Newsletters

Term 4  Week 5

Wednesday 8th November 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Junior Tabloid Sports: Tabloid sports for children in years 0-4 will be next Thursday 16th Nov at Midhirst School. Postponement day is Friday 17th. All children will travel by bus, leaving school at 9.30am to arrive in plenty of time for a 10am start.

Teams have 15 minutes at each rotation before moving on to the next activity with the last round finishing around 11.45am with lunch from 12 noon. Children will then come back to school for the afternoon programme. It is not necessary to take your child home for the afternoon but should you wish to you must advise the class teacher.

Parents are welcome to watch on the day.

Please take the time to have your say.

Community Survey: One of our school’s strategic goals focuses on educationally powerful partnerships between our learners and our school community. We know how important whanau voice and support is for all our learners at Ngaere School and would appreciate you taking the time to fill in the following survey to guide our thinking as we review and revise our strategic thinking. 

2023 Community Survey

Education Outside the Classroom: We have a number of EOTC events this term with Year 7 & 8 heading to Wellington in a couple of weeks for their urban experience, Rm 5 staying a couple of nights at Konini Lodge, Mt Taranaki with lots of tramping planned, Rm 4 having had a day at Lake Rotokare on Monday and a day at Vertical Horizon’s planned for the last week of school, and a junior trip to Hollard Gardens later in the term.

None of these events would be possible without the support of parents so a big thank you to those who have volunteered to help in any way whatsoever for the class excursions.

We are limited in the number of adults we can take on overnight stays by the space available at the booked facilities and appreciate that a number of children can be disappointed their parents are not going with them. We see camps as a chance for children to test their independence a bit, supported by adults who are not their parents. However, we do understand that for some children the experience is too daunting. If your child is not attending camp they are still expected at school for the time their class is away.

CAMP FEES

Camp fees for both the Yr 7 & 8 trip to Wellington and the Rm 5 trip to Konini Lodge are due by Friday please.  If there is an issue with payment of these fees could you please contact the school to discuss.  Thank you.

Congratulations!

We have a number of our children doing some amazing things outside of school.

Recently we had Amelia, Lacey B, Kate & Lacey S take part in Cheerleading competition in Auckland. Amelia & Lacey B’s team took out 1st place as did Kate & Lacey S’s team. Well done!

Kelsey & Celia both competed in the Lions Speech competition in Hawera on Sunday with Celia coming 3rd overall. Both girls did themselves, their families and our school proud!

We have had a number of children show their calves at Taranaki Calf Championship Days and they have come away with a number of wins between them. Well done to Miya P, Guy & Kelsey P, Emelia & Finn L, Harry S & Lacey B.

Room 4 – Writing

PTA NEWS

We are planning a Maize Maze which will run for approximately 3-4 weeks from the end of February 2024 in our paddock beside the school grounds. Our fundraising goals for the school in 2024 include; new technology, updated sports uniforms, subsidised school sport fees, support with school camps and trips out into the community.  If you are able to help in any way with preping and maintaining of the maize maze, to helping out on the days that the maize maze is run, please let the school office know.  This is a major fundraiser for the school and any help would be very much appreciated.

Any school family businesses who would like to sponsor the Maize Maze, the cost is $100. Please contact the school office if you are interested.  By supporting our Maize Maze we will ensure your business has its name featured and advertised throughout our promotions and running of the event. There will be a treasure hunt competition through the Maze for participants to locate all of the sponsors businesses name and logo on a wooden picket, with their findings helping secure spot prizes that will be up for grabs.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES WHO HAVE SPONSORED THE PREPARATION OF THE MAIZE PADDOCK SO FAR

 What’s On..

• Thursday 16th November – Rural Cluster Tabloids (Midhirst) Yr 1-4
• Friday 17th November – Stratford High School Orientation – Year 8
• Monday 20th November – Teacher Only Day (MoE Directed) School closed
• Tuesday 21st- Friday 24th November – Yr 7 & 8 Camp to Wellington
• Thursday 23rd November – Bookclub due 
• Monday 27 Nov – Swimming begins (weather dependent)
• Wed 29 Nov  – Fri 01 Dec – Room 5 Camp Konini Lodge 
• Tuesday 5 Dec – Board Meeting 6pm
• Wednesday 6 Dec – PTA Meeting 7pm
• Thursday 7 Dec – Hollard Gardens (Juniors)
• 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)

(Please note this may not be a complete list and some dates may change)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4  Week 4 

Wednesday 1 November 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Please return all end of year trophies.

Good luck to Celia and Kelsey who will be representing Ngaere School at the Lions Junior Speechmaker competition in Hawera on Sunday. Members of the public are welcome – Hawera Community Centre 10am Sunday.

Senior Athletic Sports: Last Postponement Day – Monday 6th Nov at Toko School for Year 5-8

Children will travel to Toko by bus. If you wish to take your child home at the end of the day you must tell their teacher.

As the day begins with a briefing at 9.15am we would like all children in Years 5 – 8 to be at school by 8.30am to allow buses to leave before 9am. There will be food for sale but we ask that children bring sufficient food and drink for the day and ensure they have their school polar fleece or jacket to wear if the day is cooler.

The day will begin with the Open 800m race in year groups followed by a rotation of activities including long jump, high jump, discus and running.  Times below will be fairly accurate in order to get through the day.

Parents are welcome to come along and watch. if you are able to help on an activity please see your child’s teacher.

If Monday is wet or unpleasant weatherwise, then this event will be cancelled for 2023.

Please take the time to have your say.

Community Survey: One of our school’s strategic goals focuses on educationally powerful partnerships between our learners and our school community. We know how important whanau voice and support is for all our learners at Ngaere School and would appreciate you taking the time to fill in the following survey to guide our thinking as we review and revise our strategic thinking. 

2023 Community Survey

SENIOR CAMP FEES

Year 7-8 camp fees are due by the end of next week.  If there is an issue with payment of these fees could you please contact the school to discuss.  Thank you.

PTA NEWS

We are planning a Maize Maze which will run for approximately 3-4 weeks from the end of February 2024 in our paddock beside the school grounds. Our fundraising goals for the school in 2024 include; new technology, updated sports uniforms, subsidised school sport fees, support with school camps and trips out into the community.  If you are able to help in any way with preping and maintaining of the maize maze, to helping out on the days that the maize maze is run, please let the school office know.  This is a major fundraiser for the school and any help would be very much appreciated.

 What’s On..

• Friday 3rd November – “Gumboot Day” Mufti
• Monday 6th November – Senior Athletics at Toko
• Monday 6th November – Room 4 trip to Lake Rotokare
• Thursday 16th November – Rural Cluster Tabloids (Midhirst) Yr 1-4
• Friday 17th November – Stratford High School Orientation – Year 8
• Monday 20th November – Teacher Only Day (MoE Directed) School closed
• Tuesday 21st- Friday 24th November – Yr 7 & 8 Camp to Wellington
• Thursday 23rd November – Bookclub due 
• Wed 29 Nov  – Fri 01 Dec – Room 5 Camp Konini Lodge 
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4. School finishing at 12 noon.

(Please note this may not be a complete list and some dates may change)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4  Week 3 – Wednesday 25th October 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

SCHOOL SUN HATS:  School Sun Hats are required to be worn for outside play from next week onwards.  If your child requires a replacement hat, they are available from the school office for $15.

Congratulations to both our EPro8 teams.

Our Yr 5 & 6 team of Quinn, Mila, Connor & Guy came first and our Yr 7 & 8 team of Kymahni, Helena, London & Poppy came 2nd in their respective challenges. Both teams now move on to the final which is at Devon Intermediate School, NP on Thursday 4pm for the Yr 7 & 8 team and Friday 10.30am for the Yr 5 & 6 team.

Senior Athletic Sports: Monday 30th October at Toko School for Year 5-8

Children will travel to Toko by bus. If you wish to take your child home at the end of the day you must tell their teacher.

As the day begins with a briefing at 9.15am we would like all children in Years 5 – 8 to be at school by 8.30am to allow buses to leave before 9am. There will be food for sale but we ask that children bring sufficient food and drink for the day and ensure they have their school polar fleece or jacket to wear if the day is cooler.

The day will begin with the Open 800m race in year groups followed by a rotation of activities including long jump, high jump, discus and running.  Times below will be fairly accurate in order to get through the day.

Parents are welcome to come along and watch. if you are able to help on an activity please see your child’s teacher.

(If wet Postponement is Wednesday Nov 1st)

Congratulations to Celia (1st) & Kelsey (2=) in the Interschool Speech finals today at Eltham School. They are pictured with place getters from both Eltham and Rawhitiroa schools. All 4 girls will represent our area at the Lions Junior Speechmaker in Hawera on 5th November.

Community Survey: One of our school’s strategic goals focuses on educationally powerful partnerships between our learners and our school community. We know how important whanau voice and support is for all our learners at Ngaere School and would appreciate you taking the time to fill in the following survey to guide our thinking as we review and revise our strategic thinking. 

2023 Community Survey

Can  all the pet day trophies please be returned to the school office asap so we can get them engraved.  Thank you.

LOST PROPERTY:  There is alot of clothing items in the lost property cupboard at the moment.  If you are in the school at any stage, please take the time to come and have a look at the blue cupboard, you may recognise items of clothing that belong to your child/ren. The cupboard is situated on the decking  between Rooms 4-5 and the office. 

Calendar Art from Room 7

PTA MEETING TUESDAY 31ST OCTOBER AT 7PM.  ALL WELCOME!

 What’s On..

• Thursday 26th Oct – EPro8 Yr 7 & 8 Finals Devon Intermediate, 4-7pm
• Friday 27th Oct – EPro8 Yr 5 & 6 Finals Devon Intermediate 10.30am – 1.30pm
• Friday 27th Oct – MUFTI DAY – Gold coin donation please
• Monday 30th October – Rural Cluster Athletics (Toko) Yr 5-8
• Tuesday 31st October – PTA Meeting 7pm (all welcome)
• Wednesday 1st November – Board meeting 6.30pm
• Thursday 16th November – Rural Cluster Tabloids (Midhirst) Yr 1-4
• Friday 17th November – Stratford High School Orientation – Year 8
• Monday 20th November – Teacher Only Day (MoE Directed) School closed
• Tuesday 21st- Friday 24th November – Yr 7 & 8 Camp to Wellington
• Thursday 23rd November – Bookclub due 
• Wed 29 Nov  – Fri 01 Dec – Room 5 Camp Konini Lodge 
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4

(Please note this may not be a complete list and some dates may change)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4  Week 2 – Wednesday 18th October 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Welcome back to the last term of 2023.

We currently have a roll of 166 having had 5 new children join us last week. Welcome to Alfie,  Myles & Axel (NEs), Chayce (yr 1) and Carter (Yr 3). 

A huge thank you to teachers, PTA members and parent helpers who worked together for another successful Pet Day, and also to all of the sponsors of the day: Farmsource, Hellers Sausages for Schools,  Matthew & Co Real Estate, Pioneer Seeds, LIC, FMP, Smaxtec, Thomson ONeill Eltham, Adan Larsen Builders, Baldock Earthmoving Ltd, Taranaki Automotive, FIL, Fern Fuels, Taranaki Vets and Eltham Vets.  Your support is very much appreciated!                             Please feel free to offer any feedback on how you felt the day went or how we can improve, either through email to me or by attending the next PTA meeting on 31st October. If you didn’t get a chance to look at all the craft, we have a selection on display in the foyer for the next few days. Congratulations to the winners of the trophies.

We are working through our strategic plan and will shortly be sending out a quick survey to gather some more whānau voice. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our school, so please take the time to answer the short questionnaire. If you would prefer to meet face to face to give your feedback then you are always welcome to make an appointment with me through the office.

Looking ahead to next year, we are about to start organisation for classes for 2024.  This can be a huge and complex task, as we consider a variety of information such as numbers in each year group,  friendships and clashes, student learning styles and teacher’s teaching styles.  Sometimes, however, these things are out of our control. If you wish to share any issues or considerations about your child’s learning and friendships that you feel may impact on their class placement for 2024, now is the time to let me know – email me or have a chat with your child’s teacher. 

On Monday 20 November, all the schools in the local area will be having a Teachers Only Day. Primary Schools have been given this time by the Ministry of Education to look at the updated New Zealand Curriculum. 

On a personal note, I have been offered an amazing opportunity through my involvement with Lions Clubs NZ for an international role in the organisation. Contrary to the stories that have been circulating, I am not resigning as Principal at the end of the year.  

Nga mihi nui,

Megan

That was Pet Day

by Room 3

PET DAY TROPHY WINNERS

Well done to everyone who participated in this years Pet Day!

Could we please have all the pet day trophies returned to the school office asap so we can get them engraved.  Thank you.

EPro 8: Tomorrow we have 2 teams competing in the annual EPro 8 Engineering and Technology challenge at Stratford Primary School. Children work as a team of four to complete engineering design challenges and accumulate as many points as possible during the set time. Parents are welcome to stay to watch the event but are not allowed to help or talk with the students while they compete unless in health or danger related situations. 

Good luck to our Yr 5 & 6 team of Quinn, Mila, Connor & Guy and our Yr 7 & 8 team of Kymahni, Helena, London & Poppy.

Scholastic Book Orders due back 23rd November

Reminder: Children do not need to use their cell phones at school. Parents are able to leave a message through the school office if necessary. If it is vital that a child has their phone for after school contact then it must be handed in to the office in the morning and collected at the end of the day.

Speech Competition: Our 6 senior speech finalists will be presenting their speeches again at Eltham School next Wednesday along with finalists from Eltham and Rawhitiroa schools. The top three speakers will be invited to participate in the Lions Junior Speech Competition in Hawera on Sunday 5th November. Good luck to Celia, London, Lacey, Scarlett, Kelsey and Kaylee.

By Harper K & Oliver O (Room 4)

On Thursday Sue from Taranaki Regional Council came to vist Room 4. We had to answer 3 questions which were: 1. Where does our water go after we use it? (Ocean / Sewer) 2. How do we use water? (Drink it / Shower with it) 3. Who uses water? (Animals / insects / humans / plants / trees)

Sue told us that if someone puts something in the water it can affect the water and the person drinking it can get sick. Sue brought in a sample of what it looks like under the ground. There are leaky landfills, lakes or rivers, well, aquifer, unconfined gravel, unconfined aquifer, confining layer, ground water flow and sands and silt.

She had a pump at the back of the example box. She also had different syringes. One of them had red food colouring that she pumped into the ground. We saw where it went.

Sue told us that if we ever see anyone dumping something into a river or lake to call the Taranaki Regional Council.

Sue taught us heaps. Thanks Sue!

 What’s On..

• Thursday 19th October – EPro 8 Challenge (Yr 5 & 6 9.30am / Yr 7 & 8 5.00pm)
• Monday 23rd October – LABOUR DAY (no school)
• Wednesday 25th October – Interschool speech competition at Eltham School
• Monday 30th October – Rural Cluster Athletics (Toko) Yr 5-8
• Tuesday 31st October – PTA Meeting 7pm (all welcome)
• Wednesday 1st November – Board meeting 6.30pm
• Thursday 16th November – Rural Cluster Tabloids (Midhirst) Yr 1-4
• Friday 17th November – Stratford High School Orientation – Year 8
• Monday 20th November – Teacher Only Day (MoE Directed) School closed
• Tuesday 21st- Friday 24th November – Yr 7 & 8 Camp to Wellington
• Thursday 23rd November – Bookclub due 
• Wed 29 Nov  – Fri 01 Dec – Room 5 Camp Konini Lodge 
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4

(Please note this may not be a complete list and some dates may change)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 3  Week 10 – Wednesday 20th September 2023

Welcome – Nau mai haere mai

Well here we are again at the end of another busy term. 

We currently have a roll of 161 with 10 new children joining us this term. This includes 3 new families to our school.

It was great to see Rooms 3 & 4 celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, or Māori Language Week with the use of te reo Māori as they introduced each item in assembly last Friday. 

We have continued to offer many opportunities for our children this term.

With sport, we had a Yr 7 & 8 team in both the Hurlstone Trophy – netball & McLeod Shield – rugby tournaments and one senior boy competed alongside other intermediate aged children at the Aims Games in Tauranga. All children took part in the annual rural cluster corss country at Rawhitiroa School and a small group went on to compete at the Central competition in Stratford and the Taranaki competition in Hawera. Our year 7 & 8s were hosted at Stratford High School and put through a very competitive ‘Tough Kids’ course which proved to be a lot of fun for all. We also had a vist from some of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls rugby players.

Rooms 5, 6 & 7 took advantage of a number of EPro8 kits in the school with small group challenges designed to promote science, engineering and problem solving. From there we have chosen a group to represent our school at the regional competition in Stratford next term. Senior children have been preparing and presenting their speeches with finals taking place tomorrow to choose our best to go forward against students from Eltham & Rawhitiroa schools. Technology continues for our Year 7 & 8 children with fortnightly sessions at Stratford High School.

Our senior debating teams took part and came out on top in the rural cluster debates. 

School finishes for the term at 3pm on Friday and resumes on Monday 9th October. The first two days classess will be working on their craft exhibits which will be judged and on show Wednesday 11th, Pet Day.

By the time school resumes we will have new turf, ready for summer tennis.

Enjoy the holiday break with your children.

Nga mihi nui,

Megan

Concrete layer being pumped. The turf is then laid over it (with rubber matting between the turf and the concrete).

INTERSCHOOL TOUCH TOURNAMENT TERM 4

A form will come home those students who have indicated that they would like to be part of next terms interschool touch tournment which is required back at school by the Friday 22nd September.  If you require a form, please see Mr Mercer or Karen in the office.

The competition will be held on a Tuesday night, beginning Tuesday 10th October 2023 and for the following 6 weeks:  Year 3/4 4.30-5pm, Year 5/6 5-5.30pm and Year 7/8 5.30-6pm.  

Each team will require coach or the team cannot be entered.  If you are able to help, please let Mr Mercer know.

Games are 7 aside with a minimum of 2 girls on the field. Cost is $10 per player payable to the school office or online, Ngaere School BOT Account 15–3951-0380444-00. 

We would love to see as many participants as possible.

Pet Day Crafts: You will have received the notice regarding the craft activities in each class. Please talk to your child’s teacher if you have any questions. These are to be done at school and will be on display on Pet Day Wednesday 11th October.

Pet Day Diaries:  These will come home with the students who have entered a pet this week.  These diaries are required to be completed over the school holidays and will be part of the judging criteria for all of the pets.  The diaries are required to be returned to school on the first Monday or Tuesday of next term, before Pet Day which is on Wednesday 11th October.   

We still have chocolate bars for sale. Children are able to purchase these at 3pm from the school office- $2 a bar

PTA Update :

PET DAY – Wednesday 11 October.

Many hands make light work!

We need helpers on the day to do a stint on the barbeque or cake stall or selling raffle tickets.

If you can help for half an hour or so please let Karen in the office know.       Any help is very much appreciated.

Maize Maze 2024 – The PTA are planning on running a Maize Maze again this summer but we really need the support of the community to ensure it is successful. If you are able to contribute to this fun event in any way we would love to hear from you. Would you consider being part of a small organising committee? Can you help with the clearing and weeding leading up to the event? Would you like to be a sponsor? Could you commit to a stint one weekend when it is up and running? We look forward to hearing from you!

CCC Clothing Fundraiser – Order forms have gone home for a chance to get shorts ready for the new term! A quick turnaround. Please have orders in by Friday 22nd Sept,

Next meeting is Sunday 8 October – Come along if you would like to help with Pet Day preparation.

End of Term Assembly

 Friday 22nd Sept starting at 2.15pm 

 What’s On..

• Wednesday 20th September – Taranaki Schools Cross Country Champs in Hawera
• Friday 22nd September – End of Term Assembly @ 2.15pm
• Friday 22nd September – Last day term 3  – Happy Holidays
• Monday 9th October – Term 4 begins 
• Wednesday 11th October – PET DAY
• Monday 30th October – Rural Cluster Athletics (Toko) Yr 5-8
• Thursday 16th November – Rural Cluster Tabloids (Midhirst) Yr 1-4
• Monday 20th November – Teacher Only Day (MoE Directed) 
• Tuesday 21st- Friday 24th November – Yr 7 & 8 Camp to Wellington
• Wed 29 Nov  – Fri 01 Dec – Room 5 Camp Konini Lodge 
• Thursday 14th December – End of Year prize Giving
• Friday 15th December – Last day Term 4

(Please note this may not be a complete list and some dates may change)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Stratford District Council

September School Holiday Programme

available from https://www.stratford.govt.nz/Holidays