Kia ora te whanau o Te Kura a Rohe o Whaingaroa
Electronic Format for School Newsletter Underway
Would you prefer to receive an electronic version of our school Newsletter? Then please ensure that your details are correct at the school for your email and mobile contacts. We intend to transition to electronic platforms. However, as necessary hard copies will still be produced to ensure that everyone does receive them.
Welcome Kereana Mataira
Kereana Mataira has joined our team in support of the rumaki unit, Te Roopu Aroha Ki Te Reo. Whaea Kereana is also an ex-student of Raglan and it is a privilege to now have her join us as a colleague. Kereana is well connected in Raglan and her mother, Grace, also taught in the immersion unit some years ago. It is interesting to consider how many staff at the kura were also students here and the list is long. If you know the staff well then you will probably be able to name at least nine current or recent staff. Whaea Kylie has graciously agreed to take the acting lead of the Rumaki while we advertise for long term staffing in this area of the Kura.
Update on Junior Block Rebuild
The rebuild of the junior block has been slower than anticipated and we are still a few weeks out from the initial ‘shifting in’. That said it is now getting very exciting as we discover the new spaces and the opportunities they provide for us.
Education Review Office Visit Third Week of Term
The ERO team will join us next week for a few days and we welcome them. Key parts of this review include the new sexuality education curriculum, teachers registration, and obviously students achievement. It is interesting to note that they are specifically looking for indicators of achievement and participation outside of the academic indicators.
Senior Rugby Team Keen to Recruit New Team Members
Our senior rugby team had a ‘bye’ for their first game and so had a run and practice instead. They are critically short of numbers and can barely field a team so if any other eligible students are interested then they would be very welcome. My particular thanks to our parents who are determined for our young men to have this opportunity and persist in their efforts and give unstinting support.
Acknowledging Teenage Student Volunteer Fire Fighter
It is always pleasing to note when our students are engaged in volunteer work in the community and give generously of their time. I would like to acknowledge Julius Kite who is a volunteer with the Raglan Fire Brigade and loves the opportunity to serve.
Young Students Article Published in the National Geographic KIDS
National Geographic KIDS is a great publication that includes articles about animals and places that are hugely interesting and aimed at younger readers. It was a delight to see one of our five year olds featured on the Junior Reporters Club page in the latest issue. Congratulations to George Bull on his article about his special butterfly garden. As a by-line not only would I recommend this magazine to you but if I thought there was any single magazine that ought to be in every New Zealand home then I would have to recommend the New Zealand Geographic to you. It is an outstanding publication that celebrates New Zealand.
Sexuality Education Parent Meeting for Yrs 0-10 – Tues 30 May 6pm-7pm
This term, years 0-10 will begin their topic on sexuality education. This meeting is for parents who would like to find out more about this topic, why we teach it and what is covered.
Last year I was lucky enough travel throughout the North Island for the Ministry of Education to share with schools Board of Trustees and Principals the new Sexuality Education guidelines.
Sexuality education in New Zealand takes a positive view of sexual development as a natural part of growing up. It encompasses learning about physical development, including sexual and reproductive knowledge, gender identity, relationships, friendships, whānau and social issues. It sits within the broader area of relationship education, which also includes social and emotional learning (SEL), and violence prevention education.
Unfortunately I had to postpone the 2nd May Parent meeting so this is instead of that meeting.
RAS Secures a Grant to Purchased a Set of Mountain Bikes
On another positive note I would like to thank the Meridian Te Uku Community Fund holders for their generosity as they have given us a grant to purchase a set of mountain bikes. This allows us to introduce mountain cycling as a recreational and competitive interest as well as being able to give our students access to the local trails and tracks that are being developed. (Not least the new trail on our coast, Te Ara Kakariki). Should your child take special interest in this and you were looking for a suitable bike then I would like to recommend Cyclery Raglan who are supplying our bikes.
Nga mihi
Malcolm
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