Term 3, Week 2

Sunday 27th July

Thank you to the wonderful helpers at Family Mass this morning – what a happy and colourful bunch you were: Libby, Sylvie, Imojen, Charis, Jade, Ethan, Celia, Zoe and Brieanna – great job! And well done to all those who braved the cold weather for their weekend sport… hopefully the days will warm up some time soon.

Important Dates: 

• Parent interviews – Tuesday 29^th and Wednesday 30^th July.
• School Cross Country Wednesday 6^th August (pm).
• Parent Meeting for those parent-helpers attending Year 3/4 camp: Wednesday 6^th August, 7 pm in Room 4.
• School Production – dates to be advised.

Year 3 & 4 Camp:  Each week I will include snippets of camp information in the newsletter or on the blog for your information. This week – Activity Choices.

Activity Choices:

After much discussion we have made some decisions about the activities we will be doing at each of our venues. I think we have a very well-rounded programme which the children will thoroughly enjoy.

*Moana Pool: Swim and water-slide.

*Marae:  LEOTC programme (Wednesday 9am – 2pm) including weaving, maurakau/taiaha (weaponry), and a historical tour of Huriawa - the pa site on the peninsula.

*Museum: Education Programme = “Rock Solid”. Night-time activity = “Olympic Odyssey”. Secret Visit = “Giant Escape”. Our Museum package also includes a visit to the Butterflies, Discovery Time and an Exploration Trail.

*Orokonui Ecosanctuary: Animal and plant adaptations in the area, including NZ native animals, introduced predators and traps, and native forest ecosystems.

I think you will agree this looks like an action-packed time full of fun and learning.

Parent/family visits to camp:

The programme for the Year 3/4 camp this year makes it a little difficult for those wishing to “visit” us at our various destinations. With the travel, full programme, and pre-arranged meals, visiting may not always be appropriate. The Marae in particular, with the protocols surrounding our arrival and the pōwhiri, means that once we have been welcomed on as a group, it will be difficult for visitors to then be coming and going from the Marae.

Similarly at the Museum, while visitors could join us during the times that the museum is open to the public (3 – 5 pm on Wednesday 3^rd Sept), it will be difficult to join us once the busy evening programme is underway. Please discuss these things directly with Chris or myself well in advance of the camp to ensure that any plans for visits by family members have been carefully thought through J .

Homework:  Along with their regular homework this week, the children will have their Mihimihi to practise for when we are at the Marae.

Parent Interviews and Reports:

Thank you to those who have scheduled parent interviews for Year 4 reports. I look forward to meeting with you this week. Year 3 reports will be sent out mid to late August according to your child’s birth date.

Regards, Markelle Ward.