Rooms 19, 20, 23 and 24
11 February 2010
Dear Parents
Welcome to the Manuka Team, especially to new families who have moved to our school. We hope you have all had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday break. The year has begun well and we are all looking forward to the exciting learning that will take place and the challenges of 2010. The establishment of routines across our team are a consistent focus, and most of the children are aware of the structure of a day at school beginning promptly at 8:55 am. To encourage independence we want the children to hang up their own bags, bring in their book bags, fruit snack and water bottle.
Curriculum Topics for this term:
The overall theme for 2010 is “Am I making positive connections with the world?”
Social Sciences: “We are Historians” – “Tapestry in Time” – looking back at our past and discovering how we are connected.
Health: Mental Health - Cool Me, Cool Class (Positive Classrooms/Working Together/Learning Community)
Language, The Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art), Technology, Maori and ICT are integrated with each theme. Reading, Mathematics and Language programmes are delivered daily.
Important Notices:
1. Swimming is a compulsory part of our Physical Education programme while the weather is suitable during Term 1. We go swimming in the afternoon between 2 and 2:50 pm so the water is usually warmer at this time. However, your child may wear a wet suit if you wish. If your child is unable to swim due to medical reasons, please write a note to the classroom teacher. If this is to be a prolonged period, please discuss this with the classroom teacher.
2. Lost property is already accumulating! Thanks to those who have already named every item of clothing, footwear, underwear, sunhats, swimming gear, towels etc. to ensure an immediate return of property to a grateful child and parent/s.
3. School Uniform: We especially ask for your help in having all of our children wearing their correct uniform with pride, and representing our school properly. Black or brown sandals or shoes (no stripes or logos) form part of our uniform standards.
4. Sunhats: It is compulsory and important for all children to wear an ENPS full broad brimmed sunhat when outside during Term 1 and Term 4. Please ensure your child has a named school sunhat to protect them. Sunscreen is available at school.
5. Jewellery: To keep children safe during school while playing, exercising and moving around the school we ask that jewellery is worn at home and not school. (Apart from cultural jewellery.)
6. Absences: If your child cannot attend school for any reason, please ring the school office before 8:30 am on 630 5144 and follow the telephone instructions to leave a message so their classroom teacher can be informed. This is a safety precaution for your child.
7. Allergy: Due to the prevalence of nut allergies (including peanut) within the school, it would be preferable if your child does not bring food with peanuts in it. However, if they do have these food items could they please inform their class teacher so seating arrangements can be monitored at eating times to protect those with severe allergies.
8. Brain Snack: As our morning learning time at school has been extended to maximize the quality learning periods for children it would be beneficial if your child can bring in a fruit brain snack first thing in the morning (cut, wrapped and labelled, if necessary) and put into their class fruit bowl or their tote tray to be eaten around 10am. This will enable them to have enough energy to focus on their work until the morning break at 10:55am.
Communication between home and school is important. Please read newsletters carefully – and keep them for future reference. You can also access newsletter on the school website. If you wish to inform us about your child we are happy to listen. Should an extended time be required, an appointment may be made.
We look forward to a successful, productive and fun year.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel O’Shea, (R23), Andrea Morgan, (R20), Heather D’souza, (R24), Zara Jackson, (R19).
The Year 0/1 Team