Bunnythorpe School
Principal: Doug Drysdale
5 Baring Street
Bunnythorpe 4867
Newsletter No 1
Telephone / Fax (06) 3292 777
Email:[email protected]
Website: http://bunnythorpe.ultranet.school.nz/Home/
2nd February 2012
Dear Caregivers and Community
Welcome back to school for 2012. We have a great group of motivated ‘learners’ this year. We hope to get a lot of
interesting learning done this year after the great finish we had to 2011. We do need more children in our school though,
so please pass the good word on about Bunnythorpe School. There still seem to be some misconceptions out there in the
wider Bunnythorpe Community about our school. The pity is that many only go by what they hear from people not
connected to our school rather than coming in and talking to us and looking at what we have to offer. Our pupils and staff
are striving towards improving achievement levels. At the end of 2011, 85% of our children were working at their
expected level when compared against National Standards for Literacy and 80 % had attained their relevant level in
Numeracy. We are aiming for higher results this year.
Liz Owen continues to lead Kahikatea Class with the Learning Journey and Tina Stirling and I enjoy teaching the children in
Kauri Class.
Something that we have noticed is that many of our New Entrants are starting school without Pre School experiences. As
a result of this we are exploring some options that might see something based at our school and organised by an
established pre-school provider.
We now have fibre optic cable into our school so we are all set for the introduction of Ultra-fast broadband – something
that none of our neighbouring schools have available to them. The children in Kauri Class have all been allocated their own
laptops to use at school and with the introduction of them having personal USB sticks we hope to be able to have them
working between school and home more effectively.
Next week we are all going to Foxton Beach to take part in the Beach Ed programme which is offered by the Surf
Lifesaving Clubs. Because of our closeness to rivers, lakes and the sea we see this type of education programme as
important and useful for all of our students to take part in.
When it comes to vandalism around our school it is interesting that most of the problems are created by children who live
in the community but do not attend our school. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to be left at home unattended
so I feel the same rules should apply to children roaming around the village on their own. It is these groups who create
the problems and unfortunately they tend to congregate in places like our school grounds.
Special thanks to Donald and Rosie for keeping the pool operating over the summer. We really appreciate this because it
means that a large number of the Bunnythorpe community are able to make good use of this facility.
A reminder about your need to supply your child with a ‘bucket’ style sun hat. We know that Postie Plus have had to order
in some yellow hats, but there are still a lot of children who have not turned up with any hats. I have lent them some for
this week but next week they will need to wear one of the old style hats which they don’t like wearing!!!! During
Terms 1 and 4 the School Policy indicates that ‘No Hat – No play outside’.
Kiwi Kids Tryathlon: Some of the children in Kauri Class have shown an interest in competing in this year’s Kiwi Kids
Tryathlon. I think this is a very good activity for them to get training for. The event is being held at Ongley Park in
Palmerston North on 21st March.
The event includes:
7 yrs Swim
8-10 yrs Swim
11-15 yrs Swim
7-10 year olds
Bike Leg (approx 4km)
11-15 year olds
Bike Leg (approx 8km)
50m
100m
200m
1 lap
2 laps
All ages
Run Leg (approx
1.5km)
1 lap
The website for this event is: http://tryathlon.weetbix.co.nz/venues/palmerston-nth.aspx We might be able to look for
some sponsorship to cover some of the registration fee but registrations need to be done by 7th March.
Cheers, Doug
STAFFING FOR 2012
Kahikatea Class (Y1-4)
Principal’s Release Teacher Kauri Class
Doug Drysdale
Principal
Kauri Class - (Y5-8)
Lorna Pratt
Reading Recovery
Jacqui Pettersen
Financial Officer
Phillipa Rattenbury
School Secretary
Katharine Bracey
Librarian
Ian Johnston
Caretaker
Liz Owen
Tina Stirling
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John MacMillan
Chairperson
Doug Drysdale
Principal
Liz Owen
Staff Rep.
Rosanne Churchouse Treasurer
Donna Blackley
Fundraising
Andrea Lundy
Secretary
Lisa Taka
Media Officer
UPDATING PUPIL INFORMATION
Can you please advise the Office if there are any
changes to your child’s contact information e.g. have
you changed your phone number (home or work),
cellphone, emergency contact phone numbers, doctor’s
contact details, are there any current/ongoing medical
conditions that your child may have, etc so we can
update your child’s records accordingly.
It is essential that the school has accurate and up-todate medical information and contact details so we are
able to contact parents immediately in the event of
illness or accident.
WALKING TRIPS AROUND THE
BUNNYTHORPE TOWNSHIP
Throughout the school year there can be occasions
when your child, as part of a their classroom work, may
be required to visit a specific area in the Bunnythorpe
Township. Included with this newsletter is a Permission
slip to allow your child(ren) to go on such walking trips.
Can these be returned to the Office as soon as
possible.
TECHNOLOGY
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
The Y7 pupils will attend the Monrad Technology
Centre each Wednesday morning.
The bus will
leave school at 8.45am and will return at
12.15pm. Technology will start on February 8th.
TECHNOLOGY FOOTWEAR
For safety reasons, please ensure that your child has
closed footwear.
WAITANGI DAY
School will be closed
on Monday 6 February
due to Waitangi Day.
Enjoy the long weekend with your
children and family.
Beach Education
Foxton Beach
Thursday 9th February 2012
We will be leaving at 8.40am and will return
at 3.00pm
Yesterday the children were all given information
regarding the Beach Education Programme at
Foxton Beach on Thursday 9th February. As part
of the programme the children will learn beach and
surf skills and safety from experienced Lifeguards.
We will need help with transport and parental
supervision both in the water and on the beach. The
cost of this day will be $5 per child (includes
Transport). We are subsidising this
programme from our Physical Education
budget.
Can Permission slips please be
returned to the Office, along with
the $5.00, as soon as possible.
SWIMMING
All pupils are required to bring their
togs to school every day during the
swimming season. Please provide an
explanatory note if your child is not to
swim.
POOL KEYS
The pool can be used out of school hours by the
community. Keys are available from the Office at
a cost of $25.00 with a $5.00 refund with the
return of the key at the end of the season.
Families are not to share keys for safety
reasons. Please remember to lock the
gate when you leave. No pupil may swim
in the pool unless supervised by a person
17 or older.
POOL OPERATORS
Donald Fraser and Rosie Shem are our Pool
Operators. Please help them by maintaining a
tidy pool area. The toilet by Ngaio Class is
available to swimmers.
BOT MEETING
‘Virtue of the Week’
for this week
RESPECT
The February BOT Meeting will be held on Tuesday
7 February starting at 7.00pm in the Staffroom.
Everyone is welcome to attend these monthly meetings.
DATES TO REMEMBER
February
Mon 6th
Tues 7th
Tues 7th
Wed 8th
Thurs 9th
Wed 29th
March
Wed 7th
Wed 21st
Wed 21st
April
Tues 3rd
Thurs 5th
Thurs 5th
Waitangi Day - School Closed
Yr 7 Vaccination DVD - 9.15am
presented by the Public Health
Nurse
BOT Meeting - 7.00pm
Yr 7’s - Technology commences
at Monrad Technology Centre
Beach Education - Foxton
Beach
Swimming Sports / BBQ 5.30pm
Kainui Swimming Sports Freyberg Pool 12.00pm-2.30pm
Kainui Junior Tabloids
Kauri Class - Fonterra
Roadshow
School Photos - 9.00am
Yr 7 Vaccinations - 9.00am
Last day of Term 1
Further details will follow for the above events
as they come to hand.
BEHAVIOUR PLAN
Included with this newsletter is our Behaviour Plan for
both positive behaviour and misbehavior and it outlines
the steps that will be followed. We ask that both parents
and students read through the Behaviour Plan and then
after you have discussed it with your child, can you both
please sign the Behaviour Plan and return the lower
part of the form to the Office. Thank you.
TERM DATES FOR 2012
Term 1:
Term 2:
Term 3:
Term 4:
31 January - 5 April
23 April - 29 June
16 July - 28 September
15 October - 14 December (probable
last day)
PARENT / CAREGIVER HELPERS
Please complete the attached slip if you can help in any
way. Your help is greatly appreciated by the Staff.
What is Respect?
Respect is an attitude of caring about people and
treating them with dignity. Respect is valuing
ourselves and others. We show respect by
speaking and acting with courtesy. When we
are respectful we treat others as we want to be
treated. Respect includes honouring the rules of
our family or school, which make life more
orderly and peaceful. It is knowing that every
man, woman and child deserves respect,
including you.
Your are practicing Respect when you:
Treat other as you want to be treated
Speak courteously to everyone
Take special care of other people’s
belongings
♦ Are receptive to the wisdom of elders
♦ Honour the rules of your family, school and
nation
♦ Expect respect for your body and your
rights.
♦
♦
♦
“There is a longing among all people to have a
sense of purpose and worth. To satisfy that
common longing in all of us we must respect
each other”.
Chief Dan George
‘Virtue of the Week’
for next week
PERSEVERANCE
What is Perseverance?
Perseverance is being purposeful and steadfast.
It is sticking to something, staying committed, no
matter how long it takes or what obstacles
appear to stop you. A good example is the story
of the tortoise and the hare. Even though the
tortoise was slower than the hare, he won the
race because he persevered - he didn’t let
anything stop him or distract him. He kept on
going.
You are practicing Perseverance when you:
♦ Think before deciding to commit to someone
or something
♦ Pace yourself
♦ Set goals and stick with them until they are
completed
♦ Take one step at a time, remaining steady
♦ Don’t let doubts or tests blow you off course
♦ Stand by your friends and loved ones
“Success comes in cans. Failure comes in can’ts”.
Fred Seely
YEAR 7 IMMUNISATIONS
Pam Owen, our Public Health Nurse, will be coming to
talk to the Year 7’s on Tuesday 7 February at 9.15am,
regarding what is involved with the Year 7 Immunisation
programme. If you have any queries, please feel free
to contact Pam on 350 4560.
SCHOOL BANKING
A reminder that our banking day is every Thursday
morning. If you would like to open a NZCU Baywide
‘Jimmy J Junior Saver Club’ Account for your child/ren,
Application forms are available from the Office.
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
STATIONERY
Thank you to the large number of students who have
their stationery for the coming year. If your child has
not already purchased their stationery, we ask that this
be done by Tuesday 7 February.
Mayoral Family Fun Ride!!!
Join in a family friendly cycle ride around
Manfeild Track!
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Please Note: We still have a small number
of stationery items available for purchase
through the School Office.
Payment is required at the time of purchase.
5:30pm – 8:00pm
Register from 5.30pm
Manfeild, South Street, Feilding
FREE Admission
Interval & Lunch Times
Beginning of Day - 9.00am
Interval - 10.40am - 11.05am
♦
Lunch - 12.30pm - 1.25pm
End of Day - 3.00pm
ASSEMBLIES
These are held each Friday afternoon from 2.30pm in
Totara Class. Classes are rostered on to present
items that usually reflect classroom programmes.
Merit awards, Principal's awards, Virtue awards, etc.
are presented by staff.
LOST PROPERTY
This is stored in the baskets outside
Kahikatea and Totara Classes. Unclaimed
property is disposed of each term. Please
help staff by naming all articles.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTS
Invoices will be sent out at the end of February as many
other pressing financial issues arise at this time of year.
The School Account will include the following:
School Donation (Optional)
$20.00 per child
$40.00 (2 children)
$45.00 Family (3 or more)
Photocopying charge
$5.00 per child
Technology (Yr 7 & 8) - Yet to be confirmed
Manual Fee
We have some families using Internet banking. If you
wish to set this up, please contact Jacqui or Phillipa in
the Office.
Invoices will be sent out regularly to those with
balances due.
♦
♦
♦
♦
Try something different this Valentine's Day...
Join Acting-Mayor Matt Bell on this
FREE Family Fun Ride!!
The ride will be approximately 6kms, with the option to
ride 12km as well, and will be a loop around the
Manfeild Track.
Short family friendly ride - suitable for beginners.
Every participant goes in the draw to win spot prizes.
Go in the draw to win a free bike just for taking part!
Free BBQ.
“Safety is one of our main themes of this Bike Wise month,
so make sure you get your bike checked at your local bike
store to make sure its safe.”
Entry to the event is via South Street, for more information
please contact Serena Rata at Sport Manawatu on
(06) 323 6900 or email [email protected].
STICK TOGETHER WITH SUNKIST
Sunkist have a fantastic set of 8 iPad 2’s
for one lucky school to win.
Simply collect the stickers off any
Sunkist citrus fruit available from any
New World Supermarket and drop them
into the School Office.
Ask your family, friends and neighbours
to collect the stickers as well.
The promotion closes on 2ndApril 2012.
To find out more visit
www.sunkist.co.nz
Bunnythorpe School
Behaviour
Expectations & Consequences
Positive Behaviour:
For constantly good positive behaviour a special reward, treat or activity will be given at
the end of the term to those children who over the term consistently exhibit positive
behaviour.
Activities may be varied – swimming, movies, ten pin bowling, etc.
All the school will continue to work on the Virtues Project this year focusing on one
Virtue a week.
Misbehaviour:
Steps to be followed
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A verbal warning will be given.
Time out in own class – after 10 minutes if unsettled parents will be rung.
Time out in other class – after 10 more minutes parents will be contacted again.
Any child still not settled – parents rung and child sent home.
Severe violence causing harm to anyone or property, the child will be sent home
immediately. At this stage the school’s choice of options of Detention, Stand
Down and Suspension will be discussed with the parent/caregiver.
All issues of misbehaviour will need reparation (to be put right). The child will
need to write an apology letter and work on extra Virtue work. A discussion and
goals on what the child needs to do to manage themselves will be set.
Staff will record each incident in the individual’s file.
Note: Each child gets a fresh start each term.
My child ___________________________and I have read and discussed the
Behaviour Expectations and Consequences Plan above.
Parent’s Signature:_____________________ Student’s Signature:______________
Date: _____________
Please sign this form and return it to the School Office. Thank you
BUNNYTHORPE SCHOOL
PERMISSION SLIP
WALKING TRIPS AROUND THE BUNNYTHORPE TOWNSHIP
I give permission for ___________________________________ to go on walking trips
within the Bunnythorpe Township throughout the year (2012) as such trips arise.
I understand that there will always be a Teacher / Person in charge with the pupils at all
times.
Signed: ___________________________________
Printed Name: ______________________________ Date: ___________________
PARENT / CAREGIVER HELPERS
We appreciate the support and help made available by Parents / Caregivers. Please indicate if you are willing to
help with any of the following activities:
Library - Shelving, repairs
Ground Maintenance
Towel Washing - weekly roster
Bush Reserve/Shade house - Planting out, maintenance etc
Sewing - machine or hand sewing for minor repairs to the School Caps and Uniforms.
In–Class support - Reading, etc
Name: __________________________________ Phone No: ____________________________________
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD CONTINUED
Child Health Service
and Public Health Unit
Is Bedwetting Messing Up Your Life?
A Free programme from MidCentral Health is available to help
solve bedwetting.
• Free community based service
• Nurse led programme
• Regular nurse contact during the programme
• For children 8 years of age or older
Contact Robbie or Jane, Children’s Nocturnal Enuresis
Programme at MidCentral Health on (06) 3509164.
Alternatively call 0800 153 042 where your Public Health Nurse
can arrange a referral to the programme. You may also
contact your G.P. directly.
Swimming Lessons at Ashhurst Pool
Our Swim School will begin lessons from the
11th February, for 8 weeks.
I have been away for most of January so if you
have phoned and left a message,
I will be calling you back!
Monday morning squad (8am) will start
Monday 13th February.
If you are interested in knowing more about
Swim School, please call me on 021876220.
Aqua Fit has started! Come along to Monday
and Thursday evenings 6-6.45pm.
(Please note: No class 6th Feb)
For any enquiries and
information please call
Laura on 021876220.