Newsletter 9th October 2023

From the Principal

Welcome back 

A warm welcome to all our new families joining our school community. The school has been a busy place during the holidays with the new classrooms finally arriving. The classrooms were pre built and transported from Hamilton. Work will continue on the inside and outside of the buildings for most of this term. 

It is compulsory in Term 4 for all students to wear sun hats if playing outside. Sunhats either the cap or the cricket style hat are available to purchase through the office.

Last day of school this year is Wednesday 20th December at 1.00 pm

School dates for 2024                                                                                                     

Term 1 –  Wednesday 7 February - Friday 12 April                                                               

Term 2 -  Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July                                                                          

Term 3 -  Monday 22 July - Friday 27 September                                                                 

Term 4 -  Monday 14 October - Friday 20 December

Major School Events this term                                                                                                 

More information about trips and events will be sent out closer to the time

Week 1

Fijian language week 

Bunnings School Garden Makeover                                                                                                                 

Week 2                                                                                                                                       

Niue language week                                                                                                                     

H.P.P.A Mathex                                                                                                                                           

Cultural Festival  - Thursday                                                                                                       

National Shakeout Day - Thursday                                                                                                   

Teacher Only Day - Friday 

Week 3                                                                                                                            

Tokelau Language Week                                                                                                                    

Labour Day – Monday - All schools closed                                                                                              

Cycle Skills- Senior School  - Tuesday and Wednesday                                                                       

Stardome Trip  - Junior School -  Thursday and Friday                                                                                   

Board of Trustees Meeting - Tuesday                                                                                                                 

Week 4                                                                                                                                                   

Cyber Smart  Week                                                                                                                  

Photolife Teams and New Entrants

Week 5                                                                                                                                         

Full School Assembly - Friday 10 November 9.15am                                                         

Week 6                                                                                                                                               

Inter school athletics - Thursday 16th November                                                                        

Teacher Only Day 17th November

Week 8                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Student Leaders for 2024 Speeches  - Thursday                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Week 10                                                                                                                            

Board of Trustees Meeting –Tuesday                                                                                                              

Student Leaders Trip                                                                                                        

Junior and Middle School End of Year Celebration Assemblies –Wednesday December 13th                  

School Duty Awards Ceremony – Thursday         

Student reports go home - December 15th                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Week 11                                                                                                                            

Senior School Graduation Assembly- Tuesday 19th                                                                                 

Last day of the school year – Wednesday 20th school finishes at 1pm.

CLASSES 2024

Later this term, once staffing is finalised we will be working on student and class placement.

Every year friends and parents ask me about the difference between composite and straight year level classes. I will attempt to explain the differences and advantages.

Composite classes usually occur when there are too many students for one class, but not enough for two classes of the same year group. The Government provides our staffing based on our numbers so we have to organise classes based on our allocated staffing.  Composite classes have a controversial history, with parents often believing that their child may be disadvantaged by being in one. While many can see the benefits of composite classes for the accelerated learning of younger children, they also fear the older students will be bored or held back with easier work.

The key to appreciating the benefits of composite classes is in understanding that growth is determined in stages and not by ages. Ironically, every class is already a composite in terms of the range in school starting ages and the different academic abilities of the students. The Ministry of Education groups student learning into levels, usually over a two to three year period. The emphasis is on the progression of the individual through logical stages of learning. In every class – including composite classes – students are assessed to ascertain their current level of learning. The teachers then design and implement a program that caters for all students’ needs, while keeping in mind the content in the level that must be taught.

Before a composite class is formed, we consider the children’s academic, social and emotional stages and decide which would be the best way of organising the class or classes.

Composite classes can have many advantages for teachers and students:

• Teaching in a composite class compels teachers to think of children as individuals.
• The techniques of group teaching and of individual instruction can be applied in composite classes.
• Learning-through-teaching is promoted when students at different stages of learning can help each other with their work.
• Composite classes can be arranged so that they are a means for catering for the special needs of talented children as well as slower learners.

The latest teaching and learning materials are being developed with composite classes in mind, allowing teachers to simultaneously develop an understanding of learning outcomes at different levels within a Level. Wherever possible, the teaching and learning activities within each Level are parallel to each other, ensuring that teachers can introduce core concepts to the whole class and differentiate instruction for the range of learners in the classroom.

I was more than happy for my own children to be in composite classes.

Should you have any concerns or questions about this please do not hesitate to ring or come and see one of the senior team.

Over the holidays the two new classrooms were installed by the library. Work will be ongoing to get them ready by the end of the year.

Fintan, Sue and Monique

Celebrating Excellence - Room 20 & 21

Room 20 and 21 visited Mangere Mountain as a part of our inquiry topic this term. We learnt the history of the mountain, played traditional games, and worked together to make poi. We also got into pairs and learnt how to play a game with rakau sticks, along with activities to do with the gardens of Mangere Mountain. 

HPPA Science Challenge

At the end of last term, 4 Middle School students participated in the HPPA Science Challenge held at Point View School. I am delighted to report that of the 12 East Auckland schools that participated in the challenge Pakuranga Heights was placed second. The science challenge involved various hands-on STEM based activities with a focus on collaboration and having fun. Our students had an amazing day of science.

HPPA Science Gallery

Cultural Festival

Pakuranga Heights School Cultural Evening

A reminder our Cultural Evening will be held next Thursday 19th October from 5pm until approximately 7.15pm.

This is an extravaganza of cultural performances by our wonderful students and local talent. The evening will include a cultural parade, dance items, singing, kapa haka performances and much more.

As you know we are having a "picnic in the park" theme, so bring along the whole whanau, picnic blanket, picnic dinner and get ready to be entertained.  On the night there will be a sausage sizzle, coffee cart, drinks and ice creams for sale.

The programme for the night is below.

From the PTA

It sure has been a busy term with lots happening. We loved seeing our tamariki having so much fun and being supported by their whanau.   

So far this term:

Mathathon: It was a massive success with our tamariki raising $16,714.69. Well done everybody for such a monumental effort. 

Disco: Thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time to make the disco a success. Our tamariki had a blast! 

Photoshoot: 13 families took advantage of our photoshoot fundraiser to get some beautiful photos with their whanau. 

Next term: 

Cultural festival October 19th: We are looking for volunteers to help out at the cultural festival. Get in touch with Ellen if you would like to help ellen_w_@hotmail.com . 
We are also looking for a couple of barbecues and some chilly bins to use on the day. Get in touch if you can help pta@pakurangaheights.school.nz

Entertainment book: This is our rolling fundraiser. You can purchase a digital book online at the link below.  20% of every purchase goes to our school. 

From the Community

**PRLC Junior Tag *This game is for everybody"

Tag is an exhilarating game with minimal contact, making it accessible to individuals of all ages, sizes and skill levels.
Pakuranga Rugby League will host a Junior Tag Module, taking place from October 27th to December 8th. Here are the event details:

 Age groups: U6 - U12 

Registration/Fun Run: October 13th, 5pm @ PRLC 

Registration Fee: $15 (includes tag shorts) 

Sessions: Fridays, 5pm - 6pm 

First Game: October 27th 

All are welcome to participate
This is an excellent opportunity for your child to enhance their social skills, engage in physical activity and most importantly have a blast. If you have any questions, please feel free to message our page and we will respond as soon as possible.
#upthejags