31 May 2021 

Talofa Lava, 

I hope everyone is well despite the change in weather in recent weeks. Our children are settled and are well into their learning for Term 2. 

This week NZ celebrates Samoan Language week. This year’s theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week 2021 is Poupou le lotoifale. Ola manuia le anofale which means strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive.

When you’re building a foundation for a fale (house) it can’t have a weak foundation or posts. This is the same for the foundations of our families, schools and churches that play an important role in strengthening Gagana Samoa (the Samoan Language). Language is important for the foundations of our overall well being. The analogy of the fale is similar to that of Te whare Tapa Wha which our students learnt about last year through HauOra. 

This week we farewell Shelley as she takes the remainder of the year on maternity leave. We wish her all the best with the safe delivery of a baby girl soon. Shelley will still retain the accounts portfolio over this time period and any enquiries can be sent to admin@woodlandspark.school.nz cc  accounts@woodlandspark.school.nz . We welcome Roz Gill  who will be working in the office part time and look forward to her time with us. 

Over the last couple of weeks our students have been learning about how to keep themselves mentally well. We were encouraged by the large number of families supporting Pink Shirt Day by turning up in pink and everyone had a great day of activities organised by their teachers. 

We have just finished celebrating NZ Music Month and thank Alison Foster for organising a number of musical events and activities throughout the month. 

Last Friday we raised over $200 to donate to the I am Hope campaign by Mike King. It was a reflective day wearing gumboots around the school, as we acknowledged the feeling of walking in mud akin to that of those who struggle with mental illness. The money raised goes toward funding free counselling to children in need in a timely manner. Thank you for your contribution and to Tania Chaney who organised the day's events. 

Deputy Principal Nick organised James from the Halberg Foundation to talk to our kids about inclusion at Hui time today - in the sporting world. James helped us understand that we can make sport inclusive by following the STEP model. We can modify the Space, adjust the demands of a Task as well as the Equipment. The Halberg foundation aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders through sport and recreation. And we look forward to further visits from the Halberg Foundation in the near future. 

Nga Mihi,

Nardz Stephenson 

Rhythm n Steps Dance Show

Marrzipan Drama 
Self-Confidence classes at Woodlands Park 

Marrzipan have gained a huge reputation in New Zealand for the development of shy children, especially those with anxiety, autism and selective mutism. Saying that, this is a class for the super crazy and dramatic types too, as we focus on positive leadership and social skills.Our classes focus on inner and outer self-confidence, and are super fun and exciting for children. Parents are kept up to date with weekly emails about what’s been covered in class and why, as well as what you can work on at home. We have two awesome showcases at the end of every term too, so you can see your child’s development first hand as they perform in one of our termly productions. 

Our classes will be running on Thursday, before school in the library. Spaces are limited to 10 students, to sign up for a non-obligatory trial lesson - please register your interest by emailing manon@marrzipandrama.co.nz or calling 0272206030. See you there!