NEWSLETTER 10/19

27 June 2019

Kia ora, Talofa, Kia orana,

Greetings Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers,

A huge thanks to all the people who have throughout the term supported the school

by supervising road crossings, returning books, reading with kids in classrooms,

accompanying classes on field trips, and by supporting kids during various sporting

events. Staff and students really appreciate your support and presence.

Only 5 days to go – Matariki event

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleaides star cluster. It rises during Pipiri

(June/July) and marks the beginning of the Māori new year. On Tuesday 2nd July

from 6pm, we will be hosting a Matariki event at West Park School to celebrate

this special event and we would love for you all to join us!

We will have presentations showing some of the mahi (work) we have been

doing around school in relation to Matariki, and some of our tamariki will help to

host and teach our lovely audience some te reo Māori songs and dance moves.

Matariki is a time to gather together and often involves the sharing of kai, so this

year we will be incorporating a shared pot luck dinner in our celebrations.

Food for Thought

Having recently listened to and read works by Finnish educator, author and scholar,

Pasi Sahlberg, and neuroscience educator and child development expert, Nathan

Wallis, has left me and many others wondering about our priorities for young people

(including government spending) and the importance of play.

Nathan Wallis has spoken to many teachers and parents in our school cluster. He

makes a compelling case for the importance of the first 1000 days of a person’s

existence. Research shows that having a parent stay at home in the first 1000 days of

a child’s life has the greatest influence on them earning most and being least likely

to have been in prison by the time they are 32. The important thing is face to face

attention and words spoken to them as a baby.

Some of you might remember the controversy surrounding Celia Lashlie in 2001. She

was a transition manager for the Nelson Specialist Education Service (SES), but was

controversially removed from that position following a speech in which she spoke

about a hypothetical five-year-old boy who was "blonde, with the most angelic face

you can imagine and he is coming to prison ... and he is probably going to kill

someone on his way." Essentially, she was talking about the importance of the early

years in a child’s development, in such a way that might make people sit up and

listen.

In New Zealand, most government spending on education is aimed at students

when they leave school and go to university. Scandinavian countries have different

priorities. In Sweden, parents are entitled to 16 months parental leave, the first year

paid at 80% of their salary; in Norway, parental leave is paid at full pay for the first 44

weeks or at 80% if parents opt to take 54 weeks (fathers must take at least six weeks

of these). In all Scandinavian countries, childcare is heavily subsidised by the

government and is either extremely cheap or free. Nearly all children attend

childcare from the age of 18 months to the start of formal education at age six.

There is also the issue of what is most important for children to do or learn. In New

Zealand, parents often set a priority of trying to teach their four year-old the

alphabet, how to count etc. Some childcare centres have also been guilty of trying

to be like mini primary schools in the way they structure their programmes. Ideally,

early childcare centres should have a primary carer who does most things with the

child. Nathan Wallis gives high value to free play for children between the ages of

three and seven years. How free play is important in the emotional development of a

child and in building resilience. Free play incorporates failure as a natural

component.

Parsi Sahlberg and his family are currently living in Australia. He compared the typical

school day for his Year 1 son in Australia with his school day in Finland:

Australia

8.30 – 11.00 am (English/ Maths/ Science)

11.00-11.20 am (morning tea)

11.20 – 1.20pm (PE/ History)

1.20- 1.40pm (Lunch)

1.40 – 3.00pm (IT/ Extra Curriculur Activities)

Finland

9.00 – 9.50 am (Mother tongue)

9.50 – 10.05 am (Break)

10.05 – 11.00am(Music)

11.00 – 12.00 pm (Lunch)

12.00-12.50 pm (Maths)

12.50 – 1.05pm (Break)

1.05 – 3.00pm (English/ Play)

An Australian model that he has quoted does seem more rigorous than what we

might expect in most New Zealand schools. However, it still makes for an interesting

comparison. He also feels that the most stressful part of the day for his wife was when

she was making her son’s school lunch. In Finland, the lunches are supplied.

Sahlberg also emphasises the importance of play. He highlights (from a ‘Centre on

Media and Child Health’ study) that fewer parents are playing outdoors with their

children, parenting paradigms are shifting to overprotecting children from risk-taking,

and that parents believe that their children will benefit more from structured activities

(like organised sports) as opposed to unstructured free play. The importance of play

is covered in his book ‘Let the Children Play; How more play will save our schools and

help children thrive’.

Sahlberg also comments on concerns regarding screen time, emotional and social

challenges as well as mood and behaviour disorders, as they are increasingly

affecting young people.

Interestingly (from ‘Common Sense Media’), it seems that teenagers in lower income

families average over eight hours of screen time each day, while higher income

teens average less than six hours.

Certainly both experts give a person plenty of food for thought about the

development of our young children.

Road Patrol Parent Helpers Needed We are desperate to hear from any parents who during term 3 are

able to volunteer 30-45 minutes for one morning a week or 20-25

minutes for one afternoon a week, to go on a roster to help with

road patrol supervision.

If you are able to help we would very much appreciate it. Please

email Donna Curran-Green on donnacg@westpark.school.nz

ONE OF OUR SCHOOL VALUES

HONESTY What is honesty?

Honesty is speaking the truth.

Honesty means you don't say things about people that aren't true. You are

not being honest if you make up rumors about someone or if you share

rumors someone else made up.

Being honest means you admit to your actions, even if you'll get in trouble.

You are not being honest if you deny you did something wrong when you

really did it.

Honesty means you explain how a situation really happened. You are not

being honest if you say something happened one way when it really

happened another way.

When you do something you know is wrong, or when you have to hide your

actions because you know they are wrong, you are not being honest. Being

honest means you act in a way that you know is the right thing to do.

STUDENT VOICE Name: Bradley Team: Kahikatea

What are the two best things about West Park School?

“The things we learn and the great teachers we have.”

How could we improve our school?

“Build a drinking fountain on the top field.”

What do you do to make our school a better place for everyone?

“I help junior kids when I can.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“A soccer player.”

What are the two best things about being you?

“That I can play soccer and that I’m quite good at school work.”

Name: Harry Team: Rimu

What are the two best things about West Park School?

“Lunch and Art because you have fun.”

How could we improve our school?

“By putting in another classroom.”

What do you do to make our school a better place for everyone?

“I help everyone.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“Someone that looks after animals.”

What are the two best things about being you?

“That lots of people have my name and that I really like my name.”

Name: Jackson Team: Miro

What are the two best things about West Park School?

“Playing with my friends and learning.”

How could we improve our school?

“We could have a giant water-slide.”

What do you do to make our school a better place for everyone?

“I play with other people.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“A soccer player.”

What are the two best things about being you?

“I like that I like learning and I like that I am cool!”

Name: Luna Team: Totara

What are the two best things about West Park School?

“Reading and Maths.”

How could we improve our school?

“We could have class puppies.”

What do you do to make our school a better place for everyone?

“I’m kind to people.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“A police officer.”

What are the two best things about being you?

“I like my family and my name.”

JUST FOR FUN!

A COUPLE OF ITEMS FROM LIFE’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK

Look people in the eye.

Say “Thank you” a lot.

PRINCIPAL’S CHALLENGE If you see me in the playground during morning tea or lunch let me know what you

think the following means. Have fun. (Last newsletter’s answer: A fork in the road.)

SCHOOL DONATIONS The 2019 donation being requested is as follows.

One child: $220 Two children: $440 Three children: $660

NEW STUDENTS Since our last newsletter we have welcomed Nila to Room 18. A warm

welcome to you and your family. We hope that you all have a great start at

school!

Have a great final week of term.

Luis Echegaray

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, 1 July - BoT meeting (6pm in Room 15)

Tuesday, 2 July - Matariki event (starts at 6pm)

Friday, 5 July - Last day of Term 2

Monday, 22 July - First day of Term 3

Wednesday, 7 August - Life Education Van on site until 16 August

Friday, 9 August - Mid-Year progress reports sent home

WPS BOARD APPROVED 2020 SCHOOL TERM DATES The following are the Board approved 2020 term dates which will have us align with

the 2020 Raroa Intermediate term dates:

Term 1 Tue 4 Feb – Thursday 9 April (10 weeks)

Term 2 Tue 28 April – Fri 3 July (10 weeks)

Term 3 Mon 20 July – Fri 25 Sept (10 weeks)

Term 4 Mon 12 Oct – Wed 16 Dec (10 weeks)

FROM THE WEST PARK SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES West Park School App The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that we have funded the development of a School App. The App is a direct response to feedback out of the community engagement focus groups that parents/caregivers were involved in at the end of last year. The App aims to provide a means of more real-time notifications (like reminders to book school interviews or an upcoming trip), increased ease of completing many common activities (like notifying when a child will be away sick), and an improved connection with you, our parent/caregiver community. The core navigation of the App will be translated into multiple languages and you’ll be able to sign up to receive notifications from different groups i.e. your child’s class, choir, kapa haka etc.

An initial trial will occur with Room 7 before other classes, teams, and groups are invited to join. This is just to ensure we get the App configured to an optimal state before it is launched to the wider school community. The App is a communication tool being configured by our school, for our school. Its success is reliant on us shaping it effectively, embracing the tool, and once it is in place, supporting its implementation through using it. Please bear with us as we work through the pilot and eventually roll the App out across the school.

SCHOOL NOTICES

Domino’s Pizza Fundraiser for Camp

Thank you to everyone who bought pizza for our Camp fundraiser yesterday. We

ordered 120 boxes and raised $842.20 towards subsidising our year 6 camp. It was a

fantastic effort and we again thank everyone who supported us. Special thanks to

Asuka and Rachel for co-ordinating the much enjoyed lunch.

COMMUNITY NOTICES EVERYONE OUT JULY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME Everyone Out July Holiday Programme is running these school holidays at Huntleigh Park, Crofton Down. The programme will let your child freely play and explore in nature. They will be supported to create, challenge themselves and most importantly have fun! For more information check out our Facebook Page or enrol your child at https://enrolmy.com/everyone-out BIGAIR GYMSPORTS TAWA Cartwheels, Walkovers, Flips, Kongs, Handstands, Barrel Rolls, Handsprings - it’s all here at Bigair Gym! Kids love learning a vast range of skills in Gymnastics, Trampolining, Tumbling, Parkour and Cheerleading! We have classes to support children of all levels and interests. These classes are designed to increase children’s strength, flexibility, balance, co-ordination and fitness. Children also learn extensive personal skills from Bigair Gym Classes, including increased self-confidence, self-determination, listening skills, persistence, self-pride, increased self-esteem and much more! BOOK NOW for TERM 3! Book now for our July School Holiday Programme! Full day and half day sessions available. Great for kids to get active during the holidays! Bigair Gym Tawa on 2323508 or email office@bigairgym.co.nz KIDZSTUFF THEATRE FOR CHILDREN These school holidays KidzStuff Theatre for Children are presenting Hansel & Gretel, Written by Amalia Calder and Directed by Isobel Mackinnon What: Hansel and Gretel When: 6th - 19th July 2019 Where: Tararua Tramping Club, 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington Times: Weekdays 10am & 11:30am, Saturdays 10am, no show Sundays Tickets $10.50pp, Children under 2 Free Special $7 preview on Saturday the 6th of July 2019! Bookings: www.kidzstufftheatre.co.nz I have attached a image that can be used and/or the press release also, in case you require any further information. Wishing you a lovely rest of your week. Big Smiles and gingerbread houses KidzStuff

New Zealand Police - 105 Non Emergency NZ Police recently launched a new non emergency number, 105. We’ve done this to make it easier to get hold of us in the event of non-urgent situations or ‘Things which have Already Happened’, which don’t require Police assistance immediately. You can call us on 105 for all non emergencies, or you can go online at 105.police.govt.nz to report things like: - Lost property - Theft for a public place or car - Intentional property damage - Or to get an update or add info to a previous report In the event of an emergency, always call 111 - Things that are Happening Now.

Does your child love to SING, DANCE and ACT?

Dance, Drama and Singing for students aged 4-16 yrs old. Led by London West End performer! AOTEA-JONSONVILLE-LOWER HUTT

Now taking bookings for TERM 3 BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!

www.spotlightperformingarts.co.nz

SHUTTLE TIME Group based coaching programme Bronze Level: For newcomers to the sport looking to learn about the techniques and basics to badminton Tuesdays 4pm - 5pm Thursdays 5pm - 6pm Silver Level: For those with a little more experience, that want to develop and hone their skills and techniques Tuesdays 5pm - 6pm Thursdays 4pm - 5pm CLUB Junior Club: Join in with other people of similar age and play casual games of doubles Friday: 4:30pm - 6pm (6+ year old) 6pm - 7:30pm (13+ year old) HOLIDAY PROGRAMME Programme for all ages and abilities which will include fun games related to badminton along with some skills and techniques that will help you get that little bit better. 15th, 17th, 19th of July If you are interested you can find more information at our website, wnba.org.nz and look under the junior badminton tab in the events section, or contact us at Email: rhys@wnba.org.nz

DRAMA CLASSES – Helen O’Grady Drama Academy For over 40 years Our international curriculum will Help

Overcome shyness Develop positive self esteem Grow their imagination Interact with adults Make new friends Performance skills creativity Have lots of fun

Join our after school drama classes. -5-17 years WHITBY, TAWA, KHANDALLAH ,LOWER HUTT 0800 161 131 www.helenogradynz.co.nz

PLEASE NOTE: We generally advertise in Community Notices activities that are

local and child oriented. We cannot however guarantee the quality of these

activities