June 2023 Edition
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The Connection

Week 9

Term 2

Huapai District School

June 22nd 2023

Senior Leadership Message

“You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety.” – Abraham Maslow

As we near the end of another term, I wanted to share this inspiring quote with you. As I read it, it reminds me of the importance of embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth.

At our school, we believe in nurturing our students' potential and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. We strive to create an environment where they can explore, learn, and develop their unique talents.

On Saturday I stood on the rugby sideline, watching one of my son’s play for his Kumeu team. It was a game with formidable opponents.

As we hollered and grimaced with every tackle and run, one of our players found himself in possession of the ball. He had a choice to make. He could either play it safe and pass the ball to a teammate or take a risk and push forward towards the try line.

With determination in his eyes, the boy decided to step forward into growth. He skillfully dodged defenders, using his agility and speed to his advantage. With each step, we cheered louder, urging him on. In a moment of triumph, he crossed the try line, securing points for our team. His bravery and willingness to take a chance paid off, leaving a lasting impression on his teammates.

This rugby game teaches us the value of taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. When we embrace challenges, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth and personal development.

As the term comes to a close at the end of next week, we encourage you to support your child in seeking new experiences and facing challenges with confidence. Let's inspire them to step forward into growth, knowing that success often lies just beyond their comfort zone.

Keryn Annan
Deputy Principal

Upcoming Events

  • Thursday 29th June - End Of Term Assembly
  • Friday 30th June - Powhiri
  • Friday 30th June - Non-Uniform Day
  • Friday 30th June - Last Day Of Term 2
  • Friday 14th July - Matariki Celebration at HDS
  • Monday 17th July - First Day Of Term 3

Parent / Teacher Conferences - Half Day School

These will be held on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th July. School will finish at 12:30pm (lunchtime) on Tuesday 25th July and conferences will start at 1:30pm through to 7:30pm. On Wednesday 26th July school will finish at the usual time and parent teacher conferences will begin at 3:30pm through to 5:30pm.

Please start planning for your child’s care on the afternoon of Tuesday 25th July. Any student unable to go home will be supervised in the hall.

Please use either the QR Code or blue button link to book your Parent Interview / Learning Conference now.

Community Survey Feedback #4

Sharing a little each week from our community survey (ratings out of 10).
There were some great comments and feedback received. One outcome of the feedback is we formed a group of staff and walked the school looking closely at school environment improvement opportunities. Improvement of learning resources as the school grows is an ongoing priority and effort. Thank you for the feedback. A full copy of the survey results has now been published on our school website and a copy has also been linked below.

There were a number of interesting comments that provoked some need for clarification and discussion. I have answered a couple below:

Comment: “Every day when my kids come home from school, I ask them "So what did you learn today "?? And they keep on saying nothing…

This is not uncommon. We get it at school when we ask what did you do over the holidays “nothing”.

Here’s some suggestions which might try to get a more enlightened response:

If you want to know about your child's feelings...
  • What is something that made you smile today?
  • If you could invent a new feeling, what would it be called? How would you describe it?
  • If your mood were a type of weather, what would it be? Would it be sunny, cloudy, stormy or something else?
If you want to know about your child's learning...
  • Can you teach me how to ....?
  • What is one thing you learned today?
  • Can you tell me about a story you heard/read today?
  • What was your favourite thing you did at school today?
  • What is something that made you proud at school today?
If you want to know about your child's relationships...
  • If you could choose your seat partner, who would it be? Why?
  • Who is someone at school that makes you feel safe?
  • Who is someone you played with today?
  • What games did you play at recess today?
If you want to know about your child's interests..
  • If you could be the teacher for a day, what would you teach about?
  • If you became president, what is the first thing you would do?
  • Who is someone you'd love to meet in real life?
  • If you could teleport anywhere, where would you go right now?
Reference: https://calmclassroom.com/

Comment: “If feels like too many chiefs with principal and two deputies - what do they all actually do? Communicate and tell us! If the school is desperate for money, why pay a huge salary for two deputies?”

Clarification:
Our staffing is based on the number of children attending our school. All teachers are paid from a central fund and not by the school. Teachers' rates of pay are based on a collective agreement. The school does not have anything to do with this. Leadership i.e. Deputy Principals is based on management entitlement (again based on size) and paid accordingly. At our school, we are committed to retaining and training staff. We are very deliberate in growing leadership, recognising and creating pathways for growth within the school. At our school Keryn Annan (Deputy Principal) has primary responsibility for curriculum, assessment and reporting. Maree Lloyd (Deputy Principal) has primary responsibility for pastoral, personnel and wider opportunities. As Principal, I see my role as ensuring everything is operating well, improvement and culture. Wrapped into this is finance, property, personnel, liaison and strategic development.

School Donation Update

We cracked the 50% mark this week (currently 50.94%) thank you!
We have erected signs at our gates promoting our goals of reaching 78%.
Thanks to all those who have joined us so far.

Matariki Event Here At School

Friday 14th July, 6am
This year Matariki falls during the school holidays. We are excited to invite you to school for our first annual Matariki celebration.

Quiz Night

Saturday 5th August, 7pm

Please pop into the office to secure your table for our upcoming annual quiz. Tickets are also available on KINDO now.

Grocery Item Raffle Donation

Friday 30th June
We will hold a non-uniform day next Friday, 30th June. There is no cost for this event, rather the donation of an unopened non-perishable grocery item is appreciated (can, packet, cosmetic item, voucher etc). These will be collected and made into a raffle for our school’s Annual Quiz.

Tough Guy And Gal Challenge - Helpers Please!

WE NEED YOUR HELP! THIS IS OUR ANNUAL EVENT.

Each year we have the opportunity to raise thousands of dollars for our school by providing marshals for the local Tough Guy and Gal challenge. These funds are directed into learning resources for your children. This year we require 20 adults - parent / granny / uncle / neighbour / garden club friend to help us each day. The role is standing and pointing. It can even be done from the comfort of your camp chair should you wish! If you are able to assist for a morning, please use this form to register your interest.
**there has been a duty change and we are no longer required to supply marshals for Tuesday 1st August (this is the day our school will send a group of children).
Next week a poster will go up in each classroom showing how many parent volunteers your child’s class has - first three classes to have 5 volunteers earn a hot chip lunch!

HDS Dodgeball Championship 2023

Nine weeks… seven classes… eight teams… 120 players… and two new champion teams for 2023!!

Our HDS World Championship Dodgeball Tournament has been epic! Each and every team played with incredible sportsmanship and every team member played with drive and determination. However, as with all tournaments, there can be only one champion at each year level and this year our Year 7-8 Champions are Moananui and our Year 5-6 Champions are Ngahere. Congratulations to both of these amazing teams!

Last week our champion teams competed against each other for the title ‘Dodgeball Champion of Champions 2023’. After a fierce game with incredible skill and strategy on display, Year 7-8 Moananui emerged victorious! They will now go on to play against a team of teachers next week in the hopes of winning the coveted All-Stars Cup.

Good luck to our Champion of Champions!!!

NorthWest Rewards Schools Is Back!

Shop at NorthWest Shopping Centre and vote for Huapai District School to help us win a share of $6,000!
12th June - 16th July 2023.
Every $1 spent = 1 point for our school.
Just take your receipt to the Customer Service kiosk and submit your vote.

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.

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.

Moments From The Week

Creative Matters

Creative Matters are back for the 2023 year. With classes on Mondays, 3pm - 5pm in Room 10. Please book at the link below.

Aroha Skate

Aroha Skate are back for Term 3. Every Tuesday straight after school.
Please use the link below to register.

Brain Play

Wednesdays, 3:30pm - 6pm in Room 10.
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.
Please book at the link below.

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:

Drums: paul.barry@musiqhub.co.nz

Guitar, Keyboard and Ukulele:
scott.wotherspoon@musiqhub.co.nz

2023 Term Dates

These are the Term Dates for 2023:

Term 1: Tuesday 7th February - Thursday 6th April
Term 2: Wednesday 26th April - Friday 30th June
Term 3: Monday 17th July - Friday 22nd September
Term 4: Monday 9th October - Tuesday 19th December

Teacher Only Days:
Monday 24th April (the day before Anzac Day)
Tuesday 6th June (King's Birthday weekend)

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.

To set your own notification preferences:
  1. Click on your profile image
  2. Select EDIT PROFILE
  3. Scroll down to My Devices and select your preferences.
Or please see the full instructions linked below.

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