Kia ora koutou katoa,
We
welcome Lars Meyer-Westfeld and Rafferty Theobald who have joined Muritai
School in room 1.
We have had an excellent start to the year. The children have
settled extremely well into their classes and are very busy already. Finished
work is making its way onto the walls as teachers and children aim to put some
'life' into their classrooms.
The month of
February at school is very much focussed on getting systems operational in the
classroom and building class culture for the new 'learning' year. Each year
classes are shuffled around to allow different working relationships to form
and with a new teacher there is always a 'bedding' in period where everyone
needs to get used to each other. Classes explore treaties (just like our Treaty
of Waitangi) that set expectations, to enable everyone to do their very best
and sets a productive and safe learning and social environment.
At assembly on Friday we spoke about the key value of
respecting others, in particular thinking about how we conduct ourselves around
others. We talked about greeting, smiling, kind hands, opening doors for adults
being a good friend to others and looking after property.
Classes have
settled quickly and are well into the business of learning.
Building
work
We are
very close to completion on the building project - there are just some surface
features to complete. One task later this term will be to 'renovate' our garden
areas around the library and deck, so we will be looking for a team of
parents/children to assist a lead team at a working bee. Once the weather cools
we will be calling out for volunteers for 'one big day'.
Parents / Teachers
We
encourage parents to keep in touch with teachers if there are any concerns or
you want to find out how your child is 'doing' at school. We formally report at
the end of term one, the middle of the year and the end of the year both in
writing and face to face and of course your children will report on a daily
basis on how they are at school. From time to time a 1:1 is profitable and if
this is required we encourage you to email your child's teacher and find a
suitable agreed time to meet to discuss progress.
Lateness
It is
good practice to ensure that the children arrive at school on time. This sets
them up well both for the day and for future years. A reminder that children
should be at the school at 8.30am. Our
first bell at 8.40am means 'go to your classroom'. The classroom programme
starts at 8.50am with greetings and formalities. If you are arriving at
school after 8.40 the children will struggle to be ready for the day. Around
8.30ish is a good time for the children to arrive - it gives them a chance to
place their bag on the hook, get things ready for the classroom and chat with
their friends. This year children who arrive after 8.50 will be issued a pink
slip 'late ticket' at the office which, after a very small 'grace period', will
qualify the children for a 15 minute 'extra' duty. We have about 20-30 children
who are late each day which is just too many and is disruptive to the class
programme.
Butterfly
Garden
The children have really enjoyed
the Butterfly garden this year. It is a captivating feature of our school for
both young and old and it has been so pleasing to see how kind and gentle our
children are with the butterflies.
Bike to School Day
This was a huge success with
around 320 bikes at school for 'Bike to School' day last week. We have about 50
bikes at school each day and as many scooters which is healthy for the
environment.
Swimming Sports
Our Year 3-8 swim sports are on
at Huia Pool next Thursday afternoon from 12 - 2.15pm. Buses leave Muritai at
11am and we will be running a very tight timetable to be back at school by home
time.
Hot Dogs, Term 2 & 3
The Home and School Committee
would like to offer hot dogs again for Muritai students every Wednesday
during Terms 2 and 3. This is a hugely popular fundraiser and all proceeds
go directly back to the school for the purchase of extra resources. In
order for us to offer this fundraiser, we require a parent to act as
co-ordinator who can organise the volunteer roster and weekly food purchases. There
are detailed instructions available for all required tasks including suppliers’
details. It is not a huge time commitment to act as hot dog co-ordinator
so if you are able to help us with this role, please contact Pauline Davies on paulineharvey@hotmail.com or
speak to Jo / Carole in the office.
Home & School Committee
Muritai
Home and School Committee are an enthusiastic group of parents who support the
school throughout the year by organising fundraising and social events.
Last year the committee successfully raised over $16,000 for the
purchasing of extra resources for the school. We would love to add some
new parents to the team and get ideas and activities flowing for this year so
please consider joining us. This is a fantastic way to not only support
the school but also meet other parents socially and have an active role in your
child's education. Meetings take place once or twice a term, generally
during the evening. If you are interested in joining the committee then
please contact Pauline Davies on paulineharvey@hotmail.com
TERM DATES
20 Feb Boostrix Immunisation Education
Session for Year 7’s
Junior School Assembly
at 1.30
26 Feb Swimming Sports for Years 3-8
27 Feb Assembly
2 Mar Seaweek
9 Mar Year 1’s visiting Pataka
10 to 13
Mar Year 5/6 camp at Forest Lakes
10 Mar Junior School Swimming Sports
11 Mar Festival of the Arts – Juniors
13 Mar Assembly
16 to 20
Mar School Photos
18 Mar Year 4-6 Central Zone Swimming
Sports
Year 2’s visiting Pataka
19 Mar Year 7/8 Festival of Arts
Year 3/4 Festival of Arts
23 Mar Parents Interviews for Years 1-8
24 Mar Parent Interviews for Years 1-8
25 Mar Year 4-6 Interzone Swimming Sports
27 Mar Assembly
Year 8 Girls Gardasil
Immunisation
Year 7 students Boostrix
Immunisation
31 Mar Year 1-8 Cross Country
2 April LAST DAY OF TERM 1
20 April FIRST DAY OF TERM 2
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Play football this season for the Eastbourne
Football Club
Online registration for all Junior Eastbourne
Football Club teams for the 2015 will open on Saturday 21st February
and end on Monday 2nd March via our website www.efc.org.nz.
Registration fees (which include a team photograph,
socks and membership to the Eastbourne Sports & Services club) are as
follows:
·
First Kicks (4-6 years of age) - $85 (registration
fee also includes a ball)
·
Fun Football (7th and 8th grades) - $95
·
Mini Football (9th to 12th
grades) - $110
·
There is a $10 discount for each additional child
registered per family.
If you are unsure which grade your child will play in,
the grade is based on the age that they turn this year (i.e. if your child has
turned or will turn 8 this year they will play in 8th grade). Girls have
the option of playing one grade below their age if they wish.
The season for all Junior teams will kick-off on
Saturday 18th April and will conclude on Saturday 29th
August. As ANZAC Day falls on Saturday 25th April all games on
this weekend will be played on Monday 27th April.
Boys Hip Hop Dance Classes
Tuesdays 4:30-5:15pm
St Ronans Hall, 234 Muritai Rd
St Ronans Hall, 234 Muritai Rd
Kids Go Free at Staglands on Children’s Day
Staglands Wildlife Reserve will be celebrating
Children’s Day on Sunday 1st March by offering FREE ADMISSION into The Reserve
for ALL CHILDREN. In
addition to their usual attractions visitors can enjoy free off-road
tractor-trailer rides plus a special performance from The Major Minors
Children’s Choir. So if you are looking for a fun Children’s day outing
for the whole family meet at Staglands and connect with nature on 1st March.
Kids' Yoga in
Eastbourne!
Kula Kids' Yoga is a creative and fun yoga class just for kids! We
weave story, song and games into the ancient art of yoga. Classes include
the physical poses that develop strength, balance and flexibility and simple
mindfulness activities while we move from stillness to activity and back.
Email Jeanne at kulakidsyoga@yahoo.com for more
information, and check us out on facebook.
Thursdays, February 12 - April 2
Ages 5-9, 3:45-4:30 pm
Ages 10-13 4:45-5:45 pm
8 weeks for $80
51 Oroua Street, Eastbourne, just down the street from Muritai
School!
Jeanne Balding-Weinstock is certified through Yoga Alliance with
specialty training in Kids' Yoga. She has teaching experience in Early
Childhood, and teaching Yoga in private schools, clubs, and studios in
California, US. References available
Eastbourne Community Fitness is dedicated to improving your fitness, posture, strength, balance,
co-ordination and general health and well-being. Whatever your gender, age or
fitness level we have result-based classes to suit. Please call Silva Noakes on
021 175 4081."
Silva Noakes (Dipl.Ex.Sc) Group Fitness Instructor, Nordic Walking
Instructor, Nia Instructor, Personal Trainer, Exercise Therapist
Tel: (04)
562 7671
Mobile: 021 175 4081
Want to learn Irish Dancing? The Kerry School of Irish
Dancing holds beginner classes in Lower
Hutt and Porirua each week. Contact Sharon at kerrydancers@xtra.co.nz or Ph 027 352
8304. Enquires welcome. www.kerryschoolofirishdancing.co.nz
CHILDMINDING IN
THE POINT HOWARD/EASTBOURNE AREA
Wanted aprox two days per week. Childminding a ten year old boy from afterschool wed til between aprox 7-10 pm, every 3rd Friday same hours. May suit teenager, your home or mine ph 0275086667, ph or txt thankyou
Kirsty J Colvin.
Wanted aprox two days per week. Childminding a ten year old boy from afterschool wed til between aprox 7-10 pm, every 3rd Friday same hours. May suit teenager, your home or mine ph 0275086667, ph or txt thankyou
Kirsty J Colvin.
