Kia ora koutou
Welcome to our new children who have started at Muritai recently...Scott Barlow, Layla Meredith, Luca Marshall in room 3, and a new family who started today from Argentina.-.Inaki (R5), Francisca (R13) and Isabella Zabella (R22). I am sure you will love your time here at Muritai.
We are halfway through week 4 and the children have settled extremely well into the school year. Classes are ticking over nicely and both teachers and children have worked hard to establish their class treaties and agreements to ensure they have strong guidelines to work from. We did a lot of work as a staff before school started on some of our review information from last year for children and parents and we looked at behaviour patterns and systems from 2013. I am particularly pleased with how hard members of staff have worked to create classroom environments that reflect our values - commitment, respect, self-confidence, resilience, curiosity, excellence, kindness and integrity. We are keen to keep things as positive as possible so children feel really good about being part of Muritai, but we need children to really step up to the mark in terms of doing the right thing, looking after each other and supporting all to be the best they can.
MEET THE TEACHER
Thank you so much for attending the meet the teacher interviews in week
2. This was an opportunity to touch base and share some thoughts and goals for
your child. Please keep in touch with your child's class teacher and remember
they are always available to discuss any concern that you may have.
PLAYGROUND
As construction on the new school library is about to start we have
moved the playground. I am sure you will all agree this is a positive change
and a fresh start for a wonderful resource. The shift has allowed us to pre-empt
some upcoming repairs as well as add a couple of new parts to improve the
challenge that the playground offers. Thank you so much to BOT member Nick Brownsword
and his team of helpers for seeing this project through to completion.
STUDENT LEADERS (Stu Devenport - Associate Principal Y7-8)
Each year we allocate leadership roles to our year 7 & 8 students.
These positions are held in high regard by the students and are keenly
contested. For a student to be considered for a leadership role they must
first write a letter to the Senior School teachers, expressing their interest
and explaining the qualities they can bring to the role. Once all letters
are received, the teachers spend a great deal of time considering the best
student for each role based on leadership skills they have developed
throughout their time at Muritai.
We were incredibly spoilt for choice for our school captains this year.
Over fifteen Year 8s applied for these roles which show we have a strong team
of confident and motivated seniors for 2014.
After seeking feedback from the Senior Management Team and our Board of
Trustees we are happy to congratulate our newly appointed Head Boy and Girl -
Jake Murphy and Sally Bird and Deputy Head Boy and Girl - Henry Hart and Mia
Treadwell-Burke. We appreciate that they have been excellent role models
during their time at Muritai School and are sure they will continue to lead the
school well.
Supporting them will be the 8 House Captains -
Charters - Hannah Moffat and Fabian Chumko
King - Milly Griffiths and Andre Forrest
Sanson - Charlotte Barclay and Todd Wellwood
Cook - Mary Heath and Blair Kuchenbecker
Stu Devenport - Associate
Principal Y7-8
Messages from our Head Boy and Head Girl:
Hi I'm Jake Murphy and I'm proud to announce that I'm the 2014 Head Boy. When head boy was announced I felt like I was going to take off because my legs were shaking like crazy! Although this has been only my third year at Muritai, I have picked up the importance of the values of our school. I love sports, although some people may say I love art. I have met lots of kind people and I hope I'll meet some more. I can't wait for the opportunities that will be presented and I hope to do a great job as Head Boy. This year will be a fantastic year for Muritai.
Hello Everyone.
I'm Sally, the Head Girl of Muritai School for 2014.
I used to look up at the "big hairy year 8s'" as Mr Bird sometimes refers to them, and think; 8 years is a LONG way away. A long time to listen to the teachers’ instructions, a long time to sit still and a very, very, very long time to get along with your peers - a long time to wait. As I got older, it still seemed like reaching year 8 would take forever. Now I look back on it, it seems it was worth the wait. I look forward to being a leader of this incredibly colourful, bright school and I can't wait to get to know you guys better. I will finish with a quote. "Sometimes I pretend to be normal. But then it gets boring, so I go back to being me". I don't think normal exists. We are all unique in our own special way. Always strive to do your best. And always, be the best that you can be. Thank you.
SCHOOL INFORMATION FORMS
Recently we sent out the school information forms. We do this annually
to ensure our records are up to date. Please complete these and return them to
the office.
REGULAR INFORMATION FROM TEAMS
The Associate principals, Stu Devenport, Deane McKay, Jess Savage and Maureen
Buckley will no doubt keep you informed of events relevant to your children.
They do this through regular blogging as well as regular emails.
YEAR 5-6 CAMP
Next week the year 5-6 children are off to Forest Lakes for their annual
camp. This is a wonderful experience for all concerned and I am sure the
children will thrive with the challenge. Three nights away from home is a big
trip for some of the younger children but they will be stronger for the
experience at the end of it. Thank you to Mr McKay for all his organisation.
GOOD LUCK MR McKAY
Deane McKay is competing in the Ironman NZ in Taupo this weekend. For
the record this involves a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run. Staggering....All
the best Deane!
HOME AND SCHOOL
Home and school are about to launch for 2014. We would love to see new
and old faces to help us out over the year.
We are a casual group of parents who enjoy a catch up, meeting new
people and helping Muritai School access new resources.
If you would like to be involved in any way, we would love to see you on
Tuesday 11 March at 7.30 pm in the school staff room. Alternatively if
you are unable to make the meeting, but want to still be a part in some way,
please fill in the Friends of Home and School form attached or at the school
office.
LOST PROPERTY
We are only into week 4 but we have already accumulated an awful lot of
lost property. If your child is missing something, it may well be under
the stairs leading to Room 10. Please come and check out the lost
property and take anything that belongs to you.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March
Monday 3rd - Junior Swimming Sports - Eastbourne pool
Tuesday 4th - 7th - Year 5-6 School camp
Monday 10th - BOT mtg 7.30pm staffroom
Tuesday 11th - Year 7-8 zone athletics
Thursday 13th - Year 3-8 swim sports at Huia Pool - 12.00-2.30pm
Friday 14th - School assembly 1.45
SENIOR SCHOOL
People are always interested in our senior school. Tucked away across
the road it is an unassuming place which is a hive of incredible talent...it
just gets on with the job! Have a look at the beginning of the year that
describes the energy, commitment to learning and the make-up of our senior
school ... http://seniorschoolmuritai.blogspot.co.nz/
WINTER SHOE AND COAT DRIVE
Once again room 14 will be leading a winter shoe and coat drive for
children less fortunate than themselves. Stay tuned for further details later in the
year.
PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of Sue Allman's recent school photo competition:-
Rose Peddie-Burch Room2
Grace Manson Room13
Olivia Morphew Room14
Pra-Wa K Room23
Amelie Adair Room11
These lucky families will receive a refund of $16 off their school
photos and will then go into a draw to win a free family photo sitting worth
$200! The prize includes the sitting and a large photo-block of your
chosen image and can be used by the winning family or gifted to a friend. There
will be a total of 50 names in the draw which will take place on 1st December
2014.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
The 6th Annual Eastbourne Local Wild Food Challenge is being held
at the Days Bay Pavilion on Saturday March 15th 2014. This year there is a
special addition to the event with a Local Wild Food Challenge Children's
Contest!!!
This junior event is for kids 13 yrs & under, held between 3 and 5pm
with a separate prize giving following. The Main LWF Challenge will be running
at the same time, but with a different judging panel. The Challenge is to
create the best dish with at least one wild ingredient and the judges will be
looking for effort, ingredient, taste & presentation. There are some
fantastic prizes to be won from over 30 sponsors.
We're encouraging kids to register before March 7th to go into a draw
for two cooking lessons with the head chef of Blue Carrot Catering, Adrian
Hornsby, and take part in a Wild Food Demonstration at the Local Wild Food
Challenge with Adrian.
We're hoping to encourage the next generation to understand &
appreciate their local environment, precious resources & community.
Entry is free for contestants, more details at
www.localwildfoodchallenge.com or email us - info@localwildfoodchallenge.com
Help Carter Observatory’s Astronomy Box Outreach Programme
Schools have been lining up to use Carter Observatory’s new, free
resource, the Astronomy Box, but there’s a catch. They currently have to cover
the cost of shipping. So Carter have organised a fundraising event at
Lighthouse Cuba Cinema at 6pm on Thursday 20 March to make the
programme completely free. Come and see a screening of the multi-Academy Award
winning film, Apollo 13, and support this excellent educational
programme for Greater Wellington schools.
The Astronomy Box is a remarkable resource for schools who wish to spend
up to four weeks doing more in depth study of space phenomena. It is designed
to inspire, explain and develop students’ thinking on the topic of ‘ the Earth
and beyond’. The box includes a telescope, solar glasses, books, activity
cards, a model solar system and other resources schools may not have easy
access to. The Astronomy Box is particularly valuable to schools who might not
be able to travel to Carter Observatory easily due to cost or distance.
Book now through Lighthouse Cuba Cinema, Phone (04) 385 3337, or for further information please contact:
John Field, Programmes Officer, Carter Observatory,
Ph +64 4 815 8302
STAGLANDS
We will be celebrating Children's Day on Sunday 2nd March by
offering FREE ADMISSION into the Reserve for ALL
CHILDREN. In addition to our usual attractions we will be putting on extra
activities down at The Barn. So if you are looking for a great Children's
day outing why not gather your friends and connect with nature at Staglands on
the 2nd March.
Tamatoa Dolphins
Open Evening 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday 18 February
Tamatoa Dolphins are a maritime and marine focused youth group for boys
and girls aged between 10 and 13 years old. We run activities including
snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, water safety and rope skills. Our aim is to have
fun while making new friends, gaining confidence, and developing leadership
skills. Please come long to our open evening to see what we do and to find
out how to become a Tamatoa Dolphin. We meet at the TS Tamatoa Sea Cadet
Unit on the Petone Esplanade Close to Petone Wharf on Tuesday evenings.
Free Sunglasses for New Entrants
Visique is giving away free sunglasses to new
entrant students for the10th year in a row. Muritai School has been given
vouchers for these free sunglasses. Simply take the voucher with your
child to Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists at 245 Jackson St, Petone, to be
fitted. Visique also looks after the eye health and vision of older
students, visit Visique CapitalEyes to find out more
MID-WEEK TENNIS at MURITAI TENNIS CLUB
Take some time out for yourself!! Tuesdays 9.30am at 356 Muritai
Road, summer & winter during the Primary School TermsWomen & Men
welcome - Beginner to Advanced, Regular or casual. Dress informal. Small playground for pre-schoolers and
lessons available through club Just turn
up! Morning tea supplied - Enquiries: Merryn 562-0236 or Carol 568-5360
DAYS BAY PLAY CREATIVE ARTS COURSES TERM 1 2014.
We have now confirmed our creative arts courses for Term 1. We
have two courses running this term, starting in March. A paper art course
for 5-8 year olds and a handsewn handicrafts course for 8-12 year olds.
All details are now posted at: http://daysbayplay.blogspot.co.nz
All enquiries and bookings to Priya, Days Bay Play
Co-ordinator:daysbayplay@gmail.com
Eastside Fitness Gym
Eastside Fitness Gym in the village is offering 6 month memberships for
only $600! This includes programme set up and a half hour personal training
session.
The gym
offers the latest cardiovascular equipment, along with top of the line weights
training equipment and all only a few minutes from home! Owned by
Eastbourne locals Brett & Debbie Turner, along with trainers Teresa Walton
& Yvonne Webby, we look forward to welcoming you for a no obligation visit
to discuss your exercise needs and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Phone
Debbie on 0274800561 or Teresa 02102349153 or send us an email info@eastsidefitness.co.nz for more
information.
