TERM  3  2019

Greetings/Kia ora koutou,

1.1The Community ConstableT. Morris has completed the Kia Kaha programme with the children in Ms Dodd and Mr Cass.

1.2 The children of Te Moanaspent a week learning and experimenting with a new science kit about "Rockets". Through the hands-on activities, the children learn about how scientists work, gather data, use the data and think about why it happens. The events are great fun, and the boxed kit has all the materials enabling teachers to target the learning. For teachers it reduces time drawing together resources and allows teachers to deliver the lessons effectively.

1.3 Information gathering and report writing are being carried in earnest by the Junior team of L. Larsen, R. Andrew and J. Dodd.  Junior class reports and interviews are in Week 9. The senior classes, Mr Cass and Mrs Carrington are in week 1 of Term 4.

1.4 Thank you to R. Andrewsfor arranging the visit of the four-leggedagricultural kind for a hands-on learning experience for the Te Ngahere children to join the cows and lambs adorning the classroom walls.

1.5 The Junior children are becoming more polished, performing folk dances. The Seniors in preparation for the end of term Delamere Kapa Haka Festival, is less than four weeks have a some extra practices coming up. This year's entries for all the divisions are less than other years, and the organising committee has decided to conduct the entire festival on Friday 27 September.

1.6 Winter Tournament and homai te pakipakifor the Senior Netball Teamfor winning the Netball B Division Trophy for Yr 7/8 s at the Opotiki Primary Schools. D. Black has worked with the team all year, and we thank her for her dedication. The netball teams as a whole have remained together through out the season and in spite of some difficult remained dedicated to the sport.

In recent days High Sport NZ Performancewith Rugby, Netball, Football, Netball and Cricket Associations have announced, to make changes to the way children play sport, so it is inclusive and not just focused on the winners. The aim to keep more teens involved in sport by pushing back specialisation, overemphasis on winning and other factors that are driving young people away from the sport. HPNZ are pushing out their performance targets to cater to a broader spectrum of NZ society, to meet the masses for a healthier, balanced, active NZers.

At Waiotahe, it has always been our goal to ensure participation, encouraging sportsmanship, team-work and personal best. Interestingly children create their competitiveness, and these moments become teaching points.

The majority of winter sports have finished for the season and we have enjoyed the sporting coverage in netball, rugby, hockey and on the odd occasion canoe racing, darts, swimming, cross-country, and gymnastics on a Monday morning assembly. 

1.7 Go4it sportsprogramme is now running smoothly, and new facilitator is working well with the children and staff. Go4it is fun, and skills-based sports programme delivered by Sport of BOP and has been providing along with these values since its inception.

1.8 Refurbishing the junior classrooms is in its early stages and we look forward to the re build to begin as soon as plans and contracts are finalised. This will add to the new refurbishment of  the staffroom, Room 3 two years ago and the fabulous library/ Room 4 building.

1.8 The Kahurangi Dance Troupegave a polished performance to our children as they took them on a Maori Legends journey. The troupe are a shining example of young people expressing the culture and their passion for the performing arts. It is great to provide the children with quality examples and for some, aspire to.

1.9 The Coastal Plantingis always an opportunity for our school children to help out with the local environment and maintain a school connection with the planting of the coast strategy. 

TERM  2  2019

Greetings/Kia ora koutou,

Since the last Board meeting, many of our children and several staff members have been ill with up to one stage 44 children away on Monday 17 June. This week has seen four staff members( teachers and teacher aides) away at different times. The relievers knit into the life of the class and school to provide a stability for all children

1.0 CURRICULUM

1.1 Generally this term was been settled and we enjoyed a period of scholarly classroom endeavour for term 2. Staff knowledge of the children enabled many of the children progress and teachers look to consolidate the children’s progress during this more settled period. 

1.2  Teacher trainee Ben Singsam has completed his eight week practicum with the Senior class. As mentioned previously Matua Ben has connected with the children and they have responded in a positive warm manner to his personal teaching style. 

To cap off his practicum, Ben Singsam shared his culture with the class and continueing the Ko wai au inquiry for the class. The seniors were great learners and performers. They shared their new moves with the classes then their families the called a ura for the females and hura for the males from the Cook Islands. Some of the children were able to connect their whakapapa to their Cook Island connection.

1.3  The Ripper Day saw all the fit to rip children from Te Maunga, Te Moana and Te Ngaru head to the Memorial Sports ground to enjoy a day in the sun. In spite of the heavy game schedule of 6-7 games the children enjoy their day. Again with a vocal group of supportive parents on the side offer congratulating remarks to all.

1.4  The school cross-countrysaw our children run around the school-grounds out on the farmland at Waiotahe with a huge group of support family / whānau and for a few runners they tested themselves at the Districts and Eastern Bay day.       

At last years Districts both Zennah (prior) and Alex (during the race)  fractured their arms In 2019 Zennah was second and Alex 2nd with much happier outcomes in 2019.

This years Districts day a team of 7 raced and 6 members qualified for the Eastern Bays both  Zennah (2nd) and Alex 11th qualified for the Bay Champs.

It is accredit to the athletes their spirit, for putting themselves forward to participate in these Championship events.

1.5. Teacher Support team of Mary Sue Wright 10hrs(Mrs Larsen), Kelly Clarke 5hrs(Mrs Larsen), Dion Black(15 hrs) shared with Ms Dodd and Ms Andrew, continue to provide valuable support as in class support. The team work well with children and care for the children. The teaching staff provide excellent guidance and supervision for the support staff.

1.6 Winter sport sees many of our children involved in saturday soccer, rugby, and Friday night hockey in Whakatane. The school has 3 saturday netball teams so when we put the numbers together over 50 % of the children are actively engaged. Ths school is grateful for the support parents they are willing to take up the opportunities at hand.

TERM 1 2019

1.0 CURRICULUM

The first month has been and gone but hopefully the summer has another two to go as we have enjoyed some prime days of sunshine. The swimming pool has been action almost on an hourly basis each day. The children rush back to class and the a/c  keeps the classes great places of learning. 

1.1 Waiotahe School noho for the Junior classes was enjoyed by all with a large group of parent helpers supervising the little ones for the overnighter. The children began their local curriculum journey with a visit to the marae, a swim in the Waiotahe River and rounded the camp off with a visit to the Waiotahe Estuary and Te Ahiahua. Thank you to R. Andrew and L.Larsen for providing the opportunity for the 5 to 7 year olds.

1.2Te Maunga and Te Moanachildren all had a fantastic time in the Urewera  for the three days and two nights. For some the trip is familiar but for others a brand new exciting adventure. The parents provide a wealth of experience and are fantastic at taking care of all the children on camp. It is great for the children in G. Cass and J. Dodd rooms they are provided with opportunities fo authentic outdoor camping and living. Thank you to George and Jackie for making time and providing the camp for their children.

1.3  The Waiotahe Saturday cricketers are into full swing having played their second game. The Waiotahe children have been joined with players from town. Thank you to G. Cass and parents for providing this opportunity, coaching and transporting.

1.4.Senior class technology week is under-way this coming week with the children in two groups completing the cycle to build and complete the construction and fabric projects. The children have created their projects within the design and briefs and there is always a huge amount of enthusiasm as children take ownership of their work.

A manner in which the Waiotahe technology is delivered is different to other schools, as it provides the seniors more freedom to experiment with their ideas and take agency for their learning and the process begins with and comes to a conclusion with the class teacher.

1.5 Go4itsports programme has been successfully delivered to the children in Yr 0 to 6 for the first 4 weeks of the term, and then for 4 sessions for the Yr 1-3 children. All the children involved participate in activities that challenge the abilities of the children to move in different ways, hit, catch, strike, and throw

1.6  Port Ohope Aquatics Day.

The day was packed with sailing, sup, deep water safety activity, fishing, and bombing. The wind, fish played their part as usual. The bomb fest was a finale for all the children. Great day out and great parent.

1.7 Energy Team of Peter and Louise Maple are back on board this term and will be working in all the classes with Louise in the Junior area and Peter in the Senior area. The team started the schools journey along the science/technology strand some 10 years ago with our children being part of the testing ground for what was to later as the BoP Electricity energy for schools programme. 

Conclusion

Our staff and children are grateful to have enjoyed a wonderful association with Peter and Louise. The school has become a member of the Whakatane House of Science resource centre to assist staff with maintaining the science focus into the future.