Newsletter 28th August 2023
From the Principal
A warm welcome to our new families
Below is an interesting point of view on why so many of us fear public speaking. According to a number of surveys, fear of public speaking ranks among our top dreads, surpassing fear of illness, fear of flying, fear of terrorism, and often the fear of death itself.
The benefits for students
Overcome Fears
Learning to write a speech and deliver it and surviving the experience unscathed can lessen anxiety about speaking in public.
Build Confidence
A study by North Carolina Cooperative Extension of 98 young people ages 9 to 18 who participated in a public speaking program found that public speaking increased confidence.
Improve Communication Skills
The children learn to calmly refute an opposing view, to present their ideas in an organized and coherent manner, and to defend their views to others.
Increase Organisational Skills
Writing and presenting a speech requires researching a topic and organizing their ideas, research and their time..
Future focused……Get ahead at College and work
Public speaking ability can help your child stand out. They learn to speak up in meetings, to promote your ideas, and to present as a professional.
Our own talented speakers
During the past two weeks the school held our speech competition.
We were all impressed with the confidence and quality of poetry recitals and speeches.
Congratulations to:
Year 3 Poetry Winner - Tui Hutchinson
Year 4 Speech Winner - Quinnly Law
Year 5 Speech Winner - Luken Florian
Year 6 Speech Winner - Ava Hart
Teacher Only Day Advance Warning
Four teacher-only days are available for primary and secondary schools and kura - two days in 2023 and two days in 2024. These days are to support significant changes in curriculum and assessment.
One of our days will take place on Friday 20th October. This is the Friday before Labour Day on Monday 23rd October.
Parent Partnership Meeting Attendance
Thank you, we were delighted at the high turnout whether it be in person, phone or by Zoom. A great benefit is that going to parent-teacher interviews shows your child that you're interested in their learning and life at school.
Whole school average 89.26%
Since last year
Average attendance by parents has gone from 75% to 89.26%
Field
Last week we were able to open the field for a few days. Parts of the field are still in poor condition due to consistent rain we have had this winter which has resulted in the grass not growing as well as we had hoped. Our aim is to open it every day. We just need some continuous sunshine to dry it out.
Top Kids
| Tiaara Irani | Kaia Nahu-Main |
| Joshua Ardern | Rakera Brunton |
| Riley Kumar | Armstrong MacArthur |
Congratulations to Week 5 Top Kids
School App
We have a new school app to support home-school communication. Within the app you can: get push alerts on upcoming events, report an absence, see the school calendar and find a link to the latest newsletter.
For instructions to download the app and connect to our school follow the link below, you will need to use the passcode 9485 on sign up.
Celebrating Excellence
This term started out like a "rocket" as the students in Room 18 took part in the Wonder Project. They designed and blasted their rockets into space making good use of scientific and engineering skills. We've had the opportunity to learn new soccer skills and have students teach us new maths games. Each week we visit our buddy class and listen to them read, do special activities together and teach them new games. We have also been writing colour poems.
Room 18
Room 19
Room 19’s rocket paintings are based on the Rocket Painting Series by illustrator Peter Thorpe.
Students learnt how to mix and blend colours using paint to create their background and planets. They then drew their rocket and coloured it with oil pastels, again with a focus on blending. Students also worked on showing where the light source in their work came from.
Middle School Museum Trip
Last week the Middle School visited the Auckland Museum and participated in educational programmes related to our Myths and Legends inquiry topic. Part of the programme focused on the importance and purpose of storytelling in Pasifika cultures.
Students also had a fantastic time discovering the nine stars of Matariki and having the opportunity to explore traditional artefacts, bringing their learning to life. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of Maori and Pasifika culture and fostered a greater appreciation for New Zealand's rich indigenous heritage.
Museum
Cultural Evening
We are very excited to announce our school will be holding a cultural evening on 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.
This year, 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. Arrive early to find a picnic spot. On the night there will be a sausage sizzle, coffee cart, and drinks for sale.
All students are expected to attend and perform on the night. Please let your classroom teacher know ASAP if your child is unable to attend.
More detailed information will be provided to you in the coming weeks.
Reminder - Middle School Assembly Date Change
Just a reminder that the Middle School assembly date was changed, this assembly will now be held on Friday 8th September at 2pm in the school hall.
PTA News
This term has seen the Mathathon and what a result that was! Congratulations to all our tamariki and their whanau for raising an astounding $16,714.69. This is a new record for the school. The money will go towards the garden to table project being planned at the moment as part of us being an Enviro School.
The school disco is being held on September 17th - Juniors 3:15-4:30, Middles and Seniors 4:30-6:00
Entrance is $4, including a glow stick. Tickets will be available for younger siblings on the day.
Food, drinks and other items can be purchased with pre-paid cards available on Kindo. A reminder that no EFTPOS is available at the disco.
Thank you for all the parents who have volunteered so far, if you are still available to help and haven't yet signed up you can contact Ellen Hollis at ellen_w_@hotmail.com
Head Lice
There have been a large number of head lice cases across the school in recent weeks.
Head lice are small flat insects that live on the human scalp and breed all year long. Eggs are laid close to the scalp and are firmly glued to strands of hair. The eggs are small, hard and pale grey in colour, after hatching the egg cases are white.
You should check your child's hair for head lice once a week.
Look over the scalp for insects or eggs, especially;
- around the hairline at the back of the neck
- behind the ears
- on the crown
Head lice should be treated if you find a live insect on the scalp or if you find eggs on the scalp. You will need a special shampoo or lotion from the doctor or pharmacy to kill both insects and eggs. Ordinary shampoo will not kill head lice.
To prevent the spread of head lice, if your child has shoulder length hair or longer, please ensure it is tied back in a ponytail or braid when at school. Teachers will have a supply of hair ties should your child require one.
Thank you for your support with limiting the spread of head lice.
Claire Stretch
SENCO
Visitor Parking
You will notice new signage in the visitors carpark. Please note that parking time is restricted to 15 minutes during school drop off and pick up times. This is to allow close access to the school grounds for those that need it most including Pukeko Preschool parents and those with additional mobiliy needs.
As always, parking is available across the road behind the church. This is an excellent option for many families as students can easily cross at the patrolled crossing and make their way to the car independently.
Salvation Army Mufti Day
The Salvation Army East Auckland branch were very grateful for the massive donation the House Captains were able to deliver on Friday 18th August. Thanks to your generous donations we were able to supply a huge 500kgs of essential food and toiletries that will support families in need.
Kung Fu Lessons -Elementsoftheanimal.com
We are looking to start kung-fu lessons at Pakuranga Heights School in Term 4 subject to sufficient interest.
Classes will be run on Thursday evenings from 6.15pm to 7.15pm
All ages welcome
Please call Darrin on 027 2620054 to register interest or for more information
From the community
