29 June

A big welcome to Jesse Berry-Sarginson, Nelson Churchman and Arnamieka Lamb to the Muritai School family.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT REPORTING
We are just putting the finishing touches to our reporting to parents. Next Friday written reports and student portfolios will be issued. The portfolios help explain the children’s achievement. 

This written report rates your child’s achievement using a 5 point scale ranging from well below to well above against the expected year levels of the NZ curriculum. Rather than just focussing on reading, writing and maths we will be covering all areas of the curriculum, including work and study skills and the key competencies. For many of you this report will look very similar to previous editions. The answer to this is simple – reporting is about identifying children's strengths /weaknesses and their next learning steps. Our written report uses criteria of key skills for each curriculum area to inform you on how well your child is achieving against the appropriate year level benchmark.

On Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th in week 11 we have parent interviews. We will be using the student portfolios and other work samples to guide the parent interview and relate and explain your child’s achievement against the year level national standards. It is important to note that at this mid year stage this is just an indicator of how students are tracking against the national standard (which is an end of year judgment).

Some parent survey comments suggest the student portfolio is a “waste of time”. We see it as being a very important learning aspect for the children as it gives them a chance to reflect on their own growth together with the teachers and their peers.  The language used to put the portfolios together helps them self-review their own progress and achievement.

The key thing is to continue those ongoing conversations about your child's strengths and weaknesses and understand future learning goals for the next phase of learning. You will then be able to take the portfolio home, hopefully with greater meaning and allow your child to then share their quality work with you.

So in summary our triangle of reporting is as follows –

• Written report – a visual representation of your child’s achievement against the NZ curriculum objectives at their year level.

• Student portfolio – a sample of student work put together by the children and their class teacher to reflect their learning journey this year.

• Parent interview – using samples of work, a discussion, with samples, of a student’s strengths and next learning steps. This will involve informing you how your child is tracking against the national standard in reading, writing and maths.

You can find this information in greater detail on our National Standards/Curriculum Blog.

STAFFING
Congratulations to Matt Skilton who has won the Principal’s position at Tawhai School. Matt has been at Muritai for 6 years as our DP and I am sure you will all agree has made a wonderful contribution to Muritai School. The time is right for Matt for this new appointment and he will be moving to Tawhai in term 4. We wish him all the best. 

Also congratulations to Stu and Kate Devenport for the safe arrival of their daughter Elsie on Saturday. Stu will be back at school tomorrow after some parental leave.

And to Kath Barker, our after school manager currently on maternity leave. Her baby boy arrived last Friday. Wonderful news.

We also welcome Margs Mills-Smith ‘officially’ back to the staff. Our newest classroom 16 is up and running and will have 7 children by the end of the term.

ROGER MEXTED
Our thoughts go out to the Wellesley school community at the sudden passing of a much loved teacher, Roger Mexted.  Roger had been at Wellesley for over 25 years and made a difference to many young boys' lives over the years. He was also a good friend to many of our staff. Roger’s memorial service is this Friday and to allow some of our staff to attend we will ‘power down’ on Friday afternoon and blend some classes together.

ASSEMBLY
We had lots to share at the last assembly – piano, stories, dances, movies, presentations, certificates.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
School will be closing early at 1.50pm on both days of the Parent/teacher interviews being:-

Wednesday 13 July 2pm to 8pm
Thursday 14 July 2pm to 6pm

If you have not already booked an interview with your child/ren's teacher, go to School Interviews, put in the code 'LZ83V' and follow the prompts.  Alternatively, you can call in at the school office and Carole or Sue will make an appointment for you.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Please be sure to check out the Scholastic Book Fair and support the Muritai School library fundraiser when you come for your school interviews. The library will be open from 2:00 - 8:00 on Wednesday and 2:00 - 6:00 on the Thursday for you to make your purchases.

Remember profits the school makes go directly back into funding books for the library for our children to enjoy.

We still need a few more helpers so if you can help at all or would like to know more about what you would need to do please get in contact with Jo Salisbury at salisburyjo@gmail.com

SICKNESS
We are currently experiencing the winter blues and have many people away each day – both staff and children. The bugs this winter are very severe so please make sure that children are well before they return to school. At this time we are battling to provide consistency with staff as they have many bugs and ailments too – but we have a regular group of relieving teachers to call upon and our thanks to them for keeping things moving.

In particular we have been informed of a few children having Strep throat.  If your child has a sore throat caused by a cold or flu virus, they will usually have other symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. Children with strep throat will often also have:

• a fever (greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius)

• swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches

• swollen or tender glands in their neck

• may complain of headache and stomach pain

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s health, please consult your GP as a child with Strep throat may need to be put on anti-biotics and stay at home until they are well.


ABSENCES
Please ensure you inform the office if your child is absent from the school.  We have had several incidences when parents have informed teachers that their child will be absent from school and the teachers have either been away or forgotten to inform the office.  All absences must be chased up by the office on the day.  It is also a Ministry requirement that parents ask permission of the Principal to take their child/ren out of school.  This should be a written request in advance of taking the child/ren away. 

FOUR DISHES IN AN HOUR? SURELY NOT... 
But this was the case for six lucky Year 7 and 8 children, read on and see how they were abe to step up to the challenge.  On Monday the 27th June we attended a 'ready steady cook' session with the Executive Chef Aidy Hornsby, from Blue Carrot Catering Company.  The Kids travelled to the Blue Carrot Kitchen in Petone, where they met with Adrian, were split into two teams (Girls Vs Boys), presented with 4 recipes and had an hour to 'cook off' against each other. The girls team worked with Aidy, and the boys with chef Mark. These two were super patient, humorous and really great at allowing the kids to do all the hands on work.

The dishes were: Leek and Potato soup, courgette and spinach mini tarts, pumpkin and spinach fritters with dipping sauce and a divine green hummus and carrot sticks. Aidy had created dishes which were specifically chosen to showcase the veg that we are currently growing in our school garden.  This training is in preparation for the Term 4 Art Auction, where the children will be in charge of cooking the nibbles for the evening. The next step is for the 'chef's' to meet with the Yr 4 gardeners (their veg suppliers) and discuss what they require to be planted out ready for Term 4.

So much fun, so much generosity from Gordon and Nicole, Aidy, Mark and the whole Blue Carrot Team, and a huge amount of pride at how our children performed!

CHOCOLATES

We really appreciate your continued support and thank you to all our enthusiastic sales people.  At assembly last Friday the following spot prizes were awarded:

Rona Gallery book vouchers won by : Jacob Barnard – Emma and Katie Beevers
Gelissimo ice-cream vouchers won by: Samantha and Olivia Morphew – Tayla Rogers - Mason Pendrous – Jessica and Suzanne Taylor – Hillary Sheridan - Thomas and James Downing – Clara and Theo Lafont – Curtis, Andrew and Eliza Shaffer – Kieran and Lauren Redpath - David Balayan
Lighthouse Cinema double movie pass won by: Bayden Moors
The Beach Café hot chocolate and sweet vouchers won by: Anna Rodgers – Maz Cameron – Holly Fahey – Shannyn Thompson – Celine Malama
4GB MP3 Player won by: Baxter Wilton-Taylor


Congratulations to our winners….so far!  Our final prize draw will be held at assembly on Friday 15th July.  Good luck and keep on selling!
With thanks from the Home and School Team

KAPA HAKA LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY AT EPUNI SCHOOL
On Friday 17th June 7 leaders from the year 7/8 Kapa Haka group were involved with teaching the Epuni students some of the songs that we learn at Muritai School. This was a follow up from the Year 7/8’s successful performance at Epuni School on the previous Friday. It was a great leadership opportunity at a school very different from our own. Having already been leaders with Mr Chadwick when he teaches the year 3-6 groups the students had to take their experience and skills to a school crying out for something different.

It was fantastic being at Epuni School and having Muritai School leaders there to show their stuff ~ Raihania Chadwick.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE
After School Care will be running a school holiday programme with lots of exciting visits including Weta Studios, Action Sport Arean, Ten Pin Bowling, Karori Wildlife Reserve together with Clowning Around Circus at school, Master Chef and Wheels Day.  To ensure your child does not miss out, please ensure that your enrolment forms, together with payment, are received by the office no later than Friday 8 July.  Forms are available at the school office.

FOUND - A MAN'S WEDDING RING
A large gold wedding ring was found in the school library approximately one week ago.  If you are missing yours please ring the office with your details.

DENTAL CLINIC
The clinic at Muritai School will be closed for the rest of Term 2 and all of Term 3.  Mandy and Sarah will be based over this time at Konini School in Wainuiomata.  Please phone 564 5299 for any relief of pain/queries, Monday to Wednesday.

SPORTS
Year 7/8 Zone Basketball Blitz
On Wednesday 22nd June 28 students from the year 7/8 syndicate participated at Walter Nash Stadium in a basketball blitz against a number of other schools. The students ranged in ability from learners to experienced players but the teamwork and overall skill of the Muritai students was outstanding with 2 Muritai teams placing in 1st equal. Yet again the year 7/8 students have shown that they have a lot to be proud of.

Y3/4 Cross Country
Last week the Year three and four children participated in a cross country event held at Bishops Park. Although the field and track was very muddy the children demonstrated a really high level of fitness as they whizzed round the course. Students were required to first run a lap round the sports fields before heading over the sand dunes to run along the beach, eventually coming back over the dunes for the final sprint to the finish line. Special thanks goes to Room 12 for being fantastic marshals and to the Year 8 house captains who bought along the house banners and helped create an atmosphere of fun and support for the children.

Well done to:
Year 3:
Boys: 1st = Tom Griffiths, 2nd = Flynn Healy, 3rd = Bruno Penney
Girls: 1st = Charlotte Humphries, 2nd = Lea Pummer, 3rd = Samantha Woolley
Year 4:
Boys: 1st = Andrew Sutcliffe, 2nd = Max Hahn, 3rd = Tom Flynn
Girls: 1st = Macey Caughley, 2nd = Ella Giles, 3rd = Isla Armstrong

COMMUNITY

Quiz night and Auction for Youth Worker
Saturday 6th August in Muritai School Hall
Make up a team of up to 10. Compete against your friends and neighbours. Have fun and support this worthwhile community cause.  Tickets $20, available from Harcourts, Gina at Youth Group or Karen Sisson 562 8771.

Staglands - Wellington Open Day – Sunday 26th June
You may have heard about the Wellington Open Day that’s all the buzz for this weekend. We’re taking part in this so it’s a gold coin donation entry for all visitors on Sunday 26th June.  Our nominated charity for all proceeds is the Nga Manu Trust.  Visit our website to see all the exciting events being held at Staglands.

Lower Hutt Foodbank
The Lower Hutt Foodbank is to hold a drive on 7 August 2011 for the needy in our community with the support of the Lions and Rotary clubs.  The Hutt News will be inclduing labeled bags in your paper of that week.  Residents are asked to contibute some items of food by placing these items in the provided bag and leaving it out by your letter box on the day.

Does your child want to learn a new language in Eastbourne?
LCF Clubs Fun Languages if looking to offer children from pre-school age to 12 years old the opportunity to learn French, Germand and Italian (depending on demand).  A huge variety of interactive and communicative activities - role play, crafts, activity sheets, lively games, board games, songs and drama.  Professionally designed materials.  Spanish, Mandarin also available subject to demand.  To register your interest please contact: email stefi@lcfclubs.co.nz, phone Stefi Plimmer-Blattner on 562 8211 or visit the website http://www.lcfclubs.co.nz/

Piano Lessons with Vanessa Tindle (ATCL, BSc, dipTchg)
If you would like your child to have private piano tuition at school next term, now is the time to put your name down. I have some vacancies commencing Term 3.  All enquiries are welcome. Please phone me directly to discuss (before the holidays). Vanessa Ph 562 7663.

16 June

Naumai e te whanau o te kura Muritai
Tena koutou katoa

We welcome new students Henry Bennett (Rm 15) and Anthony Bennett (Rm 9) to Muritai School. 

NATIONAL STANDARDS ­ MAKING GOOD PROGRESS!
Muritai has made good progress with the recently introduced Ministry of Education developed National Standards for Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

The teachers deserve much praise for their commitment to the challenge presented to them in 2010, and to their ongoing work this year to enhance reporting procedures. Their approach continues to be proactive and improvement focused. They certainly appreciate the positive support, acknowledgements and constructive feedback provided by parents. At the March meeting of the Board, senior management provided a detailed report to share the achievement data summaries from 2010 and the first 6 weeks of 2011. This report identified trends and next steps for Reading, Writing and Mathematics and the school-wide priorities for 2011.

At the end of 2010 achievement data information of National Standard achievement showed that most Muritai students were reading at or above the standard for most age or year groups with large groups of students reading well above the Standard. A large majority of our Y6 and Y8 children who left the school at the end of their time with us were reading material graded three or more years in advance of their chronological age. For the students who are reading below the expected standard, and need the most help, we are continuing with our endeavours to provide learning support in addition to their classroom teaching and learning programmes.

In Writing the results were similar but showed a wide disparity of those children who were 'comfortable' writers and those that had real difficulties with writing. This gives credence to continued Board of Trustee investment in our learning support programmes to try to enable those students to experience success. There were improved progress patterns as the children moved towards the Y8 level where our end of year data indicated the largest group of students writing above expectation.

In Mathematics, again sizable groups of children achieved above the National Standards. Children are streamed from year 3-8 and teachers are using strategy grouping throughout the school to assist them to focus on the specific learning needs of the children.

This approach is making a big difference to their teaching success. We are still keen for the children to have better recall of their basic facts so please continue to practicse at home, in particular using online games that are widely available. This is vital for success in maths.

Parents can expect to receive a mid-year report, student work sample portfolio, and a parent interview during weeks 10-11 of this term. This information will report on how students are tracking towards achieving the National Standards at the end of the year. This report and portfolio will be updated in December.

Teachers report on whether the child is working At, Above, Below or Well Below the expected level for their age (Y1-3) or class level (Y4-8).

As a general guide the children working at their expected level will be working within the standard for their age or class level. This does not mean that the child has mastered all objectives or parts, but does mean they can successfully "do the work" within the standard. The most valuable aspect of the reporting process will be the sharing of what the child can really do, the next steps and how parents can help at home. Teachers will be able to show parents the work samples and explain progress, trends and future learning focus areas.

Many thanks to parents who continue to acknowledge our efforts to 'do the best we can' in working through the issues related to National Standards, ­ we are pleased with our progress to date.

CROSS COUNTRY - Y5-8 School Cross Country
Last Thursday our Y5-8 students participated in a school cross country event at Williams Park, Days Bay. This event was supposed to be held on Tuesday but had been postponed due to bad weather. Although the sun shone for us on Thursday the heavy rain earlier in the week had caused the zig-zag track to be too slippery for the children to run down, so the decision was made to have the students run up this section of the course instead.  I was very proud of the high levels of determination shown by all our runners but special mention needs to go to those who find such long distance running a ‘big’ challenge.  These children worked very hard training leading up to the cross country and felt a real sense of achievement as they crossed the finish line.  Thank you to all those who came along to support the children, your cheering definitely lifted their spirits and helped make the day special.

Congratulations to the following winners:
• Year 5: Charlotte Wilson (girls) and Jack Healy (boys)
• Year 6: Maya Hahn (girls) and Matthew Sutcliffe (boys)
• Year 7: Hailey Griffiths (girls) and Gus Reece (boys)
• Year 8: Tessa McFarlane (girls) and McLeod Harrison (boys)

Unfortunately the grounds were closed for our younger runners so a separate cross country event will be held at Bishop Park on Tuesday 21st June.

YEAR 4-6 CENTRAL ZONE CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS
Yesterday we took 60 of our finest Year 4-6 cross country runners to compete at the Central Zone Cross Country. The event was held along the riverbank near Connolly Street, Lower Hutt and was organised by Boulcott School. The track was very heavy underfoot and in some places was so muddy that it sucked the shoes off many of the runner's feet!

As always the Muritai team were amazing despite all being a little nervous before their races. There was very boisterous cheering in support while their peers were racing and they were greeted them on their return with high fives.  Everyone in the team did their absolute best with many achieving personal goals.

Although we won 4 out of the 6 races we placed 3rd overall. This is an outstanding achievement and one the kids should feel very proud of. Special congratulations needs to go to the 11 runners who placed in the top ten and have now been selected to represent the Central Lower Hutt Team at the Inter-zone Cross Country on the 28th June. Those students and their placings are:

Y4 GIRLS: 1st = Macey Caughley, 7th = Ella Giles, 9th = Phoebe Evans.
Y4 BOYS: 4th = Andrew Sutcliffe, 7th Max Hahn.
Y5 GIRLS: 2nd = Charlotte Wilson, 9th = Grace Allan
Y5 BOYS: 1st = Jack Healy, 2nd = Liam Lamb
Y6 GIRLS: 1st = Maya Hahn
Y6 BOYS: 1st = Matthew Sutcliffe

SCHOOL INTERVIEWS
We will be holding Parent/Teacher Interviews at the end of term as follows:-

Wednesday 13 July from 2pm to 8pm
Thursday 14 July from 2pm to 6pm

School will be closing early on both these days at 1.50pm with the first interviews starting at 2pm.  You can make a booking at School Interviews, putting in the code LZ83V and follow the prompts.  Alternatively, come to the school office and Carole or Sue will make the booking for you.

Matt Skilton/Sally Velvin in Room 12 are holding their interviews a week earlier on Tuesday 5 July and Wednesday 6 July from 3pm to 6pm.  Follow the same procedure as above.

If your child catches the bus, this will be at the normal time.  Children waiting for buses or unable to be picked up at 1.50 will be kept in the school hall where a DVD will be shown.

SCHOOL BOOK FAIR
Each year Muritai School has a great opportunity to invite the Scholastic Book Fair to our school. Not only is this a great way for you to take a look at books for sale from Scholastic, it's also a fantastic way to support our school library.

By purchasing books from Scholastic, profits made from the book fair go back into purchasing books for the school library.  We coordinate this event to run alongside the parent interviews. The library will be open from 2:00 on both evenings to allow you time to pop in and take a look at what's on sale.

There's no waiting for your order, you can take your purchase with you on the night and we will have Eft-pos available. Jo Salisbury is setting up a roster of parent helpers for the book fair so please email her if you have some time to spare on either of the evenings. Even 1 hour of your time would be greatly appreciated to help with book sales. salisburyjo@gmail.com

YEAR 7/8 KAPA HAKA
On Friday 10th June the year 7/8 kapa haka group visited Epuni School to perform at their assembly. This was a great opportunity for the group to get some much needed performance time in front of others. Epuni School was really receptive to the performance and as a show of support performed their own haka in response. The children were fantastic and were a credit to the school.

ASC

School holidays are fast approaching with the last day of school being Friday 15 July.  After School Care are running a fantastic holiday programme with days out to the Movies, Te Papa, Carter Observatory, Weta Studios, Action Sport Arena, Karori Wildlife Reserve and Ten Pin Bowling, together with some exciting events at school.  If you would like to book your child into the programme, please download a brochure or pick one up from the office.  Cost is $40 per day or $180 for the whole week.  Enrolment forms and payments must be delivered to the school by Friday 8 July at the latest.

CHOCOLATES
The chocolate fundraiser is now under way and we have already been busy in the mornings taking cash and handing out new boxes to sell. So a big thank you to the families that have already returned their boxes and taken new ones. It’s been great to see the kids so keen to sell. We are collecting the money in the office from 8.20 to 8.50 each morning.

They were doing a roaring trade at the netball courts on the weekend and I know that lots of you have taken boxes into your work places which is great. As the snakes, that are new this year, have been such a huge success we have ordered some more that will be available from Friday morning.

So far we have 48 people in the prize draw for the next assembly on the 24th June, where we’ll be giving out Rona Gallery book vouchers, Lighthouse cinema vouchers, Gelissimo ice-cream vouchers and The Beach Café vouchers. So try to return your money early to join them in the draw. Also, there will be an extra draw at this assembly for any children selling more than one box to win an MP3 player.

So keep on selling.

With thanks from The Home and School Team

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
Twenty-two Entertainment Books are still outstanding from our recent fundraiser.  These must be returned immediately.  You will have received a letter if you are one of the 22 people still holding an Entertainment Book.  Please ensure these are returned to the office as soon as possible. 

PEER MEDIATION
Peer Mediation Awards this week have gone to Megan Meates and Seren Lewis.  Imojen Lee and Olivia Seymour chose two students who were being wonderful in the playground, so congratulations to both these girls.

FAIR TRADE SPEAKER VISITS THE SENIOR SCHOOL
On Wednesday the 8th of June the Year 7 and 8 were lucky enough to have Darren Frazer come and talk to us about international Fair Trade organisation.

His talk fits nicely with the current Year 7 and 8 sustainable living unit. Teaching the children about sustainable practices not only means protecting the earth's resources but also looking after people who are unable to protect themselves.

It was also a great opportunity to talk about Consideration which is one of the school 4 Cs (Consideration, Co-operation, Courtesy and Commonsense).

PERFORMING ARTS - ARTSPLASH CHOIR
Each Thursday, Year 4-6 students have singing with Ruth Hooke. During this time the children learn and practise songs for assembly and just enjoy singing together.  Recently, they have also been learning some of the songs that will make up the 2011 Artsplash repertoire which this year focuses on music from different countries to tie in with the Rugby World Cup.  This week, the children will be asked if they would like to be in the Artsplash Choir which will perform in the Wellington Town hall on Wednesday 21st September at 8.00pm.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to get together and sing with other school choirs.  As of next week Thursday singing will be for the Artsplash Choir to rehearse rather than all Year 4-6 students.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
We have had two outstanding performances at Muritai School recently from Perform! Educational Musicals. The first one, ‘Jump To It’ was a Book Week musical in association with the NZ Storylines Festival. It featured a selection of the finalist books from the NZ Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults . The children were introduced to the books and songs prior to viewing it and the performance itself required some participation which they enjoyed. This was watched by Years 1-6.

‘We liked this show because it told you not to play video games all the time instead of doing homework and reading books. It had some cool songs’ (Maya and Frankie, Year 6)

After being exhausted by the Cross Country last week, Years 5-8 watched another musical show by the same actors called ‘My Friends.com’. This show was geared for the upper primary level and focussed on the dangers and possible problems with cyber bullying, posting messages on facebook and inappropriate use of cell phones.

It was very informative and made us all think! The acting and singing was outstanding. At the conclusion of the show the actors demonstrated a drama technique called ‘hot seating’ and then allowed the students to ask the characters questions which they answered ‘in role’. This was very powerful.

"Cyber bullying is real and can severely effect others. Posing as other people is a criminal offence and the consequences can be very serious’ (Caspian, Year 8).

COMMUNITY NOTICES

SPCA

Disposable containers needed for SPCA (see attached picture).  They use the isolation container to prevent disease in the shelter. They are in need of containers to use for feeding that they can throw away thus decreasing the risk of passing disease from one animal to another or to another area of the shelter. Old takeaway containers are fantastic for this purpose. If you have any can you drop them off to the shelter in Newtown or give them to Karen Jones in Room 6 who will drop them off to the shelter.

The SPCA are also looking for people keen to Sew.  We are in need of sewers! Can you help us cut and sew fabric for children to make catnip cat toys? Can you help us sew mini dog jackets for toy dogs to be given as part of a birthday present for children who book a birthday party with us? This job requires a sew machine and can be done from home whenever you have a spare moment. If you can help, please contact Jen  jenniferr@wellingtonspca.org.nz

Does your child want to learn a new language in Eastbourne
LCF Clubs Fun Languages is looking to offer children from preschool age to 12 years old the opportunity to learn French, German and Italian (depending on demand).  A huge variety of interactive and communicative activities - role play, crafts, activity sheets, lively games, board games, songs and drama.  Professionally designed materials.  Spanish, Mandarin and ESL also offered, subject to demand.  To register your interest please contact:  classes@lcfclubs.co.nz phone 0800 386 000 or visit the website http://www.lcfclubs.co.nz/

DORE INFORMATION EVENING
Dore is holding a free information evening which will be of particular interest to special needs teachers and the parents of students who have learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome. The Dore Programme is a highly effective drug-free exercise based programme for those with learning difficulties. The Information evening is being held on Wednesday 22 June at 7.30pm at The New Dowse, 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt. To reserve a place phone 0508 520 000 or email info@dore.co.nz.

June 2nd 2011

Naumai e te whanau o te kura Muritai

Tena koutou katoa

We had a lovely farewell assembly for Peter Hull last Friday and enjoyed listening to the skills of Eva and Macey on the violin and Caitlin on the piano. Mr Hull is now in Cambodia and Matt Skilton and Sally Velvin are in place in room 12.

We welcome Ned Sykes, Fraser Neilson and Yoshi Comeskey to Muritai School.

There certainly has been a lot on lately…this morning our staffroom was full of people with our staff, new parents, principals and senior managers from some Manawatu schools, relieving teachers covering 6 staff at a Kath Murdoch inquiry workshop and the carpet layers here making some repairs.

Tomorrow (Friday 3 June) is teacher only day. We are using this opportunity as a staff to self-review our teaching and learning principles and practices against the New Zealand curriculum, our existing school charter and learning programmes. Our work as a staff will feed into the Board’s school charter development this year as we strategically plan our school environment for the next 4-5 years at Muritai. Our learning support staff will be working with our communication expert, Jeanette Brown, from Group Special Education; and then visiting Rata St School in Naenae to observe the good work they do there. After School Care have organized an expedition to the zoo with 30 children on that trip. Carole, Sue and Mark are looking forward to some peace and quiet!!!!!!

A reminder about cross-country on Tuesday 7th June. This is one of the few things we can do as a whole school and the event is very popular. The children have been training hard and given the traditional fine day we should experience another fun event.

Upcoming Diary Dates

Tuesday 7 June – Cross country

Wednesday 8 June – ICAS Science Test

Thursday 9^th – Show Y5-8 – my friend.com 1.30

Friday 10^th – School assembly 1.40; Kapa haka at Epuni School

Monday 13^th – BoT meeting 7.00

Tuesday 14^th – Y4-6 Zone cross-country

Wednesday 15^th – Starting school at 5 mtg 7.00

YEAR 5 AND 6 TGIF PROGRAMME

In year 5 and 6 the first cycle of our 'Thank Goodness it's Friday' (TGiF) programme has started.

We have a great selection of activities on offer in the first cycle including learning to play the ukulele, technology, arts and crafts, baking! We have even had a small

group of children working with Kirsty Healy to create funky tie dye t-shirts. In addition to this, 4 lucky students (Mia Weber, Jessica Taylor, Mary Heath and Emeline Gray) were invited to go to the Deli to whip up some impressive creations in their kitchen!

A big thanks to Kirsty and Melissa for giving up their time to work with us - we really appreciate it! Our next cycle starts in week 6. Here are some pics of the action over the past 2 weeks.

YOUNG LEADER'S DAY

On Monday 23rd May a select group of year 8 students travelled to Wellington to attend Young Leader's Day. There five inspiring speakers talked to the students about making smart choices, asking for help, saving the world, hopes and dreams, the x-factor and being yourself and not someone else and about life's journeys. The speakers were:

• Pat Buckley


• Andrea Deelely


• Alison Shanks


• Dave Atkinson


• Jamie Fitzgerald

ART IN YEAR 5 AND 6

Year 5 and 6 were most privileged to have a visit from local artist Annie Hayward recently. Annie talked to the children about where she gets her ideas for her paintings and how she uses quotes and phrases to motivate and inspire her. She also talked a lot about what an important part the environment has on her work and how she walks along the beach daily, with her dog Ruby Lulu, to get her creative juices flowing! Click here for a peek.The children were fascinated by what she had to say and Annie commented on how impressed she was with the questions the children asked. She showed a selection of her works and explained the many different techniques she uses. The children have done some stunning Artwork themselves and this can be seen in the classrooms, on the blogs and in the school corridors. Annie’s work can be seen at The Lodge on Muritai Road where her husband James, has a hairdressing salon. She will also be exhibiting her works at the NZ Art Show at the TSB Arena , July 29-31st.

MERIDIAN LIGHT HOUSE
On Tuesday 24th May a small group of Year 8 Enviroschool ambassadors headed into town to view the Meridian Light House Project as part of their Inquiry into Uno's Garden. (Check out what this is about.)

They received a tour from one of the leading architects for the project. It was fascinating hearing about how the university students came up with ideas to create a fully functioning zero energy house. The Muritai students came back with heaps of notes as well as ideas for their up coming inquiry and have presented back to their classes.

KAPA HAKA PERFORMANCES
Last week saw the Muritai School kapa haka group perform to two very different audiences. On Thursday 26th the students performed at the Eastbourne Library. This performance was part of the libraries contribution to NZ music month where the kapa haka group performed to the local residents who attended. Friday 27th saw a visit from Days Bay Playcentre with the preschool students starring in awe while the kapa haka group performed yet again. The kapa haka group have continued performing to a high standard and it is exciting to think of where they can go to next ...(which is Epuni School on Friday 10th June.)

CD PLAYERS
Sarah Richardson, our Learning Support Teacher, is looking for donations of portable CD players. She uses them with her Rainbow Reading programme but does not have enough for the number of children on the programme. If you have a old discman type CD Player you would like to donate, please drop it off at the office.

SPORTS
Rippa Rugby
On a beautifully sunny Thursday 19th May 43 Year 7/8 students went to Petone Recreation Ground to compete a number of other schools in the Southern Zone Rippa Rugby Competition. The students had a blast, managing to secure the top 4 places in the competition. The teamwork and individual skill on display was excellent with the team leaders ensuring that the teams performed to their best.

Year 5/6 Central Zone Football Tournament
On Tuesday the 24th of May our footballers joined in to take part in the Year 5 and 6 Central Zone Football Tournament run by SportZone. The tournament was held at a very blustery Sladden Park in Petone.

Muritai had 4 teams participating (2 girls teams and 2 boys teams). A lot of great games were had and many superb goals were scored. Our players were fantastic and experienced many wins, draws and a few loses too. The overall winners were Waterloo School with the Fair Play Trophy going to Eastern Hutt.

A special thanks to the parents who transported the children to and from the park, and to the supporters and team managers on the sideline.

COMMUNITY NOTICES
Hutt Valley High School Information Evening
All students and their parents/caregivers interested in attending Hutt Valley High School in 2012 are invited to the Hutt Valley High School Hall on Thursday 9 June 2011 at 6.00 pm. The evening will involve introductions and brief addresses plus guided tours of the school and advice on programmes. Enrolment packs will be available.

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