Newsletter Term 1 Week 2

Windy Ridge School Newsletter
February 8 2017
Term 1 Week 2
www.windyridge.school.nz
School Bank Account: ASB 12 3072 033 4812 00
PTA Bank Account: ASB 12 3072 038 4799 00

Hello, Hola a todos, Kumusta, Annyeonghaseyo, Ni Hao, Konichiwa, Namaste, Zdravstvuyte, Ciao, Hallo, Bonjour, Salut, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Talofa Lava, Kia Orana, Kia Ora Koutou

News from the Principal

Welcome back everyone.

Well, school has started; classes are getting into rhythm, learning goals are being discussed, friendships are being renewed or created, and we are all reminding ourselves about what our school values mean again. Our new families and teachers have been welcomed to the school, and everyone seems to have settled in well.

We will have a ‘Meet the Teacher’ opportunity in a couple of weeks (Wed 22 February) where you will have some time to meet the teachers working with your child and hear more about how the classes and teams will be working this year. At this event we will also have a short presentation for families on the NZ Curriculum; how the levels work compared to ages, how we group students in classes and rooms, what is taught and how etc. (More information about this to come out to you soon.)

Communication

All of our teachers have a school email address and can be contacted directly on these. The email addresses are on the school website. We encourage you to speak to your child’s teacher in the first instance if you have a question or concern as they are the person most likely to know your child best.

Policy Review

We have one policy to review this term that we would appreciate some parent feedback on – Recognition of Cultural Diversity – please see below in ‘Reminders’ for login information to leave feedback.

Parking – IMPORTANT NOTICE

Parents please remember that our car parks are not available for parent pick ups and drop offs – you need to drop your child at school on the roadside.

We have two car parks for staff and disability parking only. As our school roll grows, the number of adults working in the school also increases and so we now use all the available parking for staff. Also remember that when you are parking in Valley View Road there are signs limiting parking between 8.45-9.15am and 2.45-3.15pm. Please park outside the designated area or be aware that this is a ticketable traffic offence.

Walking School Bus

At Windy Ridge School we have 3 fantastic Walking School Buses that operate. Walking together as a group, where road safety is paramount with the added benefit of less traffic around school and a way for friendships and networks are strengthened. If you are able to help just one (or more) morning or afternoon a week and would like your children to join in the fun of the WSB, please ring Caroline Hudson on 0272454990 or touch base with Mrs Boyce in the office.

Reminders

**** School Notices are available on the school website. ****

Policy Review – Recognition of Cultural Diversity
1. Visit the website http://windyridge.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
2. Enter the username (windyridge) and password (WRS0629).
Sun Safety – Just a reminder that children will need sunhats at school every day. Please make sure they are named.
Attendance – Please ensure that your children arrive at school on time and that we are aware of their absence by 9.00am each day. We do follow up lateness and absence as we are required to report on both to the Ministry of Education and the Board of Trustees. If you are planning a holiday in term time please advise your child’s teacher and the office.
Banking day is Thursday – please send ASB envelopes to the office.
Ez Lunch available all days of the week now. Please go to ezlunch.co.nz to register and order. More information available at the office.
PTA Facebook – Information about our fabulous PTA is available online on Facebook. Search ‘Windy Ridge School PTA’ for the page and join up for updates and information about events and news.
WINDY RIDGE PARENTS Facebook – We have a closed Facebook page for Windy Ridge parents – you need to request to be part of this page. Search – Windy Ridge Parents. It is a valuable page for reminders, information, and general WRS ‘stuff’
Road Patrol Supervisors – If you have some time before or afterschool we are looking for parents to help supervise the road patrol monitors. Contact Jenine Maxwell jmaxwell@windyridge.school.nz

Term dates and Upcoming Events

School Terms 2017

Term 1 Wednesday 1st February – Thursday 13th April

Term 2 Monday 1 May – Friday 7 July

Term 3 Monday 24 July – Friday 29 Sept

Term 4 Monday 16 October – Friday 15 Dec

Free tickets to the International Men’s Softball tournament at Albany 8-12 February, contact the office

Community News
Is your child shy? Do they feel intimidated by the idea of public speaking and performance? Do they sometimes find it difficult to make eye contact? Do they just need dedicated time per week to just be CRAZY?! Come and join the revolutionary self-confidence programme – Marrzipan! We run awesome drama classes at school, which focus on key life skills and public speaking ability.We play fun engaging games and perform at the end of term once to parents and once to the school. All scripts are original, engaging, educational and HILARIOUS. All children receive a certificate too to remind them they are awesome! You can sign your child up for a Trial Lesson via our websitewww.marrzipandrama.co.nz or contact Jex on 027 217 0693

After-school art class, Term 1, 2017

This 6-week drawing and painting class provides a fun and focused program for children aged 7–12yrs. With step-by-step guidance from artist/tutor Eion Bryant students will discover with drawing how simple shapes can be used to sketch more complex images then explore painting with the versatile acrylic medium.

Tuesdays 3.30 – 5.00pm starting February 21 Venue: Highbury house. Cost $105 (all materials included) Bookings: email eion@eionbryant.com, ph. 09 483 6703

After School Art Class for ages 7-12 yrs.

A structured drawing and painting program with artist/art tutor Eion Bryant. Fun and focused.

Venue: Highbury House, Tuesdays 3.30 – 5pm for 6 weeks starting February 21. Cost $105 Bookings: email eion@eionbryant.com, Ph. 4836703

Forrest Hill Milford Football has opened registrations for winter and we were hoping to get the following information into your 1st 2017 School Newsletter?

Forrest Hill Milford United Football Club is taking registrations for winter football. Football is offered for all ages from 5 and up for both boys and girls. Trials are held for players aged 9 and up and commence on Wednesday 1st of February. Further details can be found on the Club’s website.

You can register online now at www.forresthillafc.co.nz. For any queries please email registrations@forresthillafc.co.nz

North Shore Citizens Advice – Helping migrants settle in New Zealand

CABNS Feb 2017 general info session

‘The Flash Bang Science Club Children’s Science classes for children aged 7 yrs+ are open for booking in Devonport and Beach Haven for Term 1. For more information and bookings please check out http://www.flashbangscienceclub.co.nz/ or email: admin@flashbangscienceclub.co.nz’.

Singing and music for children 7-12 years old

First Voice

Pump House Theatre after school drama classes