2018 Learning Theme: Together We Are Strong
Kia ngãtahi ai te tu
E pakari ai te tuarã
Stand united, stand strong!

Kia ora tātou, Greetings to you all

Term Two has just begun, and we are off to a wonderful start! As the beautiful summer is turning into colder, shorter days, we urge you as parents to ensure your children are dressed warmly. We look forward to Term Two’s sporting and cultural events, the school disco, and outdoor education visits.

Term Two Senior Sports Programme: Winter Sports
Term Two will feature the beginning of winter sports, where students will have the opportunity to participate in their choice of hockey, soccer, rugby or netball on Tuesday afternoons. A copy of the sports newsletter is available on the school website. Parent support during sports on Tuesday afternoons will be essential and much appreciated. We would like to sincerely thank those of you who were actively involved in summer sports activities in Term One! The students enjoyed the sessions and Summer Field Day immensely. A special mention to the Flippa ball team, who came first in their Auckland tournament and made us all proud.

Term Two Topic Programme: I am a Biologist
This term our school-wide topic is ‘I am a Biologist’. Children are excited to explore the world of living things. The catchy learning title for the Senior School is “Let’s Cellebrate”, which is attracting the Year 5 & 6 students’ interest like honeybees to honey. Middle School students are eager to investigate their “Curiosity” theme while the Junior School students are excited to explore “The little things” during this topic. Science is a real buzz at school this term! I invite all parents and parent biologists to share their knowledge with us.

Home Learning Discussion Questions
The home learning discussion questions were very successful last term, therefore we will continue working in this way to share our questions with you at home. A topic-related discussion question will be emailed to you every Monday, together with an alternating music or art-related question. Please contact the school if you are not receiving these emails. These discussion questions will also be available on the school website, www.epsomnormalprimary.school.nz. Please continue to support and encourage your child’s learning at home and do not hesitate to contact their teacher if more help is needed.

The Mid Year Discussion Document
The Government has announced that National Standards and Ngā Whanaketanga Rumaki Māori will be removed from 2018. Instead the focus will be on the progress and achievement of all children across the wider New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

We are reporting on the New Zealand Curriculum levels this year instead of National Standards. Three parent consultation meetings are planned this term to discuss the templates for Mid Year Discussion written reports. Your feedback will help us determine the final report template for the school. Please choose sessions to attend, as we hope to meet all of you and hear your thoughts and opinions on this.

Meet the Principal
I am planning to meet with parents in Week Five. Details of these meetings will be sent out closer to the time. Your input at these meetings will be valuable.

Team Newsletters
Our team newsletters have been released which you can access on the website with the relevant links to your child’s team. The PDF parent calendar is also on the website. Please take the time to read through the term events.

School Facebook
The school’s Facebook page is going to go live soon. The page will feature a current photo gallery of our student learning, celebrate students’ sporting and cultural successes, and inform you of upcoming events.

Athon Testing
Athon testing will take place at the end of Week Two. We are very appreciative of your support in helping your children with their learning for the ATHON at home.

STAFF UPDATE – Welcome
A warm welcome to our new staff members: Fiona Lovatt, who is teaching Year 1 students, Sacha Bradley, who is teaching New Entrants, and Sarah Kennelly, who is working as a Teacher Aide.

Ngā mihi nui

Ateel Sudhakar
Principal