WADESTOWN SCHOOL
Community Newsletter
Principal: Sally Barrett
Website: www.wadestown.school.nz
Thursday 16 March, 2017
Dear Parents
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
This term is a very special one for our Year 5-8 students as they take part in EOTC camp experiences. The
interactions that take place while students are involved in learning outside the classroom are rich
opportunities for implementing many aspects of the NZ Curriculum. The experiences students have together
beyond the classroom are important not only because of the learning that occurs for each individual student
but also for the shared experience that teachers can draw on afterwards for further learning opportunities. At
Wadestown School we believe that camps in Term 1 also play a very important role in the success of our
leadership programme, particularly in the Year 7-8 area of the school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff who so willingly plan and organise their students’ camp
experience. This involves much time and effort outside school hours to ensure that the week runs smoothly
and the students have an experience that they will remember positively for years to come. I would also like to
thank the wonderful group of volunteer parents who offer to attend camp and assist the teaching staff. Your
help is greatly appreciated and our school camps could not take place without you.
The Rimu Team of staff, students and parents returned to school last Friday afternoon, exhausted but
exhilarated. It was wonderful to see the smiles on their faces and to welcome them back to school. Next week
the Kowhai Team (Years 7-8) leave on Monday 20 March to travel to Green Pasture Camp near Whanganui for
the week. They have planned a fantastic week of activities for the students to take part in whatever the
weather holds and we look forward to hearing about their camp adventures and challenges when they return.
News from the Rimu Team (Years 5-6) – Our Camp Experience, 7-10 March
Last week, while weather bombs dropped around country, 93 lucky students from Wadestown School spread
on the sunscreen and basked in the sunshine at Forest Lakes Camp near Otaki. For four days the students
challenged themselves with activities such as horse riding, kayaking, flying fox and mudslide, to name just a
few.
One of the highlights of the week was a series of water relays that kept everyone soaking and laughing while
the eager parents regularly fired water missiles (in case the students were getting too hot). One evening
highlight was the technology challenge where the children had to design and make a costume for a princess or
a superhero out of newspaper and tape. The catwalk by our models was received with deafening hoots and
cheers – a fun and creative enterprise.
Sixteen hard working parents supported the children to achieve the activities, manned the kitchen to deliver
delicious meals and joined in with the fun wherever they could. Back in class this week we have been
reflecting on the camp and everyone seems to have a different highlight and happy memory, so once again
the teachers are reminded that the planning and effort is well worthwhile.
Visit by Olympian Peter Taylor – Taya Lewis and Amy McHardy
On Monday 6th of March, Peter Taylor (a New Zealand bronze medallist) came to Wadestown School to tell us
about his fascinating life story. The New Zealand Olympian told us about his rowing experience and what it
took for him to get to the Olympic Games. We were all inspired by his incredible journey and experience with
rowing. He talked to us about never giving up, even when you do not make it the first time, and that it takes
determination and hard work to achieve your goals.
Peter Taylor was an inspiring role model for the Year 7 and 8 students. He was strong and passionate in his
speech, and kept us all engaged. An exciting part was when Peter brought out his bronze medal from the 2012
games in London. We all passed his precious medal around in amazement, with some people wearing it too!
Overall the Year 7 and 8’s thoroughly enjoyed Peter Taylor’s visit, and thought it was an extremely valuable
experience. We are so glad that he was the Olympian that came to Wadestown School. Thank you very much
Peter Taylor.
Kiwiana Party - Saturday 13th May
Yes - stop holding your breath! The theme for the 2017 Wadestown School Fundraising Party has been
launched! Get your thinking caps on and start reminiscing about what “Kiwiana” means to you?
Kiwi singers-culture-actors-habits-politicians-history-movies-memorieslegends-songs-monuments-weather-books-creatures-sports starsmusic-icons-products-fashion-food-traditions-professions-landscape
Let your imagination run wild! Spread the word amongst all parents and friends of Wadestown School.
Everyone Welcome! Don’t miss a stunning evening full of fun, laughter, and fancy footwork to the best “Kiwi
Sounds” from decades past and present!!! More details to follow soon…
School Uniform Update
We are encouraging our students to take responsibility for their uniform items and request that ALL uniform
items are clearly named. Sadly several children have lost named uniform items despite checking the lost
property container regularly. Sometimes students have accidentally taken home clothing belonging to other
students. Could we please ask everyone to look through their uniform items at home to ensure you have your
own child’s clothing. A reminder that some pens being used to name clothing fade after several washes while
sewn in labels are more easily identifiable for students and staff and last much longer. The school office is now
stocking permanent laundry marker pens for naming uniform items and these are available for purchase at $8
each.
Fundraising Thank You
We are most appreciative of the efforts of Paul Fuge, Duncan McLaren, David Dick, Blair McDonald and
Richard Ismail-Sanders who have been very innovative fundraisers, disposing of our old playground
equipment and matting prior to our property development scheduled to begin on 27 March. $450 has been
raised to date which will go towards our playground redevelopment project so a big thank you from all of us
at Wadestown School for your hard work and support. We still have some firewood available for sale which
must be disposed of before the property development begins so please contact the school office for further
details if you are interested.
PTA Update
Garage Sale
Unfortunately, the rain on the weekend meant that the Wadestown Fair couldn’t go ahead as planned. We
have had so many good quality books, puzzles and toys dropped off that we have made the decision to have a
garage sale from Katy’s garage at 158 Oban Street on Saturday the 25th of March between 10.30am-1.30pm.
Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested, especially younger families who might want
some great toy trucks, wooden oven and a teepee. We have also been offered a table tennis table that used
to be the schools and is now in a garage in Thorndon. A donation to the school and pick up from the address
and it could be yours – email Katy at [email protected] if you are interested. We hope to see you
there for some great, good quality bargains.
Didn’t get round to ordering a 2016 Yearbook?
We were given a few extra copies of the 2016 yearbook so if you didn’t get round to ordering one or having
seen how fantastic they are, want one, we have a very limited supply of extra yearbooks. First in first served,
email Angela [email protected] if you would like one. Cost $20.
Entertainment memberships available for purchase
The 2017/18 Entertainment Book or Entertainment Digital membership is available through this link:
www.entbook.co.nz/1042a03 For $65, you can access hundreds of offers for cafes, restaurants, shops,
services, etc. Pre-p
urchase before 24th April to receive Early Bird Bonus Offers you can use straight away! 20% from every
membership we sell contributes to our fundraising.
Next meeting details
Our first meeting for 2017 will be held in the Rose St Staffroom on Wednesday 29th March at 7.30pm. We will
plan for the year ahead and it's a great opportunity to see how the PTA committee works before putting your
hand up to become involved. The agenda and minutes will be sent out to you all next week. We would love to
see you there and to hear any ideas you may have.
Kirsty Bennett and Katy Pearce
Co-Chairs
Kind regards,
Sally Barrett
Principal
Dates for Term 1 2017
Week
Date
8
20-24 March
22 March
9
Monday 27 March
10
11
Wednesday 29 March
Thursday 30 March
Tuesday 4 April
Thursday 6 April
Thursday 13 April
Event
Year 7-8 Camp at Green Pastures, Wanganui
Preschool Information Morning, Weld St
Year 3-4 Trip to Pataka Museum, Porirua
Board of Trustees meeting, Rose St Staffroom, 7.00pm
PTA meeting, Rose St staffroom, 7.30pm
School newsletter published today
Western Zone Football, Ian Galloway Park
Wellington Kids Lit Quiz, Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
School newsletter published today
Final day of Term 1 - school finishes at 3pm
Community Notices
Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of these notices does not necessarily imply endorsement by Wadestown School.
Pride Lands Fun Holiday Avdentures: April Holidays at Otari School
Dates: 17th – 28th April 2017 from 7.00am-7pm daily. Fees: Daily $80/cub per session or $147 for two or more siblings
per session; Weekly: $237 per cub/week or $447 for two or more siblings/week. Discounts Available: Wild Card (15%).
Interactive Activities and Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea provided. One-on-one care provided for cubs if needed
for extra support. Shuttle services available. Please contact us: 0800 PRIDE 4 U or register online www.pridelands.org.nz
Two Week April holiday Programme – Northland Kidz Club
We'll be ice-skating, go-karting, swimming and playing mini-golf - going to Junglerama and Jumperama, Time Cinema for
old-style movies, a kids theatre production and enjoying a performance by Nigel Kennedy, the magician. Join us for an
adventure every day. $45 per child per day (third child onwards:$20), 8.30am to 6.00pm each day. For details, check
out our website www.nkc.org.nz or contact Jan on cell (022-140-2612) or e-mail [email protected]
Karori Junior Hockey Registrations close Wednesday 15th March at midnight.
Karori Junior Hockey provides kids from school year 1-8 with the opportunity to play hockey with other kids from the
local community. A special note to kids in school year 7&8; if you are interested in taking up hockey for the first time,
our Club has a team that plays in this grade. Please check out our website www.kjhc.org.nz to register.
Unravelling the Adolescent Brain
A fun, informative, and entertaining presentation with guest speaker Sarah Best. Like trees, children need strong
foundations. There's something for every parent in this entertaining presentation from the Brainwave Trust. No matter
what age your children are, come and hear how you can help grow and stimulate their fascinating brains. Thursday 30
March 2017, 7.00pm to 9.30pm, Tickets $30/couple and $20/single. Hosted by: Crofton Downs Primary School,
Chartwell Drive, Crofton Downs. Email bookings to [email protected] or call Zaheda on Phone 021 733
659
The Sarapu Cup
* A fun, social chess tournament just for kids * 6 games at 15 minutes per player * Suits all player levels - perfect for
beginners! * Lots of fun activities, puzzle challenges + our world-famous lollie scramble
Venue: Wellington Bridge Club, 17 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington
Date and Time: Sunday 2 April, 1.00-5.30pm
Entry Fee: Normally $20. Get a special 50% discount* Enter "FIFTY" in the voucher box. * Discount offer valid for this
event only. Enter Online: www.chesspower.co.nz/welly-events Enquiries to: [email protected]
The Mission is going to the movies!
The Wellington City Mission has been helping those most in need throughout the Greater Wellington region for over
110 years. To kick off our fundraising events for the year, The Wellington City Mission invites you and your colleagues to
a special family screening of the brand new Beauty and the Beast movie.
 Date and Time: Saturday 1st April, 12.45pm
 Venue: Embassy Theatre, Wellington
 Prices: Adults $20, Kids $15 (14 and under) or a Family of 4 for $60 (Max. 2 adults).
A remake of the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast will be a great watch for the whole family – plus every ticket
includes a sweet treat and the chance to win amazing Disney spot prizes! Purchase your tickets at www.ticketek.co.nz
and search for “City Mission”.