FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2017

Kia Ora, Talofa Lava, Greetings, Malo e Lelei, Kia Orana, Bonjour, Nǐ hǎo, Hallo, Hola, Kon'nichiwa, Namaste, G’day mate
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Learning Conferences
It was a pleasure to see so many of you attending our Learning Conferences over the past two afternoon/evenings - although the weather was dreadful, we certainly value you all making the time investment into your children's learning.  We as a staff are excited by the year’s learning adventures ahead in partnership with you and your children.

Grandparents Day for the Junior Syndicate
I was excited to attend my first Grandparents and Grandfriends afternoon at Muritai this week and what can I say but WOW! What a turn out!
The Grandparents and Grandfriends had a wonderful welcome in the hall with singing and sharing from the children, then were taken back to classrooms where they looked and talked with their Grandchildren and friends about their learning.  The Grandparents and Grandfriends then shared treasures that they’d brought along from their childhoods or the past - what a treat it was to hear about all of the rich history in Eastbourne and at Muritai School.  Listening to the generations of Muritai children who now come back as Grandparents and Grandfriends comparing ‘then and now’ was certainly something special.



The Grandparents and Grandfriends being entertained by our junior students in the hall.  




One of the many taonga (treasures) brought in by our Grandparents and Grandfriends - this is a Muritai school report from the 1950’s!

Cross Country
Our training is underway for our Cross Country on the 18th of May.  Please ensure children come dressed for practice with appropriate footwear for running.  

Safety First
Many of you would have seen some unpleasant media articles in our local Wellington and national news lately relating to unknown adults attempting to offer children a ride home.  One recent story told in the media spoke about the adult -  who having uncertain intentions, was foiled as the child being offered the ride, asked him for the ‘family password’.  You may like to arrange this with your child/ren, and if you do need to send someone (who will usually be known to the child), they can ask for the password - and if one is not given, seek further help from a known adult.  I encourage you to consider this option.  
Year 5/6 Camp
Congratulations to our campers who returned last Friday exhausted and happy from nearly a week in the great outdoors.  Our school camping memories often last us a lifetime, and I thank you all for providing the funding for your children to attend, and also to those of you who braved the elements as the parent helpers who went along! Bravo Year 5/6 teachers (and also Melissa Coton who stepped in at the last moment), for providing such a rich and challenging week for our learners.  
Scooters in the school grounds
We welcome the use of scooters in the school grounds - however this does not include on the decks outside of any classroom or learning space.  We ask that after school scooters and bikes are walked out of the school, and do not re-enter until the crowds have cleared at 3:10pm.  
Eastbourne Carnival
We would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to the Eastbourne Carnival organising team for their very generous donation of $20,000 to be put towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) resources for the school. Some of this money has already gone into buying resources for our STEM room and to enhance Science learning across syndicates. It has been great to see classes at every level of the school benefit from these resources. The money will support developing our goals for STEM at Muritai School and we are currently investigating purchasing some robotics equipment to engage students in exciting learning.  (From Melissa Coton - Leader of STEM)
Facebook - Remember to ‘like’ our Facebook page where we post throughout the week some of our highlights, messages and celebrations from across the school.  
Kind regards
Ngā Mihi
Bec Power
Principal


FROM THE BOARD:

Student wellbeing
Bec will be making student emotional and social wellbeing a priority this year in a response to last year’s community consultation which raised some concerns around bullying, and is already working on this - watch this space.
Student achievement
Student achievement at Muritai continues to be superb, with 89.9 percent attaining or above standard in reading, 84 percent at or above national standard in writing and 82.2 percent at or above standard in maths in 2016 - well above national averages.
This year, we are aiming for 90 percent at or above standard in reading and 85 percent at or above in writing and maths, all within an inclusive environment which values all learners.
Working with our Towards 2020 strategy, our focus continues on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and growing caring citizens in partnership with our local community.
Fundraising supports teacher development and science focus
Our super-hard working fundraisers, Muritai’s home and school committee, have pledged $20,000 which will be invested in our teachers’ professional development. It allows several staff to attend the Ulearn conference in October for innovative education as teachers investigate how best to introduce digital technologies to student learning, after it becomes part of the curriculum in 2018.
It will also contribute to new maths programme Numicon resources amongst other staff development opportunities over the year.  
Despite a lower than usual profit from the 2016 carnival, the carnival committee has donated $20,000 for a range of science and technology resources, as proposed by Muritai’s outstanding science educators, Melissa Coton and Barbara Ryan.  The majority of these funds will be spent on robotics for the whole school, together with equipment and resources for Enviroschool and school garden.
Thanks so much to our terrific parent volunteers who give up their time to raise money for the school – and to all of you who support us.
After School Care fee increase
We value this community service but after six years must put up the fees a little in order to break even. From term 3, the daily rate will increase from $16 to $17, while the holiday programme will increase from $47 per day, to $51 for low-cost outings or $54 for higher cost outings. This includes transport, entry fees and extra staff, if needed.
Donations
It is great to see those donations coming in this term, many thanks to all those who have paid so far whether in full or in instalments, it gives us the confidence to plan for continuing extra teaching staff and resources to benefit our students into the future.
Vetting
Police vetting is now required for all volunteers involved with the school, overnight trips and camps and its college students, including board members, as required by the new Vulnerable Children’s Act. Teachers, aides, volunteers and support staff continue to be vetted as employees.
Zoning
With Muritai’s roll stable at 403 and expected to rise during the year, the board agreed to continue with our current arrangement as a zoned school primarily for local families.
However the board is able to accept students from outside the zone if there are spaces available in particular year groups.


FROM THE SCHOOL
BASKETBALL
Wellington Basketball are running another basketball skills camp in the upcoming school holidays from 18-21 April at ASB Kilbirnie Sports Centre. Fun and skill development focused for children of all abilities.
INTERZONE SWIMMING SPORTS
We had some fantastic results at the Interzone Swimming Championships that were held on Wednesday last week...
Marina Nadilo:
1st - 25 Meter Freestyle Year 4 Girls
2nd - 25 Meter Breaststroke Year 4 Girls
Alex Irvine:
3rd - 50 Meter Freestyle Year 7 Girls
3rd - 50 Meter Breaststroke Year 7 Girls
3rd - 50 Meter Backstroke Year 7 Girls
Ben Murphy
2nd - 50 Meter Backstroke Year 8 Boys
Full results can be found here: http://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset…
We were also the winning zone with the South East Zone placing 1st overall for zone points.
TOUCH RUGBY RESULTS
Congratulations Muritai Pirates (Year 5 and 6 Team), Muritai Minis (Year 1 and 2 Team) for winning their grade. Muritai Magic (Year 2 and 3) had a very close final game but successfully won and gained 3rd in their grade.
We couldn’t have had these teams without our fantastic parent support and coaches  Rodger Thompson,  Annie Mackenzie and Andrew MacKenzie, Trish Theobald and Mikaela Cody.


SPORTS UNIFORMS
As per our sports / event uniform policy, all students from year 3 up are to purchase their own sports/event uniform.  The uniform concists of a green and navy shirt and navy school shorts.  
This uniform is to be worn for all sporting and school events including touch rugby, netball, interschool activities, school excursions, art splash and any other event where your child represents the school.
Cost:
Shirt    $33
Short   $20
Uniform fittings, orders and payment are to be made via the school office no later than Tuesday 11 April.  Alternatively, you may wish to look at our second hand uniform blog at http://muritaiuniforms.blogspot.co.nz/
WACKY HAIR DAY
On Thursday the 13th of April we are holding a Wacky Hair Day. It would be great if each child comes with a gold coin donation, the money we raise will go to the Child Cancer Foundation. Please encourage your child to have a crazy and wacky hair style or even a wig if they don’t want make their hair messy.
Thank you - Francisca and Charity Team
KIDS’ LIT QUIZ
On Thursday 7 April, four year 7/8 students travelled to Samuel Marsden School in Wellington to compete in the regional Liq Quiz.  They answered questions about literature from around the world.  The top three scoring teams compete in a national competition with the winning team travelling to the World finals.  This year the finals are being held in Toronto, Canada.  Out of the 51 teams competing, we were 9th with 83.5 points out of 100.  Our team consisted of Molly Mathewson, Cella Connell, Petra Tilley and George Walker.
FREE Dental Checks!
Students at your school are due for their free annual dental check-ups.

The Dental van will be on the school site next term. Once seen your child will be given a letter that may include details of another appointment. Please contact us to change this appointment if required. Please search your child's school bag!

If you have pre-school aged children please call us to arrange an appointment for their annual check up. Family appointments are available so pre-school siblings can be seen at the same time.

To book or reschedule your appointment, or update your contact details, please call 0800 TALK TEETH (825 583).

We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Bee Healthy Team

CLASSIC COACHES AFTERNOON SCHOOL BUS
Currently the bus fare is $1.50 to Day Bay or $12.40 for a ten trip and $2.00 to the other bays or $13.90 for a ten trip.  
To make it easier for your son or daughter to travel to use this service, Classic Coaches are offering a term pass for $70.00 which is available to purchase on-line or from the driver.  The account number is 03 1535 0071811 00.  Classic Coaches will have a master list of those students with a term pass so that children will not need to carry the pass daily.  The regular driver, Dawn, knows all students.  If there is a relief driver, then the students can let the driver know as they get on the bus that they have a term pass.  There will be no need to have the actual pass in their possession.  
Should you ahve any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Potts, Owner/Operator of Classic Coaches on 564 5015.
TERM DATES FOR 2017
Term 1 = Thursday 2 February - Thursday 13 April (Easter)
Term 2 = Monday 1 May - Friday 7 July
Term 3 = Monday 24 July - Friday 29 September
Term 4 = Monday 16 October - Tuesday 19 December

We have a teacher only day at Queen’s Birthday on Tuesday 6 June
TERM DATES FOR 2017
Term 1 = Thursday 2 February - Thursday 13 April (Easter)
Term 2 = Monday 1 May - Friday 7 July
Term 3 = Monday 24 July - Friday 29 September
Term 4 = Monday 16 October - Tuesday 19 December
We have a teacher only day at Queen’s Birthday on Tuesday 6 June
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Mindfulness Workshops for Children - Ages 7-12 years
A very popular and fun 8 week programme where children will learn: relaxation techniques, how to manage feelings, gain self-esteem, confidence and self-love whilst receiving powerful tools and strategies to empower themselves. Developing and strengthening children’s emotional intelligence is the heart of this empowering programme as children reach their full potential.
When – Saturday 20th May – Sat 8th July (10am – 11am)
Where – Satori Retreat, 36 Rimu Street, Eastbourne (next to library)
Cost - $100 (early bird $85 if paid before 30th April)
Contact  - Heather to register your child – 021 0225 3254
These classes are proving to be incredibly successful and transformational on many levels, so as a result of this and lots of interest expressed Kaleidoscope Solutions will be starting Mindfulness Workshops for ‘Littlies’ in term 2! (Ages 4 – 6) Exciting! Please contact Heather as soon as possible to put your name down and dates/times will be released very soon!

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