TOTARA GROVE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
2014
11.08.14
Our Mission is “To Foster Well-being and Learning for All”
tape some readers at school. Please contact the office if you are able to help
Tena koutou katoa
Principal’s Comment: The Nigel Latta show
Dear Parents/Caregivers, As we gear-up for this year’s Food and Entertainment Festival, you are probably thinking; “That’s a long way off!”. However, it takes time to plan and prepare and the more that can be done earlier, the less we have to rush nearer the event. So be prepared for information, requests and replies to be coming home with Monday newsletters. It was great to have families supporting runners in the Cross Country event on Friday. The course over the new development gave runners a real taste of cross country running and better prepares the children who will be running in the Whangarei event at Barge Park on the 26th August, so thanks Mr Kelly for marking out the course. The following children were the first three place-getters in each race: 7 yr old girls: Crystal Riiwhi, Vegas Whaiapu, Tanesha Kumitau, 7 yr old boys: Noah Phimester, Nathan Matson, John Rapata, 8 yr old girls: Ngaio Morunga, Cali Kake, Lucy Smith, 8 yr old boys: Chance Riiwhi, Samuel Rudolph, Deasharn Hebden-Salase, 5 yr old girls: Mia Hebden- Salase, Ataahua Poutai-Watts, KarenLee Sylva, 5 yr old boys: Noah Duncan, Rahiri Kake, Kiani Bradley, 6 yr old girls: Paytum Mahanga, Kali Mason, Brianna Whitaker, 6 yr old boys: Kaden Simpkin, Simon Taipari-Hadfield, Compton Whaiapu, 9 yr old girls: Jezekiah Tangariki-Pou, Latisha Pou, Te Aroha Hita, 9 yr old boys: Kiwi Duncan, Kurtis Williams, Jackson Ngapeka, 10 yr old girls: Sharon Ndlovu, Paris Green, Zyriah Whatarau,10 yr old boys: Hori Kake, Oversea Taiparii, Jayden Kumitau. Sponsor forms are due in by next Friday 22nd August, so prizes can be ordered. Please return these as soon as you have collected all the money, and remember to write down the prize you want. ALL forms must be returned to school whether you got sponsors or not.
on “Schools and schooling” last Tuesday was very informative. Certainly it was made clear that NZ has a good Education System and dedicated teachers. However, that’s not to say we don’t aim to improve in the work we do. This week teachers are voting on the ‘Improving Education Success’ for children initiative. This government plan is to pay a few “expert” teachers and principals $10000 to $40000 more per year. I can guarantee you no amount of extra money in my pocket will help me do a better job. More importantly, paying a neighbouring principal an extra $40000 will not help me do a better job either. Don’t forget to make sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming elections.
Computers In Homes: We will once again be running a course for Computers in Homes. This is an initiative whereby the parent comes along to school and does 20 hours free training and then at the end of this time receives a free computer that goes into their home. There is also a subsidised internet connection that goes along with this. If you are interested please contact Ngaire in the office.
Saturday Netball Results: Tui v Hora Hora – loss; Pukeko v Hora Hora – loss; Kakariki v Marist – loss; Kea v Morningside – win; Kiwi v TRR Sparkles – win; Kereru v Maunu Gold – win. Congratulations to our Players of the Day: Te Aroha Hita, Raydyn Mason, Tanesha Kumitau, Ihapera Tairua-Cross, Karen-Lee Sylva and Tamyra Mahanga. Our last day of play is Saturday 23 August and our netball Prize-giving has been postponed to Thursday 28 August, 3:10 – 4 pm in our school hall. Each netball family are asked to bring a plate of food for afternoon tea.
Junior Pacific Island Dance: Junior girls
interested in learning an island dance are to see Mrs Toapuho. Entry numbers are limited to 14 ‘Northland Food Trust’ Sponsored and practices will be held during the lunch hour Lunches: Lunch is on again this Friday. We look on Mondays and Fridays, beginning this week. forward to your donations to help cover the cost Girls joining may not be in any other school of this. Any amount is welcome. We also would dance group. like a couple of parents who can help out with serving and cleaning up. Just come along at Dates to Remember: about 12 noon. Choir at Forum North Headlice: Please remember that children’s hair Thu 14 Aug 18-22 Aug Book Week needs to be checked each day. This is the only Fri 22 Aug Senior Disco way that we can get on top of the problem. Tue 19 Aug BOT Meeting, 6pm And remember our ROCKS: “Respect, Fri 29 Aug SOD PB4L-finishing at 12noon Ownership, Communication, Kaupapa, Fri 19 Sep KidsCan Fundraiser Dress-up Sportsmanship”. On the theme of Sat 20 Sep Election Day ‘Communicating’ with children remember; “Don't Fri 26 Sep Term 3 ends worry that children never listen to you; worry that Ka kite anō they are always watching you”. Robert Fulghum David Hain Help Wantd: If you have some spare time we Principal would like some volunteers to help cover and
