Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana, Fakalafa lahi atu, Namaste, Ni sa bula vinaka, Konichiwa
Our condolences and deepest sympathies go out to all those effected by the events in Christchurch last week and to the Chapel Downs Muslim community. The impact of what happened on Friday will have wide reaching implications for a long time to come. As a school, we will be coming from the perspective of looking after our community and unity.
We are flying through term one and it's wonderful to see the classes all settled into their routines and all students loving their learning. Over the last few weeks the students have enjoyed learning about money through Captain Cashtastic from the ASB GetWise Money programme. Children discovered the value of coins and notes, and that they need to save, spend and share their money! They also thought about things they need and the things they might want to buy.
Thank you to the families who attended our Meet the Teacher evening. The teacher’s found it really worthwhile talking with you and learning more about your child/children. This is one way that we work together as a community to help your child’s learning and achievement. A huge thanks to Tip Top who kindly donated the ice blocks.
2019 School Leaders
Congratulations to the 2019 House Captains who all received their badges at our last school assembly. Year 6 candidates were nominated by their peers and then invited to apply for the role of House Captain. Here is a list of our 2019 House Captains.
Pop Up Museum
Last month the staff displayed their favourite hobbies with the students and created a Pop Up Museum in our hall to inspire curiosity. Children visited the museum with their class and the teachers loved the questions that children are asking them about the items that they contributed to the museum.
The senior school are going to hold their own pop up museum on the 4th and 5th of April.
Year 6 Rafting Adventure
This term our Year Six children are participating in a series of eight swimming lessons through the Community Swim programme funded by the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation. As an additional ninth lesson, our Year 6 children will have a session at the WERO Whitewater Park . This is to familiarise children with moving water and how to be river safe. The children will get to experience river crossing in a fast flowing river and go whitewater rafting on the Grade 2 Tamariki River, both activities are with a guide.
Year Six Parents Camp Meeting
In Term 3 from the 18th to 20th of September 2019 all Year Six students will have the opportunity to attend our Year Six camp. The students will travel to Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges and stay at the lodge for two nights and experience three days of outdoor adventures.
On Thursday 28 March at 7pm we are holding a camp information meeting in the school library. All Year Six parents and students are welcome to attend the meeting. There will be a short presentation at the meeting outlining the following:
- Camp activities
- Transport
- Camp Costs
- Camp location and facilities
- Catering
Following the presentation there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
This camp is an important part of the Year Six programme and the camp team is committed to working hard to ensure every student has the opportunity to attend this wonderful outdoor education experience.
Year One Ambury Farm Visit
As part of our Science inquiry Year One students are investigating and learning about animals. To help with this, Year One students will visit the Ambury Farm at Mangere Bridge.
The topic at the farm is Close Encounters of an Animal Kind. While there, the students will be taking part in activities with their teachers and also with the educators at the farm.
Important Dates
- MARCH 21 - YEAR 6 WHITEWATER RAFTING
- MARCH 27 - OTARA SCHOOLS TOUCH TOURNAMENT
- MARCH 28 - YEAR 6 CAMP ADAIR PARENT MEETING 7pm
- APRIL 2 - Y1 FARM TRIP
- APRIL 3 - Y1 FARM TRIP
- APRIL 5 - SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 1.45pm
- APRIL 12 - LAST DAY TERM ONE
- APRIL 29 - DAY ONE TERM TWO
2019 School Terms
- Term One - 30th January - 12th April
- Term Two - 29th April - 5th July
- Term Three - 22nd July - 27th September
- Term Four - 14th October - 13th December