Week 8 - 22 March 2023

Principal's Message

Kia ora Koutou

We are heading into the middle of week 8 of the term and it seems to have flown by. During the short week starting 3rd April, all teams will be having a hui that parents and whanau are welcome to attend. These will be added to the event dates that will be sent on Friday. 

Last Friday we celebrated the completion of the building project in Te Kōhanga.  We had representatives from the Ministry of Education, Hawkins Construction, and McKenzie Higham Architects. It was a pleasure to have Jeremy Edwards and Hon Grant Roberston be part of our event, cut the ribbon and cake to mark this milestone. We are very fortunate to have our buildings completed and as Grant noted this is the best of the best.

Thank you to parents and Board members who participated in the afternoon. Once again all our students made us proud, demonstrated our values, spoke confidently in Te Reo and fully participated in our pōwhiri. 

On Friday all staff were involved in a day of workshops and sharing with colleagues from nine schools who work together in our  Kāhui Ako. The keynote speaker Dr Bronwyn Wood provided us with a review of the trends in curriculum and education policy in the past 20 years in New Zealand. The research evidence of the impact of some of these changes  calls us to reflect on our practice, what we notice and recognise in our learners and how we respond to the need for explicit teaching. 

There was plenty to reflect on and consider the changes being made through the Refresh of the Curriculum. To end the day we enjoyed the performance by Te Haeata Awatea and were proud to have a number of ex pupils of Northland so confidently leading the singing and dance.

Finally thank you for your support, encouraging emails, morning tea treats and messages of hope for further action on the importance of the investment in education for our children. There must be more done to show the value of educators.

If you would like to come and chat or have questions or concerns please get in touch with any of the senior leadership team, Andrea, Jane and Judith.

Ngā mihi nui

Andrea

PB4L & Zones

The Positive Behaviour for Learning School-Wide framework, also known as PB4L School-Wide, is helping New Zealand schools build a culture where positive behaviour and learning is a way of life. Where school culture can be thought of as “the way things are done around here”, school climate is about “the way people feel around here”. Understanding school climate is a key part of building a new school culture. 

PB4L School-Wide looks at behaviour and learning from a whole-of-school as well as an individual child perspective. The framework is based on international evidence that can be tailored to your school’s own environment and cultural needs. 

It’s not about changing the students; it’s about changing the environment, systems, and practices you have in place to support them to make positive behaviour choice. You can find out more  about PB4L here https://pb4l.tki.org.nz/PB4L-School-Wide

ZONES

Zones of Regulation This year we are continuing our journey with the Zones of Regulation.  Students are learning strategies to regulate their emotions, such as breathing exercises and using equipment. Students are also learning to analyse a problem and think about the size of that problem. 

Here are some different breathing and grounding techniques which you might like to try at home, this term we are focusing on the following themes.

Expected and Unexpected Behaviour

Students understand that what a person does can affect how others feel and think. Students learn that in a specific situation there are expected and unexpected behaviours that someone may show when they are in a Zone. The students gain an awareness about how they feel and think when someone shows expected versus unexpected behaviour whilst in a particular Zone. 

Exploring Sensory Tools

Students learn about and try out different sensory tools and calming techniques that can be used to help them calm their body and mind. They develop an understanding of how these strategies help them regulate. Students are able to reflect on which tools and strategies are effective in helping them regulate. 

Thinking Strategies 

Students are able to analyse a situation and work out how big a problem is. They understand that the size of their reaction or expected behaviour should match the size of the problem. Students are aware of the impact positive and negative self-talk can have. They are learning to use their Inner Coach or positive self-talk to help them regulate their Zone.  Students are beginning to explore the idea of flexible thinking versus rigid thinking and the impact this can have in their regulation.  

Structured Literacy-Parent Workshops 5th April.

Judith will be providing two workshops on Wednesday 5th April. One at 9am and the other at 2pm in the Library.  Judith will provide you with the background of this approach and demonstrate how we are running the lessons so you can support your children at home.

If you are unable to attend we will be running more workshops during Term 2 in the evening. 

Communication

We will continue to develop our communication about events, more specific details of the programmes in teams and the celebration of our children in their learning. We are making a few changes to the way you receive information.

School Website - Please refer to this - many details such as latest news, staff, calendar, school policies. The banner is checked and changed daily. https://www.northland.school.nz/

School Newsletter - Sent out fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoon and can always be accessed via the school website.

Events Calender - sent out via email every Friday afternoon - this may also have relevant information for the following week.

Seesaw - All families have been invited to join Seesaw by your child’s teacher. Seesaw is used across the school for sharing learning by the teacher and by children as they learn to post. At times you may also receive a quick message from the teacher eg, please remember togs tomorrow.

Library News

Come and check out whats new in the library this week.

Movin' March

Let’s Get Movin’ in March!

Walking or wheeling to school is a great way to get active, know your neighbourhood, kick start learning for the day AND take care of the environment.  Remember students don’t have to complete their passports to go in the draw to win a $400 MYRIDE voucher at the end of March! 

Fancy going in the draw to win a scooter?  Parents who take part in our Whānau photo competition on Facebook or Instagram will be in to win 1 of 5 adult or child Micro Scooters or a Family Pass to Staglands or Zealandia.  Check out the Movin’March website for more on these competitions and how you can take part.  

School Sport Events

WZ Football is on next at Ian Galloway Park, Tuesday 28 March with a PP date of Thursday 30 March.  Communication has been made directly with students / caregivers that have signed up for WZ football. 

Netball 2023 registrations close tomorrow 

Thank you to all those who have registered for the Netball season starting in term 2.

If you missed the registration it's not too late - please visit Northland School Netball Club for further information about the club and a link to the registration form. The cut-off time is tomorrow 12pm (Thursday 23 March)

Please email northlandschoolnetball@gmail.com with any questions

Weetbix Triathlon
Congratulations to all students who took part in the Weetbix Triathlon last weekend

Northland School Sport Shirts
Could all sports shirts be returned to the office after Western Cricket. They are needed for WZ football on Tuesday 28th March.

H&S - Class Directory / Contacts

Kia Ora Parents and Whānau

SCHOOL COMMUNITY TEAM DIRECTORY

The Northland Home and School committee  is collecting parents' contact information for the purpose of building our community connections. The contact lists / directory will be shared with the other parents of your child's class and Team, (Year 1-3, Year 4-6 and Year 7-8). We are running this for the first time in a digital format as the feedback has been that it is hard to connect with other parents/caregivers to arrange activities after school or on the weekend. We hope that it will be useful for all and especially newer families to the school. 

If you would like to take part in sharing your information then please fill out the quick google form. Lists will be provided by email to those who responded in your child's class. Please complete by Thursday 23 March.

Things to note:

• Providing this information is voluntary
• Distribution lists will be digital only- we ask they are not printed in hard copy
• Email address is required in order to put out the distribution list, but phone number is optional.
• Any new families starting at the school during the year will be invited to share their information and this information will be added to the existing list at the beginning of each term.
• The information will be stored by the Home and School for the school year and then deleted/destroyed, and we ask that you do the same. Please also note that when the lists are distributed, they are to be used solely for the purpose of connecting with other parents/caregivers on the list.  

The link to the form can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBCbFX6B-89WiFBdMSlGtZ9on8lWGsqyWLV7Ko5nSUU2sgvQ/viewform

Ngā mihi 

Northland Home and School Committee

Home & School - Our next Home & School Meeting is  Wednesday 22nd March at 7.00pm in the school staffroom.   All school parents/caregivers are welcome, including new whānau who would like to play their part in contributing to the wellbeing of our school community.

Absence

If your child is sick or has an appointment Please contact the school OFFICE and the class teacher.  You can email or phone the office directly or go through the website absent form.    Ph 04 475 7596   office@northland.school.nz  

BSC - Before School Care

We are very pleased to welcome Bridget Hall who will run the Before School Care for the remainder of the year.  The cost from 7:30-8:30 is $10 or  from 8-8:30, the cost is $5. We are fortunate to be able to continue to provide this for you to make your mornings run well. 

Wellbeing - Managing Screen Time- SchoolTV platform

https://northland.nz.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time

Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.

Some of the Key points for Conversations from SchoolTV

SchoolDocs - Policies

SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well researched and follow the Ministry of Education National Administration Guidelines. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behaviour management, reporting to parents, etc.

We invite you to visit the site at https://northland.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there's no "www."). Our username is "northland" and password "orangikaupapa"

Our Value Active - Hikohiko

Our quality is Generosity 

Generosity is giving and sharing. It is giving freely because you want to, not with the idea of receiving a reward or a gift in return. Generosity is being aware that there is plenty for everyone. It is seeing a chance to give what you have and then giving just for the joy of giving. It is one of the best ways to show love and friendship. 

Term Dates

2023   Term 1     Tuesday 31 January - Thursday 6 April       TOD Friday 17 March                                                         Term 2     Wednesday 26 April - Friday 30 June          TOD  Mon 24 Apr +Friday 2 June                                 Term 3     Monday 17 July - Friday 22 September                                                                                                           Term 4     Monday 9 Ocotber - Friday 15 December 

Term 2 starts for children on the Wednesday 26 April, Monday the 24 April is a MOE teacher curriculum day and Tuesday 25 April is Anzac day.

The 2nd MOE teacher curriculum day will be in term 3 - we will advise once the date has been confirmed. 

Community Notices

Please check out the Community Notices in the attached document - lots of exciting opportunities for students and families to enjoy.   These are also displayed on the New Notice Board in the school office, come in out check it out !

Play football for Waterside Karori AFC this winter – registrations open now!
Registrations are now open for the 2023 Junior Football season. With a community of nearly 1,000 players, we have teams to suit all ages and abilities including:
Foundation Football (players born 2017 to 2015)
Junior Football (social or competitive) (players born 2014 to 2011)
Youth Football (social or competitive) (players born 2010 to 2008)
Girls Only Sunday League (players born 2015 to 2009)

Season dates: Saturday 29 April – Saturday 9 September

Programme cost: $190 

For more information, and to register, please visit: https://www.karorifootball.co.nz/play-for-a-team. Questions? Email support@karorifootball.co.nz

KAPI-MANA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023

We are very pleased to let you know that the 2023 Kapi-Mana Music Festival will be held during King's Birthday Weekend, Sunday 4 and Monday 5 June 2023 at the Performing Arts Studio, Pātaka Art + Museum, Porirua for school aged musicians. This is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to perform to an audience.
This year's festival is non-competitive, but instead reach a standard.
We would appreciate it if you could put up the attached poster on your music room noticeboard, or send out with your newsletter.
Entries will open on 10 April and close on 14 May 2023. Please visit our website for Conditions of Entry, Performance Pointers and other information. www.kapimanamusic.org.nz

Ngā mihi
Carolyn Rait
Trustee: Kapi-Mana Music Festival Charitable Trust
Email:  kapimanamusic@gmail.com

Telephone:  (04) 234 7422    Mobile  021 121 0218

Babysitter available
My name is Lucy and I am in Year 10 at Wellington Girls College and am available for babysitting in Northland, Karori or Kelburn. I am kind, responsible and fun. Please contact me on 020 490 0901

CodeCamp April School Holidays
CodeCamp allows children from the ages of 7-12 to develop 21st century skills in a fun and action packed environment.
Develop confidence & initiative through design, creativity, solving problems, presenting & collaboration. Create games, apps.
Thorndon School: 11th - 14th April & 17th - 20th April. 

Book Now at https://codecamp.co.nz  

St Anne's Church Mini Market
Saturday 1st April 9.30-1.00 in the church hall,corner Norhtland an Randwick Road
Quality Plants, house, garden and native, books, crafts, vintage car rides, pop up cafe, food for everyone and childrens clothes,toys,books
Second Hand childrens items
We'd love any donations of childrens toys, books or clothes. You can drop off items at the church or text/whatsapp Catherine McIntosh 021 408 179

 NORTHLAND KIDZ CLUB Holiday Programme
We'll be making Easter Edbles & Easter Decorations, going to Otari / Wilton bush and other
play areas, having a sculpture hunt in the Botanic Gardens, creating a mural, and munchng on sausages & pancakes.
There'll be more art adventures with acrylic paint and, of course, we'll be going to our favourite Time Cinema  for another selection of early films & cartoons, which we'll see after stopping at Lyall Bay Beach for morning tea.
$45 per child per day (third child onwards :$20),  8.30 a.m  to  6 p.m each day.
For details, check out our website (www.nkc.org.nz) , or contact Jan on cell (022-140-2612) ,email (nkc.jan@gmail.com).