Term One Calendar

    Monday 24 March, for Curriculum Development 

Evans Bay Intermediate School is a Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) school and as a part of this we have our school wide rewards system.

This system focuses on acknowledgement for both collective achievement (both school wide and class wide) and individual achievement.

There have been some changes made to this system compared to previous years and this has been done with a focus on positive reinforcement and acknowledgment, and in consultation with students regarding the strengths and weaknesses they identified in the way these systems have previously been used.

Here is an outline to support the understanding of whānau who don’t see this in action on a day to day basis.

Waka Cards  (Schoolwide)

Waka cards are handed out when staff spot students the right thing. This should be free and fast. Classes track their totals and these are shared collectively across the whole school. The aim is to reach a target to earn a reward, as determined by the student school leaders. 

The first target being worked towards is 1000 cards for a non uniform day.

Values Challenge   (Class)

This is the accumulation of weekly points (maximum of 4 per week) for living our school values.

Upon reaching 20 points the class receives an acknowledgement. The great thing is that this is a challenge not a competition, so when one class reaches 20, it is not game over for the other classes. 

Waka Slips  (Individual)

Waka Slips are certificates given out by staff members when they’ve identified consistency, growth or on occasion to acknowledge a one off achievement.

Students are acknowledged in their class for their achievement and they bring their Waka Slips home with them.

The accumulation of Waka Slips over a student’s time at EBIS can also lead to additional recognition.

Merit Badges (individual)

This year there has been a change to Merit Badges.

As has been the case for a long time, students can earn Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. This is achieved through the accumulation of Waka Slips.

To receive a Bronze Award a student must earn 15 Waka Slips, Silver is received at 24 Waka Slips and Gold at 30. This accumulation happens over their two years at EBIS. While it is impossible to achieve Gold without first achieving Silver and Bronze, and likewise Bronze must be achieved to earn Silver, all three awards are huge achievements in their own right, and are acknowledged as such. 

Badges are also presented to School Leaders, the two Year 8’s from each class who are chosen to be the leaders by their teacher and peers.

These are the only four Merit Badges that can be earned. 

 Previously merit badges had been awarded for a wide range of other activities, but upon receiving student feedback it became apparent that this was becoming devalued by the volume handed out, amongst other issues that arose. We looked at options to reduce the number of merits awarded, but it became apparent that to do so required us to value some achievements or experiences over others. 

We genuinely believe that by limited the Merit Badges that are achievable to all students who work hard and consistently to be good citizens and members of our school community we will see the prestige of Merit Badges return across the whole school.

It is also important to mention that this does not mean we will not be recognising and celebrating achievements. How this is done, will differ depending on the nature of the activity.

Evacuation/Lockdown Drills

This term we have had two drills. One was a lockdown drill and the other was a fire drill. When there is a lockdown an alarm will sound. It is the same as the normal bell but it keeps repeating. Then we go into the corner of the classroom where there is no way that anybody outside can see us, We can only leave when Mr Young comes and gives us the all clear.` When there is a fire drill we evacuate the classroom and calmly walk over to the back courts. When we get there we line up in the alphabetical order of our surnames in our classes.

By Gabrielle Warren

Room 11

Room 14

 That was Summer writing 

Room 10

Over the last couple of weeks the students of Room 10 have been working on a range of things, inside and outside (and in the foods room)!

Taekwondo

We've been lucky to have Andy, Alex and Nadia (an ex EBIS student) come into school to give some of our students an experience in Taekwondo.

It was challenging, required discipline and was lots of fun.

As is the EBIS way, students performed our school haka in appreciation of their time and effort.

Athletics Day

Calling All Kids!
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