School Newsletter
14 November 2024

Kia ora e te whānau | Greetings all

As our final term of the year races by, we're continuing to pack it full of learning opportunities. From exploring Rotoroa Island and watching chicks hatch, to kapa haka performances, and creating bridges from junk. And there's no sign of slowing down yet, we've still got plenty to come! 

Last week we also welcomed visitors from Hawaii, building their knowledge on the Stonefields way. 

Here's a look at everything that's been happening, as well as upcoming events and reminders. It's worth having your calendar out for these upcoming dates. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Sarah and the team

Rotoroa Island Trip

Our Year 5-6 learners were lucky enough to spend a day out on this magical island in the harbour. Year 5's went on Monday and got a little wet in the morning however the rain brought out the wildlife and they were fortunate enough to see several Takahē. As the sun came out in the afternoon, our learners enjoyed the forest and beach walk. The Rotoroa Island team were impressed with the collaboration and behaviour of the learners.

The Year 6 learners went on Tuesday with a warm morning and calm seas. They headed out on a scenic hill walk and were welcomed by the many island Wekas. The learners were very knowledgeable about island foral and birds. They got to see many tree-top birds as the beautiful weather encouraged them out. The learners used their sight, smell and hearing to locate the many island bird species. Thanks to the Rotoroa Island team for making this such a memorable day. 

Living Eggs

This week in Hub 1 the learners have shared their hub with some very cute baby chicks! They have been learning about different roles in our community and have had the special opportunity to observe some chicks hatching. Learners have observed the transition from an egg to a baby chick and learnt how to look after them for the first 10 days of their life. What an experience to observe! 

Junky Moneys

On Thursday, the team from Junky Monkeys visited to show us how to have fun with everyday junk! 

They brought everything from old suitcases, pipes, crates, life jackets, old phones, golf balls, ropes and maybe even a kitchen sink! Learners from Hub 13 and 5 had an amazing time using their imagination and creativity to build golf ball ramps, pull each other on homemade sleds, cook up delicious treats in a restaurant and even have a viking battle.

Unfortunately it began to rain so we will have Junky Monkeys come back again later on in the term for some more Junky fun! 

Manaiakalani Film Festival

This week was the annual Manaiakalani Film Festival. Our year 5-8 learners had the privilege of watching the films on the big screen at Hoyts Sylvia Park whilst our juniors watched them in the hall. Check out the films our Stonefields learners created and films from the other Manaiakalani schools.  

Swimming 2025

Thanks for your feedback on swimming as we plan ahead for 2025. We've now captured a strong voice from our community, here's what we've heard: 

• 70% of parents want some form of swimming included in the curriculum, however only 11% want this to be just swimming lessons

Based on this, we are putting together a progression based water programme with a strong focus on water safety. This progression based programme will take learners from years 0-2 where there will be an introduction to water safety as well as technical swimming, through to years 7-8 where it will be more life-saving focused, setting these learners up for the water-based experiences they will experience at camp and beyond. 

We're excited to introduce this programme next year! 

Learning Achievement Celebration - Wednesday 11 December

Each year we gather together as a whole school community to celebrate the learning achievements of each and every one of our learners. The event will be held on Wednesday 11 December from 6pm in the Sacred Heart College Auditorium. Mark the date in your diary, more details will come closer to the time. 

All learners are expected to attend this celebration along with their whānau. 

Stonefields Market Day - Saturday 23 November

The Stonefields Market Day is happening again this year with live performances from our talented musicians. The School's choir, junior bands, senior band, and StoneRock band will all be performing between 10am - 1pm. Come along to support them and our local businesses. 

Uniform Donations

If you have any uniform items you no longer require, that still have plenty of life left in them, we'd love to add them to our second hand uniform stock. We have almost no skorts or short-sleeve shirts left. Please drop them off at the office. Thank you kindly! 

Scholastic Book Club

Scholastic Book Club orders for issue no.8 2024 are now open.  This will be the last Scholastic Book Club for 2024.  If you wish to make a purchase, please do so before orders close next Friday, 22nd November.  

The ordering process is completely paper-less, and the current brochure is available to view here.  There will be some paper copies of the Book Club catalogue in each of the hubs and the library, should you prefer to view the catalogue in paper form. 

To place your order, please register using the LOOP website.  You may then order via the website, or by using one of Scholastic's apps.  Please select your child's hub (class), not their year level when placing your order.  Please do not return anything to school as all orders are processed through the Scholastic LOOP system.  You will be emailed when your order arrives. 

If you have any problems placing your order, please email anna.malan@stonefields.school.nz or phone Scholastic on 0800 266 525.

Community Christmas Picnic - Friday 6 December

Last year our Community Christmas Picnic was such a great event, we're doing it again! Mark out Friday 6 December, 3pm-5pm in your diary and join us for a summer afternoon picnic with live performances, markets, carnival games and much more. 

We'd love to have some parents to help run some food stalls on the day, please get in touch if you can spare some time to help support the school. 

Interschool events still to come this term

• Tamaki Have a Go Day Y3-4 | 20th November

• AUCC Cricket Y3-6 | 26th & 27th November

• EZ Athletics Y7-8 | 21st November

• Tamaki Athletics Y5-8 | 4th December

Netball Feedback & planning session, open to all Netball whanau 

Netball has become a central part of our school culture, with over 100 learners participating throughout the winter season, and many continuing on into the summer league. As we start planning for the 2025 season, we’d like to invite parents, coaches, managers, and players to join us for a feedback session. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the season, share insights, and identify areas for improvement. 

Also, to help the season run smoothly, we will need the support of parents to take on various roles, such as organising gear bags and assisting with other logistical tasks. The feedback session will be a chance to sign up for these roles and to ensure we’ve covered everything in our planning.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Friday 22 November

Time: Drop in anytime between 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Outside of School Sport Achievements - Taekwondo

We are very pleased to share that in August, two of our learners traveled to Palmerston North to compete in the National Taekwondo Competition. After months of dedicated training, they took part in the Sparring and Patterns events, showcasing their skills in punches, blocks, and kicks, and sparring, all in front of a judging panel. Taking home the following medals:

If you have been reaching some awesome goals in sport outside of school, let us know - email sport@stonefields.school.nz  

As always, if you have any sport related queries please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Sport Team sport@stonefields.school.nz 

Sport Quote of the week...

• Friday Cafe | Friday 15 November | 3pm

• Junior (Year 0-4) School Assembly | Monday 18 November | 2pm, Hall 

• Kapa Haka practice | Wednesday 20 November | 8.20am, Te Pou Manawa

• Year 6/7 Parent Intermediate Transition for 2025 | Thursday 21 November | 7.30am

• Netball Coaches & Managers drop in session | Friday 22 November | 2pm - 4pm

• Friday Cafe | Friday 22 November | 3pm

• Stonefields Market Day | Saturday 23 November | 10am - 1pm

• 2025 New Entrant Cohort Visit | Monday 25 & Tuesday 26 November | 9.15am - 10.15am

• Senior (Year 5-8) School Assembly | Monday 25 November | 2pm, Hall 

• Kapa Haka practice | Wednesday 27 November | 8.20am, Te Pou Manawa

• Whānau Hui | Thursday 28 November | 6pm 

View our School Calendar to keep up to date with all events