Te Kohanga
School Newsletter
admin@tekohanga.school.nz
09-232-8881

Community Notices at bottom of page

Useful?? Info for the Week: 06/03/2010
"Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

Kia ora and welcome.

TE KOHANGA SWIMMING SPORTS
It was great to see so many parents and whanau along to support our swimmers. Thank you to all of the helpers. A special thanks to the PTA, once again, for providing a sausage sizzle.
Results for the Senior programme:

Mixed Open Freestyle – 2 lengths
1ST PLACE 2ND PLACE 3RD PLACE
Tiare Kihi-Mahuta Te Aomarama Peters Heta Hira


Girls/Boys 8yr Freestyle – 1 length
Louise Purua Maddison Fitzpatrick
Leighton Kihi-Mahuta Kassh Rouse

Girls/Boys 9yr Freestyle – 1 length
Te Aomarama Peters Tymikah Kani Keeanna Beattie
Te Haupa Hira Louise Purua Heta Hira

Girls/Boys 10yr Freestyle – 2 lengths
Marie Purdon Sweta Rattan
Tiare Kihi-Mahuta Broc Collins

Girls/Boys 8yr Backstroke – 1 length
Louise Purua Summer Orr Maddison Fitzpatrick
Leighton Kihi-Mahuta Kassh Rouse

Girls/Boys 9yr Backstroke – 1 length
Te Aomarama Peters Tymikah Kani Keeanna Beattie
Heta/Te Haupa Hira Luke Tuhaka Coleman King

Girls/Boys 10yr Backstroke – 1 length
Marie Purdon Sweta Rattan
Tiare Kihi-Mahuta Broc Collins

Girls Open Medley
Te Aomarama
Peters Sweta Rattan Tymikah Kani
Boys Open Medley
Tiare Kihi-Mahuta Heta Hira Leighton Kihi-Mahuta

Interhouse Mixed Relay
Tainui Takatimu Aotea
We look forward to a close and exciting competition between the houses this year.

River Group Swimming
A small group of students represented us at the River Group Swimming sports held yesterday. Heta Hira, Te Haupa Hira and Tiare Kihi-Mahuta made the finals in their respective events, with Heta Hira winning the 9yr boys backstroke and Te Haupa coming third in the 9yr boys freestyle.

Congratulations to all our swimmers.

The next event on our River Group Calendar is Softball Day at Pukekawa on Friday, 26 March.

CHANGES IN ROOM 2
Mrs van Brakel will be leaving us on Friday. She has informed me she has to have oral surgery and is unable to continue teaching in Room 2. I am sure you will join with me in thanking Mrs van Brakel for her time with us and wish her well.

Mr David Legge will be the new teacher in Room 2. Mr Legge is keen to get to know both the students in Room 2 and their families. Next time you are in the school, please put hour head in the door and make yourself known to him.

DUFFY THEATRE
This Friday, 5 March, at 11.00am, the Duffy Theatre is coming to visit Te Kohanga. The title of this year’s show is “Duffy’s Occupation Exploration”, and it is about reading and words.

Waikaretu and the Kurakaupapa Maori O Te Puaha O Waikato Schools will be joining us at the Te Kohanga Hall for this event. Afterwards we have invited our visitors to join us for lunch and games.

TRAIL BIKE RIDE, SUNDAY, 14 MARCH AT LIMESTONE DOWNS
Thank you to all of the families who have offered help on the day. “Many hands make light work”. Although it will be a busy day it is also a fun day, and a chance to see a unique part of our district. It is not too late to offer your help.

This is a very important and major fundraiser for the school so please keep this date free.
(See attached flyers).

BOT ELECTIONS
May 7th is the date set for our triennial elections of the Board of Trustees.

Are you passionate about the education of children in the community? How about becoming a trustee and using your skills and experiences to help shape a positive future for our students? As a member of a school Board you can make things happen – you can make a difference.

The BOT has appointed Ms Jacqui Robson as our Returning Officer.

KIDS CLUB
Is once again operating on Monday to Wednesday. We welcome new students. Please contact the school.

HOMEWORK CENTRE
In last week’s newsletter I mentioned starting up a homework centre after school with help from Mrs Kauwai King and the Huakina Development Trust.

If you are interested in homework (reading/maths/writing) support for your child, please complete the expression of interest form attached. CLICK HERE to download form

SWIMMING
Swimming sports are behind us but we will continue to enjoy class based swimming lessons while the weather remains suitable. Often the mornings are cooler but by lunchtime it is sweltering. Rest assured teachers will not let students swim if the weather is unsuitable.
Please send a note if your child is unable to swim.

When using the pool at the weekend, please ensure your visitors respect our school property. We have unfortunately had an increase of graffiti in the changing sheds.

VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for volunteers to support student learning in the classroom. A number of our students would really benefit from some extra one on one time with an adult volunteer to help boost their reading and maths.

Unfortunately the money we get from the Ministry no longer stretches to extra Teacher Aide time. If you are able to assist us it will benefit our tamariki.

Please contact the Principal if you are able to assist.

PARENT INTERVIEWS – TUESDAY, 23 MARCH
We invite parents/caregivers to make a time to meet with your child’s teacher. It is a time to get to know your child’s teacher and discuss goals for the future. Please fill out and return the attached request form with your desired time.

AFTER SCHOOL PICKUPS
Please check with the Duty Teacher for any notices before taking your child/ren after school. We are now giving out change and notices at the bus lines.

CAT SHOW AT PUKEKOHE TOWN HALL ON SATURDAY, 6 MARCH 2010
A fun day out for everyone. Lots of different types of cats. The public are able to sit, listen and watch the cats being judged and handled by the judges. There will be stalls and raffles at the show; as well as food available for sale, and face painting for children. We anticipate between 100-125 cats on display at the show. For more information phone Bronwyn Main 09 2665850, or email misskitty@xtra.co.nz.

SHEEP MANURE
We still have bags of well matured sheep manure available –
$6.00 per bag
$25.00 for 5 bags
$40.00 for a trailer load – 6x4
Please phone Jody 2328169, Ross 2328728, Alf 2329897, or the school 2328881.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Carol Harwood
PRINCIPAL

Te Kohanga Community Newsletter
COMMUNITY NOTICES

UPDATING INFORMATION
Unfortunately we are noticing some contact phone numbers we have been given by families are no longer in operation. If you have recently had some changes new address new phone new cellphone new number, OR maybe you would like to change your emergency contact details . Could you please fill in the information sheet and return to school if you think we may not have your current details, or you want to make some changes. Your assistance in this would be greatly appreciated.

FRANKLIN DRUM SCHOOL
Leaning to play the drums teaches children co-ordination, concentration, self discipline and gives them confidence. We have found that drumming is great for training children how to focus as well as being great fun. For more information please contact Neil on 2385 997, or 027 292 2616 or neildrummer@xtra.co.nz

PUKEKOHE YOUTH CHOIR
The choir meets every Monday evening from 7.00-9.00pm in the Douglas Wright Room above the Library in Pukekohe. For singers 11 years onwards. The tuition cost for a term is $50.00 and we are currently preparing for competitions and a concert in July. New members are welcome. Please phone Nicki Turner 2364 266 or send an email to pukekoheyouthchoir@xtra.co.nz

NZ MODERN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Piano and Keyboard lessons will be continuing in 2009.
Lessons will be $15 for a 20 minute minimum duration and held on a Wednesday.
Phone Jacquie McKelvey Ph 2334017 or 027 3481227. Enquiries welcome.
Enrolment forms available at the school office.

GRASSHOPPER TENNIS
I am running a programme in the New Year for Primary School aged children. The programme will see the use of three different ball sizes, red, orange and green.
The court size varies, red being the smallest. The programme can be set up inside as well so weather would not be a problem.
Feel free to contact me on 021 1633883 or email macsden@xtra.co.nz  to book or find out more.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
Rod Macgregor

Kids Crafty Arty Party
The Franklin Arts & Cultural Centre is now offering kids birthday parties.
Plenty of themes to choose from pirates, fairies, ghosts etc. Party is 2 hours long including food
$125 per child, minimum number 10 maximum 15
Various dates and time available
For more info and to book a party ph 09 238 8899