Newsletters

Term 1  Week 4

Wednesday 21st January 2024

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

We have enjoyed having our first full week so we can really start getting the weekly routine going with our classes. Although the public holidays are welcome, the flipside of this is the stop start makes it more challenging for our kids to get their flow on. 

It has been widely publicised that every NZ school is required to teach 1 hour of
Reading, Writing and Mathematics every day. I assure you that this has been and
continues to be the expected teaching practice at Ngaere School. Another Government set reguation is around the use of cell phones at school. Little will change at Ngaere. Children do not need cell phones at school. If they do ‘arrive’ at school it is the expectation that they are handed in to the school office and collected at the end of the day. Parents who need to contact their child can do so through the school office. Karen’s hours are 8.30am – 3pm.

A huge thankyou to Sasha for the work in the garden over the past week. If anyone would like to volunteer for a wee while each week to keep the gardens under control we would love to hear from you.

Just a reminder about attendance expectations:

Attendance and engagement at school continues to be a major focus for the Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE want all children attending school 90% or more of the time and have defined the following:

• Any student who is attending less than 90% is considered an attendance concern.
• Students who have an attendance rate between 80-90% are considered to be irregularly absent.
• Students who have an attendance rate between 70-80% are considered to be moderately absent.
• Students who have an attendance rate below 70% are considered to be chronically absent.

Our attendance rates for Term 4 are summarised as 70.4% attendance 90% or more of the time. This compares with just 61.9% attendance 90% or more of the time in Term 4 2022. Ministry target for 2024 is 70% attendance 90% or more of the time.

A reminder, that if your child is going to be absent, please advise the school.  This can be done either by ringing the school office (06) 764 8643, email the school: office@ngere.school.nz or via the skool loop app.

Nga mihi

Megan England (Principal)

HEARING AND VISION TESTING AT SCHOOL MONDAY 04TH MARCH

Vison and hearing screening is completed by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Vision and Hearing Technicians at our school. The technicians will be visiting our school on Monday 04th March at 9am to test eligible children for vision and/or hearing. Eligible children include:
New Entrant Routine screening is completed for children who are new to school, and/or have not completed their B4 School Check and/or require further testing post B4 School Check.
Year 7
Routine vision screening is completed for all Year 7 students and Year 8 students who have not completed the Year 7 screening and/or students that require further testing.

If you have any queries or concerns, or do not wish for your child to have this screening done, please contact the school office.

TEACHER ONLY DAY:  Ngaere School will be closed for a Teacher Only Day on 8th March. This is a Kahui Ako initiative that allows local schools the opportunity to come together for professional learning and sharing opportunities.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS:  Interview times are now available on our Skool Loop App for Rooms 5, 6 & 7.  If you do not have the skool loop app, please see Karen in the office to make an appointment time.

Room 4 interviews will be at a later date once Whaia Mandy is back at school.

Room 1, 2, 3  had a Junior Classes parent meeting on Monday 19th February here at school to hear about the plans in the Junior rooms. If you still wish to meet with your child’s teacher, please see them to make a 1-1 appointment time . 

Turnbull Cup Tonight: This is to be held at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 21st February. Warm up for swimmers will begin at 6.30 pm with racing starting at 6.50pm.

The Turnbull Cup is an inter-school swimming competition between schools in Central Taranaki which is organised by Stratford Flyers Swimming Club.  The Turnbull Cup is contested in 2 sections – Large Schools and Small Schools.  We will be entering two relay teams in the Small Schools section and twelve competitors in the individual races. 

Good luck to those who are swimming.

Junior Swimming Sports:   This is for Year 1-4 children and will be tomorrow, Thursday 22nd February from 1pm until 2.30pm at the Rawhitiroa Pool.  Students will be travelling by bus, leaving Ngaere School 12.15pm to this event. Parents are more than welcome to come along and take your child home at the end of the event.

School Uniform: A reminder that school uniform is a dark blue polo shirt. We would prefer children not to wear their sports shirts on a daily bais as it is not part of our everyday uniform. A new order has been placed for larger polos and you will be notified when these arrive. In the meantime we do have a stock of Youth XS, S, M, XL on hand. There are plenty of polar fleeces too for when the weather turns cooler.

Tennis Coaching: $40.00 for a 30mins for 1 on1. $25.00 each for groups of 2 children or $20.00 each for groups of 4 children. Lessons 30 mins. once a week for next 6 weeks.  May be at lunchtime or during school time depending on the availability of the coach. Please let Karen in the office know if you are interested in one of these options.

Don’t forget to come and visit the  Amazing Maize Maze

A huge thank you to the PTA, parent helpers and sponsors for all the work on the Maize Maze so far.  The first two sessions have been a great success. Don’t forget to tell your family and friends all about it!  If you are able to help at any of the up and coming Maize Maze dates, please see Karen in the office.  

Forward Planning – Some Dates for your calendar

• Wednesday 21 Feb – Turnbull Cup 6.30pm
• Thursday 22 Feb – Junior Swimming Sports
• Monday 26 / Tuesday 27 Feb – Parent Teacher Interviews
• Monday 4 March – Hearing & Vision Testing 9am
• Friday 8 March – Teacher Only Day (Kahui Ako wide)
• Monday 11 March – Taranaki Anniversay Day
• Tuesday 12 March – Senior Swimming Sports (TBC)
• Monday 25 March – PTA Meeting AGM 7pm
• Friday 29 March – Good Friday
• Monday 1 / Tuesday 2 April – Easter Holidays
• Thursday 4 April – Junior Athletics
• Thursday 11 April – Whanau Day / Afternoon
• Friday 12 April – Last Day Term 1

Rest of the Year Please note that some of these dates may change and others may be added

• Friday 31 May – Teacher Only Day
• Monday 3 June – King’s Birthday
• Monday 17 June – Jones Cup (yr 5-8)
• Friday 28 June – Matariki (School closed)
• Friday 6 Sept – School Photos
• Wednesday 18 Sept – School Production
• Wednesday 16 Oct – Pet Day
• Tuesday 12 – Thursday 13 Nov – Yr 7 & 8 Camp, TOPEC
• Thursday 12 Dec – End of Year Prize Giving 
• Tuesday 17 Dec – Last day 2024

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls – Stratford

An integrated Anglican Year 9 – Year 13 Boarding and Day School

OPEN DAY – Wednesday 20 March 2024 – visit anytime between 10 am – 2 pm

Enrolments: Weekly Boarding, Part Boarding (2/3 nights) and Day Students

Daily transport options from and to New Plymouth and Hawera

Prospectus Packages available 06 765 5333   sandrac@taranakidio.school.nz

Virtual Tours available any time via website  www.taranakidio.school.nz

Term 1  Week 3

Wednesday 14th January 2024

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

We have had a lovely start to the year and it is great to see children settling into their new class routines despite the disruptions that have gone around them with staff away.

I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Mrs Sue Fergus to our school in the role of LSC (Learning Support Coordinator) through the Kahui Ako as well as Mrs Sonia Vind in her new role as RTLB (Resource Teacher of Learning & Behaviour). Although neither of them are based in our school they do come in  regularly to work with and support staff.

The pool is well used during the day with all classes swimming. Last week we were fortunate to have the support of Kate Brown to assist teachers and children in their swimming times. She also spent some time with the Turnbull Cup swimmers. 

Please ensure your child’s school uniform top, fleece and jacket are well named. We have had children go home in a top that is not their own on more than one occassion after swimming. If your child arrives home with items that are clearly not theirs, please return so we can reunite with their owner. Thank you.

You will have seen reference to parent Interviews in the first newsletter of the year. Interview times will become available on our Skool Loop app next week. Room 1, 2, 3 parents are invited to a Junior Classes parent meeting on Monday 19th Feb at 3pm to hear about the plans in the Junior rooms. Parents are then able to decide if they wish to make a 1-1 time to meet with their child’s teacher. 

Across the school, classes have been focusing on what it takes to be a learner at Ngaere School with a focus on our shared PMC values (Proud, Motivated, Confident learner). A lot of time has been spent on revisiting the routines and expectations both in the classroom and the playground.

COVID is still very much part of our lives and the recent illnesses of staff and children is a reminder to us all to be mindful of the need to be monitoring health and keeping an eye out for symptoms. 

Newsletters will be published weekly and circulated via email as well as through the Skool Loop app. It is also published on the school website. The newsletter is one of our main ways of communication. If you require a paper copy please get in touch with Karen in the office.

Nga mihi

Megan

Turnbull Cup: This is to be held at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 21st February. Warm up for swimmers will begin at 6.30 pm with racing starting at 6.50pm.

The Turnbull Cup is an inter-school swimming competition between schools in Central Taranaki which is organised by Stratford Flyers Swimming Club.  The Turnbull Cup is contested in 2 sections – Large Schools and Small Schools.  We will be entering two relay teams in the Small Schools section and twelve competitors in the individual races. There is also a Business House relay for any parents who might want to get a team together.

Good luck to those who are swimming.

School Picnic: Bring along a picnic tea and catch up with other school families on Friday night 5pm – 8pm. The pool will be open until 7pm and the PTA will have  barbeque food for sale.  This co-incide’s with the opening of the Maize Maze on the same night. Families are welcome to come along and take the opportunity to go through the maze – cost $5pp

Junior Swimming Sports:   This will be next Thursday 22nd February from 1pm until 2.30pm at the Rawhitiroa Pool.  Students will be travelling by bus to this event, but parents are more than welcome to come along.  A note about this afternoon will be sent home on Monday. 

School Uniform: A reminder that school uniform is a dark blue polo shirt. We would prefer children not wear their sports shirts as a uniform. A new order has been placed for larger polos and you will be notified when these arrive. In the meantime we do have a stock of Youth XS, S, M, XL on hand. There are plenty of polar fleeces too.

Tennis Coaching: $40.00 for a 30mins for 1 on1. $25.00 each for groups of 2 children or $20.00 each for groups of 4 children. Lessons 30 mins. once a week for next 6 weeks.  May be at lunchtime or during school time depending on the availability of the coach. Please let Karen in the office know if you are interested in one of these options.

Don’t forget to come and visit the  Amazing Maize Maze

Forward Planning – Some Dates for your calendar

• Friday 16 Feb – Assembly in the hall at 2.30pm
• Friday 16 Feb – PTA Maize Maze open / School Picnic evening 5pm
• Monday 19 Feb – Junior Hub Parent meeting 3pm
• Wednesday 21 Feb – Turnbull Cup 6.30pm
• Thursday 22 Feb – Junior Swimming Sports
• Monday 26 / Tuesday 27 Feb – Parent Teacher Interviews
• Friday 8 March – Teacher Only Day (Kahui Ako wide)
• Monday 11 March – Taranaki Anniversay Day
• Tuesday 12 March – Senior Swimming Sports (TBC)
• Friday 29 March – Good Friday
• Monday 1 / Tuesday 2 April – Easter Holidays
• Thursday 4 April – Junior Athletics
• Thursday 11 April – Whanau Day / Afternoon
• Friday 12 April – Last Day Term 1

Rest of the Year Please note that some of these dates may change and others may be added

• Friday 31 May – Teacher Only Day
• Monday 3 June – King’s Birthday
• Monday 17 June – Jones Cup (yr 5-8)
• Friday 28 June – Matariki (School closed)
• Friday 6 Sept – School Photos
• Wednesday 18 Sept – School Production
• Wednesday 16 Oct – Pet Day
• Tuesday 12 – Thursday 13 Nov – Yr 7 & 8 Camp, TOPEC
• Thursday 12 Dec – End of Year Prize Giving 
• Tuesday 17 Dec – Last day 2024

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

Term 1  Week 1

Wednesday 31st January 2024

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

Welcome back to a new year of school. We have begun the year with a roll of 150 with 6 more five year olds due this term. A special welcome to our new students and their familes: Piper and Leo in Room 1, Jett in Room 4 and Eve in Room 7.

This newsletter is a quick update and list of reminders.

For 2024 our classes are:

Room 1 & 2: Year 1&2 Ms Tarsh Hey & Miss Kathryn Duncan (Learning Support Sherri Matthews)                                                                                                    Room 3: Year 3&4 Miss Denise Reynolds (Learning Support Emma Mercer / Vicki Caldwell)                                                                                                                        Room 4: Year 4&5  Whaea Mandy Crowe (Learning Support Carol Henderson)        Room 5: Year 5&6 Mr Jonny Mercer (Learning Support Carol Henderson)                  Room 6: Year 7 Miss Emma Dravitzki (Learning Support Lynn Longshaw)                  Room 7: Year 8 Miss Lisa Hulme (Learning Support Lynn Longshaw)                    Mrs Penny Andrews Reading Recovery                                                                        Mrs Kate Brown Specialist Teacher Health & PE                                                          Release / Relievers Mrs Donna Bridgeman, Mrs Maree Johnson & Miss Cushla Best

Some Important Reminders

• If you wish to meet with your child’s teacher please make an appointment time by either emailing the teacher or through the school office. Do not assume the teacher will have time to talk first thing in the morning.
• School is open on Monday 5th February but closed for Tuesday 6th (Waitangi Day).
• All school stationery is provided. This year there is a one-off charge of $10 to help cover costs. 
• We supply your child with a Summer school hat and Winter beanie (the first one is free) when they start at school.  Any replacement hats can be purchased from the school office.
• Learning and many class notices are shared through a platform called “Seesaw”.  Your child’s teacher will send information on how to connect to this. 
• We ask all parents to download a free app called “Skool Loop”.  Here you will find our school newsletters (Wednesdays), report an absence, book an interview, see any school notices and school contact details.
• We swim every day during until at least mid March in our school pool. It is a heated pool. It is an expectation that children take part in daily swimming. For the first two weeks we will utilise Mrs Brown’s expertise in the pool.
• Our school times: First Learning block 8.55 – 10.35am, Morning Tea 10.35am -11am, 2nd Learning Block 11.am -12.30pm, Lunch 12.30pm – 1.30pm (children spend first 15 mins eating) 3rd Learning Block 1.30pm -3pm. Please name all your child’s clothing including their togs and towels.
• If you have changed address, phone number or any other contact details, please advise Karen in the office so our records can be updated.
• There are a few outstanding accounts from 2023. Please pay these or see Karen about setting up a payment plan.

Forward Planning – Some Dates for your calendar

• Tuesday 6 Feb – Waitangi Day (no school)
• Friday 16th Feb – PTA Maize Maze open / School Picnic evening 5pm
• Wednesday 21 Feb – Turnbull Cup 6.30pm
• Monday 26 / Tuesday 27 Feb – Parent Teacher Interviews
• Friday 8 March – Teacher Only Day (Kahui Ako wide)
• Monday 11 March – Taranaki Anniversay Day
• Tuesday 12 March – Senior Swimming Sports (TBC)
• Friday 29 March – Good Friday
• Monday 1 / Tuesday 2 April – Easter Holidays
• Thursday 4 April – Junior Athletics
• Thursday 11 April – Whanau Day / Afternoon
• Friday 12 April – Last Day Term 1

Rest of the Year Please note that some of these dates may change and others may be added

• Friday 31 March – Teacher Only Day
• Monday 3 June – King’s Birthday
• Monday 17 June – Jones Cup (yr 5-8)
• Friday 28 June – Matariki (School closed)
• Monday 9 Sept – School Photos
• Wednesday 18 Sept – School Production
• Wednesday 16 Oct – Pet Day
• Tuesday 12 – Thursday 13 Nov – Yr 7 & 8 Camp, TOPEC
• Thursday 12 Dec – End of Year Prize Giving 
• Tuesday 17 Dec – Last day 2024

Term 4  Week 10

Wednesday 13th December 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Tena koutou katoa

On behalf of all of us at Ngaere School I would like to thank all families and whanau who have supported our tamariki this year. We have appreciated the support, particularly with events over the past couple of weeks, including camps and other outdoor activities which have been enjoyed by all classes.

Although Friday is technically a school day, school finishes tomorrow (Thursday) with our senior Prize Giving at 7pm in the Stratford High School Hall. Our trophies and end of year certificates will be presented and each class will be sharing a dance item. This year those being awarded a trophy will be given a medal to keep with the trophy itself staying at school. There will be photo opportunities with the trophies at the hall after the prize giving.

We have twenty two year 8 students leaving us this year, heading off to various high schools in 2024. For thirteen families tomorrow night will be their last Ngaere School Prize Giving, with some of them having been involved with Ngaere School for many, many years. Again, thank you for the contributions made over the years of being involved, as parent helps, sports coaches, PTA and supporters of Ngaere School.

Looking ahead to 2024 – the school office will be open Friday 26th January from 10am – 2pm and on Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th which are both teacher only days.  We have a new stock of uniform polo shirts and fleeces ready to go. School starts for all children on Wednesday 31st January. Once again, stationery will be provided by the school and we ask for a $10 payment to help meet the cost of this.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year,

Megan

Some of our activities over the last week…

Congratulations to all who helped make the float for the parade in Eltham last week – 3rd place! A huge THANK YOU to Brenton & Shantenelle for their support and use of vehicle.

POOL KEYS: These are available to purchase from the school office up until 11.30am on Friday.  The cost is $60 (cash only please) for a key and are only available to school families.  There are a limited number of keys so it will be “first in, first serve”.  Keys are for use outside of school hours, ie after 5pm, weekends and holidays and must be returned at the end of the swimming season.  Please do not share keys.

A reminder to those using the pool – please replace the cover towards the end of the day or if there is no one else at the pool when you leave.

Please do not use the pool before 11am to allow time to clean etc. or after 8pm. 

There are a number of school library books and readers that still need to be returned. Please look under beds, in cupboards and on shelves to see what you can find and return tomorrow.

We made it!

• School Magazines are available from school office $25 a copy or at the Prize Giving, Thursday evening.
• Reports have been sent home with the eldest child on Monday 11th Dec.
• Whole school Pool Party and sausage sizzle today 
• Whole school rehearsal at Stratford High School for Prize Giving tomorrow
• Children in Rooms 1 & 2 may be picked up from 12.30pm tomorrow for an afternoon rest if necessary.
• All children to be at the Stratford High School Hall by 6.45pm, seated (bare feet) ready for Prize Giving to begin at 7pm Thursday 14th.
• Each class will be performing a dance along with whole school singing.
• Please advise your child’s teacher if your child will not be attending on Thursday night.
• PTA will have raffle tickets on sale 
• Friday 15th – please do not send your children to school unless absolutely necessary 

LOST PROPERTY:  There is currently alot of unclaimed items of clothing in the lost property cupboard.  If you are in school at any time please have a look at the big blue cupboard which is situated on the deck area outside Rooms 4 & 5. 

PTA Raffle

Tickets on sale at the Prize Giving – $2 a ticket 

Three prizes

A Christmas Cake, 2 x$100 New World vouchers, A Baking Selection

From all the staff at Ngaere School, be safe and enjoy a relaxing break over the summer.

Meri Kirihimete me te tau hou

School resumes for all students Wednesday 31st January.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4  Week 9

Wednesday 06th December 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Room 5 Campers at Dawson Falls

POOL KEYS: These are available to purchase from the school office.  The cost is $60 (cash only please) for a key and are only available to school families.  There are a limited number of keys so it will be “first in, first serve”.  Keys are for use outside of school hours, ie after 5pm, weekends and holidays and must be returned at the end of the swimming season.  Please do not share keys with families from outside of our own school community.

Junior Big Day Out: Tomorrow,  7th December children in Rooms 1, 2 and 3 will be heading to Hollard Gardens for their Big Day Out. They may wear mufti and bring one teddy or soft toy ‘friend’ as well as their own lunch, a drink bottle and something warm to put on if colder. If cancelled due to weather parents will be notified via SkoolLoop message by 8.15am and children will have their own ‘Teddy Bear’s picnic’ in the school hall. They may still wear mufti.

Christmas Float: We will be entering a float in the Eltham Christmas Parade on Friday. A huge thank you to the parents who have helped get it ready. If your child has returned a signed permission slip to be on the float they must meet at the Eltham Town Hall no later than 5.15pm (judging at 5.30pm). Mrs Andrews would like children to bring their costumes to school tomorrow.

The end of the year is fast approaching!

• Children will be starting to bring home school books and art works.
• This Friday is our final school assembly, starting at 2.30pm.
• School Magazines are available to pre order from school office $25 a copy.
• Reports will be sent home with the eldest child on Monday 11th Dec.
• Room 4 have a trip to Vertical Horizon on Tuesday 12th.
• Whole school Pool and other activities and sausage sizzle Wednesday 13th (Rooms 5, 6, 7 am / Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 pm) (Only if fine)
• Whole school rehearsal at Stratford High School for Prize Giving 10.15am – 12 noon. Thursday 14th
• Children in Rooms 1 & 2 may be picked up from 12.30pm for an afternoon rest if necessary.
• All children to be at the Stratford High School Hall by 6.45pm, seated (bare feet) ready for Prize Giving to begin at 7pm Thursday 14th.
• Each class will be performing a dance along with whole school singing.
• Please advise your child’s teacher if your child will not be attending on Thursday night.
• PTA will have raffle tickets on sale 
• Friday 15th – children not expected at school.

A HUGE thank you to the parents who supported our teachers on the recent  Room 5, 6 and 7 camps. We are unable to do it without you and were especially grateful to be able to keep costs lower by not using buses.

We would also like to thank those who will be accompanying children to Hollard Garden tomorrow and Room4 to Vertical Horizon on Tuesday.

LOST PROPERTY:  There is currently alot of unclaimed items of clothing in the lost property cupboard.  If you are in school at any time please have a look at the big blue cupboard which is situated on the deck area outside Rooms 4 & 5. 

PTA:  Next Meeting 7pm TONIGHT Wed 6th December in the staffroom.

All welcome.

 What’s On..

• Wednesday 6 Dec – PTA Meeting 7pm
• Thursday 7 Dec – Hollard Gardens (Rms 1, 2, 3)
• Friday 8 Dec – Float entry in Eltham Christmas Parade
• Monday 11 Dec – Reports home this week
• Tuesday 12 Dec – Rm 4 Vertical Horizon’s day
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving 7pm SHS Hall
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4 (Children not expected at school)

School resumes for the 2024 school year Wednesday 31st January

COMMUNITY NOTICES