Kia ora koutou,
We are well and truly into the swing of Term 4 and our students have settled quickly after the holiday break into their learning. We made a number of enviro connections last term through our science based inquiry and have been encouraged in our learning experiences to continue to ensure we look after our beautiful environment.
This term our inquiry has a health focus through ‘Keeping Ourselves Safe.’ To complement the classroom programmes taught by our teachers, Constable Carl delivered some informative workshops around road safety for Whanau Kowhai and safety for Whanau Pohutukawa and Harakeke. Whanau Harakeke are also learning about personal health and development and working towards increasing responsibility for self-care.
Our ‘Water Skills for Life’ safety programme is back in action this week with the reopening of our school pool. Water Skills for Life is made up of seven skill sets that contain 27 core skills, it establishes broad fundamental competencies for life-long water safety.
Our school has a long history and commitment to planting in the local area. Whanau Harakeke spent some time at Tangiwai reserve this week, weeding and restoring some of the previously planted trees as well as enjoying being out in our local surroundings. Thank you to Micah and teachers from Harakeke and our parents for supporting this wonderful organisation.
Our staff are very grateful to finally be back in our new staffroom and teacher resource space after 10 months of an ‘outdoor staff room’! The office has been reinstated in our reception area and the ‘rainbow room’ has returned as our Learning Support Space for additional needs. We went into the build right in the thick of covid and every step of the way has been a challenge - but we’re there and super appreciative of the School Investment Package to improve central infrastructure from the government as well as our own commitment to this project.
Our new board have met twice since taking office and are excited about the strategic direction of the school as we continue to ensure the very best for our students throughout their six year journey with us.
Woodlands Park School Board;
Pete Lehmann - Presiding Member
Bonita Swanepoel -board member
Michelle Hutton - board member
Fraser Jackson - board member
Karen Ellis - Staff Trustee
Nardz Stephenson - CEO
Finally, a huge thank you for your support with Gumboot Friday, this goes a long way in helping our most vulnerable and at-risk children in our country.
Have a wonderful weekend and take care!
Ngaa mihi,
Nardz Stephenson
We have recently had acts of vandalism on our school grounds in the early evenings. This has included climbing on classroom roofs to rip out security lights, throwing around outdoor tables and chairs, emptying compost buckets over pathways, loosening playground bolts and screws on equipment, climbing the pool fence, and damaging pool equipment.
Please help us to keep our grounds safe - if you see any unsafe behaviour please let us know or call our security company Intercept 0800-intercept
November 2022
Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office.
The Board of Trustees has determined that there are currently places for Term 1,2023 in the following year group:
10 places for New Entrant/Year 1 (those turning 5 before 31st January 2023)
For out of zone students seeking enrolment in 2023, the deadline for receipt of applications for this current round of out of zone enrolments is Friday 18th November 2022.
If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out of zone places is required, it will be held on Wednesday 23rd November 2022
Please contact the school for further information.
Email: admin@woodlandspark.school.nz
Website: www.woodlandspark.school.nz
Phone: 817 5140
On behalf of the Board, we can now confirm that the Woodlands Park School swimming pool will soon be open for school whanau to use outside of school hours.
Due to the unprecedented demand for pool keys, once again a ballot will be held for the 2022 - 2023 summer season. This will ensure fair and equitable access. The cost is $145 to use a pool key plus a $20 bond which will be refunded when the key is returned at the end of the season.
If you would like to be included in the Swimming Pool Key Ballot please click on the link below to read the terms and conditions for use and complete the Swimming Pool Key Ballot form.
Please ensure this form has been completed and submitted before Thursday 17 November 2022.
Constable Carl has recently talked to all our Whānau Kowhai classes about road safety.
We have noticed an increase in unsafe driving and unsafe parking. There are also many adults not using the crossing. This is even worse on rainy days.
We do understand you may be in a hurry or running late (probably due to the hold ups caused by the current road works on Atkinson Rd). But please remember to be safe for our tamariki.
Before and after school is a busy time. Parking rules help to protect children and keep them safe. Drivers who park illegally put children at risk. Parking on the curb near the crossing or across driveways can block the view of children waiting to cross.
Parking at least 400m away from school and walking to the gates reduces the risks of crashes and injuries.
Our road patrol team will be on the crossing 20 mins before schools starts and up to 20 mins after school. Children learn by example – adults should model good road safety and always cross at crossings.
Please slow down and take care
We survey our parent community bi-annually with regard to the Health Curriculum. You can read our health statement and give feedback by clicking here.
Well done to Year 5 & 6 boys and girls football teams who competed in the inter school fooball tournament on 26 and 27 of October at Riversdale Reserve.
Girls Team
The girls team played with heart and determination. Many of them had never played football before but they had a fantastic day representing WPS proudly!
Boys A Team
The A team made it all the way to the final. Like the B team, they played Titirangi in the final game and the score ended up 0-0 at full time. This meant a penalty shoot out would decide the winner. Unfortunately we lost the shoot out by 1 point. It was a disappointment to be so close but we were stoked to get to 2nd place!
Boys B Team
The B team had a fantastic result - champions of the B grade! Well done to the players who showed great sportsmanship and positivity all day.
CHECK OUT OUR SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR DATES
Term Dates for 2023 are now on our website:
https://woodlandspark.school.nz/term-dates/
NB- On Tuesday 22 November, some of our staff will be attending NZEI Union Meetings. School will remain open on this day.
Our school choir will be performing in the Farmers Santa Parade! Here is a link to the songs so choir members can practice at home.
Our Auckland West RTLB Service (Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour) is pleased to be able to offer The Incredible Years for Parents Programme course in Term 1 and 2 in 2023. There will be another course in Term 3 and 4.
This is a programme for parents of children aged 3-8, which provides parents with skills to better support children, creating a positive home environment to promote children's social and emotional competence and communication skills. In the groups, trained Incredible Years Facilitators use video clips of real-life situational vignettes to support the training and stimulate group discussion, problem-solving and practical exercises. Each course has a minimum of 14 and maximum of 16 parents.
Venue: Fruitvale School
Days: Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 11:30 - morning tea provided
Dates: Term 1 - 21st Feb - 28th March, Term 2 2nd May to 20th June.
Cost: Free - they can also help with the cost of transport or babysitting.
If you are interested please contact Tania Chaney (Learning Support Co-ordinator) taniac@woodlandspark.school.nz
Marrzipan Drama is now accepting new enrolments for term 4! They will be running awesome classes before school on Wednesday focusing on using drama skills to teach self-confidence. Marrzipan plays fun and engaging games, and the students perform a play at the end of the term to parents and friends. Get in touch with Manon to come along for a trial class, sign up for the term, or chat about how Marrzipan classes can benefit your child's development. Contact Manon on 0273673334 or email auckland@marrzipandrama.co.nz
Playball is an introduction to eight different sports, Football, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, Baseball, Tennis, Hockey and Rugby.
For all Year 1, 2 and 3 students:
Our aim is not to create superstars, but rather to provide children with the opportunity to develop a host of necessary social, educational and personal skills by giving children competence in sport.
Playball is taking final enrolments for term four and will commence on Monday the 14th of November and run for five weeks on Mondays at lunchtime in the hall.
We will be limiting spaces to 36 children for term four
Ask about a free trial today.
To enrol your child/children please sign up online at the following link
https://www.playballkids.com/parent-zone/basket_bookings.php?classid=50110
Any queries please call James on 027-481-7000 or email james@playball.co.nz
Christmas and New Year is creeping up fast and it is such a lovely way for people to go on holidays having their pet still cared for in the safety of their own home.
Put your mind at ease to know your pet is being feed and cuddled daily.
Cats, rabbits, chickens, mice, rats, birds you name it we can look after it all!
Bookings are filling up now so secure your spot today.
We are pleased to share with our school community a free on-line parenting programme. This programme is designed to support you and your children with simple strategies for learning to manage and reduce anxious feelings now and in the future. This free on-line support is funded by the Ministry of Health and Wharaurau.
Is Fear-Less Triple P Online right for my family?
Online support for parents of anxious kids (6-14 years)
Find out the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of child and teen anxiety
Learn more about what’s helpful and what can accidentally add to anxiety
Start applying new strategies immediately
New online program based on proven principles
Improve your child’s emotional wellbeing in the long term
Reduce your own stress, too!
https://www.triplep-parenting.net.nz/nz-uken/triple-p/?itb=94fee470b43270a912c27d56c27b3211
We asked oVRcome 2 questions.
"How do I set my child up in the morning for a successful day?
and
"How to overcome anxiety in experiences that are out of our comfort zone?"
See the videos below for their replies.