Friday 27 March 2009

Summer Sports day 2009

Wednesday 25th March 2009 dawned clear and chilly. It was the day nearly 60 very excited senior school pupils were to represent KRS at the North Counties inter-school summer sports day. The event was held at Ray Small Park and Prince Edward Park in Papakura. There were 2 touch teams lead. The year 5 team won all of the games they played. The Year 6 team had some tough matches but they played hard and fair. Whaea Elaine and her parent helpers were very proud of both teams’ efforts.

The softballers’ won 5 of their 7 matches. They were the only team who beat the team from Cosgrove, who were the overall winners. The team played with excellent sportsman ship and with courage. Ngaio slid into home plate with commitment and flair. Her team mates celebrated her 12 point run. Regan hit a massive almost 13 point run against the winning team. Mrs. K. Smith was ecstatic with the softball team’s achievement.

Mr. Naidoo took 16 very able cricketers. They were up against some tough competition. They played as a team and this allowed them to triumph over some other teams.

The teachers and parents who attended the sports day were very proud of the behaviour and sportsmanship of all of the students. Everybody had a blast!

By Mrs. K Smith

Newsletter Issue 5

Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday 9th April 2009
End of Term 1 at 2.00pm
10th—13th April 2009
Easter (During the School Holidays)
Monday 27th April 2009
Start of Term 2 at 8.30am
Tuesday 5th May 2009
Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday 24th June 2009
Parent Interviews

Welcome Nau mai, haere mai, to all of our new families who began this week, we look forward to working alongside you in order to give each child the best education we can. Our teachers welcome your comments and support.

PAI (Papakura Achievement Initiative:
Our teachers have been working hard through the Papakura Achievement Initiative which involves a lot of after school meetings for Professional Development, as well as top, well known educators working alongside us at school. Our aim is to drive up our children’s achievement.
Please talk to your kids and find out the exciting things they are learning.

Car Parks:
Are for STAFF only. I cannot stress how dangerous it is to have parents driving into our school grounds to drop off or collect children. Please walk in and drop off/collect your child—we would be delighted to see you and greet you.
In cars—often—small children are “invisible” - and drivers cannot see properly when reversing—so please help us prevent a possible tragedy by adhering to the rules. They are rules for our children’s safety.
Maurice Street:
Parents should not take their vehicles into the Maurice Street
entrance of the school as there is no room and it is dangerous for the children and could develop into an accident.
Drop children off in a safe place away from the school gates so that it is a safe, clear road and pathway.

Sports Day:
Well done to our children who enjoyed the inter-school summer sports day yesterday. Many thanks to the teachers who looked after the children and to the teachers who looked after the “extras” who didn’t go.

Kelvin Road School—Holiday Programme
When: Monday 20th April—Thursday 23rd April 2009
Where: Kelvin Road School
Times: Monday 9.30am—12.00pm
Tuesday 9.30am—12.00pm
Wednesday 9.30am—12.00pm
Thursday 9.30am—1.30pm
Cost: $5.00 per child or $10.00 for a family of two or more children.
This is limited to 30 children. It will be on a “first in first served” basis.
If you are interested, please come to the School Office and collect a Holiday Programme form. Please note that all payments need to be made at the Whanau Centre BEFORE 8th April 2009.

P.M.P. Helpers
We are seeking parents, grandparents or other family members to help the Year 1 children with the Perceptual Motor Programme. It does not require any skill or knowledge — just a bit of your time for 1 1/2 hours, on one or two mornings a week.
Rooms 2, 6 & 10 have their turn on Tuesday and Thursday (8.45—10.10am)
Rooms 1, 11 & 5 have their turn on Wednesday and Friday ((8.45—10.10am)
If you can help please see (or phone) Mrs Quist or your child’s teacher.

Artwork and Writing from Room 22














School Donation:
Our “fees” are donations.
· They are the cheapest in Auckland
· Your children get LOTS from these:
- World class performances at SCHOOL
- Extra activities (lunchtime sports, kapa haka, music)
- Subsidised trips etc

We know times are tight—if you can donate at the suggested rate below, or whatever you can contribute. Thank you , on behalf of your tamariki.
$30.00 per child for a year or $50.00 per family if paid before the end of Term 1 (9th April 2009) or $10.00 per term. Please come to the school office and we will happily help you.


Big Buddy—This is an organisation matching adult male mentors with boys who have no fathers in their lives. They work with the simple philosophy that boys need good male role models to become good men. Unfortunately, many boys do not have a father or other male role models. Their mothers do courageous work in raising their boys alone but cannot model maleness.
Big Buddy find these boys a male mentor, fostering a long term relationship similar to that of an uncle. It’s as simple as a good man turning up into a boy’s life, listening to him, modelling what it means to be a good man. The boy's sense of self will develop, he will do better at school and be less inclined to crime and abuse.
Statistics on positive mentoring are compelling. Our Motto, “One man can’t save the world....but he can make a world of difference to one boy’s life”. It’s that simple.
If you are interested in this for your boy, simply contact:
Stephen Bell (Big Buddy Coordinator) on 838 4448 ext 3 or check our their website on www.bigbuddy.org.nz

Fruit In Schools—Helpers Wanted
As you are aware, your children receive a piece of fruit every morning during the school year. We have some mornings that still need fruit helpers, so if you have any spare time in the mornings and if you are able to help count fruit, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Please call the school office 298-8417 and discuss days that are suitable for you.

Thursday 12 March 2009

Newsletter Issue 4

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Thursday 9th April 2009
End of Term 1 at 12.10pm
Tuesday 17th March 2009
Ukulele Show
10th—13th April 2009
Easter (During the School Holidays)
Monday 27th April 2009
Start of Term 2 at 8.30am

Welcome Nau mai, haere mai, to all of our new families who began this week, we look forward to working alongside you in order to give each child the best education we can .
Our teachers welcome your comments and support.

Meet The Teacher Interviews
For those parents who missed an interview on Monday—PLEASE ring or drop in to chat to your child’s teacher.
Research shows that:
· When parents take an interest in their child’s education then children learn better

Teacher Aide:
Required for a Special Needs child — please apply to Mr Robertson in writing, stating strengths and interests.

PTA: We are always keen for parents to get involved on behalf of their children. Please contact Mr McMillan (Deputy Principal) or Mr Robertson (Principal) or office if keen. We would be delighted to see you!

ERO—Education Review Office:
Has visited us during the week of the 23rd February, and we are very pleased with the feedback they have given us so far. We will share the results with you all once the public document is printed.
In short, they found we have:
· High expectations for children;
· A desire that our children do well;
· Very good resources;
· Effective teaching practises;
· A very good school tone.
· Hard working children who enjoy school.
...More details once confirmed

Wok n Wol:
The world famous David Poulton and his puppets were at our school last week with a marvellous show which the children (and their teachers) thoroughly enjoyed. This performance supported our oral arts (performance and speaking) as well as puppetry unit( later in the year).

Room 15
Is being renovated with nicer walls—children and teacher will be in the Library this Monday (16th March) while this work is being completed.

Mike Jackson—Ukulele Show on 17th March—this should be
another fantastic opportunity for our children to interact with a top class performer, and again supports our children’s education.
Cost $3.50 per child, we ask you to pay $1.00
Enclosed $1.00 for: Child’s name________________________
Room:__________________

ROOM 1


We have been rearing four chickens in our classroom. We know how to care for them properly. It has been fun reading, talking, drawing and writing about them.







My Day at Swimming Sport
by Wendy

On Wednesday 4th our Kelvin Road Swimming Team went to the Massey Park Aquatics Centre to compete against other schools. We went there to represent Kelvin Road School in swim sports. We had to walk there.
When we arrived we had to put on our swim suits. We had the Year 5 races and I competed in the Year 6 races. It was difficult to beat the other competitors. I believe that they are strong swimmers because they take swimming lessons. I don’t think we did very well, but I had a good time.
The only two races I competed in were the freestyle and the backstroke. I enjoyed it even though I did not do well.
After we raced we had a free swim. It was cool and relaxing. We walked back to school where Mrs. Smith had a surprise. Mrs. Smith (Karen Smith) gave us an ice block. It was delicious and yummy.
After that we went into Room 16 to play games.
I really enjoyed my time at swimming sports. I think the moral of this story is always try your best even though at times you want to give up.

Get Healthy & Active Ideas
· Throw or kick a football around the local park
· Make a meal with your children once a week, you’ll be surprised what they can do.
Stationery: We still have some children without school stationery. This impacts severely on their learning. If you require a WINZ quote please see the office.
It is YOUR part of supporting your child.

Fruit In Schools—Helpers Wanted
As you are aware, your children receive a piece of fruit every morning during the school year. We have some mornings that still need fruit helpers, so if you have any spare time in the mornings and if you are able to help count fruit, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Please call the school office 298-8417 and discuss days that are suitable for you.

Newsletter Issue 3

Upcoming Dates
Monday 9th March 2009
Meet the Teacher 2.45pm –5.00pm
Thursday 9th April 2009
End of Term 1
10th 11th 12th and 13th April 2009
Easter Holiday (part of school break)
Monday 27th April 2009
Start of Term 2

Welcome Nau mai, haere mai, to all of our new families who began this week, we look forward to working alongside you in order to give each child the best education we can .
Our teachers welcome your comments and support.

Meet the Teacher 9th March 2009 (2.45pm—5.00pm)
This is “our” opportunity to meet with each other to help support your child’s learning. We are pleased with the progress and attitude of our pupils, but always feel we can improve and do even more. With your support, we are SURE we can!!!

P.A.I.
The Papakura Achievement Initiative is one where all schools taking part want to drive up achievement for children in Papakura. Kelvin Road School is a P.A.I. School and as such, in partnership with the Ministry of Education will be involved in:-
* teacher professional development
* monitoring children’s performance
* monitoring children’s learning
* improving teaching and learning
* involving YOU—parent, children and community

Education Review Office has completed their visit to our school, and we will share their evaluation with you over the next few weeks, once we have received it. We look forward to confirmation of the good achievements we have initiated and sustained.

Sample Books
Sample books are designed to show your child’s development throughout the school year. They include examples of work, goal setting and assessments which are added at regular intervals. Sample Books are sent home three times during
the year to enable you to discuss your goals as well as your child’s goals and achievement with them.

New Entrants
New entrants can be ENROLLED at any time, however, we prefer them to begin school on Tuesday morning ONLY, that Mrs Trafford (New Entrant Teacher) can speak with parents and ensure a smooth entry to school for children.
OPEN MORNINGS for all four year old children and their parents.
2009 Dates—The last Friday of each month:
27th February, 27th March, 29th May, 26th June, 31st July, 28th August, 30th October and
27 November.
Time: 8.45am—10.30am
Place: Room 1 (New Entrant Room) or Room 5 (Maori Immersion)
(Further information available from the School Office)

Kelvin Road School is a P.A.I. School
What is P.A.I.?
It’s the “Papakura Achievement Initiative”
* Long term joint venture with the Ministry of Education and Papakura Schools to ensure our children get the BEST education we can provide.
What does this mean?
It means that we are involved in:
* Teacher Professional Development
* Evaluating children’s performance
* Monitoring children’s learning
* Reflecting on how we teach most effectively
* Improving the teaching and leaning process
* Involving YOU—parents, children and community in our children’s learning.

Children’s Promises and Teachers Promises
These promises are VITAL as part of our school and our behaviour towards each other.
Children’s Promises
1. We will do as we are asked or told straight away.
2. We will always try to do and be our best.
3. We will treat adults with respect.
4. We will take responsibility for our own actions.
5. We will be proud to be part of Kelvin Road School.
Teachers Promises
1. We will treat children fairly, equally and kindly.
2. Every day is a fresh new start.
3. Our learning activities are well prepared, challenging and appropriate.
4. We will listen to you, and any problem you may have.
5. We will work hard for you.

School Grounds
When school is dismissed at 2.30pm we expect all children who are not involved in the Homework Centre to leave the school grounds.
They cannot play in the grounds unsupervised. Teachers have other duties to attend to, and it removes any worry from parents of children dallying on the way home. Please reinforce that you expect your child to go STRAIGHT HOME after school. “Thank you”.

Permission for Website Publishing for Kelvin Road School
Your child will bring home a form that invites your consent to the publication of children’s creative contribution or images on our website. Please read, discuss with your child and return the form to your child’s teacher or the office as soon as possible.
If we do not receive a “no” in writing we will assume there is no objection.

Home / School Partnership
We enjoy meeting and working with you on behalf of our children—we NEED you to
ensure your children receive the best education. Remember “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. GREAT to see so many parents attending our assemblies at 8.45am on Mondays. Awesome !!!

Homework Centre
It was extremely pleasing to see the MOE using our Homework centre as many points of excellence.
Our congratulations and thanks to Mr McMillan, Deputy Principal, for the efforts he puts into
making it successful.
* enthusiastic staff creating a fun atmosphere
* variety of resources provided
* access to computers and internet
* Maths, reading and computer based activities
* Subject area being studied allowed centre to plan activities to support that learning
* Clear, well organized programme which everyone follows.

Homework Centre
If you require a permission slip for the homework centre please call in at the School Office and ask for one. This opportunity is for the Year 4—6 children.

Sport
With winter coming along soon, try to enroll your children in a sport—football, netball, league, rugby—Team sports help develop :-
* self esteem
* trying hard
* discipline teamwork
* getting on with others / making friends
* learning how to win / lose

Swimming
At Kelvin Road School, we are fortunate to have a swimming pool. We are only able to take advantage of this for a short time before the weather becomes too cold. For this reason, it is essential all children bring their togs to school each swimming day.
New Zealand is surrounded by water, so our focus is on fun and safety in the water. We also have swimming sports later in the term that will cater for all the children.
Please ensure your child has his/her togs and towel on their swimming day.
If you have any questions regarding this, please contact your child’s teacher.

PAPAKURA Recreation Fitness
Every Sunday during school terms. 10 week competition. Each whanau team consists of one child’s team 4yrs—12yrs & one adult team 13yrs up. Maximum of 10 players per team $1 per player. Registration fee $20 per whanau team. Five different sports played on a round robin.
Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Tapuwae—adults
Handball, Fastball, Basketball, Soccer, Tapuwae—kids
All enquiries contact sports co-ordinator Maki Brown 027-276-6891.
Papakura Recreation and Fitness—294 Great South Road, Papakura—298-6852

School Canteen
8.00am—8.30am for orders, please ensure orders are placed at the Canteen, attached to the School Hall, before the start of school (8.30am).
NEW Menu’s are available from the Canteen or the School Office.

Fruit In Schools—Helpers Wanted
As you are aware, your children receive a piece of fruit every morning during the school year. If you have any spare time in the mornings and if you are able to help count fruit, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please call the school office 298-8417 and discuss days that are suitable for you. Thank you!

Help Your Kid in Maths!!! PLAY CARDS !!!
# 1 Have a set of cards # 3 Have a set of cards
Deal 10 each Deal 10 each
Rule is: add 5 Rule is: add 101
Turn over card in turns Turn over card in turns
(ie 6 clubs, (rule: add 5) = answer 11 (ie 6 clubs (rule: add 101) = answer 107
# 2 Have a set of cards
Deal 10 each
Rule is: subtract 3
Turn over card in turns
(ie 6 clubs (rule—add 3) = answer 3
NB JACK = 11, QUEEN = 12, KING = 13, JOKER = 14 (from recent Numeracy Project work)

A Message from your Public Health Nurse
Hi there,
My name is Melissa Phillips and I am the
Public Health Nurse that is working in your school.
KidzFirst Public Health Nurses are Registered Nurses,
who work in your school and community, we assist in helping kids keep healthy.
You may hear from us for the following reasons:-
* follow up of any health concerns that you or the school might have
* 5-7 year old immunisation screening
* follow up on hearing and vision failures/concerns
* school immunisation programs
We also run a free Ear clinic and offer a bed wetting program. We are available to discuss and offer advice, on any health concerns you have for your child. Feel free contact us on 295 1280.