Te Hihi School Newsletter

School News

Welcome Back
It was wonderful to see the children return last Thursday morning.  Hopefully many of you were able to take advantage of the wonderful weather over the holiday break and get a well earned rest.
This year we welcome a number of new children who are listed to the left.
Start of Day
Parents are reminded that the school starts at 8:45 and all children should be in school prior to this.  If your child arrives late to class they can miss important notices regarding the day's learning.  Being on time is a role modelling punctuality for them.  If due to unforeseen circumstances your child is late, please make sure you sign them in at the office.  This ensures that their attendance is noted and the after-school transport arrangements are correct.
Stationery
Your child brought home with them last week their stationery order.  The school has sourced the stationery through a reputable supplier that offers the best value for money.  This saves you from having to traipse around a number of shops hunting out the best price.
We do require stationery to be paid for at the time of order.  Many thanks to the large number of parents who have already ordered their child's stationery.
Fulton Swim School
To know how to swim is a lifelong skill we all need.  Last year our students learnt to swim with Fulton Swim School and as the programme was so successful that we are once again bringing i n Fulton Swim School to provide 10 x 1/2 hour lessons for all students over the next four weeks.  This year we are asking parents pay $25 per child for this programme which is half the cost Fulton's charge for after school lessons.
Mathletics
As part of the school maths programme, we will be signing each child up with Mathletics. Mathletics is an online, interactive maths learning programme that is enhances children's maths knowledge.  Some families have signed up to Mathletics privately and comment very favourably about the programme.
The cost to sign up privately is $99 per annum and as a school we are able to offer this at $22.50. The school will sign up all children initially and those who have signed up privately can transfer their membership.
For more information about Mathletics, please go to www.mathletics.co.nz
Back to School Expenses
Unfortunately, there are a number of costs associated with the start of the school year.  We acknowledge this and are happy to make arrangements for those parents who are unable to pay for all of the costs straight away.
An invoice will be sent home over the next week or two for the above items.
Meet the Teacher Evening
Families are invited to attend our Meet the Teacher Evening on Thursday, 11 February.
The programme for the evening is:
5:00 Junior Syndicate teachers outlining their programme for the year in Room 5.
6:00 Family BBQ and welcome from the Principal on the top field
7:00 Middle & Senior Syndicate teachers outlining their programme for the year in Room 1.
8:00 Evening ends.
Should the evening be wet, the Hall will be open for families to sit. Along with the staff, I look forward to catching up with you on this evening.
Lost Property
At the end of last year there was a huge pile of lost property that remained unclaimed.  All clothing that was named was returned however there remained a huge pile.  School uniform clothing has been recycled within the school and non-uniform clothing was put in the clothing bin by the staff gate.  In an effort to reduce lost property this year we ask that parents ensure their child's clothing is clearly named as it will be returned if we can identify the owner.
Property Developments
Over the coming term there will be a number of property developments happening in the school. The first of these will be solar heating the pool.  It is hoped that we will be able to get this installed and running before the end of February.  Also on the programme is covering our courts with artificial turf thus making them safer and improving the look of the school.
Reading Mileage
Reading mileage is a support programme run by parents.It involves listening to children read three mornings a week from 8:45 am - 9:30 am and is held in the school library. We are presently looking for parents who are willing to join this group to help our children's reading. If you are available and willing, please contact Tessa Gasson (Ph 09 235 3744) or Cathie Newton.
Senior Syndicate Outdoor Education Fundraising
Each Monday or the first school day back of each week the Senior pupils provide the opportunity for pupils to purchase a sausage and bread for lunch at the cost of $1. The money raised throughout the year goes towards providing Outdoor Education experiences in Term 4. Orders are taken through individual classes. We appreciate families in supporting us with this each week.
Kevin Bush
Principal

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