Panui 08 November 2019

Thank you to those parents who completed the community survey. The data is now being collated to assist the board in developing a strategic plan for the next three to five years. 

This week I attended a workshop for principals on the Equity Index Funding the government is looking to introduce from 2021. This Equity Index started development under Hekia Parata when she was Minister of Education and has been tweaked and advanced by the current minster, Chris Hipkins. The Equity Index Funding will use anonymised data obtained from the government agencies that deal with children and their families to replace the existing decile funding model. As such, the new funding model will be based on individual children in each school whereas the decile funding is based on census data about the community around each school.

Although as a school we don't yet know what the impact of this policy will be, to me this policy is definitely a step in the right direction. 

Over the next two weeks we have three learning spaces doing camps.

Next week Rutherford are camping at Tāwharanui Regional Reserve from Monday to Thursday. Having set up the tents this morning, the students are all excited at the prospect of being on camp and leaving the luxuries of home behind.  

Under the guidance of Kendall Crisp and Georgia Kane, Taylor have organised a camp in the school hall staying over on Thursday night and doing Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) activities at school on Thursday and Friday.

The week after, David Curtin, Danielle Ingram-Trevis and Kevin Bush are taking Te Kanawa down to Kauaeranga Valley out the back of Thames for three days.

All of these camps are being supported by some of our wonderful parents who we thank for making themselves available. Through your support we're able to offer our students the opportunity to make some long lasting memories.

Once again, thank you to all those who took the time to complete our Community Survey that went out last week.  Hillary received the highest percentage of returns and as such, all students enjoyed pizza today.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure along with parents to watch our Kapa Haka perform at the Rangatahi Festival hosted by Papakura Intermediate. It was a fantastic day for all, and the weather was superb. The group, led by Mahu from Whatapaka Marae, performed their items extremely well and were fantastic representatives for Te Hihi School. Hours of practising and many lunchtimes went into creating this spectacular performance and it paid off. There were many compliments received by people not associated with our school regarding the kākahu, the passion the students brought to the performance and the originalilty of their performances - they did everyone so proud. Congratulations to Justyce for her tremendous efforts with her solo piece, Henry leading the boys in their haka and Hera-May for leading the entire group on stage.

Tino pai Te Hihi Kapa Haka!

The school will be running our annual Christmas Book Fair from Thursday 21 November until Friday 29 November. It is open every morning before school from 8-15 am until 8-45 am and after school school from 2-45 pm until 3-15 pm. This is a great opportunity for parents to pop in and have a look at some Christmas present options.

Helpers Needed.

We need some parents to help with the book fair before school and after school. If you can help please email Mrs Prangley blake@tehihi.school.nz

Dear Parents,

As you know we are having our athletics day on Thursday 21st November.  The day will start at 9.00am and our first session will end at 12.30pm for lunch.  We will resume at 1.10pm and our day should finish with the relays, which will start at approximately 2.00pm.

Your child needs to bring to school:

• a sunhat – named
• PE uniform  or
• T shirt – named
• shorts – named
• drink bottle – named
• sun block
• polar fleece jacket-named

If you can help for a morning session, afternoon session or part of the day, please email Mrs Crisp taylor@tehihi.school.nz

Thank you for your support.

Piwakawaka Teachers

This week we had Counties Manukau Cricket in school. The whole school enjoyed the sessions learning cricket and ball skills. The weather was fantastic on the days they were in.

Pool keys for out of school hours use are available for purchase from the school office now and until Friday, 7^th December. No pool keys will be available for sale during the last week of school due to workload demands. The pool form is available at the school office.

We are pleased to advise that the Franklin Local Board has provided a grant for $2000.00 to assist Te Hihi School with the pool costs, including a contribution towards utility costs, chemicals and water testing.  We are very grateful to the Franklin Local Board as the pool running costs are substantial.

Although the solar heating will be operating each day during the pool season, the BOT cannot guarantee the temperature will reach and retain its optimum level. 

Access to the pool facilities is by way of a key. The price of the key for out of school hours swimming pool use by Te Hihi School families is set at $155.00 for the season with a bond of $50 for the key that will be refunded upon return of the key. Although we expect to have the season run through to the end of March 2020, the Board may extend or shorten the swimming pool season subject to weather. There is no variation on this set fee. 

Access will only be possible between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and between 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. school days. All access keys will be de-activated at the end of the season.  

Parent donations and fees must be paid in full before an access key can be issued or reactivated. 

Up for review this term:          

Education outside the classroom (Board, staff and parents)

Sun Protection (Board, staff and parents) 

To review and provide feedback for the above policy please visit our School Docs website.

Enter the username (tehihi) and password (karaka)

1. Read the policy.
2. Click the red Policy Review icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
3. Select your role (board member, staff member, or parent/caregiver) from the drop-down list.
4. Enter your name (optional).
5. Submit your ratings and comments.

If you want to view any of our other school policies, please do so.