Wednesday 18 February 2015


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
To register call Pump Dance Studios on (04) 384 7867 or visit www.pumpdance.com

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.





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