Panui - Term 2, Week 10

Bhana cup winners

We did it - 2024 South Taranaki Rugby Champions! A great way to end the winter sports season.

This term has been a hive of activity. Our tamariki have been provided with a vast variety of learning experiences - from sports exchanges through to gardening groups through to marae noho. Experiences like these engage our children, make learning meaningful and most importantly are FUN! I extend a massive thank you to our Tawhiti team and whanau for making these happen. 

This week is a sad week for us as we farewell the lovely Mrs Jiggins (aka Miss Barron). Kris has been with us for 8.5 years. Throughout that time she has invested heavily in our kura. Kris is passionate about children, their learning and making a difference. She has helped many children achieve success, mentored teachers, set up withdrawal learning programmes, and advocated tirelessly for support for learners with additional needs. I feel incredibly grateful to have worked alongside Kris as a teacher and leader during her time at Tawhiti. She will certainly be missed but as they say - once Tawhiti, always Tawhiti. We look forward to seeing Kris, Sam and Archie with their pēpē when they visit us. 
Note: due to us farewelling Kris tomorrow there will be no assembly. We will have one in Week 1 to welcome our new learners and celebrate our Term 2 Tawhiti learners. 

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kris

This newsletter includes:

  • Information about children's achievement and progress
  • Booking information for whanau hui in Term 3
  • Updates around our enrolment scheme (zone)
  • Production - Term 3

Kick back and enjoy a light read. 

Kia pai to haraeri - Have a safe and happy holiday and we will see you all next term. 

Sarah

The Tawhiti School Board has been working with the Ministry of Education to re-instate an enrolment scheme for our school to prevent the risk of overcrowding.

This means that all future enrolments will need to live in our 'zone' to allow automatic enrolment into our school. The zone is essentially the same as the old one that we had in place. Those families that live outside of our zone will still be able to enrol, however, acceptance at the school will be dependent on the number of available places. This is a positive thing for Tawhiti as we want to ensure that our numbers remain at a level where we can offer the very best education and experiences.  

It is anticipated that out scheme will be in place and effective from the beginning of term 4.

If you wish to write a submission on our proposed enrolment scheme head to the link below. Submissions close 19 July 2024.
https://consultation.education.govt.nz/education/enrolment-scheme-at-tawhiti-school-hawera

Ensuring we have space for siblings of current students is a priority, therefore, if you have little people who will be starting school next year can you please fill out our online enrolment form (available on our website asap). If you live outside of our zone, this must be completed before the end of Week 1 next term in order for us to plan and ensure your child has a space. Unfortunately, if you live out of zone and we do not receive your enrolment by this date, we cannot guarantee a space for 2025 and you will need to wait until October for confirmation. 

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reports and whanau hui

Teachers have now updated children's reports and graphs on HERO. You can view these by entering the app and clicking 2024 report. Teachers have used a range of sources to make a judgement on how your child is achieving. This includes a range of formal tests and assessments, watching your child working in the classroom, talking with your child about their learning and having your child assess their own and other’s work.

Please check out the graphics below for further information:

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learning goals
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progress
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engagement

On Monday 29th July (Week 2) we will be holding whānau hui. This will give you the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher, discuss progress, and make a plan to support your child moving forward with learning. You can now book a time for these hui on HERO. 

Please note: Children should attend these hui with you in order to be marked present. This will not be a normal school day. 

If you would like some ideas to support your child's learning over the holidays, please head to this link

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production

Next term we will bring you a whole school performance of SHREK! 

After performing on the truck at school for the last few years, we are looking forward to getting back into the theatre and wowing your socks off! 

We are currently casting some of our seniors into the lead roles and we will announce these to you next term. 

Putting on a production is a huge community effort so we are after some help with the following things:

  • Set design and build
  • Main character costuming
  • Main character hair design
  • Graphic design work for posters and tickets
  • Sound and lighting support

We know there are many of you out there with hidden talents, so if you are keen to join the team please flick me (Sarah) a message either on FB messenger, text 0275206457 or email. 

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gardening
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garden

A wee request from our gardening group.

They have big plans to build a chicken coop...if have have some skills and could help us out or if you have any saws lying around home that you are happy to donate we would be grateful. Please send these to Whaea Anna or email annad@tawhiti.school.nz

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sports
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sports t2

An update from Sheri

Term 2 has been an action-packed sports term at Tawhiti School, with numerous events and competitions showcasing the students' skills and teamwork. Our hockey, football, netball, and rugby Year 6 teams have been competing on Wednesdays in an inter school competition, with our dedicated coaches Becky, Lou, Annika, and Mara leading the way.

We're thrilled to report that Tawhiti School has entered an impressive four basketball teams in the HBA league, and all of them are playing exceptionally well. Our senior teams are off to a fantastic start, with both of our senior teams currently holding the top spot in the league.

In addition to our court sports, our netball teams are also doing well. We've entered six teams this season, and it's been great to see our two senior students enjoying the 7-a-side game and learning new skills. A huge thank you to our volunteer coaches who have given their time to lead practices, attend games, and share their knowledge with our students. Your efforts have made a significant impact on their development and enjoyment of the sport.

The Tawhiti gymnastics squad also had an excellent outing, competing against other schools in the Waitara Gymnastic Festival on May 22nd. Congratulations to Willow and Jordyn for securing a place in their respective sections. We would like to extend our gratitude to Annika for her expertise and time in preparing the girls for competition.

Tawhiti School participated in the South Taranaki Rippa Tournament at Hawera Primary on June 3rd. We had a great team effort, with Tu Meke finishing first equal and just missing out on a top two spot after a countback. Meanwhile, Too Much Winning dominated their pool and section! Our players demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the day.

In addition to these events, we were fortunate to have four classes of students who received swimming lessons every week at Hawera Pools, courtesy of Pelorus funding and We Care Fund. It was fantastic to see our students improve their swimming skills and develop a love for the water. A big thankyou to Finn from Taranaki Rugby for providing our classes and teams with Rippa sessions. These sessions were a huge benefit to the students, offering a fun and engaging way to develop their rugby skills. Thanks to Taranaki Golf instructor Chris for providing golf lessons to six of our classes. The students learned the fundamentals of golf in a fun and engaging way, with some even showcasing hidden skills. Even our teachers got in on the action!

But the fun didn't stop there. To encourage school spirit and friendly competition, we introduced an inter-house games program on Fridays during breaks. This competition, featuring dodgeball, bucketball, and football, allows students to earn points for their house colours. The students have thoroughly enjoyed this initiative, cheering each other on and teachers taking on the seniors in a series of hilarious and entertaining matches. It was great to see the Tawhiti staff showing off their skills on the field and having a blast alongside the students.

The highlight of our term was undoubtedly the Winter Sports (Bhana Cup) tournament held on June 26th. Our school performed exceptionally well across all sports, with impressive displays of skill and teamwork. The result? Tawhiti School emerged as champions in rugby getting the Bhana cup and finished third in hockey, football, and netball. We are incredibly proud of all our students for their enthusiasm and determination.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our coaches, instructors, and staff for their tireless efforts in promoting physical activity and sportsmanship at our school. We look forward to an exciting Term 3!

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good sports