Newsletter Term 3 Week 5 Friday 2 August 2011


Value Focus for next two Weeks: Quality / Respect

From The Principal

Kia ora tatou katoa, Talofa, Malo e lelei, Bula vi naka, Kia orana Nga mihi nui ki a koutou, Namaste, Nihao, He mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa! Greetings to you all.

International Student visitors - As you will be aware, on Thursday last week we hosted 78 students from Hishino Gukuen Elementary School in Nakita, Japan. The students were accompanied by 13 of their teachers, the Principal and Vice Principal. Elm Park students welcomed our visitors with a Powhiri and the Kapa Haka group also performed. Thanks to Mrs Vanessa Koroa, Mrs Alicia Howard and Mrs Sara Melville for all their efforts. Thanks to Mrs Anna Graham for her well executed Japanese interpretation of my speech. The Japanese students demonstrated some traditional Japanese games and sang songs to us. Our students were gracious hosts and made these students feel very welcome.

The 18 Korean students from Shinan County left on Saturday in a big pink bus with Pink Panther painted on the side. One of the students made an emotional speech on Friday in the senior assembly. We are grateful to the homestay families and the Year 5 and 6 teachers and classes who accepted these students into their classrooms and homes. Thanks also to Mrs Jean Russell and Mrs Sarah Choi for all their hard work in teaching these students during their short stay.

Mrs Katherine De Haast has done an amazing job organizing these visits and home-stays for these groups of students.

Art Show “Bits on the side” - The teachers and children have all worked extremely hard on their art and performance for the art shows. I am sure that we have some buddying designers who we may see in the Wearable Arts Show in the future. A big “thank you” to Mrs Keryn Scott for all her hard work and encouragement to get this show to such a high standard. Thanks to our community who have supported us by attending the shows.

A big “Happy Birthday” to Mr Armstrong, our hardworking caretaker who has achieved the Gold card status. He will be able to have a few free ferry rides now.

Don’t forget our Kapa Haka students will be performing at the Koanga Festival held at Somerville Intermediate on Saturday 3 September at 11.20 am.

Next Years Camp – The camp for next year will be held in week 9 of Term 1, 26-28 March 2012. If you wish to start paying for this, please come and talk to Norma Foster or the office staff.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Trish Plowright

PRINCIPAL

Looking Ahead

PARKING – As you are aware, we have been advised by the Police to close the road alongside the school office, for the safety of your children. The gates will be closed from 8.30 – 9.15 am and 2.30 - 3.15 pm. If you find yourself locked in at any stage, you will need to wait for the gates to be unlocked at the due time. Thank you all for your cooperation so far. We are also experiencing parents dropping their children off in the access way in front of the boom gate and in people’s driveways. This is causing traffic jams. As this is dangerous, please drop your children along Gossamer Drive, being sure to be legally stopped (not on a yellow line) at all times. Because of the problems we are having, the Community Constable and other police officers will be popping in regularly to check our drivers habits – let’s give them a pleasant surprise!

SUNBLOCK - Once again we are able to offer you quality sunblock at competitive prices. The roll-on product is a great idea for your child’s bag at school. Children will bring home an order form and if you would like any of the products please fill in and return your form and money to the school office by Wednesday 21 September.

Sunblock Tube (100 gr) $6.00

Roll-On (50 Gr) $5.00

After Sun Gel (100 gr) $6.00

KAPA HAKA - On Saturday we are going to be performing at Somerville Intermediate School for our Kapa Haka. We have been practicing all year for this festival. We are all very excited to be performing in front of our friends and family. Our teachers Mrs Koroa, Mrs Howard, Mrs Melville, Mrs Kernot and RJ have been busy getting all our costumes ready. We think it is very cool that lots of other teachers have been helping too like Mrs Grainger and Mrs Meikle who has sewed lots of new uniforms for us, and RJ’s sister.

By Faith and Madison Ward.

Key Events For Your Diary

Friday 9 Sept...... Principals Afternoon Tea

Thur 22 Sept....... Talent Quest 7pm

Fri 30 Sept.......... Y5 & Y6 Disco

Fri 7 Oct.............. Term 3 ends

Mon 24 Oct......... LABOUR DAY

Tue 25 Oct......... Term 4 begins

This Week in Review

NEW STUDENTS – We welcome the following new students and their families to Elm Park School: Sean To'ofohe, Preniven Naicker, Vishailen Naicker, Ashra Visser, Dayton Nolan, Hudson Aish, Elliott McIntyre

ASB BANKING A reminder that ASB banking can be done on any day, in the drop box in the office.

HISTORIC HOSHINO GAKUEN GROUP VISIT - On Thursday, 25th August, Elm Park School was privileged to host 78 students, 13 teachers, as well as the Principal, Mr Hoshino and Vice Principal, Mr Kawabe, from Hoshino Gakuen School in Japan. The Hoshino students sang and demonstrated games for our year 5 and 6 students, before returning to the classrooms with their Elm Park buddies and doing activities together. It was an honour to share a bit of our Kiwi culture and learn about Japanese culture. We look forward to hosting some more students from Hoshino Gakuen school in 2012.



PARENT ISSUESPlease ensure that if you have an issue relating to your child, you speak to the teacher about it before approaching senior management. In order to make sure that issues can be dealt with swiftly and appropriately, all parties need to be aware, so following the correct chain of command is imperative.

ART SHOW PHOTOSYou are still able to purchase art show photos. They are $1 each. Please see the office for an order form.

ALL BLACKS - This is your chance to ‘Stand in Black’ alongside the All Blacks and join them for some fun activities for the whole family. Pass a ball, kick a goal or get some photographs and signatures with your favourite players. Show your support for the team, and best of all, it’s free.

Where: Pakuranga Rugby Club, Bells Road, Pakuranga

When: Sunday 4

Time: Activities open from 3.30 pm, Team on-site 5.00pm

For further information or to follow the team, check out allblacks.com or facebook/allblacks


Focus on Children

Last week Storylines visited us at school. These are some recounts done by Room 17.

On one Thursday morning I looked on the whiteboard and it said Storylines. Storylines was after lunch. We were lining up really happy. But when we were in the classroom it was as “noisy as a bell,” I said.

Storylines was in the hall. The hall was as cold as ice. There was a boy but there’s not only a tall boy there was a pretty girl too. They were as funny as clowns.

When I was in the hall I said, “Books.” “Look, a book called Marmaduke Duck and Marmalade Jam!” But the girl was a little girl called Ollie. The boy was John.

The stage was blue and red. It was as red as blood and blue as the sea. The stage was actually a soft blue and red mat. There was a girl as pretty as Mrs. Richards but the girl was playing her video game every day.

In the end we got to ask the people good questions.

Written by Lucy Yang

Room 17 went to the Storylines on 25th of August in the Elm Park School hall. The people who played Clare and Ollie were good people for kids.

On Thursday me and my class went to Storylines. I liked the wii. I also liked the game. There were three levels – Mighty Mountain, Shimmering Stream and Fearsome Forest. That was the hard one.

Finnigan and the Pirates is a cool book. Finnigan made the Mighty Mountain disappear. Finnigan said, “What is your name?” “Clare,” said Clare. Finnigan said, “Pardon?” “CLARE!” shouted Clare. Clare yelled as loud as a motorbike.

Written by Phoebe Sirett.

On Thursday the Years 1, 2 and 3’s went to Storylines in the hall. We all had to sit around the pretend stage.

They did a play. There was a young lady called Clare. She was addicted to a game. The first thing she had to get through was the Shimmering Stream. The stream was as blue as the sky. The second obstacle was huge. It was the Mighty Mountain. The third obstacle was hard. She said, “I never get past the Fearsome Forest.”

There were four books. There was one book called Hollie Chips which is a chapter book. There was another book where a duck made marmalade jam. YUMM!! In another book there was a pirate called Finnigan who lived with his aunt.

At the end we asked questions and they asked us questions. We were the last class to go back to our classroom. Everyone had a great time. Everybody is looking forward to next years Storylines.

Written by Marcus Ambler

POSITIVE SOCIAL INTERACTION WINNERS

Congratulations to the following students who were selected and acknowledged this week for their responsible, friendly behaviour.

Room 1

Raquel Stryker

Room 3

Sharon Ng

Room 4

Cameron Hall

Room 8

Javier Tangitau

Room 9

Zvaryn Engu-Cordtz

Room 10

Eli Wood

Room 11

Schapelle Nimot

Room 12

Andrew Thomas

Room 13

Leon Wilkinson

Room 14

Ard Zeneli

Room 15

Arzan Mohta

Room 16

Lily-May Taoete

Room 17

Lucy Yang

Room 18

Bailey Pereira

Room 19

Sairaj Kuvelkar

Room 20

Eve Koenders

Room 21

Daniel McWilliams

Room 22

Duan Jordaan

Room 23

Ryan S

Room 24

Cindy Zhu

Room 25

Amena Azimi

Room 26

Ronald Filipo

Room 27

Elizabeth Davies

Room 28

Nicolas Kong

Room 29

Liam Revell

Room 30

John Noh


PERSONAL PRESENTATION

The following students were voted as the overall winner in their year level for the most neatly presented in their uniform.

Year 1:

Nadini Ariyaratne

Year 2:

Chidera Onton

Year 3:

Christian Santos

Year 4:

Kalani Posinkovich

Year 5:

Chalos Barnston

Year 6:

Andy Pereira



COMMUNITY NOTICES

Kidspod is a new and exciting OSCAR approved After School and Holiday Programme in your area! Offering care and recreation for children aged 5 – 14 years. The After School Programme provides transport for children to the centre and offers a range of activities and clubs from homework, cooking, guitar, sports, science, art and more! The Holiday Programmes provide an equally lively mix of in-house activities and daily excursions. For more information please contact Kidspod on 021 082 59905, email kidspod@gmail.com or check out our website www.kidspod.webs.com.

Full Winz subsidy is available.

Uxbridge Arts with Howick Intermediate - Opening this Friday at 6.30 we have an exhibition celebrating the creativity of Howick Intermediate Students. Howick Intermediate is interested in creating an environment where the students receive ‘real-life’ learning through being involved with the community. Music students will be showcasing their talents during the exhibition: - Performance showcase - Saturday September 3rd at 11 am 12 pm & 1pm, Classical performance - on Wednesday 7th at 12pm. Both events are free and everyone is welcome!

We hope you can attend to help us celebrate these young talented students. Uxbridge, Howick's Creative Centre,
35 Uxbridge Road, Howick.

Kelly sports at Elm Park Primary School - Kelly Sports offers sports programmes at Elm Park Primary straight after school on Tuesday from 3.10pm to 4.10pm. Our Programmes are targeted at year 1 - 4 children who are keen to try out a variety of sports. Kelly Sports encourages kids to have fun, build confidence and to develop key sporting skills. Player of the Day ribbons awarded every session. Please contact Lyn Flavell on 09-2922-224 or pat@kellysports.co.nz for an enrollment form or check out our website www.kellysports.co.nz

SPCA Auckland is now taking bookings for their October holiday programme. It provides an informative, interactive and exciting day out for the children. For more details, contact Education Department 09 256 7300 x 6.

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