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Week 2 - 21 October 2016

Kia ora e te Whānau o Whetūkairangi

At the moment, we are finding 'the beauty in the and'. It's not planning for the remainder of 2016 or 2017, it's finding the beauty and challenge in looking at both.

Last Saturday, the Board, 2017 teachers and support staff had an energising planning session. We celebrated what we are proud of and what challenges may lay ahead for schools that are both within and out of our control. We then came up with goals around the where to next for continued improvement.

I think we are looking quite cheery for the end of a Saturday session!

It was great that Anna (next to John) and Wanwan (next to Susie) could join us and offer their insights right from the start!

Next year, Anna will join the senior team and, as Nic puts it, she 'will end her sabbatical in the juniors' and head over the courtyard back to the seniors, with Gabrielle and John remaining steadfast and true! 

Wanwan will be working in Tautoru with Susie, Shona and Scott, with Gillian based in Autahi but really..... the whole juniors work as one. As numbers build in Autahi, we will increase our resourcing to match the growth. It's always a bit of an unknown.

What we do know is learning remains less interrupted if children aren't transitioning throughout the year - so it's best to keep things as stable as we possibly can. Well, in this school, it's hardly difficult! We are Week 2 into our transition Fridays and it's going swimmingly. I don't think we sometimes realise how simple this whole exercise is with 2 internal transitions in 6 years of primary schooling. Many children in different schools will experience 6 or even more. 

At the same time, we need to balance this ease with allowing the children the space to deal with change and reinforce such  notions as perseverance, courage, positivity and grit when coming across something new. 

We have some more work to do on the 2017 Annual Plan from both a teaching and learning and governance perspective. Once this is confirmed, I will let you know when I've popped it on the website. First, we need to make OTJs (Overall Teacher Judgements), analyse all of of our National Standards data and confirm new targets for 2017. Now - this requires perseverence, courage, positivity and grit, teachers!

Wishing you all a fabulous long weekend, it's almost here.

Ngā mihi


PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS
Our Principal’s Awards are currently focusing on the following:

I am powerful... 
  • I can think about overcoming challenges 
  • I am excited about new learning and I challenge myself 
  • I do not give up
  • I understand that not knowing is good 
  • I take action 
  • I can make decisions about my environment (sustainability)

Autahi and Tautoru
Anneke, Ethan, Mae, Sitara, Eden, Ruby, Solly and Thomas.

Matariki and Mahutonga
Angelina, Evie, Ben Bl and Fletch.




Welcome

Welcome to Lakham and Oliver whose families are already part of the Worser Bay School community.

We look forward to guiding your development and learning.



Letter from Stephanie Hayes' Parents

Please read the Letter from Stephanie Hayes' Parents about Stephanie's suppressed immunity.



WE ARE SO PROUD OF NICOLA - CONGRATULATIONS!!

INTERFACE is a magazine for ICT educators and our committed Nicola is a finalist in the ‘Best Digital Resource’ category.

"....The standard of entries was very high and you have done extremely well to reach the final five. You should be very proud of this and the work you are doing.

We’ll be officially announcing the finalists on our website this morning (https://interfaceonline.co.nz/meet-this-years-finalists-and-vote-for-your-winners/) and in the November issue of the magazine, which comes out early next week. I’ve also attached a ‘Finalist’ logo that you are welcome to use. INTERFACE readers will be invited to review the finalists’ entries and vote for their favourite (and, yes, you can vote for yourself). These results will go towards determining the final placings....."
(From the editor)

SO PLEASE CHECK IT OUT, SUPPORT NIC and VOTE!!!!
   



PALs Programme

This term there will be another PALs programme at lunchtime. Anyone who wants to join in games with a group of seniors should listen after the music is turned on and there will be an announcement on the speakers about where the game will be. On Tuesdays there will be stories read in the library at lunchtime. On Thursdays there will be activities organised by the Garden Group down on bottom grass at lunchtime.

Thanks to Chester, Isaac, Oto, Blake, Teddy, Hugo M and Lucie.





Autahi

Reading! 
We have been doing some fun follow-ups on our reading this week! Have a look at our blog to see what we’ve been up to!




Growing Things
We have been planting different kinds of seeds. Take a look at what has happened...




Fractions
We have been learning to identify and half and some of us a quarter. Take a look at our explorations.







Tautoru


Exciting Opportunity for Students in Tautoru

Hi Parents and Students in Tautoru,


Z are holding an annual Safety Day in late November. They would like us to help them to understand more about reducing waste...

Message from Emily Watt, "This is an event that brings 600 Z staff and friends together to share lessons about our company’s values and changes we can make in our lives to benefit people and the planet.

We’re aiming to make our event a Zero Waste event this year, and use the day to inspire our staff and guests to continue to reduce their waste. We’ve been looking for an inspiring speaker/s to help get the message across, and wondered if some of your students would be able to help? As a Zero Waste school, and champions of the plastic bag free peninsula, we can’t think of better ambassadors and educators for our guests!

Students will create a short, fun video (made by a professional company) with the students explaining the importance of recycling and how to do it and urging people to do better."

If you would like to be part of the video and are passionate about recycling and environmental issues, then please apply to be part of this event.

Please write to Nicola and explain:

1. Why you would like to be part of this?
2. What environmental issues are you passionate about?
3. What skills can you bring?

Applications need to be in by Tuesday 25th October.

Many thanks,
Nicola


Travelling Tales





We have been working on a story project called "Travelling Tales". Some of our students helped to write the story. The story started in a school in Luxembourg then was passed on to a school in Taiwan/Taipei. Watch: Bob, the Big White Shark. We have started our next travelling Tales project and are looking forward to reading the final story. 








Video Call with Bukit Timah Primary School



We did a video call with Bukit Timah Primary School on the 15th of October. Nicola went to visit this school in Singapore last term!

They asked a lot of questions and we asked a lot of questions. They answered a lot of questions and we answered a lot of questions. They have around 900 pupils and they have 20 ish pupils in a class.

Singapore does have a few lightning storms because they have a very hot climate so most of them wear shorts or skirts.

They asked us if our teachers are fierce. We told them that our teachers are funny.

You might think it is an old school because they do have lots of desks.

They speak Tamil, English, Malay and Chinese and a lot of other different languages.

We enjoyed our video call with Bukit Timah School and we look forward to doing it again soon.

By Edward and Ridley






We have been ordering fractions





We have been learning directions in Spanish









Mahutonga/Matariki


Making a Contribution - Student Council


We have been choosing new Student Council groups that we would like to be a part of helping the school this term. We have chosen new leaders. Read the blog to find out what groups there are…









Eastern Zones Athletics Qualification
It’s that time again when we need to get the students in Years 4-6 down to the beach to sort our Eastern Zones Athletics qualifiers. With the weather looking a little unpredictable for next week, we are at this stage planning on running a bit of a floating event. This means that, when we have a break in the weather and optimum tides, we can takes groups down to the beach to run different events. Be sure to keep an eye on the blog for photos and we aim to have notes for those who have qualified out asap.


Eastern Zones Floorball

  

On Wednesday, we were lucky enough to take 21 students to the Eastern Zones Floorball tournament at ASB Stadium. We faced some pretty good competition and had some particularly tough games. We showed great determination and perseverance even when the going got tough, and still managed a few wins. Most importantly of all, as you can see by the smiles, we all had fun. You may see a couple of familiar faces were there too. Fantastic to have former Worser Bay pupils coaching and umpiring at the tournament. Great role models for the rest of us to look up to.


Business Time!
We have started a new Inquiry looking at a provocation that… Money makes the world go round!

The two main areas of study will be:
  • Exploring how money works
  • Designing a product or service, developing business ideas.
We have started gathering initial wonderings and questions. Have a look at the blog to see some of these and please add your own questions.


Some Very, Very, Silly Poems
Silly, Silly, Silly Poems!



In Smago town
We go round and round
All in Sombreros

And when the pit go pop
We all do the flop
Before the Sagosack
Catches us!

Listen to the whole of the poem and more on the clip on the blog.

ACTIONS AT A GLANCE

  • Please check your child's hair for nits.
  • BYOD Question and Answer Meeting - 8.20am on Wednesday 26 Oct and 3.15pm on Thursday 27 Oct
  • Next Assembly - Friday 28 October at 9.10am
  • Pizza Lunch - Wednesday, 9 November 2016 - order by 9am on Tuesday 8th November
  • Sausage Sizzles - Tuesdays
  • Sushi Lunches - Fridays
  • Term Dates 2016 and 2017
  • Take a look at our Blogs! www.worserbay.school.nz/blogs 
  • The following payments are now due:
    Voluntary Contributions - the Term 4 payment is now due (if you are paying by installment).

All payments via Wrap It Up please.


SCHOOL FAIR - ACTIONS AT A GLANCE

  • Fair Volunteer Form - please complete the Fair Volunteer Form today, if you haven't already.
  • Lucky Dip Stall needs: prizes and wrapping paper any style.
  • More men's clothing donations and books required. Please have a sort and donate these.
  • Clothes racks needed for the Clothing team. Bring them on the Thursday before the Fair. Contact Belinda Pope if you can help.
  • Pay for your Ball Run Tickets on Wrap It Up and pop your stubs into the purple box in the office.
  • Fair Donation Day - Sunday 6 November, 10am to 12noon. Come to The Shed. We also need Volunteers to help sort.
  • Please pop over and "like" the page https://www.facebook.com/worserbayschool.fair
  • Please could we minimise our use of car parks around school on Fair Day. Can you car pool, walk or get dropped off?
  • Please bring your own reusable bags for packaging your purchases in. Your kids could bring their PFP bags.
  • Please read: The Final Countdown to the Fair Letter

Thanks so much!


Pizza Lunch - Wednesday 9 November

On Wednesday 9th November, small individual pizzas will be available for lunch. All pizzas have a tomato sauce base and you can choose from three types of topping:
  • Cheese
  • Cheese and Ham
  • Cheese and Salami
Pizzas cost $5 each. Please order via Wrap It Up. Orders must be in by 9am on Tuesday 8th November.

The pizzas will be handed out by area (Autahi, Tautoru and Mahutonga/Matariki), therefore it is important that you order under each child's name separately (if you are ordering for two or more children).



A Note from the Office

Joining Worser Bay School
If you have a child (or know of any other children) turning 5 in the second half of 2017 who would like to attend Worser Bay School, we would love to hear from you. In zone or out of zone enquiries are welcome.

Friendly Reminder - Voluntary Contributions
If you opted to pay your Voluntary Contribution per term - Term 4 Voluntary Contribution payment option is now open on Wrap it Up.  We really appreciate your continued support!

Nits
Nits seem to be out in force at the moment. Please check your child/ren's hair and treat, if necessary.



2016/2017 Digital Technologies Information (BYOD)

Question and Answer Meeting:

Wednesday 26th October 8.20am
Thursday 27th October 3.15pm

Our Chromebooks and iPads have led to incredible opportunities for our students over the last few years. The school has increased technology by around 50% in the last two years which has been so fortunate. We are relying our learners to be connected more and more. So, we need to keep the BYOD growing in order to keep our students connected to all of the new, exciting learning possibilities.

Senior students at Worser Bay School are able to bring a digital device to school to assist their learning. This is not compulsory but we would like to encourage people who are able to get on board.

If you are interested in purchasing a device before the start of school, we have provided some guidance below. If you have any questions before the end of the term, please see or email Nicola or John: nstevenson@worserbay.school.nz, johnmcdougall@worserbay.school.nz

Students can use their devices throughout the day for collaborative learning, web-based research and applications, including creating documents and presentations.


Learning with Technology
  • Students will need to access Google Apps.

Device Security
  • The security of a student owned device is the responsibility of the student.
  • All insurance (theft and damage) should be covered by the owner of the device.
  • A safe will be provided for device storage at school.

Data Security
  • Devices should be protected by a private password (selected by the owner).
  • Virus protection must be kept up to date.
  • Passwords or log in details should not be shared.

Digital Citizenship/Acceptable Use of Technologies Agreement
  • The Acceptable Use of Technologies Agreement make it clear what the expectations are regarding the use of devices at school.
  • Guidance and support to students to keep themselves safe online will be provided in class.

Management and Care
  • Always store the device in a protective bag.
  • Devices must not be left in unsupervised areas during the day.
  • Devices must be fully charged at the beginning of the day.
  • LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES.
  • WBS BYOD Device Guide.

Now here is a good deal... Prices are valid until the end of 2016.









WBS Treasure Island Fair - Sunday 13th November, 11am-2pm

FINAL COUNTDOWN
3 Weeks until the Worser Bay School Fair 2016

The Fair team are now picking up the pace and looking for more fantastic support. Many thanks to those who have already donated lots of lovely goodies, given us their time for a variety of jobs, chased up contacts and volunteered to work on the day.

You should have been contacted by now by either a stall holder or fair team member to confirm/check where you are working on the day. If not, and you are available to help on the day, please contact Sarah Wells (sarahwellshgl@gmail.com, 021 793 557). If you haven’t already, please pop over and “like” the WBS Fair Facebook page too: https://www.facebook.com/worserbayschool.fair.

Access the full three weeks to go instructions here: 3 Weeks to GO Count Down.

3 WEEKS TO GO – Tuesday 25 October

BALL RUN TICKETS AND MONEY

Please return your ball run ticket stubs and money (unless you have paid via WrapItUp) to the purple box in the office. If you are unable to sell yours please also return them so we can arrange for them to be onsold.

CAKE STALL

No-one in the family a baker? Sweets and fudge are popular alternatives. Bags for sweets and fudge are available at the office. Cakes boxes will be coming home to be filled with goodies on 7 November.

CRAFT STALL

Bring in those hand-made projects you have been working on.

BOOKS AND TOYS

Bring along any pre-loved items that are in a saleable condition. Sort through the kids bedrooms! Toys can be hidden in paper bags or newspaper, please put puzzles in a bag so we don’t lose that last piece! The Book stall sells CDs, DVDs, and puzzles as well as books.

BOTTLE TOMBOLA

Bring in all those gorgeous full (unopened!) bottles for our tombola: wine, beer, olive oils, bath treats, etc…

FAIR FLYERS

Towards the end of this week, calls for help distributing flyers in your area, these can be distributed anytime from Labour Weekend.

WHITE ELEPHANT/ TRASH ’N’ TREASURE

Start to gather together all that “stuff" filling up the cupboards that you no longer need! Crockery ornaments, rugs, pictures/
photo frames, sports stuff, etc. Just remember we won’t be collecting them until Friday afternoon and Saturday of the Fair weekend!

 

 



Community Notices...

Nevay Road - Walking School Bus
Every school day starting Tuesday 18 October. 
Departs corner of Nevay and Glenville Rds at 8:20am, the Nevay/Napier/Taipakupaku intersection at 8:30am, to be at school by 8:50am.
Please contact Elinor on 027 404 9144 or the.armstrongs@hotmail.com to include a stop at your house or for more information! Please let me know if your child will be coming along so that we can be sure of meeting up.




2017 Scots College Year 7 & 8 Sports Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students new to the College and entering at Years 7-8 who display all-round excellence in sport. Deadline of application is Friday 28 October 2016.

For more information, head to: http://www.scotscollege.school.nz/admissions/scholarships/#msscholarships

If you have any questions regarding the scholarships, please call Mrs Sharon Hedges on ph 04 803 0592 or email hedgess@scotscollege.school.nz






The next Plastic Free Peninsula beach clean-up at 10am on Sunday 30th October includes an underwater clean-up! Come and help Wellington Underwater Club process the rubbish that they pull from beneath Miramar Wharf - there will be sea critters to rescue and the chance to see what makes its way underwater from land. Please join our closed facebook page "Miramar Peninsula Coastal Clean-up" or blogsite (plasticfreepeninsula.wordpress.com) for more details or speak to Sophie Williams or Jess Baiden at school pickup.

Supporting Success in your School
If you are a parent, staff member or member of the school community and draw down a new ASB home loan of $150,000 or more, ASB will donate to your chosen participating school $500. Visit www.asb.co.nz/schoolbanking for more information.


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3 Weeks To Go - Fair Letter 2016.pdf
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