Newsletter

“Together we encourage, challenge and inspire while fostering a love of learning”

IMPORTANT DATES Term One23 Mar GALA 26 Mar Year 3/4 Sports Day 26 Mar BoT Meeting 27 Mar Learning Conversations 28 Mar Learning Conversations 02 Apr School Athletics 02 Apr Tawa Community Whānau Hui 04 Apr School Athletics 05 Apr Te Rito Assembly 09 Apr Prospective New Entrant Parent Meeting 10 Apr NZSTA Kāhui Ako Kōrari Programme 12 Apr Last day of term 29 April Term 2 begins

This week there were no new students to welcome.

Wednesday 20 March 2019 Dear Parents and Caregivers, kia ora, malo e lelei, talofa lava, kia orana, namaste, ni hao, sawasdee and welcome to Week 7 of Term 1 2019. Our thoughts are with you all at such a sad time in the history of our beautiful country. We send our deepest sympathies to members of our Tawa Muslim community and others who have been affected personally by this tragedy. Our prime focus this week has been providing our students and families with the happy routine of school life, providing a strong sense of safety and care. As mentioned in our previous email we have understandably been reviewing all our emergency procedures and in particular our systems of communication. In the event of an emergency at Greenacres School we would, if possible, provide information for you via email, text and on Facebook. It is critical therefore that all contact details are always kept up to date at the office. Early next week we will send a ‘test text’ to all primary and secondary cell numbers to check our contact details and that the text system is working. Greenacres Gala - Only 3 more sleeps! Thank you for everything you have all done so far and will continue to do to make this weekend an amazing success. The sun is going to be shining and we are hoping for record crowds to enjoy a much needed day of fun in our community. Don’t forget to let all your friends and neighbours know about it and encourage them to bring lots of $$$ to spend! There will also be eftpos facilities at the office.

Please bring all your baking contributions to the office this Friday - our last collection week! Also, if anyone has any lemons that are surplus to requirements can you please drop these into the school office.

Tawa Year 5/6 Sports Day @ Greenacres Year 5 and 6 students from across Tawa joined together for a fun sports day at Greenacres yesterday. Thanks to Rob Calder, our staff and the fabulous students from Tawa Intermediate who helped ensure this day was a success.

Tawa Community NZSTA Meeting for prospective school trustees Have you thought about becoming a board member? Come along to NZSTA’s Kōrari Programme to find out about becoming a school trustee. A community hui will be held at Tawa Intermediate on 10 April 2019 at 7pm in the lead up to this year’s board of trustees’ elections. At the hui you’ll hear about what a school board of trustees does, the skills needed, who can become a trustee, how a board is elected, what help trustees receive, and how a board of trustees functions. If you would like to talk to current board member, please see our website or contact our school office.

Māori Success as Māori Tawa Community Whānau Hui Last week a letter was sent home to all our families who have children who identify as Māori. This was an invitation to attend a meeting at 6pm on Tuesday 2 April at Tawa Intermediate School Hall. If you did not receive this letter please get in touch with the office.

Learning Conversations Most of you have logged in and made appointments for the learning conversations on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March. If you have not already done so please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and enter event code: t8xgz. If you have any problems please contact the office office@greenacres.school.nz or ring 2326445.

Internet Health and Wellbeing Presentation Are you a parent/guardian concerned about how your child uses the internet or mobile phone. John Parsons, New Zealand’s leading authority on safeguarding children online, will be presenting a free seminar on cyber safety on Thursday 4 April 2019 from 6.30pm to 8.00pm in the Tawa College Hall. His presentation will also cover cyberbullying, sexting, learning to repel and report, reputation management, online grooming and future proofing for employment. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to office@greenacres.school.nz indicating the number of people attending. This is just to ensure there is sufficient seating and tea/coffee. A flyer with more information is attached to the covering email.

There has been a massive effort put in by our Gala Committee for this weekend, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts. If you have offered to help on a stall, someone will be in touch with you soon with more information about when to turn up etc… See you all there!

Kind Regards Shirley Porteous Principal

COMMUNITY NOTICES

WICKED WINTER SPORTS TERM 2 2019 - (Yrs 1-4) – Tuesday’s 3:05-4:05pm Kelly Sports will be back in Term 2 with their fun and exciting classes. Come and try Football, Netball, Handball and Rippa Rugby. Try 2 weeks each of these sports. It’s a great way to try new sports, learn new skills and improve ability. We use games & drills to teach game sense and team play. Learn the fundamental skills for all sports – throwing, running, jumping, striking, balance and many more – all while having a great time! For full details and to enrol in programmes visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201

Tawa Intermediate School - Homestay Expressions of Interest Following their successful visit from Chinese students last month, Tawa Intermediate has had more expressions of interest for study groups to visit NZ. They are seeking families who may be interested in hosting students in their homes. If you are interested or would like further information, please contact Coralee at the Tawa Intermediate office - office@tawaint.school.nz or 04 2325201.

Are you interested in learning piano or singing? Local man can teach all ages and stages, individually and as groups. Please contact him on 027 867 9683 or email geldardmusic@gmail.com if you are interested. Alternatively you can find him on Facebook by searching for "Nathan Geldard - Music Tutor".

Greenacres School is a Community Emergency Hub - Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is about to launch a marketing campaign that promotes Community Emergency Hubs. The campaign will be promoted digitally through a number of websites, including, stuff.co.nz, facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc. So keep an eye out for the video! GWRC is a significant sponsor of WREMO's work programme, and wishes to support and raise awareness of the Community Emergency Hub concept being rolled out across the region. This marks the beginning of a significant and ongoing public awareness campaign around Community Emergency Hubs. For more information go to getprepared.nz | fb.com/WREMOnz | twitter.com/WREMOinfo Receive emergency alerts with the Red Cross Hazard App - www.getprepared.org.nz/alerts<http://www.getprepared.org.nz/alerts> Subscribe<http://eepurl.com/de0Vxr> to GWRC quarterly newsletter! Parenting personality Yvonne Godfrey presents "Raising Resilient Kids". As a regular radio and TV guest - parenting guru Yvonne Godfrey's practical approach and witty presentation will have you laughing, while equipping and challenging you to build a stronger family. At the Salvation Army Johnsonville, 15 April from 7pm. More information available by visiting sajchurch.com. Tickets $15 from Eventfinda. https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/yvonne-godfrey/wellington

Wellington Hockey Pre-Season Year 5 & 6 Development & Festival Day - All welcome, Beginners to more experienced Players, Sunday 31 March at National Hockey Stadium, Mount Albert Road, Newtown, 12-4pm. Expect Quality Coaching, Fun Hockey Games, Competitions & Prizes.Head to www.wellingtonhockey.org.nz and click “HAVE A GO” under the “DEVELOPMENT” tab to register. Contact Jenni Cronin, Development Manager, Capital Hockey, jenni@capitalhockey.org.nz, 0212098483

So you’re tough, but can you take on the 1-day Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge!? This is a chance for primary and intermediate aged kids to get involved in New Zealand’s biggest mud run series in a version tailored especially for them! The Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge will include many of the same amazing perks along with all competitors receiving a stunning finishers medal, Hell Pizza voucher and the chance to experience the challenging obstacles, incredible venues, hot showers and spot prizes.1.5km Course Option – For school years 3 – 4, 3km Course Option – For school years 5 – 8 Wellington Event Dates Wednesday 22 May – 10am start, Thursday 23 May – 10am start. For more information on the Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge and your chosen venue please click here to find out more or email aimee@eventpromotions.co.nz.

Mary Potter Hospice Annual Street Appeal - If anyone can volunteer to help with this year’s collection on 17 and 18 May, you can show your support by registering on the website https://marypotter.org.nz/events/streetappealvolunteer/ and a representative will get back to you with more details.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES

Kelly Club School Holiday Programme - April school holidays are approaching already! Kelly Club is offering an exciting holiday programme, including numerous field trips and fun-themed days on offer including a theme in honour of ANZAC Day, wonderful Easter activities, creative science experiments and more! The kids can also look forward to sports sessions along with heaps of fun crafts, cooking and games galore to keep them busy all holidays. The link below will take you through to the Kelly Club website, where you can learn more or book your children into the programme- http://www.kellyclub.co.nz/greenacres If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Iriana (Izzy) Flavell, Kelly Club's programme coordinator on 0272414295 or email greenacres@kellyclub.co.nz

Drama Remedy holiday programme will be 3 days of activities on 15th, 16th & 17th of April. Learn the fundamentals of Drama & Speech – voice, body, movement and use of space through fun group activities. Experience a workshop on Rhythmic Gymnastics and Yoga for children. To enrol or for more details contact (04) 478 5962 or 022 027 3316 dramaremedy@gmail.com or visit our website www.dramaremedy.co.nz

Artrageous Kids Programme: 15 – 26 April 2019 BOOK ARTRAGEOUS APRIL Venue: Poneke Dojo, Prince of Wales Park, Salisbury Tce, Mt Cook, Wellington 8.30am–3:00pm $69 and after care 3:00pm-5.15pm $15. Aimed at children aged 5-12 years. Our classes provide a space for all children to explore at their own pace; chaotic or careful, gingerly or with gusto, tiptoeing or tromping. Our aim is to draw out their creativity, not stuff things in! Bookings essential.» View the programme. BOOK NOW!

Tawa Recreation Centre April Holiday Programmes are open now - Looking for things to do over the school holidays? Check out the programmes and activities available. School holidays are just around the corner and spaces fill up quickly. Book now Call us 232 2260 or email tawa.rec@wcc.govt.nz for more information.