Newsletter 24th May, 2006 - Term 2 - No5
Safety Concern Bullying NZ Childrens' Lit Quiz
Netball Noho Marae Waikato Int. Schools Girls Rugby
     
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Dear Parents / Caregivers

My congratulations to the great majority of our students who arrive at school every day ready for their work and learning.  They have the necessary equipment, have completed homework tasks and are rested and ready for their school day.  Well done.

Currently we have large numbers of children involved in sports, Kapa Haka and the operetta.  Next week we move away from Thursday school wide sports to the winter electives programme.  All of these activities give our students opportunities to try something different.  They broaden the base of learning and experience.  Children who are busy and take these opportunities tend to perform better as they move through the school system.  Talk to your child and share what they are currently doing at school.

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Safety Concern

I will take this opportunity to share a safety concern with you as parents.  Usually I would not make this type of statement but as I find it impacting on school for a few children I feel it is important.

As the adults / parents in the lives of children we need to make strong decisions regarding children.  We need to know where they are, who they are with and what they are up to.  It is not unreasonable to check where your child is staying, particularly if the other child is not known to you. In these middle years your child will not always appreciate your concern, and yes it is great to trust your child, however, a few basic safeguards are always advisable.
These may include:
  • a phone call to the parent of the friend
  • a phone call to home on arrival
  • sensible deadlines
  • lots of opportunities to talk and share with your child

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Bullying

Like all schools we do not accept bullying.  We work hard to eliminate / minimise bullying in our environment.  Unfortunately like all schools we do have instances of bullying and when these occur we will always follow up on them.  We can, however, only follow up on instances we know about.  The first port of call will be the class teacher.  There is a requirement for us to hear both sides of any story and to try to resolve issues for all parties.  This does take time.  Please help us to make our school a safe place for all.

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The NZ Childrens' Literature Quiz

Last Wednesday evening eight of our students travelled to St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton to take part in the Waikato Regional heat of the Lit Quiz.  There were ten questions from ten different categories covering banned books, myths and legends, illnesses, water, vegetation, toys, folk tales, Middle Earth, quests and miscellaneous.  Some of the questions were very difficult and made us realise there are some very bright students around, especially when they recognised books from just the first sentence!  Each team had to pick a specialist subject which doubled their score for that round making a final total of 110 points.

Our Team 1, consisting of Cindy Nguyen, Vincent Aballe, Jordan Redwood and Hannah Dewhurst scored 58.  Team 2 (Alannah Pearce, Lakin Hall, Deni-Jay McLean and Devon Morris) scored 37.  I would like to thank those parents who provided transport and support on the night: Michelle Ward, Carol Morris, Kerry Wilton and Jacinta Aballe.  Keep your children reading and we’ll try again next year.

Elaine Long, TIC English

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Netball

Our netball season is now well underway.  Thank you to all the coaches and managers who have volunteered their time and efforts.  All teams got off to a good start and looked very smart down at the courts in their playing uniforms.  We do need help from parents to collect these uniforms in and wash them each week.  Please let the coach or manager of your daughter’s team know if you are able to help with the laundry.

Putaruru Future Ferns Tournament - Our Year 7A and Year 8A netball teams travelled to Putaruru on Sunday and played in the Future Ferns Tournament.  The girls played fabulously and won each of their divisions.  Thank you to all the coaches, managers, parents and supporters who transported the girls and cheered them on, on the day.  These two teams will continue to prepare for the Waikato Intermediate Netball Tournament which we will host here at the Tokoroa Netball Pavilion on the 13 June 2006.

Tania Carlson, TIC Netball

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Noho Marae

The Noho Marae that was to have taken place last weekend was postponed till later in the term due to bereavement.  A final date has yet to be arranged.

Kirsty Puke, TIC Kapa Haka

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Waikato Intermediate Schools' Girls' Rugby

Next Tuesday, 30 May 2006 in Cambridge
.

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Phil Straw
PRINCIPAL

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