, Jump, Throw Event Years 1-4. (9.10 - 10.30am)
Your child needs to come to school in whānau group colour sporty gear and sensible shoes. If you are not sure of your child's whānau group colour then please don't buy anything! Any sporty clothes will be fine. All are welcome to attend! A coffee van will be onsite.
Tuesday
NZSO guest performance in the hall
Wednesday
NZEI Teachers' Union Meeting
On Wednesday 23rd November, teachers will attend a paid union meeting from 12.45pm.
We need to know if you will be picking your child up at lunchtime or if they require care at school.
If you haven't already done so, please fill in this survey so that we know your child's plans next week while the teachers attend the union meeting. Please fill in one per child, so we can collate the information. If plans change, please fill in another survey. Thank you. Thank you to those families who have already filled this in.
Thursday
Library day
Friday
Sharing day
Other Notices:
Production Requests:
Huarapa 1, 2 and 5 children require a long sleeved black / dark top and black leggings or trousers/shorts for their costume. We ask that you send your child along to school with these items named and in a named bag as soon as you can. We will be creating and attaching things to these items using safety pins etc. in the lead up to our performance. Please do not send expensive items because of this.
A big thank you to those of you who have already sent these items to school. We appreciate being able to gather these quite quickly so we can add the children’s creations to them.
Huarapa 3 and 4 (Larissa and Nicky) tamariki require: black leggings/trousers and either a white or black t-shirt. These should come to their ako teacher in a named bag. Please NAME items!
Huarapa picnic
For Huarapa families only. Come along to meet whanāu and teachers in an informal environment. Kids can run wild in the garden and have fun. Friday 2nd December 4 - 6pm. Bring your own dinner & drinks. Feel free to bring picnic blankets or chairs etc.
RSVP: Join Huarapa Whānau on facebook or text Brie: 020 433 2223. Venue details will be provided after you RSVP. Please see the notice on the classroom window for further information (and the previous Hero post).
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Covid is lurking again. Please be vigilant.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Coming up on the calendar:
Friday 2nd December - Huarapa Picnic
Tuesday 6th December - School Production Evening Performance : Te Waka o Aoraki (Please see the recent Click to Connect Newsletter for further details)
Thursday 15th December - Final day (Half day) of school for 2022
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
19 November
Kia ora e te whānau,
The term seems to be flying by with only 4 weeks to go before the Christmas break. Please read the notices below as there are a number of upcoming events including the NZEI Union Meeting for Teachers this Wednesday.
It has been another bustling week at school this week with preparations for production, whānau groups reinforcing what kindness looks like in our playgrounds, Hikuwai's Market day and a visit from members of the Lincoln High School Kapa Haka group.
Things to know for this week:
Monday
Run, Jump, Throw Event Years 1-4. (9.10 - 10.30am)
Your child needs to come to school in whānau group colour sporty gear and sensible shoes. If you are not sure of your child's whānau group colour then please don't buy anything! Any sporty clothes will be fine. All are welcome to attend! A coffee van will be onsite.
Tuesday
NZSO guest performance in the hall
Wednesday
NZEI Teachers' Union Meeting
On Wednesday 23rd November, teachers will attend a paid union meeting from 12.45pm.
We need to know if you will be picking your child up at lunchtime or if they require care at school.
If you haven't already done so, please fill in this survey so that we know your child's plans next week while the teachers attend the union meeting. Please fill in one per child, so we can collate the information. If plans change, please fill in another survey. Thank you. Thank you to those families who have already filled this in.
Thursday
Library day
Friday
Sharing day
Other Notices:
Production Requests:
Huarapa 1, 2 and 5 children require a long sleeved black / dark top and black leggings or trousers/shorts for their costume. We ask that you send your child along to school with these items named and in a named bag as soon as you can. We will be creating and attaching things to these items using safety pins etc. in the lead up to our performance. Please do not send expensive items because of this.
A big thank you to those of you who have already sent these items to school. We appreciate being able to gather these quite quickly so we can add the children’s creations to them.
Huarapa 3 and 4 (Larissa and Nicky) tamariki require: black leggings/trousers and either a white or black t-shirt. These should come to their ako teacher in a named bag. Please NAME items!
Huarapa picnic
For Huarapa families only. Come along to meet whanāu and teachers in an informal environment. Kids can run wild in the garden and have fun. Friday 2nd December 4 - 6pm. Bring your own dinner & drinks. Feel free to bring picnic blankets or chairs etc.
RSVP: Join Huarapa Whānau on facebook or text Brie: 020 433 2223. Venue details will be provided after you RSVP. Please see the notice on the classroom window for further information (and the previous Hero post).
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Covid is lurking again. Please be vigilant.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Coming up on the calendar:
Friday 2nd December - Huarapa Picnic
Tuesday 6th December - School Production Evening Performance : Te Waka o Aoraki (Please see the recent Click to Connect Newsletter for further details)
Thursday 15th December - Final day (Half day) of school for 2022
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
11 November
Kia ora e te whānau,
A big thank you to all the parent helpers who supported our tamariki getting to and from the swimming pool over the last 2 weeks. We couldn't have done it without you! We know the tamariki will be tired. We hope you are enjoying Canterbury Anniversary day and the long weekend with your whānau.
Things to know for this week:
Thursday
Library day
Friday
Run, Jump, Throw Event Years 1-4. (9.10 - 10.30am)
This Friday is our Run, Jump, Throw Event where your child will participate in a variety of sporting activities. Your child needs to come to school in whānau group colour sporty gear and sensible shoes. If you are not sure of your child's whānau group colour then please don't buy anything! Any sporty clothes will be fine. All are welcome to attend!
Sharing day
Other Notices:
Production Requests:
Huarapa 3 and 4 require Hello Fresh Cool bags for costumes.
Huarapa 1, 2 and 5 children require a long sleeved black / dark top and black leggings or trousers/shorts for their costume. We ask that you send your child along to school with these items named and in a named bag as soon as you can. We will be creating and attaching things to these items using safety pins etc. in the lead up to our performance. Please do not send expensive items because of this.
Safety at the Gates: We recently had a 5 year old who ran out the gate and had a close call with a car so we ask that you all please be extra vigilant by keeping the gates closed at all times during school hours. Thank you for your support in keeping everybody safe.
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Covid is lurking again. Please be vigilant.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Coming up on the calendar:
Friday 18th November - Run, Jump Throw Event 9.10 -10.30am
Wednesday 23rd November - NZEI Teachers’ Union Meeting from 1:30 pm
Tuesday 6th December - School Production: Te Waka o Aoraki (Please see the recent Click to Connect Newsletter for further details)
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
6 November
Kia ora e te whānau,
What a fantastic week of swimming last week! We are looking forward to seeing the progress the tamariki have made for the final 3 days of swimming coming up. Please note that this school week is short and Wednesday is the last day at school before the long weekend as we have a Teacher Only Day this Thursday. We hope you can take advantage of this time to make some happy memories with your whānau.
Swimming continues at Kings Swim School (see last week for details) - from Monday to Wednesday
Teacher Only Day - this Thursday 10th November (school is closed)
Canterbury Anniversary Day - Friday (school is closed)
Upcoming Production Requests:
H3 and H4 - Hello Fresh Cool bags required. We require about 40 of these.
H1, H2 and H5 - Each child needs to wear a black t-shirt (preferably long sleeved) and black leggings/shorts
Many thanks in advance for your support with this!
If anyone has neighbours/friends who are in our school zone and they have not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do this online this week. The link is on our school website.
Covid is lurking again. Please be vigilant.
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Digital Citizenship Parent Information sessions with John Parsons
John Parsons will be visiting Ararira in early November. John will talk to the children about digital citizenship and safety and is offering sessions in the evening for parents. I encourage you to take this opportunity as the digital world that our children live in is very different from our childhood.
The following parent information sessions are available:
Monday 7 November and Wednesday 9 November : 7pm -8pm at Prebbleton School
Sexuality Education
We have begun our Navigating The Journey Sexuality Education lessons. These lessons are appropriate to your child's age and stage. Please talk to your child's Ako teacher if you have any questions.
Topics include the following:
H5: Establishing a positive learning Environment - Care for Others, Cooperative skills, Listening skills
H1, H2, H3, H4:
Growing and Changing - Movement of bodies, Body Growth, Body parts, Personal hygiene, Reproduction and...
Staying safe - Standing up for myself and others, Safe and unsafe touch, People who can help me, Online safety
Coming up:
Run, Jump and Throw Day
Friday 18 November from 9am - 10.30am . All welcome.
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
29 October
Kia ora e te whānau,
We hope you enjoyed the buzz and lively atmosphere at our Market day this week. We were very proud of the tamariki. It was a fantastic opportunity to all get together - minus restrictions! Thanks to your generosity we have raised a profit of around $350!! This completes our Inquiry on Connections - People who help us. The profits raised will be going to the Lincoln Fire Station following on from our visit there in Term 2.
We have an exciting 2 weeks ahead for the tamariki as we head off to swimming lessons! Please scroll down as there are several notices this week. Mostly Swimming but a few important things to note as you scroll down. Thank you!
Here is the link to our School Calendar
Swimming
Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School begin this week beginning Monday 31st October and will run for 2 weeks. It may be a good idea to pack an extra sandwich for your child as they may be hungrier than usual.
It is a requirement from Kings Swim School that the tamariki MUST WEAR A SWIMMING CAP. We have just been informed of this today. No cap no swim. Please ensure that your child has a NAMED swimming cap. These should be purchased prior to lessons. Thank you!
Swimming notice:
Re: Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School - Monday 31st October-Wednesday
9th November 2022 (inclusive)
Our junior school is about to undertake the national Swim Safe programme,
involving learning to swim, water safety and survival. This programme will take
place during school hours (between 9.15am-3pm) Monday – Friday for two weeks,
starting on Monday 31st October for our year 0-2 learners.
The New Zealand curriculum specifies that all children should get the opportunity,
through school, to learn basic aquatic skills by the end of year 6. It is important to
combine learning to swim with water safety, to build a positive water safety culture
in New Zealand.
During these two weeks, please ensure your child brings a clearly named towel and
togs/swimwear for swimming in a separate bag. Please name all items, especially
swimwear, goggles (if required), school uniform items, shoes and underwear!
Huarapa 4 (Nicky’s class only) is to come to school everyday in their swimwear as
they are swimming first and depart school just after 9.00am. Don’t forget to go to
the loo prior and pack underwear!
The activity fee for term four will be $60. This will cover the NZSO performance in
term 4 as well as these swimming lessons/bus fare. This will be charged to your
school account. Whilst this is a lot of money for some families to pay, if you are in a
financial position to pay for another child then please see Trine in the office.
We will require parent helpers to come on the bus and/or meet us at the venue.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate preschoolers. We also require one
emergency vehicle at the pool. Please let your child’s ako teacher know if you or a
grandparent are able to help. Unfortunately we will be unable to go swimming if we
do not have enough helpers!
Please refer to the timetable below for your child’s swimming and bus time.
Ako class Depart School Arrive
Pool
Swim Time Depart Pool Arrive
School
Group 1 & 2
Nicky and Lydia
(Children changed
at home)
Pick up 9.05
Depart 9.15
9.45 Grp 1-
9.55am-10.25am
Grp 2-
10.25am-10.55am
11.10 11.40pm
Group 3 & 4
Larissa and Tash
10.15am 10.45 Grp 3 - 10.55-
11.25am
Grp 4 - 11.25-
11.55am
12.10 (Bus 2) 12.40pm
Group 5 & 6
Angela and
Andrea
11.05am pick up
Depart 11.15
(Bus 2)
11.45am Grp 5- 11.55 -
12.25pm
Grp 6- 12.25 -
12.55pm
1.10pm 1.40pm
Group 7 & 8
Structured Literacy
Over the next 2 weeks your child will not be receiving books. Please read to your child as they will be tired after swimming. You can revise sounds and heart words from their yellow literacy books.
Sexuality Education
We will be starting our Navigating The Journey Sexuality Education lessons this week. These lessons are appropriate to your child's age and stage. Please talk to your child's Ako teacher if you have any questions.
Topics include the following:
H5: Establishing a positive learning Environment - Care for Others, Cooperative skills, Listening skills
H1, H2, H3, H4:
Growing and Changing - Movement of bodies, Body Growth, Body parts, Personal hygiene, Reproduction and...
Staying safe - Standing up for myself and others, Safe and unsafe touch, People who can help me, Online safety
Smart watches and Digital Citizenship Parent Information sessions with John Parsons
John Parsons will be visiting Ararira in early November. John will talk to the children about digital citizenship and safety and is offering sessions in the evening for parents. I encourage you to take this opportunity as the digital world that our children live in is very different from our childhood.
On that note, an increasing number of children are wearing smartwatches to school. These need to have their 'school mode' activated during the hours of 9-3 pm, please. This, in essence, takes away their smart functions and reverts them to being a watch. There is a lot to learn about recording and sharing images, be it from a watch or phone. Our older children don't access their phones during the day. If your child needs to contact you, they need to do this through their ako teacher.
Using Our Kiss and Go
We would like to provide some clarification on the use of the Kiss and Go area. This is designed for you to pull in and out of rather than park. For it to flow we try and encourage you to come a little later so the children can be waiting for you to pick them up. Here is a video provided by the Selwyn District Council as our carpark was their design.
Our challenge arises when trying to access the kiss-and-go area when it is filled with cars. We can't have you waiting and blocking the entrance to the car park at the top of the drive. If this occurs we ask you to circle around and enter the driveway again.
Please be patient, our staff are trying to help this area flow. If you have grandparents picking up your children we ask you to remind them not to park in this area. Do consider coming a little later. The car park is virtually empty by 3:10 pm.
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
22 October
Kia ora e te whanau,
We hope you have had a restful break and some quality time with your tamariki. It has been lovely to welcome everyone back this week and a special welcome to Whaea Tash and her new tamariki who have started in H5 this week.
Swimming
Thank you to all those who have completed the Google form - Junior Swimming Ability Checklist. This must be completed by tomorrow at the latest as we need to send this information through to the swim school to help group your child correctly. Please see your child's Ako teacher if you are having trouble accessing or completing your child's form in the morning.
Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School begin on Monday 31st October and will run for 2 weeks.
It is a requirement from Kings Swim School that the tamariki MUST WEAR A SWIMMING CAP. We have just been informed of this today. No cap no swim. Please ensure that your child has a NAMED swimming cap. These should be purchased prior to lessons. Thank you!
Market Day
Next week is our Market Day: Thursday 27th, 2 - 3:15pm in Huarapa. The children have been busy bees and have each made a wonderful creation to sell to their whānau. Your child's creation will cost $3. If you could bring correct change, that would be wonderful! All profits will be going to the Lincoln Fire Station.
We will also be holding shared kai for whānau to mix and mingle. If you can, please bring a small plate of finger food. If your child has a n allergy please provide a plain biscuit for them to eat at this time. We will provide tea and coffee for adults. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate your tamariki's hard work and auahatanga.
You are welcome to come and go as it suits you. This is the same day as Kaunuku's market day so you may wish to jump between the two. The selling will take place from 2:30 onwards outside Huarapa. Grandparents and other family members are welcome to attend. If you are unable to make the Market Day, we are happy to put your child's creation aside for you to purchase at a future point. Please let you child's ako teacher know.
Hui this Friday
We will be sharing some of our learning this Friday. Hui starts at 9.10am in the hall. All welcome.
Structured Literacy
We are having a Structured Literacy zoom meeting online for any parents who wish to know more about literacy in the Junior school. This is a repeat of the meetings we have run each term so no need to attend if you have already participated. This will be held via zoom on Wednesday the 26th October at 7pm. Please see the zoom meeting link below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/3800120456?pwd=WWp3OXlXNTRwNnY2RnhGQkdoRW5zZz09
Meeting ID: 380 012 0456
Passcode: ararira
Feel free to view a structured literacy lesson below:
Link to watch a lesson (this may not work)!
Sexuality Education
We will be starting our Navigating The Journey Sexuality Education lessons from 31st October onwards. Topics include the following:
H5
Establishing a positive learning Environment - Care for Others, Cooperative skills, Listening skills
H1,H2,H3,H4:
Growing and Changing - Movement of bodies, Body Growth, Body parts, Personal hygiene, Reproduction and...
Staying safe - Standing up for myself and others, Safe and unsafe touch, People who can help me, Online safety
Morning arrivals to school
If you arrive at school prior to 8:30am, please ensure that your child waits outside the office until the music plays at 8:30am. This is a schoolwide procedure. Teachers often have meetings running prior to this time. Thank you for your support with this!
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Nicky, Larissa, Tash and Angela
30th September, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
The last day of the term has arrived. Huarapa has been bustling with new tamariki visiting and preparations for our upcoming Market Day. It's been lovely to see how far the tamariki have grown in their learning! We hope you have noticed too. We have been so grateful to Whaea Tash who has been in Huarapa 3 this week for Whaea Larissa and also conducting visits with our new children due to start in her ako class for Term 4. The tamariki are excited to have some new friends join us soon. Finally, we farewell Huarapa 1's student teacher, Matua Caleb and we wish him well for the rest of his teacher training.
Enjoy a well deserved and restful break with your beautiful tamariki in the spring sunshine. Kia kaha!
* Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School - Monday 31st October-Wednesday 9th November 2022 (inclusive). The cost will be $60, which will be charged to your school account. Please see your child's ako teacher if you are able to help. Sorry, no preschoolers. Please see below, information and times for swimming.
Huarapa's Market day will be Thursday - week 2, 27 October 2.30pm. The tamariki have been working hard on their wonderful items to sell. Grandparents are welcome. Thank you to the parents that have helped over the last few weeks. It is really lovely and appreciate your time and effort.
Here is the link to our school calendar, to help keep track of school activities School calendar
Hat - Pōtae (navy blue, full brimmed) Compulsory in Term 4 - Please name, no caps
Hi-vis vests should be worn to and from school daily. Lost vests are charged to your account. If your child is new to school please visit the office to collect their numbered vest.
Things to know for Term 4:
Thursday - library day
Friday - sharing day
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky, Tash and Angela
Swimming notice:
Re: Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School - Monday 31st October-Wednesday
9th November 2022 (inclusive)
Our junior school is about to undertake the national Swim Safe programme,
involving learning to swim, water safety and survival. This programme will take
place during school hours (between 9.15am-3pm) Monday – Friday for two weeks,
starting on Monday 31st October for our year 0-2 learners.
The New Zealand curriculum specifies that all children should get the opportunity,
through school, to learn basic aquatic skills by the end of year 6. It is important to
combine learning to swim with water safety, to build a positive water safety culture
in New Zealand.
During these two weeks, please ensure your child brings a clearly named towel and
togs/swimwear for swimming in a separate bag. Please name all items, especially
swimwear, goggles (if required), school uniform items, shoes and underwear!
Huarapa 4 (Nicky’s class only) is to come to school everyday in their swimwear as
they are swimming first and depart school just after 9.00am. Don’t forget to go to
the loo prior and pack underwear!
The activity fee for term four will be $60. This will cover the NZSO performance in
term 4 as well as these swimming lessons/bus fare. This will be charged to your
school account. Whilst this is a lot of money for some families to pay, if you are in a
financial position to pay for another child then please see Trine in the office.
We will require parent helpers to come on the bus and/or meet us at the venue.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate preschoolers. We also require one
emergency vehicle at the pool. Please let your child’s ako teacher know if you or a
grandparent are able to help. Unfortunately we will be unable to go swimming if we
do not have enough helpers!
Please refer to the timetable below for your child’s swimming and bus time.
Ako class Depart School Arrive
Pool
Swim Time Depart Pool Arrive
School
Group 1 & 2
Nicky and Lydia
(Children changed
at home)
Pick up 9.05
Depart 9.15
9.45 Grp 1-
9.55am-10.25am
Grp 2-
10.25am-10.55am
11.10 11.40pm
Group 3 & 4
Larissa and Tash
10.15am 10.45 Grp 3 - 10.55-
11.25am
Grp 4 - 11.25-
11.55am
12.10 (Bus 2) 12.40pm
Group 5 & 6
Angela and
Andrea
11.05am pick up
Depart 11.15
(Bus 2)
11.45am Grp 5- 11.55 -
12.25pm
Grp 6- 12.25 -
12.55pm
1.10pm 1.40pm
Group 7 & 8
25th September, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Wow! Week 10, where has the time gone. Huarapa has been buzzing with new tamariki visiting, the circus visiting and inquiry learning. It's wonderful to see the tamariki so engaged in their learning and having fun. A shorter week, this week and then a well deserved break for your beautiful tamariki. Tash will be in for Huarapa 3 this week. Have a wonderful week.
* Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School - Monday 31st October-Wednesday 9th November 2022 (inclusive). The cost will be $60, which will be charged to your school account. Please see your child's ako teacher if you are able to help. Sorry, no preschoolers. Please see below, information and times for swimming.
Huarapa's Market day will be Thursday - week 2, 27 October 2.30pm. The tamariki have been working hard on their wonderful items to sell. Grandparents are welcome. Thank you to the parents that have helped over the last few weeks. It is really lovely and appreciate your time and effort.
Here is the link to our school calendar, to help keep track of school activities School calendar
Hat - Pōtae (navy blue, full brimmed) Compulsory in Term 4 - Please name, no caps
Hi-vis vests should be worn to and from school daily. Lost vests are charged to your account.
Things to know for Week 10:
Thursday - library day
Friday - sharing day
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky, Tash and Angela
Swimming notice:
Re: Swimming lessons at Kings Swim School - Monday 31st October-Wednesday
9th November 2022 (inclusive)
Our junior school is about to undertake the national Swim Safe programme,
involving learning to swim, water safety and survival. This programme will take
place during school hours (between 9.15am-3pm) Monday – Friday for two weeks,
starting on Monday 31st October for our year 0-2 learners.
The New Zealand curriculum specifies that all children should get the opportunity,
through school, to learn basic aquatic skills by the end of year 6. It is important to
combine learning to swim with water safety, to build a positive water safety culture
in New Zealand.
During these two weeks, please ensure your child brings a clearly named towel and
togs/swimwear for swimming in a separate bag. Please name all items, especially
swimwear, goggles (if required), school uniform items, shoes and underwear!
Huarapa 4 (Nicky’s class only) is to come to school everyday in their swimwear as
they are swimming first and depart school just after 9.00am. Don’t forget to go to
the loo prior and pack underwear!
The activity fee for term four will be $60. This will cover the NZSO performance in
term 4 as well as these swimming lessons/bus fare. This will be charged to your
school account. Whilst this is a lot of money for some families to pay, if you are in a
financial position to pay for another child then please see Trine in the office.
We will require parent helpers to come on the bus and/or meet us at the venue.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate preschoolers. We also require one
emergency vehicle at the pool. Please let your child’s ako teacher know if you or a
grandparent are able to help. Unfortunately we will be unable to go swimming if we
do not have enough helpers!
Please refer to the timetable below for your child’s swimming and bus time.
Ako class Depart School Arrive
Pool
Swim Time Depart Pool Arrive
School
Group 1 & 2
Nicky and Lydia
(Children changed
at home)
Pick up 9.05
Depart 9.15
9.45 Grp 1-
9.55am-10.25am
Grp 2-
10.25am-10.55am
11.10 11.40pm
Group 3 & 4
Larissa and Tash
10.15am 10.45 Grp 3 - 10.55-
11.25am
Grp 4 - 11.25-
11.55am
12.10 (Bus 2) 12.40pm
Group 5 & 6
Angela and
Andrea
11.05am pick up
Depart 11.15
(Bus 2)
11.45am Grp 5- 11.55 -
12.25pm
Grp 6- 12.25 -
12.55pm
1.10pm 1.40pm
Group 7 & 8
16th September, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Welcome to Gabi, Asher and their whānau. The weeks are ticking along, there is only two weeks now till the school break. The tamariki have been busy this week creating products for their market and caring for their little gardens and lots of other learning - structured literacy, maths...
Huarapa's Market day will be Thursday - week 2, 27 October 2.30pm
Here is the link to our school calendar, to help keep track of school activities School calendar
Hat - Pōtae (navy blue) Compulsory in Term 4
Term 4, week 3 and 4 is swimming at Kings for Huarapa. More information coming out with time and costs soon.
Matua Caleb is the current student teacher in Huarapa 1. He has been enjoying working with the tamariki. He is with us to the end of the term
Calendar Art
Thank you for your great support for our Calendar Art fundraiser this year! Unfortunately, there have been big delays in the processing of orders due to staff shortages at KidsArtWorks. We now hope to have your orders out to you in early Term 4. We know you will be looking forward to seeing these fabulous products featuring your tamariki's mahi. Please know that we appreciate your understanding and patience in this matter. Te Hapori Tautoko (THT)
Things to know for Week 9:
Circus - Monday
Monday the school is coming to Ararira to perform in the morning and in the afternoon Huarapa tamariki will be learning circus skills. There will be no Hui on Monday. teaching the tamariki circus skills.
Inquiry - Tuesday and Wednesday (1.30/45-2.40pm)
We are having inquiry on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the circus visiting. Thank you to the parents who helped last Monday and looking forward to having you again if possible on Tuesday or Wednesday for the friendship bracelet making, see you at 1.30pm.
If there are any other parents that wish to help - please see your child's ako teacher. Nicky is after some help for the bath bomb making.
Thursday - library day
Friday - Sharing
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky and Angela
11th September, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Huarapa's Market day will be Thursday - week 2, 27 October 2.30pm
Here is the link to our school calendar, to help keep track of school activities School calendar
Nicky is in need of some more small flowers for Monday. These will be used to press flowers.
If you are able to help with Curiosity Clubs next term, please pop in and see Donna or email: donna.frame@ararira.school.nz
Seb’s jersey is missing. It is clearly named. Can you please check that your child hasn’t take it home.
Things to know for Week 8:
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
This week is Te Reo Māori Language week and we will be doing extra activities to celebrate this week.
Monday (1.30-2.30pm)
Monday - inquiry. Thank you to the parents who helped last Monday and looking forward to having you again this Monday coming for the friendship bracelet making, see you at 1.30pm.
If there are any other parents that wish to help - please see your child's ako teacher.
School Hui
These are now being held on Mondays 2.40 - 3pm. You are welcome to join us. Huarapa 3 and 4 will not be hosting now in week 9 on 19th September, as we have the circus visiting and teaching the tamariki circus skills.
School Photos
Our school photos are on this Tuesday 13 September. Please can children wear the correct school uniform.
Thursday - library day
Friday - Sharing
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky and Angela
4th September, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Yay! Spring is here and its lovely to see the beautiful weather. The tamariki have loved being outside during learning through play. Welcome to Farida, Elly and their whānau. Tash will be joining our Huarapa team fulltime as a fifth teacher in Huarapa in term 4. This will allow for us to have slightly smaller classes. Hannah will work in the team to cover Nicky and the team's release days. Hannah presently works part-time in Teretere. Congratulations Tash and welcome Hannah.
Here is the link to our school calendar, to help keep track of school activities School calendar
Resources required:
Nicky is in need of some more small flowers for Monday. These will be used to press flowers.
embroidery thread/floss , beads - please drop off to Larissa.
Spare lanyards for us to use - please bring in this week to child’s ako teacher
If you are able to help with Curiosity Clubs next term, please pop in and see Donna or email: donna.frame@ararira.school.nz
In term 4, Huarapa will be having swimming lessons (these were cancelled at the beginning of the year due to covid). The cost of these lessons will be added to your school account. More information will come, early in term 4.
Things to know for Week 7:
Monday (1.30-2.30pm)
Monday - inquiry. Thank you to the parents who have offered to help for the friendship bracelet making, see you at 1.30pm. If there are any other parents that wish to help - please see your child's ako teacher.
School Hui
These are now being held on Mondays 2.40 - 3pm. You are welcome to join us. Huarapa 3 and 4 will not be hosting now in week 9 on 19th September, as we have the circus visiting and teaching the tamriki circus skills.
Reminder: On Thursday 8th September there will be a parent evening to discuss our Health Curriculum and the teaching of this at ASP. We use the Family Planning programme ‘Sexuality Education: Navigating the Journey’. Please follow this link for further information.This meeting will be held in Putahi (library) at 6.45pm. Please rsvp to the office if you are attending: office@ararira.school.nz. Thank you.
Thursday - library day
Sharing - Friday
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky and Angela
28th August, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
As part of our Inquiry learning, and we move closer and closer to next term we are preparing our akonga for their Market Day. We are focusing on making/creating and advertising our products the items this term and will sell products next term. More information to come closer to the time. The tamariki are working in groups of their choosing for the Market and the school is providing all ako classes with a small budget to put towards what they are making. If you are happy for your child to bring their own contributions from home to supplement their budget, they are welcome to do that also.
We are after donations of the following items please:
One group is making friendship bracelets.
embroidery thread/floss
beads
Please drop off to Whaea Larissa and if any parents that would like to come in as parent help please let me know.
Another group are making Bath Bombs/Flower book marks.
Bicarbonate soda (Baking soda)
Citric acid
Essential oils that would be suitable to add to the bath bombs eg lavendar or rose
Dried lavender or rose petals
Oils eg coconut
We also require:
A water spray bottle or two (please name this)
Large silicon molds suitable to put the bath bombs in (please name this well)
On Monday we require small flowers and greenery that we can press/dry to make bookmarks. Whaea Nicky
Family Photo
If your child is in Huarapa 1 with Whaea Angela, please can you share a family photo (emailed is fine) if you have not done so already. This will be made into a wall display for the children to enjoy discussion about. Thank you!
Cricket and netball next week.
Things to know for Week 6:
Friendly reminder
Please don’t enter the classroom hub before 8.30am. Please wait at the office area until the music bell plays.
Court theatre
Is visiting our school on Friday morning and should be a great performance. This will be taken from your fee.
School Hui
These are now being held on Mondays 2.40 - 3pm. You are welcome to join us. Huarapa 3 and 4 will be hosting in week 9 on 19th September.
Netball and cricket
Has been a great success this week and the children have loved participating and learning new skills. Last sessions are this week coming. Cricket we have Liam from Canterbury Country Cricket coming to teach the children cricket skills.
Note for your diary: On Thursday 8th September there will be a parent evening to discuss our Health Curriculum and the teaching of this at ASP. We use the Family Planning programme ‘Sexuality Education: Navigating the Journey’. Please follow this link for further information.This meeting will be held in Putahi (library) at 6.45pm. Please rsvp to the office if you are attending:
Thursday - library day
Sharing - Friday
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky and Angela
19th August, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Things to know for Week 5:
School Hui
These are now being held on Mondays 2.40 - 3pm. You are welcome to join us. Huarapa 1 and 2 will be hosting in week 5 on Monday 22 August, and Huarapa 3 and 4 will be hosting in week 9 on 19th September.
Netball
Children will get 2 x sessions from the Selwyn netball starting next week
Daffodil day
FRIDAY 26 AUGUST - children are welcome to come dressed up for this day in daffodil colours (or your choice) or dressed as a daffodil. A gold coin donation would be appreciated and will go to the Cancer Society. We also have pin-on daffodils for parents at the office should you wish to donate.
Kiss and Go
Kiss and Go education for your community
Here is a video to help with Kiss and Go: How to use a kiss and go - YouTube
Missing cardigan - Isobelle Clark has lost her cardigan since the beginning of the term, can you please check your child's cardigan. Just in case it has accidentally been swapped.
Friendly reminders:
Library day - Thursday
Sharing day - Friday
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky and Angela
13th August, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
There has been a few chilly, frosty mornings this week and lovely to see the sun shining. Great to see the little buds of daffodils emerging from the urban farmers group, that they planted the bulbs in the school garden in Term 1. There have been plenty of bugs around and both my own children have been unwell this week. I am looking forward to seeing Huarapa 3 children again on Monday. A huge thank you to the Andrews family for donating two trees to Ararira Springs. These were planted on Wednesday with the help of some Huarapa, Hikuwai and Kaunuku students with a karakia.
Missing cardigan - Isobelle Clark has lost her cardigan since the beginning of the term, can you please check your child's cardigan. Just in case it has accidentally been swapped.
Things to know for Week 4:
Extra books
some children have nearly at the end of their structured literacy books. The school office has bulk ordered a supply so if your child needs a new book, they will be supplied to the children or you can get one from the school office and the cost of these will be added to your account. These items are stationery items and therefore do not fall into the donation category.
Calendar Art
Just a reminder that calendar art orders are due by Monday 22 August. Calendar Art notices have been sent home.
Safety vests
It is really important that all children bring and wear their safety vests to/from school every day (even if they are going to Kelly Club or being picked up in the car). Please support your child with this. If a safety vest is lost, you can get a replacement from Trine or Justine in the office.
School Hui
These are now being held on Mondays 2.40 - 3pm. You are welcome to join us. Huarapa 1 and 2 will be hosting in week 5 on Monday 22 August, and Huarapa 3 and 4 will be hosting in week 9 on 19th September.
Blog
remember to check Huarapa's blog for photos of what we have been up to this week (see tabs at the top).
Friendly reminders:
Library day - Thursday
Sharing day - Friday
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Ngā mihi nui
Larissa, Lydia, Nicky and Angela
5th August, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Welcome to our new students this week. Book week was a great success and the children participated in many of the wonderful activities that were organised. Please check out the blog for some photos of the children dressed up in their favourite book character costumes. The disco was lots of fun and lovely to see the parents enjoying themselves just as much as the children. Curiosity groups started again this week.
It has been nice to finally see some sunshine this week and children enjoying being outside. The weather maybe be wet this coming week - children can bring wet weather gear eg. gumboots and rain jackets (named), as some do enjoy splashing in the puddles.
Things to know for Week Three:
Bricks for kids is on Monday at 1.30pm
Fridays - Nicky’s class will be dismissed via Larissa's ako class at my door.
Inquiry - part of our inquiry this term is exploring what is a market? One Saturday if weather depending can you please take your child to our local Saturday Lincoln market or the Riccarton market or any market. It would be a great experience for them and connect with our inquiry learning this term.
Friendly reminders and change in timetable:
Hui is on Monday 2.40pm in the hall (all whānua welcomed)
Library day - Thursday
Sharing day - Friday
We have plenty of creative junk now, thank you. No more at the moment please.
Coffee van - 8am on Tuesdays
Ngā mihi nui
Lydia, Larissa, Nicky and Angela
28th July, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Welcome to all our new students this term, we had a lovely mihi whakatau to welcome all our new students and whānua. It was wonderful meeting all the whānua for the learning conversations. However, if you missed out or would like to organise a meeting with your child's ako teacher, please flick your child's ako teacher an email.
Book Week: Next Week is Book Week. There are some wonderful activities planned to promote reading and a love of stories.
Dress Up Day: On Wednesday students can come dressed as a book character.
We encourage tamariki to bring their favourite book (named) to school on Monday. We will read these throughout the week.
We have a visiting author and book themed performance to enjoy on Wednesday and Thursday.
Disco: Friday evening 5.30pm-6.30pm
Covid: Unfortunately, a second round of COVID hit the school. Thank you for being vigilant during this time. All adults that come inside the classroom need to wear a mask please
Friendly reminders and change in timetable:
Hui is on Monday 2.40pm in the hall (all whānua welcomed -mask on)
Library day - Thursday
Sharing day - Friday
Coffee van - 8am on Tuesdays
Parking - not in kiss and go area
Ngā mihi nui
Lydia, Larissa, Nicky and Angela
P.S. Don't forget to pop on to the Weekly Blog tab to see some lovely photos from this term.
8th July, 2022
Kia ora e te whānau
Another term is done and dusted. Thank you for all your support throughout this term. We wish you and your whānau a restful and relaxing break.
Whaea Angela’s Class: Tash will be taking Angela’s class for Week 1 of next term as Angela is on leave. Angela will be returning for Week 2.
Learning Conversations: Learning conversations will be held on Wednesday and Thursday of the first week back. Please make sure that you keep an eye out for the booking form that will be emailed to you. As Angela is away during this week, most of her ako class meet with her earlier this week to discuss their child. However, if you missed out or would like to organise a meeting with her, please flick Angela an email. She will contact you when she returns.
Covid: Unfortunately, a second round of COVID hit the school. Thank you for being vigilant during this time. We hope that you all stay healthy and well during the next two weeks.
Bag Hooks: Next term we have a number of new children starting. To manage the influx of bags, tamariki in Larissa’s class will be using a moveable bag rack. Angela’s class will use the pegs that are against the wall.
Enjoy the break!
Ngā mihi nui
Lydia, Larissa, Nicky and Angela
P.S. Don't forget to pop on to the Weekly Blog tab to see some lovely photos from this term.
1st July
Kia ora e te whānau
We look forward to seeing many of you at our Matariki celebration which has been organised by the wonderful parents of Te Hapori Tautoku. Thank you!
Only a few notices this week, as the term is quickly coming to a close.
End of Term: The last day of term is Friday, 8th July. Term 3 starts on the 25th July.
Report Comments: By now you should have received a writing and maths comment for your child (if they started school in Term 1). Your child’s reading comment will be released next week, so keep an eye out. Progress graphs will also be published late next week.
Learning Conversations: We will be hosting our Learning Conversations on Wednesday and Thursday, Term 3, Week 1. You will receive an email with a link to book an appointment. This will be an opportunity to meet with your child’s ako teacher and discuss their learning.
Jumping June: On Monday we will all be skipping for the Heart Foundation. If you would like to donate, you have until Sunday. Please follow this link and feel free to share it with friends and whānau so they can donate too.
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Lydia, Nicky, Angela and Larissa
23th June
Kia ora e te whānau
A huge thank you to all the amazing parents who joined us for our trip to the Fire Station and Library today. This was a wonderful experience and wouldn’t have been possible without you. We appreciate you!
THT Coffee Morning: Come along on Tuesday for a coffee in the library. This takes place at 9am and is a great way to make connections with other whānau.
Tummy Bug: There is an unpleasant tummy bug going around. We are continuing to encourage tamariki to sanitise and wash their hands regularly. If your child is unwell, it is recommended that they don’t return to school until 48 hours after their last episode.
Reporting: Over the next two weeks you can expect to receive a reading, writing and maths comment for your child on Hero. This will outline their progress, strengths and provide next learning steps. If your child started school this term, they will not receive this. However, you can expect one or two comments that connect with our school values of Caring, Curious and Capable.
Learning Conversations: In Week 1 of Term 3 we will have Learning Conversations. This will be an opportunity to discuss your child’s learning. You will be able to book a 15 minute slot with your child’s ako teacher. Keep an eye out for more information regarding this.
New Structured Literacy Books: Some tamariki have nearly finished their structured literacy book. If they need a new book, talk to your child’s ako teacher and we can order one and charge it to your account.
Mānawatia a Matariki
Lydia, Nicky, Angela and Larissa
19th June
Kia ora e te whānau,
Another week is ticked off. The tamariki loved meeting Constable Jim on Thursday as part of our Inquiry: People Who Help Us. If you would like to come and share what you do for work one afternoon, we would love to hear from you! Please contact your child’s ako teacher.
Fire Station Trip (Thursday)
Thank you to all our amazing parent helpers. We look forward to seeing you at 9:30am on Thursday. Once you’ve dropped your child off, you’re welcome to relax in the library and make yourself a coffee before we leave.
Tamariki are to wear their safety vest for the trip and take a small, non-messy snack in their jacket pocket.
Sickness
A heads-up that we’ve had a few Huarapa students off with a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting. Thank you for keeping your child at home if they are unwell. It is recommended they return 48 hours after the last episode.
Safety Vests
We encourage all students to wear safety vests to and from school. If your child’s vest has gone missing, please talk to Justine in the office.
Family Photos for H1 and H2
Whaea Angela and Whaea Lydia’s classes are making a whānau wall display for our space. If possible, please email a photo of your family to your child’s ako teacher or we can photocopy one and return it to you. If you did this earlier in the year, you do not need to do it again.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Angela, Nicky and Larissa
12th June
Kia ora e te whānau
Another week has flown past. The tamariki loved the playhouse performance on Thursday. This week we look forward to a visit from our Community Cop, Jim, a Science Kit with a focus on flight and learning more about Matariki.
Trip to Fire Station and Library: This is taking place on Thursday 23rd June at 9:40am. For more information refer to the previous email. Thank you to all the parents who have offered to join us. If you would like to come along and support us, please let your child’s ako teacher know.
Milk Bottle Lids and Bubble Wrap: We are collecting clean milk bottle lids and bubble wrap for literacy and crafts. All coloured lids are welcome, however we would appreciate some light blue lids. Please give these to Whaea Angela.
Whānau Wall Display: Whaea Angela and Whaea Lydia’s classes are making a whānau wall display for our space. If possible, please email a photo of your family to your child’s ako teacher or we can photocopy one and return it to you. If you did this earlier in the year, you do not need to do it again.
School Gate and Carpark: Here are a few friendly reminders for when you are dropping off or picking up your child.
Tamariki to wear a safety vest if biking or walking to and from school.
Bikes and scotters are welcome at school during breaks as long as students are wearing a helmet.
Kiss and Drop Zones are for your child’s safety, your convenience and to minimise congestion and confusion. However, it is not a parking zone.
We hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend!
Ngā mini,
Lydia, Larissa, Nicky and Angela
4th June
Kia ora e te whānau
We hope you’ve all had a wonderful start to the long weekend. With a short week coming up, there are only a few notices below.
School is closed on Monday for Queens Birthday and on Tuesday for Teacher Only Day.
Winter has begun! The days are certainly getting chilly. Please ensure your child has a warm layer for outside play.
Fire Station and Lincoln Library Trip: As part of our inquiry we will be visiting the Fire Station on the 23rd of June. We will be leaving school at 9:40am and returning at 1:15pm. We would love some parent helpers. If you would like to join us, please let your child’s ako teacher know.
Curiosity Clubs are underway. Each child has selected a group and are taking part in a range of amazing learning (e.g. sewing, marching, science, sports). This happens every Friday and is a highlight for many tamariki.
This coming week:
Monday: Queen’s Birthday
Tuesday: Teacher Only Day
Thursday: NZ Playhouse Performance and Library Day
Friday: Sharing Day
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Larissa, Angela and Nicky
29th May
Kia ora e te whānau
What lovely weather we are having this weekend! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the sunshine before the cold sets back in.
Covid Update
Once again, thank you for your understanding during this time. It’s been wonderful to see many of you in our learning spaces in the mornings. The tamariki have loved showing you their work. Thank you for wearing a mask and sanitising before you enter. We also appreciate your caution by keeping your child at home if they are unwell.
As you are aware, Whaea Nicky is currently isolating. Hopefully she will return on Thursday. If this changes, we’ll let you know.
Structured Literacy Zoom Meeting
This is an optional meeting for parents on Thursday 2nd June at 7pm. During the Zoom we will be discussing structured literacy and what you can do to support your child’s reading and writing journey. This is a repeat of the meeting in Term 1. You can find the invitation to join below:
https://zoom.us/j/3800120456?pwd=WWp3OXlXNTRwNnY2RnhGQkdoRW5zZz09
Meeting ID: 380 012 0456
Passcode: ararira
Warm Clothing
With the weather getting increasingly colder, we encourage your child to bring their jacket to school everyday. They may also wear black or navy thermals underneath their uniform to keep warm.
Queen’s Birthday and Teacher Only Day.
Following Queen’s Birthday, we have a Teacher Only Day on Tuesday, 7th of June. Kelly Club with be running a programme, on this day if you require it.
This Week
Thursday: Library Day, Structured Literacy Zoom
Friday: Curiosity Clubs and Sharing Day
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend!
Ngā mihi
Lydia, Angela, Larissa and Nicky
20th May
Kia ora e te whānau
It was wonderful to see many of you at our art exhibition this week. The tamariki enjoyed showing off their creativity and artistic abilities. If you didn't have the opportunity to pop in, check out this video created by the amazing Whaea Kelly.
Missing Jumpers and Cardigans: We have a number of children whose jumpers have gone missing. Can you please check your child’s bag and the name on their jumper? If you find one that doesn’t belong to your child, return it to their ako teacher. Thank you!
Covid: It has been great to have all our kaiako back this week. However, a number of tamariki within our Hub are testing positive. Please do not send your child to school if they are ill. If in doubt, test. Much aroha to our whānau who are currently unwell or isolating. Please email us if there’s anything we can do to support your child’s learning at home.
Milk Bottle Lids and Cardboard Boxes: Whaea Nicky is on the hunt for green and red milk/cream bottle lids. Whaea Lydia and Whaea Angela would like to gather a collection of boxes, tubes, egg cartons, lids etc, for crafts. If you have any of these items in your whare, we would love to take them off your hands!
Non-Uniform Day: On 24th May we have a non-uniform day to fundraise for Youthline NZ. Students may wear their own clothes and can bring a gold coin donation to support this initiative.
Sharing Day: Sharing day has been swapped to Friday. Library day is still Thursday though.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
Mauri ora,
Lydia, Angela, Larissa and Nicky
13 May 2022
Kia ora e te whānau,
Many thanks for your support this week. It has been appreciated and it was not a decision we made lightly. Unless you hear otherwise, all children (unless unwell) should return to school on Monday. This is subject to change! Larissa and Angela are due to return on Monday. Tash will be in for Lydia on Monday. Please email myself or Tash if you have any questions or concerns. Our email addresses are below. Please note that staff who are unwell will not be answering emails until they return.
Pop up art show - this Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 5pm in the hall. All whānau welcome! The children have been working hard to complete lots of art. We hope that you can make it.
How to help your child read/Structured Literacy online zoom meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd June at 7pm. This is a repeat of the meeting held in term 1. More details will sent out closer to the time on Hero.
Sadly, swimming has been postponed/cancelled due to the current shortage of staff and the number of children absent in Huarapa and Teretere. Many thanks to the families who offered to help.
Missing: Cardigan named 'Wade'. Please have a look at home as sometimes children do pick up the wrong items.
On Friday 20th May, it is 'Pink Shirt' day - gold coin donation to go to the Mental Health Foundation. Your child may wear something pink (that they can play in)! Pink shirt day is about working together to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting inclusiveness and kindness. This fits with our school values of 'Caring'. Further information can be found here.
Vests: please ensure vests are worn to and from school everyday. Lost vest will be charged to your account.
Water: We are a water only school. Please ensure your child has a drink bottle at school every day. Thank you.
Covid symptoms: some children are displaying very mild symptoms such as a sneeze and a runny nose. Some children (& adults) are getting a second dose of covid. If in doubt, check it out! There are RAT kits in the office should you wish to pick one up to have at home. We are obligated to send your child home if they display any symptoms. Children who are learning from home can access activities on the page above.
Have a lovely weekend.
Kia kaha,
Nicky, Tash and the Huarapa Team
8 May 2022
Kia ora e te whānau,
Happy Mother's Day to all our amazing mothers! It was wonderful to have your tamariki back at school this week. A very special welcome to our new students and their whānau.
Swimming
Our Swim Safe programme will be beginning on Monday the 16th of May and will take place every afternoon for two weeks at the Selywn Aquatic Centre. We are very grateful for a donation that has reduced the cost to $50 per child. This will be charged to your account. Thank you to all the parents who have offered to help. We are still needing a few more, so if you are available and willing on any of the days, flick your child’s ako teacher an email.
H3 and H4 (Larissa and Nicky) will depart school at 12.50pm and leave the venue at 2.15pm (returning at approximately 2.30pm).
H1 and H2 (Lydia and Angela) will depart school at 1.20pm and leave the venue at 2.40pm (returning at approximately 3pm).
Bob Bickerton
On Monday we have a performance from musician Bob Bickerton. It will feature many traditional Māori instruments and will be a wonderful opportunity for students to be inspired by different kinds of music.
Active Autumn
Active Autumn is underway! Students are encouraged to walk, bike, scooter or skate to school to receive a stamp on their card from their ako teacher. Once students receive ten stamps, they will go into the draw to win some awesome prizes! To receive a stamp, students also need to be wearing their safety vest to and from school.
Ararira Art Show
Come to the hall on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th May between 8:15am and 5pm to see your child’s art work and creativity on display!
Library and Sharing
Library and sharing day is on Thursday every week. Students can bring something from home to share with the class (e.g. toy, photos, a memory). They can also return their library books and issue new ones.
Uniform
With the weather getting colder, students may want to wear tights or thermals under their uniform to stay warm. Navy and black is ideal as they look smart with the uniform.
Inquiry
This term we are learning about our community and the people who help us. We are kickstarting this learning with a visit from St John’s on Tuesday.
Ngā mihi,
Lydia, Nicky, Angela and Larissa
2 May 2022
Kia ora,
Re: Swimming lessons at Selwyn Aquatics Centre: Monday 16th May to Friday 27th May
Our junior school is about to undertake the national Swim Safe programme, involving learning to swim, water safety and survival. This programme will take place during school hours (between 12pm-3pm) Monday – Friday for two weeks, starting on Monday 16th May for our year 0-2 learners.
The New Zealand curriculum specifies that all children should get the opportunity, through school, to learn basic aquatic skills by the end of year 6. It is important to combine learning to swim with water safety, to build a positive water safety culture in New Zealand.
During these two weeks, please ensure your child brings a clearly named towel and togs/swimwear for swimming in a separate bag. Please name all items, especially swimwear, goggles (if required), school uniform items, shoes and underwear!
You are also not expected to pay another activity fee for term two, on top of the swimming lessons. Whilst this is a lot of money for some families to pay, if you are in a financial position to pay for another child, please see Trine in the office.
Please fill in the attached survey from Selwyn Swim School, regarding your child’s current swimming level. This is so that they can continue to build on the skills your child has already made at any other prior or present swim schools. Please complete this on/before Monday 9th May.
We will require parent helpers to come on the bus and/or meet us at the venue. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate preschoolers. We also require one emergency vehicle at the pool. Please let your child’s ako teacher know if you or a grandparent are able to help. Unfortunately we will be unable to go swimming if we do not have enough helpers!
H3 and H4 (Larissa and Nicky) will depart school at 12.50pm and leave the venue at 2.15pm (returning at approximately 2.30pm).
H1 and H2 (Lydia and Angela) will depart school at 1.20pm and leave the venue at 2.40pm (returning at approximately 3pm).
Kind regards,
Nicky Harding Deb Wesley
Team Leader Years 0-1 Team Leader Year 2
1 May 2022
Kia ora,
This term we welcome Angela Shea and a group of new children and their whānau. A huge welcome to you all. Angela will be starting our next NE class. This will mean that we will work in two separate hubs (with planning still collaborative) and the middle door will be closed. Children may have a new teacher for reading/structured literacy, math and/or writing. Please remember that all teachers within the hub can teach all levels. Your child may work with Angela. This does not mean they 'have gone down' any levels!
Orange level: please ensure you wear masks when on the school grounds and within the learning hub. If your family is isolating or has been (including over the holidays) please ensure the office is aware (office@ararira.school.nz) as we do need to report numbers back to the MOE. It is also helpful for the leadership team to look at any patterns and predict staffing levels, as it is quite difficult to get relief teachers at present!
Tuesday, Mihi Whakatau (pp Wednesday): We are looking forward to officially welcoming you and your whānau to our school. As we have not had this for several terms, this will be a larger event than usual and it will be held outside. If you are attending this event and you have not done so already, please fill in this survey. Further information regarding this was sent out on 22 April.
To help this run smoothly, please drop your child to the classroom before 9am and wait at the library area. Staff will then be able to take the roll, before walking down the children to meet you. At the conclusion of the event, please walk your child back to the hub so they can wash their hands and grab their drink bottle and a small snack from their lunchbox (something they can hold in their hands). They will eat this outside. There will be staff members there to help if your child is feeling a bit overwhelmed. You can then have some kai and a cuppa with staff and other whānau!
Swimming: We are swimming in the afternoons at Selwyn Aquatic Centre (weeks 3 and 4). The cost for this is $3.50 per lesson plus bus fare. More information will be sent out this week. Please look out for this information.
Sickness: If your child is ill, please contact the office before 9am. It is lovely if you contact your child's ako teacher - but we don't always see the message or may be ill ourselves! Please do not sent your child to school is they are ill, as we are required to send them home. Thank you for your support with this.
Reminders:
Library day is on Thursdays this term (apart from swimming weeks - will will try and fit a session in sometime that week).
A spare change of named clothes is required at school (including underwear and socks).
Please ensure school uniform is NAMED and other items such as lunchbox containers, spoons, drink bottles etc.
A named drink bottle is required. We are a water only school. We do encourage frequent water drinking. Drink bottle holders will be put out. These were removed last term due to the current level as we did not want children accidentally picking up someone else's drink bottle. As a whānau, you can choose to keep it in your child's bag or have it out.
We are looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia, Angela and Tash
8 April 2022
Kia ora,
Next term we welcome Angela Shea who will be starting our next NE class. This will mean that we will work in two separate hubs (with planning still collaborative) and the middle door will be closed. Children may have a new teacher for reading/structured literacy, math and/or writing. Please remember that all teachers within the hub can teach all levels. Your child may work with Angela. This does not mean they 'have gone down' any levels!
Next term, we are swimming in the afternoons at Selwyn Aquatic Centre (weeks 3 and 4). The cost for this is $3.50 per lesson plus bus fare. More information will be sent out next term.
Next week:
Structured Literacy - this may look a little different next week and books may not come home. Please ensure your child's book/folder continues to come to school every day. Thank you also for your support with the homework. This reinforcement helps to cement what we have been doing in class and we have noticed huge progress in our recent assessments because of this. Thank you!
Monday and Wednesday: NE visitors in
Tuesday: Sports afternoon. Please ensure your child has a warm jacket/layer and a named water bottle. A spare pair of shoes may be handy if the grass is damp (to put on afterwards). Unfortunately we cannot have parents/whānau on site due to the current restrictions.
Wednesday: Bricks for Kids. This outside provider will be in to take all classes within our hub. The cost for this is $10. This will be charged to your account.
Thursday: please ensure all reading books are returned on this day as they are required for other children next term and we have limited copies of some books. Thank you.
Wanted:
Loom bands - if you have any sitting around at home not being used, we'd love to have them. Please give them to Nicky.
Old sheets/towels - if you have any old, clean sheets or towels that you wish to get rid of, please drop them off to Larissa. Thanks.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia, Angela and Tash
1 April 2022
Kia ora,
Another busy week in the Huarapa hub. The children enjoyed their last week of golf lessons and they gained great skills over the past three weeks. Many thanks to Canterbury Golf for coming out to our kura every Tuesday.
You should receive another learning post this week (if you haven't already) on Hero. Please email your child's ako teacher if you have not received this by Monday.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: addition and/or subtraction; patterns and using positional language (eg over, under, between, beside, half turn, forwards, backwards etc)
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t, c, i.
Visual art: sculptures or painting
Music/Drama/Dance
Maori/Te Reo: Aoraki's Waka; Pepeha, Feelings, Simple introduction.
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Where do I live and go to school? Looking at our school environment.
PE: walking and skipping fundamental skills.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
25 March 2022
Kia ora,
The children are making great progress at school, both academically and socially. Please email your child's ako teacher if you have any questions about learning or other matters.
Welcome to Vallen and his whanau. Vallen is starting in H4 on Monday.
Reading books: please ensure that these reading books are returned on Monday. We only have a few copies of some books. If they are not returned, this means another child may miss out. Lost or damaged books will be charged to your account. Thank you for your support with this.
Scooters/Bikes: this has been changed to Mondays and bikes only on Wednesdays. Helmets are compulsory.
Bricks for Kids: at the end of the term we have Bricks for Kids coming in to take a 1.5 hour session per class. The cost for this will be approximately $10. This will be charged to your account.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: addition and/or subtraction; patterns
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t, c, i.
Visual art: landscapes based on the traditional tale of Aoraki's Waka.
Music/Drama/Dance
Maori/Te Reo: Aoraki's Waka; Pepeha, Feelings, Simple introduction.
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Te Whare Tapa Wha and how I can take care for my wellbeing.
PE: hopping fundamental skills; golf skills (last week).
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
18 March 2022
Kia ora,
This week we have had a science resource kit and have been learning about 'cows'. The children have enjoyed learning about the cows four stomachs (digestion); growing different grasses; sorting animal pictures and investigating mixtures and solutions. The children also enjoyed golf lessons on Tuesday. These will continue again next week.
Creative junk: if you have any old cereal boxes or other bits and pieces, we'd love them next week. The children will have an opportunity to make a musical instrument (if they wish). Please no toilet rolls. Thank you.
Structured literacy: please ensure the folder and s/literacy book is at school every day.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: addition and/or subtraction; patterns
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t, c, i.
Visual art: landscapes based on the traditional tale of Aoraki's Waka. These will be completed next week (hopefully)!
Music/Drama/Dance
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Te Whare Tapa Wha and how I can take care for my wellbeing.
PE: hopping fundamental skills; golf skills.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
10 March 2022
Kia ora,
It has been great to chat to all our new parents/whanau to ASP, over the last few weeks either over zoom or 1 to 1. Please email if you have any further questions or to clarify anything.
Thank you: To Ollie's mum and dad for bringing in some farm animals today. The children loved looking at the sheep, goat and 1 week old calf! Thanks to Larissa for organising this with Lesley and Thomas as part of the 'Urban Farmers' club.
Jackets: as the weather is getting cooler, please send with your child a named jacket. We do try to get outside everyday. An extra layer to put on when going outside is useful.
Golf lessons: Over the next few weeks Canterbury golf are coming in to give the children some 'golfing lessons'. These will be held on the following Tuesdays: 15th/27th/29th March. Please ensure your child wears appropriate footwear on this day and has a warm jacket. Our usual PE day is on a Thursday, so appropriate footwear on Thursdays is also helpful.
Structured Literacy: We are currently running two programmes or a mixture of both. These programmes are called: 'Little Learners Love Literacy' and ready to 'Read Phonics Plus' (or Better Start). We have now alined these two approaches. This may mean your child may repeat some books. The teachers will have a different focus whilst reading these with your child. Thank you for your continuing support with reading to your child daily and the structured literacy homework.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: Counting backwards from 20; exploring numicon apparatus and cuisenaire rods; shapes
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t.
Visual art: warm and cool colours
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons
Our school's well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Pepeha (you could try this version at home); Why I am special.
PE: skipping fundamental skills
Phonics: This is a great video to watch to help children learn the correct sounds. It would be useful for your child to listen to and practice these chants and the correct alphabet sounds. Please only start with the first few sounds if your child is new to school.
Value of the Week: - Manaakitanga: Action to promote - saying hello to people they see, particularly adults, parents and visitors.
Sickness: Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. It is great if you email us, but please also contact the office before 9am. Quite often we have not seen the email, may be away or on a course and are off site ourselves.
A reminder, that next Friday 18th March is a Teacher Only Day. This has been published in the school newsletter and on the school website.
Enjoy your weekend and keep safe!
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia, Angela and Tash
4 March 2022
Kia ora,
Welcome to Grayson and his family who started this week. The children have settled in well and have made huge gains both socially and academically. Over the next few weeks, all new children to ASP will have a meeting and/or zoom call with their ako teacher. This is an informal chat regarding settling into school.
Thank you for your daily support with your child's Structured Literacy homework. It makes a huge difference and the children love the connection of sharing what they are learning at school, with you at home.
Just a polite reminder not to come onto the school site/classroom areas until the 8.30am music bell has rung. Please wait 1m apart at the front gate (after you have signed in) near the office area until you hear this. Thank you.
We'd appreciate if dress up items (including masks and gloves) are not brought to school. This includes sharing days. We've had a number of children 'play fighting' due to these items. Thank you for your support with this.
Scooter and bike days: due to the current circumstances, Huarapa's day for scooter and/or bikes is Tuesday and Wednesday. Please ensure your child has a helmet.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: exploring numicon apparatus; geometry (shape) and problem solving.
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sound: .
Writing: finger spaces; writing words correctly on the lines; starting a sentence with a capital letter; sounding out known words.
Visual art: colour mixing; warm/cool colours.
Te reo: Feelings, Pepeha and my name.
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons.
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha.
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I?
PE: skipping fundamental skills (some children need to work on this skill)!
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
18 March 2022
Kia ora,
This week we have had a science resource kit and have been learning about 'cows'. The children have enjoyed learning about the cows four stomachs (digestion); growing different grasses; sorting animal pictures and investigating mixtures and solutions. The children also enjoyed golf lessons on Tuesday. These will continue again next week.
Creative junk: if you have any old cereal boxes or other bits and pieces, we'd love them next week. The children will have an opportunity to make a musical instrument (if they wish). Please no toilet rolls. Thank you.
Structured literacy: please ensure the folder and s/literacy book is at school every day.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: addition and/or subtraction; patterns
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t, c, i.
Visual art: landscapes based on the traditional tale of Aoraki's Waka. These will be completed next week (hopefully)!
Music/Drama/Dance
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Te Whare Tapa Wha and how I can take care for my wellbeing.
PE: hopping fundamental skills; golf skills.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
10 March 2022
Kia ora,
It has been great to chat to all our new parents/whanau to ASP, over the last few weeks either over zoom or 1 to 1. Please email if you have any further questions or to clarify anything.
Thank you: To Ollie's mum and dad for bringing in some farm animals today. The children loved looking at the sheep, goat and 1 week old calf! Thanks to Larissa for organising this with Lesley and Thomas as part of the 'Urban Farmers' club.
Jackets: as the weather is getting cooler, please send with your child a named jacket. We do try to get outside everyday. An extra layer to put on when going outside is useful.
Golf lessons: Over the next few weeks Canterbury golf are coming in to give the children some 'golfing lessons'. These will be held on the following Tuesdays: 15th/27th/29th March. Please ensure your child wears appropriate footwear on this day and has a warm jacket. Our usual PE day is on a Thursday, so appropriate footwear on Thursdays is also helpful.
Structured Literacy: We are currently running two programmes or a mixture of both. These programmes are called: 'Little Learners Love Literacy' and ready to 'Read Phonics Plus' (or Better Start). We have now alined these two approaches. This may mean your child may repeat some books. The teachers will have a different focus whilst reading these with your child. Thank you for your continuing support with reading to your child daily and the structured literacy homework.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: Counting backwards from 20; exploring numicon apparatus and cuisenaire rods; shapes
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t.
Visual art: warm and cool colours
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons
Our school's well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Pepeha (you could try this version at home); Why I am special.
PE: skipping fundamental skills
Phonics: This is a great video to watch to help children learn the correct sounds. It would be useful for your child to listen to and practice these chants and the correct alphabet sounds. Please only start with the first few sounds if your child is new to school.
Value of the Week: - Manaakitanga: Action to promote - saying hello to people they see, particularly adults, parents and visitors.
Sickness: Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. It is great if you email us, but please also contact the office before 9am. Quite often we have not seen the email, may be away or on a course and are off site ourselves.
A reminder, that next Friday 18th March is a Teacher Only Day. This has been published in the school newsletter and on the school website.
Enjoy your weekend and keep safe!
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia, Angela and Tash
4 March 2022
Kia ora,
Welcome to Grayson and his family who started this week. The children have settled in well and have made huge gains both socially and academically. Over the next few weeks, all new children to ASP will have a meeting and/or zoom call with their ako teacher. This is an informal chat regarding settling into school.
Thank you for your daily support with your child's Structured Literacy homework. It makes a huge difference and the children love the connection of sharing what they are learning at school, with you at home.
Just a polite reminder not to come onto the school site/classroom areas until the 8.30am music bell has rung. Please wait 1m apart at the front gate (after you have signed in) near the office area until you hear this. Thank you.
We'd appreciate if dress up items (including masks and gloves) are not brought to school. This includes sharing days. We've had a number of children 'play fighting' due to these items. Thank you for your support with this.
Scooter and bike days: due to the current circumstances, Huarapa's day for scooter and/or bikes is Tuesday and Wednesday. Please ensure your child has a helmet.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: exploring numicon apparatus; geometry (shape) and problem solving.
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sound: .
Writing: finger spaces; writing words correctly on the lines; starting a sentence with a capital letter; sounding out known words.
Visual art: colour mixing; warm/cool colours.
Te reo: Feelings, Pepeha and my name.
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons.
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha.
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I?
PE: skipping fundamental skills (some children need to work on this skill)!
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
18 March 2022
Kia ora,
This week we have had a science resource kit and have been learning about 'cows'. The children have enjoyed learning about the cows four stomachs (digestion); growing different grasses; sorting animal pictures and investigating mixtures and solutions. The children also enjoyed golf lessons on Tuesday. These will continue again next week.
Creative junk: if you have any old cereal boxes or other bits and pieces, we'd love them next week. The children will have an opportunity to make a musical instrument (if they wish). Please no toilet rolls. Thank you.
Structured literacy: please ensure the folder and s/literacy book is at school every day.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: addition and/or subtraction; patterns
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t, c, i.
Visual art: landscapes based on the traditional tale of Aoraki's Waka. These will be completed next week (hopefully)!
Music/Drama/Dance
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Te Whare Tapa Wha and how I can take care for my wellbeing.
PE: hopping fundamental skills; golf skills.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
10 March 2022
Kia ora,
It has been great to chat to all our new parents/whanau to ASP, over the last few weeks either over zoom or 1 to 1. Please email if you have any further questions or to clarify anything.
Thank you: To Ollie's mum and dad for bringing in some farm animals today. The children loved looking at the sheep, goat and 1 week old calf! Thanks to Larissa for organising this with Lesley and Thomas as part of the 'Urban Farmers' club.
Jackets: as the weather is getting cooler, please send with your child a named jacket. We do try to get outside everyday. An extra layer to put on when going outside is useful.
Golf lessons: Over the next few weeks Canterbury golf are coming in to give the children some 'golfing lessons'. These will be held on the following Tuesdays: 15th/27th/29th March. Please ensure your child wears appropriate footwear on this day and has a warm jacket. Our usual PE day is on a Thursday, so appropriate footwear on Thursdays is also helpful.
Structured Literacy: We are currently running two programmes or a mixture of both. These programmes are called: 'Little Learners Love Literacy' and ready to 'Read Phonics Plus' (or Better Start). We have now alined these two approaches. This may mean your child may repeat some books. The teachers will have a different focus whilst reading these with your child. Thank you for your continuing support with reading to your child daily and the structured literacy homework.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: Counting backwards from 20; exploring numicon apparatus and cuisenaire rods; shapes
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s, f, a, p, t.
Visual art: warm and cool colours
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons
Our school's well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I? Pepeha (you could try this version at home); Why I am special.
PE: skipping fundamental skills
Phonics: This is a great video to watch to help children learn the correct sounds. It would be useful for your child to listen to and practice these chants and the correct alphabet sounds. Please only start with the first few sounds if your child is new to school.
Value of the Week: - Manaakitanga: Action to promote - saying hello to people they see, particularly adults, parents and visitors.
Sickness: Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. It is great if you email us, but please also contact the office before 9am. Quite often we have not seen the email, may be away or on a course and are off site ourselves.
A reminder, that next Friday 18th March is a Teacher Only Day. This has been published in the school newsletter and on the school website.
Enjoy your weekend and keep safe!
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia, Angela and Tash
4 March 2022
Kia ora,
Welcome to Grayson and his family who started this week. The children have settled in well and have made huge gains both socially and academically. Over the next few weeks, all new children to ASP will have a meeting and/or zoom call with their ako teacher. This is an informal chat regarding settling into school.
Thank you for your daily support with your child's Structured Literacy homework. It makes a huge difference and the children love the connection of sharing what they are learning at school, with you at home.
Just a polite reminder not to come onto the school site/classroom areas until the 8.30am music bell has rung. Please wait 1m apart at the front gate (after you have signed in) near the office area until you hear this. Thank you.
We'd appreciate if dress up items (including masks and gloves) are not brought to school. This includes sharing days. We've had a number of children 'play fighting' due to these items. Thank you for your support with this.
Scooter and bike days: due to the current circumstances, Huarapa's day for scooter and/or bikes is Tuesday and Wednesday. Please ensure your child has a helmet.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: exploring numicon apparatus; geometry (shape) and problem solving.
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sound: f.
Writing: finger spaces; writing words correctly on the lines; starting a sentence with a capital letter; sounding out known words.
Visual art: colour mixing; warm/cool colours.
Te reo: Feelings.
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons.
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha.
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I?
PE: skipping fundamental skills (some children need to work on this skill)!
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
25 February 2022
Kia ora,
On Wednesday 23rd February, the Huarapa team held a Structured Literacy zoom meeting. The slides have been shared under the 'Learning at Home' tab above if you were unable to make it. Thank you to all of those who were able to. We have also shared an example of our weekly timetable and the schools karakia on the blog.
From Monday, we will be working in 'team bubbles'. This will mean that children will not be able to mix with other children or staff from another learning space or enter their classrooms (this also includes us)! Play areas will also be separated. Sadly, this will mean that siblings will not be able to play together during breaks. If your child has a sibling at school, please discuss this with them.
Numicon (math): We use the Numicon apparatus as part of our mathematical teaching. This approach provides opportunities to explore and investigate mathematical concepts. Please watch this clip if you wish to learn more. There is also a useful 'learning at home page' on this site, if you wish to use this.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: Counting backwards from 20; exploring numicon apparatus; patterns
Literacy: Structured literacy - segmenting and blending cvc words (breaking up and putting back together) eg cat = c-a-t. Focus sounds: m, s.
Visual art: colour mixing; warm/cool colours
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
Inquiry (Connections) - Who am I?
PE: hopping fundamental skills
Phonics: This is a great video to watch to help children learn the correct sounds. It would be useful for your child to listen to and practice these chants and the correct alphabet sounds. Please only start with the first few sounds if your child is new to school.
Sickness: Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. It is great if you email us, but please also contact the office before 9am. Quite often we have not seen the email, may be away or on a course and off site ourselves.
Passion Projects: We need some old technology (e.g. printers, telephones) for our deconstruction passion project. If you have anything you’d like to get rid off, we would love to take it off your hands! Unfortunately we cannot take old computers or tv's. Please drop these items to Lydia's door or drop them to the office. Thank you.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
18 February 2022
Kia ora,
What a lovely week we have all had together. We are lucky to have such lovely learners in our space. Over the next few weeks you will receive a "Caring"/"Settling into school" comment from your child's ako teacher. This is sent to you via Hero. Please contact your child's ako teacher directly if you have not received this by 1 March.
Meeting: On Wednesday 23rd February, the Huarapa team will be holding a Structured Literacy zoom meeting at 7pm. The team will briefly go over what this is and how we are now teaching 'reading', based on the latest research. We will also discuss 'homework'. BYO Wine and Cheese! This replaces the school wide picnic we usually have at this time of year. Zoom details are at the bottom of this page.
Structured literacy:
Please ensure your child's structured literacy book and book folder is at school every day as the children revise the work at school.
Read over the sounds in the front of their books and the non-decodable heart words in the back of their book.
The sheet in the front of the book contains decodable words for your child to sound out and blend/put together. Some of these words may be nonsense words e.g. ic! Please see the link below with regards to a handy video clip to watch, to help your child learn the correct sounds.
A cardboard word card has been sent home this week. This is for you to cut out and use at home together. Your child could make some of the words from their structured literacy book and/or learn the sounds.
Covid: As we will be moving into a transitional phases under red, it will be most likely that your child will be learning at home at some point. In anticipation for this it would be useful if you could collect the following items: 2x dice, counters, colouring items, chalk, paper, cellotape, pencils, glue, paint brush/es, scissors, playdough or plasticine etc. Not all items will be used but they will be useful to have for home learning.
Other items that could be collected for construction/craft at home: e.g. old shoe boxes, milk bottle tops, tubes, pva glue, ice block sticks, wool scraps or string, magazines or supermarket flyers, cereal boxes for cardboard etc.
Please do not go and buy expensive items as they may not be used - borrow from someone or buy cheap items from the $2 shop.
A collection of reading books from the library to read to your child would be useful as well.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: Patterns
Literacy: Structured literacy (segmenting and blending sounds)
Music/Drama/Dance and Science/Coding/Technology mini lessons
Zones of Regulation (emotions) and our school's Well being model: Te Whare Tapa Wha
PE: jumping fundamental skills
Phonics: This is a great video to watch to help children learn the correct sounds. It would be useful for your child to listen to and practice these chants and correct alphabet sounds. Please only start with the first few sounds if your child is new to school.
Passion Projects: On Fridays the children usually opt into a termly learning interest club called "Curiosity Clubs". All children from years 0-8 are in these mixed groups clubs. Due to the current circumstance we are unable to hold these. However, the Huarapa team are holding their own 'mini' version of these called 'Passion Projects'. This began this week and your child will have opted into one of these choices for the term: Urban Gardeners; Visual Art Around the World or Deconstruction.
We need some old technology (e.g. printers, telephones) for our deconstruction passion project. If you have anything you’d like to get rid off, we would love to take it off your hands! Unfortunately we cannot take old computers or tv's.
Please note that there is a vomiting bug going around at the moment!
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
_____
Zoom meeting
Topic: Huarapa Structured Literacy meeting 1
Time: Feb 23, 2022 07:00 PM Auckland, Wellington
https://zoom.us/j/3800120456?pwd=Vzg3bE1oZGRZOUEwVXVlelgvVVN4QT09
Meeting ID: 380 012 0456
11 February 2022
Kia ora,
Welcome to Anya who has officially joined us this week. We do have a number of new families and they are visiting throughout the term.
Just a polite reminder that parents/caregivers are not allowed in the classroom. We do have a couple of parents with exemptions for various reasons. Toys or dress up clothing or items are not to be brought to school. Sharing is only on a Thursday.
If your child has yoghurt or a sushi ball please bring a spoon to school as these are not provided at school. All children must have a named drink bottle at school every day as the water fountains are switched off.
This week your child will bring home their Structured Literacy book. A homework 'reading sheet' will be glued in at the beginning of the week. Please revise the sounds on this. There may be some words or a sentence on the sheet for you to read together. Words that cannot be 'sounded out' are called heart words as these need to be learnt 'by heart'. These are glued into the back of your child's book. Please read these together frequently. A cardboard set of sound cards will also be sent home this week. These are for you to cut out and use at home. More information can be found in the front of the book or please email your child's ako teacher. Please ensure this book is put into their reading folder/book bag and it is at school everyday. Thank you.
This week we have been learning about:
Maths: Patterns
Literacy: Learning to write our names correctly (no capital letters in the middle of words) and on the line; correct pencil grip
Phonics: This is a great video to watch to help children learn the correct sounds. It would be useful for your child to listen to and practice these chants and correct alphabet sounds.
This week your child will begin small group 'workshops' in math, structured literacy/reading and writing with a teacher. They will most likely have a different teacher for at least one of these areas.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ngā mihi
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
4 February 2022
Kia ora,
What a wonderful week we have had. It has been lovely to get to know all our lovely new learners and their families. A big welcome to you all. We have had a number of children visiting as well. The children have settled in very well and they are a delight to work with.
The blog is where you will find important Huarapa updates. Please click on this and check this regularly as it contains information for whanau. There will be photos of some of the lovely things we have been doing on here as well. Most information is sent out usually at the end of the week or over the weekend via this method. Please let us know if you do not wish for your child to be photographed and on the blog.
Over the next few weeks teachers will be assessing your child. Our usual timetable will then begin and children will have small group 'workshops' in math, writing and structured literacy (or guided reading) with a teacher. Your child may have different teachers for each of these areas.
Hi-vis vests
These must be worn to and from school everyday (even if you come by car). We have had 'near misses' in the carpark and the vest ensures your child is seen. Take a note of the number on the vest. Please encourage your child to put this on/off themselves to help them build their independence. Carrying and packing their own bags is also encouraged.
Reading folders
These should come to school everyday. Please remind your child to take this into the classroom before the music bell in the morning. Your child should know where to put this in the classroom.
Hats
Can you please keep your child's hat in the front pocket of their bag as this is used frequently throughout the day.
Sharing and Library
This term sharing and library is on a Thursday.
Sharing items: Thursday is the only day that children may bring in a toy to share and talk about. This stops items being lost or broken and it can also cause distractions in class. There will be a place in the class where these items are stored however, please do not bring anything very precious to school as staff cannot always keep track of where items are. Of course, if they have done something special and received a certificate or something similar, we'd love to see it any day of the week! Today (Friday) will be the last day that soft toys are at school. Please email your child's ako teacher if you think this is still required next week. Email addresses are below.
Library: This will usually be on a Thursday. Children can have a book for two week, but most children return them after one week. Any lost or damaged books will need to be paid for. The children cannot get any new books out if they have not been returned.
Forms
If you have not already done so, please return any forms to the office. Thank you.
Family photos
Thank you for sending these in. If you have not done this, please email one to your child's ako teacher over the weekend. Their email address is below.
Have a lovely long weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash
1 February 2022
Kia ora,
What an exciting day for you and your tamariki!
Just a few reminders regarding the 'rules under red".....
1. Wear a mask (adults).
2. Sign in using the QR code on the gate. Wait for the 'music bell' near the office area if you arrive just before 8.30am. Please do not enter the other parts of the school grounds before then.
3. If you wish to enter the classroom hub this week - please sign in/out at the office (as well as using the QR code). Adults are to wear the sticker to ensure that this has been done.
4. Sanitise your hands (and your child's) when entering the classroom and keep at least 1m apart from others. There is sanitiser at the entrance of the classroom hub. If you or your child goes in/out the classroom, please sanitise each time you re-enter.
Please ensure all gates are closed behind you at all times, as we do have a couple of children within the school who escape. Thank you for your help with this.
Pick up (3pm)
1. If entering the school grounds, please wear a mask, sign in using the QR code and keep at least 1m away from others (even if you are 'friends')! Please do not enter the classroom space.
2. Whaea Larissa and Whaea Lydia's classes will be dismissed at the end of the day from the front of the class. Whaea Nicky's class from the back door (near the sandpit/garage). This allows for whanau to spread out a bit more!
3. Please ensure you pick up your child promptly and that you leave the premises, as we cannot have whanau and children mixing/congregating.
This is not how we like to operate as it is not very welcoming, but thank you for your support with this!
Reminder
1. Copy of a family photo to your child's ako teacher
2. Soft toy for this week (this will be left inside during breaks).
3. Return any documentation/forms to the office today if you haven't already done so. Forms will be in your child's reading folder or bag if you were absent yesterday. Please return these directly to the office yourself this week. Thanks.
4. Thank you to those families who have brought in their stationery (and for your patience if you needed to make a swap). Any books that are not required or incorrect will go home today in their reading folders. Please keep these to use at home or for next year.
We are looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Nicky, Larissa and Lydia
Welcome to School
30 January 2022
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to 2022 from the Huarapa teaching team. Your child’s teaching team are: Nicky, Lydia, Larissa. Your child will be taught by all of the teachers within the team. You will also get to meet our release teacher Tash and our lovely Learning Assistants: Kylie, Debbie and Jenny.
Our Weekly Notices will normally be posted on the Class Blog, which is linked to our school website. These will be posted at the end of each week with messages for the upcoming week and information about what your child is currently learning in different learning areas. Our blog will also have photos from our learning during the week.
Please ensure you read the blog every week as this contains messages just for our learning space!
You child should have already received a letter in the post from their own ako teacher. If you did not receive this, please mention this to your child's ako teacher tomorrow and check we have the correct postal address! This email is just a few reminders for the first few days of the term.
Meet the Teacher: Monday January 31
We will be seeing many of you on Monday. We have our names and photos on the doors so you know you are in the right place! For our new whānau, we are in the learning space called Huarapa (where your child had visits last year). On Monday you will be asked to check your contact details and details of an alternative person to pick up your child. It is important that these detail are up to date especially if we need to contact you in an emergency or if your child is ill.
Please ensure you have read all Claire’s communications regarding what ‘red’ looks like at school and the process for Monday’s ‘Meet the Teacher’ (scanning, masks, social distancing etc). Please make sure you keep to your arrival time slot so we can ensure we do not have too many people in the learning space at any one time. After Monday, you will be unable to enter the learning space due to the present Ministry of Health guidelines. Please chat to your child's ako teacher with regards to this if you have any concerns. If you arrive at 8.30am, please wait at the main gate/office area until your hear the "music bell".
If possible, please bring in stationery items on Monday - we can make a head start on sorting it all. All books need to be named. You do not need to name pencils, glue sticks, whiteboard markers, etc. If you ordered your items last year and you need to swap your stationery items, please bring your items in a named bag on Monday and we will swap these for you.
Sunhats
A navy blue sunhat (with a brim that goes all the way around - no caps please) are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. They are worn at break times and whenever we are outside, so they do need them everyday. Please ensure these are clearly named. We would highly recommend a badge or some kind of personal identification on the front of it. It eliminates children’s presuming they have picked up their own hat. Although we keep hats in bags, they do sometimes end up in different places and they do not always check the name in it.
Drink Bottles
The water fountains will not be running due to Covid restrictions. Your child will need a named drink bottle each day. They are able to refill this in the classroom.
Photos/Soft toy
Could we please have a family photo (this will not be returned) on Tuesday (A5 sized). You are welcome to email this to us if this is easier. Although we discourage children bringing toys to school, can they please bring their favourite soft toy to school all of this week as we are doing a mathematical activity with them.
We are really looking forward to meeting you and your child and working with you all this year.
Kind regards,
Nicky Harding (Huarapa 4) Team Leader
Larissa Jay (Huarapa 3)
Lydia Borlase (Huarapa 2)
January 2022
Kia ora
Happy new year! We hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and are having lovely whānau time.
Please find attached the stationery list for 2022. If you wish, this can be purchased online at: Qizzle.co.nz.
If your child had already started school in 2021, you will notice that there are are number of new items on this list (and a few deleted). Please bring in stationery items from last year (e.g. the writing books have changed, but bring in last years books). We don't want to waste paper or money! The 2B8 Warwick hardcover book (2B8) will not need to be purchased if you did this last year. If you purchased stationery last year for 2022 from the old list, this is perfectly fine as well!
Please name all books. Items such as whiteboard pens, glue sticks and pencils do not need to be named as these are shared items.
Items can be delivered to your child's ako teacher on Monday 31st January at the drop in 'meet the teacher' session. More information regarding this drop in session will be emailed over the next few weeks. School will begin on Tuesday 1st February (usual time 9-3pm).
Your child should receive a letter in the post over the next few weeks from your child's ako teacher. This also contains other information regarding starting school. Further information can be found on our school website.
We are looking forward to working with you and your child this year.
Ngā mihi
Nicky, Larissa, Lydia and Tash