Paenga-whāwhā 2023
April Newsletter

5 Paenga-whāwhā 2023

Kia Ora koutou katoa, 

Despite a disruptive start to the term with the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle we have powered on through a fun term of learning. We are exceptionally proud of all our students who have worked hard to make progress. 

Woodlands Park School is an assessment for learning school and uses educational research from Professor John Hattie throughout our classroom programmes. Our teachers use formative assessment strategies which has one of the  highest effect sizes on student achievement. Teachers ensure targeted and timely feedback to students, which helps them to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and make progress more rapidly. Receiving feedback that is meaningful and helpful leads to increased student motivation and engagement, which can lead to increased effort and persistence, which in turn can lead to better outcomes. You will see across our school the use of literacy progressions to support student agency and goal setting throughout their learning sessions.

We have been on our A4L journey as a whole staff for the last 3 years and many of our teachers continue to receive current and up to date feedback and support 1-1 through Cognition Education. This term Dr Debbie Lomax from Cognition has brought rich experience and expertise as a published academic in culturally responsive educational leadership, local curriculum design, and pedagogy. She is enjoying working alongside our teachers as they continue to integrate and embed this important pedagogy into their classroom practice. 

Haere Ra e hoa ma

On behalf of our school board and staff we express our sincere appreciation to Sarah Irwin for all of the hard work and dedication to our Year 4 students throughout Term 1. Sarah has created a warm and nurturing environment in the classroom, where students have felt supported and valued. She has been committed to Room 15’s education and wellbeing, and we are all truly grateful for the effort she has put in. 

Sarah will leave a positive calm and gentle presence at our school, and her contributions will not be forgotten. We thank her for her hard work, her kindness, and her commitment to our Year 4 students. You will be missed, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. 

We also congratulate Helen Ng (Waitakere Sports Activator), who  works across our cluster schools. Helen has been successful in a new role as Manager for sports activators for another cluster. All of our local schools have farewelled her this week after  years of working in the west out of GreenBay High School. All the best Helen! 

As we wrap up the first term I would like to thank you for all of the support you have shown as a parent community. The education sector is facing significant challenges with inadequate resourcing and political complexities and our school is not immune to these struggles. It is always so uplifting to receive positive feedback, which encourages us in our role to support our children with their educational journey. We are 100% invested in providing a safe and fabulous learning environment and I am grateful for your support. 

Many Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ over the Easter weekend, and we hope that their time of worship is reflective and uplifting. 

Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you all again for Term 2. 

Nardz Stephenson

Principal 

LUNCHTIME DANCE CLASSES

Helen Anderson is taking expressions of interest now

for you child for 2023 and it’s filling up fast!!!

Get in quick today to secure their enrolment for Term 2, 2023!

We bring DANCE to your child at SCHOOL during LUNCHTIME which allows the busy parent not to have to rush around after school hours or during weekends getting your child to their Dance Class. They dance with their friends and enjoy

the class in the safe environment of school. We look forward to hearing from you and starting your child's Journey in Dance in 2023!!

Online enrol form www.rhythmnsteps.co.nz

PLAYBALL

Playball is a sport and movement program for 2-9 year olds. The main objective of Playball is not to create superstars, rather to provide children with the opportunity to develop a host of necessary social, educational and personal skills. By giving children competence in sport, they will develop fundamental life skills. From a child’s perspective the most important element of our program is fun! For many children their Playball lesson is the highlight of their week! For more information visit www.playball.co.nz

 Maximum pupil:coach ratio of 10:1

 Introduction to Eight sports

 Positive, enjoyable coaching environment

 Life skills through sports skills

Playball is offered as an extra-curricular activity for year 1-3 students at Woodlands Park School. We are currently taking enrolments for Term 2 which will be on Mondays at lunch time. 

Playball fees are $105.00(incG.S.T) for an 8 week term.

Ask about a free trial today

To enroll your child/children, sign up online:

https://www.playballkids.com/parent-zone/basket_bookings.php?classid=52625 

If you have any queries contact James on 0274817000 or email james@playball.co.nz 

MARRZIPAN DRAMA

DRAMA, SPEECH, AND SELF-CONFIDENCE CLASSES

Marrzipan Drama is now 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