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The Connection
Week 6
Term 2
Huapai District School
June 1st 2023
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Senior Leadership Message
"The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.” - Maria Montessori
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As we hit the halfway mark of 2023, I wanted to share this quote as the words capture the essence of our mission here at Huapai District School. We strive to empower our students to become independent learners who take ownership of their education and thrive in what we call an ‘agentic’ environment.
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Our dedicated team of teachers work hard to create an atmosphere where students can develop a love for learning, explore their passions, and discover their unique talents. We believe that education is a journey of self-discovery, and our ultimate goal is to foster the growth of confident, responsible, and creative individuals.
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When a teacher can say that the children are working as if they don't exist, it signifies that students have reached a level of autonomy and engagement that goes beyond dependence on their instructors. It reflects an environment that nurtures our 6Cs, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration among peers. It is a testament to the success of inspiring and guiding our students toward becoming self-motivated learners.
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We encourage you to have conversations with your children about their experiences at school and observe the ways in which they approach their learning. It is our hope that you will witness their growing independence, enthusiasm, and the ability to take initiative in their learning journeys.
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As partners in your children's education, we are committed to creating an environment that encourages them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, let us continue to support our students in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
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We loved the opportunity to celebrate the progress and achievements of our students last Tuesday afternoon and we thank you for your ongoing trust and support. We also look forward to celebrating further in week 9 at our Art Exhibition.
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Upcoming Events
- Friday 2nd June - Bake Sale
- Monday 5th June - King's Birthday (school closed)
- Tuesday 6th June - Teacher Only Day (school closed)
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Teacher Only Day - School Closed
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All primary schools in the area will be closed on Tuesday 6th June for a Community of Learning Teacher Only Day. Our staff will be attending education based seminars all day alongside other teachers in the area.
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Huapai Plus is available for those that need childcare for the day. Please book in at the link below.
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Thank You For Your Support
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We are so grateful for the support you bring to the school. Yesterday we sent a call for help in our Years 0 - 4 as we tried to manage the PUM (paid union meeting). We wanted to be able to keep the school open and just try and juggle things with a number of our staff attending the meeting. We have a total of 262 Year 0-4 students currently on the roll. As of 1:45pm yesterday, we had 108 of those students left onsite. So a total of 154 were picked up (or were otherwise away sick, on holidays etc). We really appreciate the help where people were able to assist. Thank you!
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Thank You Again
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We received this email yesterday from Morepork BBQ:
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"Thank you to all that participated in the event. It was a great turnout with a total of 406 tickets sold. We set up donation boxes at the door and guests chose which school they hoped to win the donation. We're happy to announce HUAPAI District School has won and will receive a total of $2,030! Thanks to everyone that has helped to promote and make this event a success and we hope to have an even bigger festival next year!"
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Thanks to our community again for getting behind our school. We’re keen to acknowledge, promote and acknowledge this local business.
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Immunisation Record Update
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Given the recent comments in media around the rise and concern around measles immunisation, we thought it appropriate to ensure we have an up to date immunisation register. The link below provides an opportunity for parents to update this information. This form is a one minute exercise.
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*Our apologies that last week's link had some permission access issues.
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Personnel Update
This year, we were incredibly fortunate to have two teachers (Masina Parkes and Amber Graham) indicate their preference to remain at our school in-spite of us not having teaching jobs for them. Both took support staff roles (with a significant pay cut!). I was delighted to see Masina start up our latest new entrant class at the beginning of this term and to have Amber starting the next new entrant class next term. What an honour to have people like this in our school.
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We welcome Karen Moss and Evelyn Matthews to our support team. Karen and Evelyn will be in classes supporting children in place of Masina and Amber.
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Bake Sale TOMORROW
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Outside Studio 3 and 4 and lunchtime.
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All funds raised are going towards the Year 8 Tongariro camp.
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Scholastic Book Fair
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A huge thank you to everyone who popped in last week to purchase a book. The support for this event was brilliant and through sales, we have been awarded over $1700 worth of books for the school library!
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Quiz Night
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It’s time to start finding your team! What will your theme be this year?
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Student Learning Information Afternoon
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It was a fantastic turn out last Tuesday. Our data showed an attendance rate of 72%. It is always a powerful thing when we can share with and engage you in what is happening in our classes. We will follow this with a celebration evening later in the term and also face to face parent interviews in the second week of Term 3. This will be based on our mid-year reporting of your child’s achievement data.
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Life As A Senior Here At HDS
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Thank you to everyone who was able to attend this information evening. It was great to be able to speak with you about the exciting opportunities for your intermediate age children here at HDS and answer your questions. Linked below is a copy of the slides used for the presentation.
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Leadership Awards
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Your child will have brought home a flyer explaining how to access the digital leadership awards on Hero. Never fear though, if technology is not your friend the children can still bring in their evidence in paper form.
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School Donations Update
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Yes I am being a little more assertive and (some would say) confrontational in regards to our school donation. This income stream is so critical to the success of our school. Our financial situation is challenging, our need for resources and improvements relies on the locally raised funds to achieve this. There will be two billboards installed on school grounds highlighting our progress towards our goal of 78% of parents and caregivers engaged with the school through school donation. This dollar-a-day goes a long way.
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We have identified some shorter term targets to celebrate our journey towards this goal.
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Our current status is 49.62% paid.
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Community Survey
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I thought I would share a little each week from our community survey (ratings out of 10).
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Overall parents' positive feedback was very high. In the individual comments, there were a few comments regarding widening our recognition and celebration of the growing variety of cultures in our school. A very fair comment.
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There were also a number of comments regarding the frustration of repeat offenders (behavioural) and questioning why and when do we say enough. In reviewing these comments, we went back through our reports and data. In every case, we have needed to consider the neurodiversity of the children involved. We have an impressive support team, a huge amount of skill in Kelly Charteris our Learning Support leader and Laura Carr our school employed Occupational Therapist. We have programmes that are working for these children. We do acknowledge we are charged with the safety of all children, the provision of a learning environment for all and the need to ensure we have a process in place to deal with inappropriate behaviour.
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Some comments were also made regarding wider opportunities - particularly increased variety of options at lunch times. To be fair, the majority of our wider opportunities are targeted at middle to senior school students with camps, sports academy, performing arts academy etc. We have inter class lunchtime dodgeball competitions running at the moment, board games and library operating. There is also choir and hapa kaha. There might be a case for wider options for more passive players, we just need to try and balance this against the need for staff to have a lunch break and also do playground duties. We will look into this a bit more.
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The survey results will be released in full once the Board has reviewed this.
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Art Exhibition
June 20th - 22nd with a special night event on Wednesday 21st June.
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For those who are donating artwork for the auction: Can we please have the work delivered to the school office by Wednesday 14th June.
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Can You Help?
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We have an exciting idea for our students' learning journey next term and are on the hunt for learning partners who are involved with filmmaking. Do you or do you have any contacts who can spare time throughout the term to work with our budding actors, producers and creators on an amazing concept that will be widely celebrated? Please email Keryn Annan for more details.
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Breakfast Club
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HDS runs a breakfast club every morning from 8:30am to 8:55am. This is open to all students; all we require is permission from a parent / caregiver. This can be done on KINDO or on a form available at breakfast club.
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We serve Weetbix, milk and sandwiches with a choice of peanut butter, honey, jam and vegemite.
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Please note: for weeks 6-8 of term 2, we will be operating in Room 10 instead of the hall.
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Parents Parking In The Bus Bay
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We have had reports that people have been parking in the bus bay at the front of the school. Please do not park here, especially at pick-up and drop-off time, as this is where our school bus is to park for those that catch the bus before and after school.
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Massey High School Open Night
Massey High School is the zoned High School for Year 9-13 students in the Huapai/Kumeu area. Below are the details for their open night. We encourage all Year 8 families to attend one of the below sessions:
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Session 1: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
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Session 2: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
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Yummy Apple Sticker Promotion
Each year we have the opportunity to trade in stickers collected from the Yummy apple range for sports gear. This is an annual promotion that has seen the school earn some great gear that is used across the school. It’s that time again to remember to collect the stickers.
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A collection sheet is linked below, or each of the classrooms have one on their wall for use at school. Paper copies of the sheet can be collect from the school office should you wish.
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HDS BAND AUDITIONS!
Band mentoring program to commence at HDS! Students must be fully committed to rehearsals, learning their parts thoroughly, making good progress throughout the year and make themselves available for performances opportunities. Open to all instruments! Lead vocalist - Back up vocals - Guitar - Bass - Keyboard - Drums - String - Brass & Woodwind.
Auditions are being held in the music at lunchtime on Friday 9th June. Please prepare a short audition piece preferably 1 - 2mins long.
For any additional information please contact Scott - scott.wotherspoon@musiqhub.co.nz
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Creative Matters
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Creative Matters are back for the 2023 year. With classes on Mondays, 3pm - 5pm in Room 10. Please book at the link below.
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Brain Play
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Wednesdays, 3:30pm - 6pm in Room 10.
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Brain Play teaches science & technology classes to Kiwi kids aged 5-13, right across the country! We offer holiday programmes, online classes, in-person after-school classes, in-school classes, and free events for communities. Our topics include 3D printing, coding, animation, STEM experiments, LEGO & more. Free trials are also available for new students. This term we are in Stanmore Bay, Huapai, Parnell and Hobsonville (as well as online)! Check out our website to learn more about what's on at Brain Play & book in today.
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Please book at the link below.
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Music Lessons With MusiqHub
MusiqHub are looking forward to another awesome year of music in 2023 at Huapai School! They will have a bunch of slots available for Guitar, Drums, Piano and Ukulele lessons. If you're interested, be sure to get in touch to reserve your spot or ask any questions you may have. Contact details below:
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Guitar, Keyboard and Ukulele:
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2023 Term Dates
These are the Term Dates for 2023:
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Term 1: Tuesday 7th February - Thursday 6th April
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Term 2: Wednesday 26th April - Friday 30th June
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Term 3: Monday 17th July - Friday 22nd September
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Term 4: Monday 9th October - Tuesday 19th December
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Monday 24th April (the day before Anzac Day)
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Tuesday 6th June (King's Birthday weekend)
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HERO Notifications
We use HERO to send classroom updates, to share regular learning posts and now for payment on all in-school costs. HERO sends push notifications or emails. You can now choose how you receive HERO notifications as well as manage devices that receive them.
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To set your own notification preferences:
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Click on your profile image
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Scroll down to My Devices and select your preferences.
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Or please see the full instructions linked below.
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