Year books are going home on Monday the 14th December. These are yours to keep as a celebration of your childs learning over 2009. ENJOY! Included with year books for students in years 1-5 are class placements for 2010 and stationery lists. Careful placement of children into classrooms has been considered, however not all requests have been able to be met. Thank you for your support.

Kia ora

I hope you are ready to be entertained. Tomorrow night is STARS IN OUR EYES. We have worked hard on a fun performance that we look forward to sharing with you. The doors open at 6.30pm. Please have children at the Memorial Hall at this time. The show starts promptly at 7pm. Last time we performed at the Memorial Hall, their was standing room in the foyer. Please be on time.

This is a lovely time of year for celebrating our successes. I was fortunate to attend the Junior outing. What a fabulous day. The mine pit walk was a wonderful activity and followed on to Morgan Park. I know that the seniors enjoyed a lovely day at Opoutere Beach. Thank you to our wonderful parents who transported and supervised on these days.

On Monday the Year 6 trip is on. All students will be placed in a team to take part in the AMAZING RACE. All sorts of treats are in store for parents and children! My thanks to Liz and Sharon who have worked with me planning this day. Students require their ‘team’ costume, swim wear, a change of clothes and positive attitude. Look out for the photos next week.

Prize Giving is Tuesday at 11am. This year we will present under the shade area by Room 7. Staff have nominated Year 6 children to win cups. Each class will also be awarding success. Come along to find out who is recognized for their achievement and contribution across the school. Kool Kids day follows. Parents are welcome to stay on for this afternoon. The Year will come to a quick close on Wednesday 16th of December at 1pm. BUSES ARE NOT OPERATING ON THIS DAY IN WAIHI.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead your school. It is an honour to be the Principal at Waihi East School. I look forward to seeing our school ‘shine’ in 2010.

Ka kite ano

Emily

Thanks to David Jones who has kindly offered the use of his truck for our Christmas parade float on Saturday 12th December. We are going with a Santa/reindeer theme. All children welcome. We will decorate the truck at 10.30 on the 12th and leave school at 11.45am.

Anne-Marie and Denise are developing our Gala for next year. Please let Emily know if you can help by:
• Telling us of ‘famous’ people you may know that could open/attend our gala. Chocolates to the person who can get Mark Ellis here!!
• Any friends/family/neighbour/person down the road that could donate artwork or item to be auctioned on the day.

Kia ora
Thank you for your attendance at our special Grandparents Duffy assembly and your generous afternoon tea which we shared. Our children enjoyed performing to you. This year Nicola and Whiti sponsored the $2250 school proportion of the Duffy Contract. This has been an amazing donation and this initiative has made an impact on literacy across our school. We are currently seeking 4 sponsors for the 2010 Duffy Contract. If you would like to join Spargo Automotive by sponsoring Duffy Books, please let Isobel know. Thank You to Brendan and Paulette.

Phil organized an excellent athletics day on Friday for the whole school. This was a fun day where children were able to compete against each other. Phil and Robbie have also selected an athletic team to compete against other Waihi Schools. Congratulations to this team who made excellent placings. Results are noted in our Kids Page.

Last term I had the opportunity to observe a school chaplain at Katikati Primary School. This person visited classes, spoke to children and gave a helping hand to staff. Religion was not discussed, just the care of others. I would like the school community to consider having a school Chaplin/Amorangi. The BoT would like to know your opinion. If you have any concerns about a person supporting children and staff in this role, please let the Leadership Team know. Your opinion will be appreciated.

As you are aware, Phil has signed his contract to return to East School next year. This has been made possible by fund raising, donations/grants from the community and savings from previous years. We have the money we require for Phil however $8000 needs to be raised next year to remain within budget. Fundraising therefore will remain a priority for next year.

I am getting concerned about some ‘loose’ behaviour in the playground. As a team we are referring children to the Wheel of Choice. Staff are also intervening and helping children problem solve. Lunch time detentions are a very popular hang out spot for a few children however most children are meeting our expectations. The next Kool Kids Day follows prize giving on the 15th of December. The junior and senior teams are planning end of term trips. If a child has 3 detentions between the 16th of November and the trip, then they will not be invited to attend. Strong consequences need to be in place.

Ka kite ano
Emily

Drama Club will be held on Thursday after school next week due to Mrs. Huggard having to attend meetings on Wednesday.

There is a tour of the college on Friday 4th December at 9.30am for 1 hour. Transport will be required and parents are welcome. On Tuesday 8th December there will be a parents information evening at 7.30pm in the college library. All completed enrolment forms with a copy of your child’s birth certificate are being collected at the East School office. Please return these as soon as possible.

We are about to reprint the advertising section of the newsletter (back page). If you would like a space on the back of the newsletter, please contact our East School secretary Heather by the 18th of September. The cost is $100 per space.

School hats can be worn from now on as the days are starting to heat up. School uniform hats only. These can be bought at the office for $6. Hats are part of our uniform and are compulsory next term.

Please come along and meet with the Education Review Office [ERO] Tuesday 12th May at 2.00pm in the hall.