Welcome back everyone,
We hope you had a great couple of weeks
with your child / children and they are all well
rested and ready for another term of great
learning at Whakamarama School.
We have had an amazing beginning to Term 2
with the opening of Room 2. We have a roll
of 53 and we extend a warm welcome to our
newest members; Alfie and Zane. Along with
our growing roll, welcomed projects have
taken place. All our classroom’s have been
re-carpeted and the tech room vinyled and
modified to become a multi purpose room.
The room’s look absolutely amazing and they
have made it an even more of a great school
for our children and families to come to each day. I would like to thank everybody who helped out with
moving furniture, cleaning and organising; we could not have done it without you.
Marae Visit
On Friday 12th May the whole school will be visiting Paparoa Marae. Students, staff and supporting
parents / whanau will be greeted with a pohiri. Our boys will undertake a workshop for mau rakau
(​meaning "to bear a weapon", is a martial art based on traditional ​Māori​ weapons)​ and the girls will make
basic poi and sing a simple poi song. The students will experience storytelling through the medium of the
tukutuku panels and design within the wharenui. The day will end with a demonstration of poi and mau
rakau.
The students will be transported by bus to the Marae but we invite parents to attend the visit with us.
Please let me know if you are interested in attending.
To support the cost of the visit we ask parents / caregivers for a donation of $5 per student. The cost of the
day has been heavily subsidised by the school. Children will need to take their lunch. ​All resources for
workshops will be provided by the whanau. Morning refreshments provided by the marae.
Virtues Assembly
Our next assembly will take place on ​Friday 5th May.​ We look forward to seeing you all.
Pink Shirt Day
On Friday 26 May 2017, Whakamarama School will celebrate Pink Shirt Day and stand together to take
action against bullying. Pink Shirt Day aims to create schools, workplaces and communities where all
people feel safe, valued and respected. It’s about creating a community where all people feel safe, valued
and respected, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ability, or cultural background. Will you stand with
us to stop bullying on 26 May?
Mid Winter Festival Meeting
Bring along your ideas and help get this important fundraising event underway.
Tuesday 16th May at 7.30pm
Whakamarama Hall in the library
Making a Difference
It is always wonderful to see so many of our students being prepared to step up and take on responsibility
that makes a difference around our school.
House of Science
The House of Science is a nationwide education system that nurtures curiosity, ​by resourcing and
connecting local science communities. Across the term, the school will be utilising this wonderful resource;
engaging our students in the exploration of a range of scientific concepts.
Swimming Pool Key Deposits - ​If you haven’t already done so, please come and collect your deposit from
the office. Thank you.
SCHOOL NOTICEBOARD
Friday 5th May
Friday 5th May
Wild About NZ Environmental Group
School Assembly @ 2:20 pm
Friday 12th May
Monday 15th May
Tuesday 16th May
Friday 19 May
Friday 26th May
Friday 26th May
Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th May
Friday 2nd June
Monday 5th June
Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th June
Thursday 8th June
Friday 9th June
Tuesday 13th June
Wednesday 14th June
Friday 15th June
Wednesday 21st June
Friday 23rd June
Saturday 24th June
Friday 30th June
Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th July
Friday 7th July 2017
Monday 24th July 2017
Marae Visit
Science Week
Road Safety Week
School Assembly @ 2:20 pm
Pink Shirt Day
Wild About NZ Environmental Group
Zero Waste
School Assembly @ 2:20 pm
Queen’s Birthday
Technology Classes: Year 7 & 8
Small School’s Cross Country (PP Date: 9th June)
Wild About NZ Environmental Group
North Cluster Cross Country (PP Date: 15th June)
Wigs On
School Assembly @ 2:20 pm
WBOP Cross Country
Wild About NZ Environmental Group
Mid Winter Festival
School Assembly @ 2:20 pm
Student Learning Conferences and Mid Year Reports
LAST DAY OF TERM 1
TERM 2 COMMENCES
Please keep yourself up-to-date with the school newsboard that comes out fortnightly in
the newsletter or the calendar on the homepage of the school website .
​COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
After School Childcare: ​Dianne Amott is starting up after school childcare at her home Mon-Fri. Please
contact Dianne on 07 552 5604.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: ​A lot of people shy away from learning the drums when deciding to play an instrument.
They see them as loud and large, taking up a lot of room. There are so many reasons why being a drummer is a
great talent to have. ​DRUMMING: Seeking one more student who are interested in learning the drums in our school
setting. Lessons will cost $25 per ½ hour lesson. If your child is keen to commit to a term of drumming lessons;
please express your interest to the school office.
WHAKAMARAMA COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP
Join us each Thursday at the Whakamarama Hall - 9:30 - 12:00. Free ECE funded playgroup.
If you require any further information, please contact Debbie on 552 5141
Toolbox Parenting Course
We will be hosting a Toolbox Parenting Tweens and Teens Course in Term 2, aimed at parenting kids intermediate
and teenage years.
Check out ​http://www.theparentingplace.com/toolbox-parenting-courses/tweens-and-teens/
If you are interested or would like more info, please speak to Karla Pennell or Fiona Varley.
Organic and Locally Grown Seedlings For Sale. ​I’m growing vegetable seedlings and have some ready now for your
garden. Available are organic De Cicco Broccoli, organic Red Express Cabbage and Violet Sicilian Cauliflower (purple),
with more varieties, including several types of lettuce, beetroot and peas to come in the following weeks. I’m selling
them 6 for $3.00 or 12 for $5.00, and you can choose a selection of seedlings to suit your needs. Most of my
seedlings will be from organic seed, and all are grown in an organic and natural way – no nasty chemicals sprays.
Phone Liz Carter 552 4911 or email ​[email protected]
“A community preparing and empowering lifelong learners who are confident to achieve
and make a difference”
Thank you to all those who came along to the meeting on Tuesday 2nd May; it's great to
see the enthusiasm for our wonderful little school. Watch out for the following planned
events and make sure you mark the dates in your diary. Remember, all funds raised at
these events go to supporting your child’s / children's education. Many of these are still in
the planning stages and we'll keep you up to date with dates and details as they are
finalised.
● Small School Cross Country - Thursday June 8th
● North Cluster Cross Country - Tuesday June 13th
● Mid Winter Festival - Saturday June 24th
● Calendars and Diaries - great Christmas presents and for
posting overseas.
● Recipe Book - get your family's favourite recipes together to
contribute to this must have kitchen helper.
● Bulbs Fundraiser - NZ Bulbs catalogue of fabulous summer
flowers.
● Family Photographs - Professional family photographs just in time for Christmas.
● Drive In Movie Night
● Pheonix Gift Cards and Tupperware afternoon - an easy
Christmas shopping opportunity.
● Show Day
2018
● Puketoki Fun Run
● Disco Night