Newsletter Week 4 Term 2 / Pānui Wiki 4 Wāhanga 2

Newsletter

Talofa Lava!

Next week is Sāmoan Language Week!
From the Ministry: Pacific languages, cultures, and identity are essential to the health, wellbeing, and lifetime success of Pacific peoples and their communities in Aotearoa.  The Ministry for Pacific Peoples works closely with Pacific communities to maintain and promote heritage languages.  Languages magnify the value of a community, providing a vital link between our place in Aotearoa and our heritage.
Since 2010 The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has been supporting Pacific Language Weeks, promoting and raising awareness of the diversity of our Pacific Languages.

To support this and to celebrate a large number of children of Sāmoan descent at our school we will be doing the following next week:

  • Those of Sāmoan descent can wear cultural clothing in addition to their uniform (swapping out things is fine) for the week.  PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE HAGLEY SPORT ON THURSDAY SO THIS CAN’T HAPPEN ON THIS DAY FOR SENIOR STUDENTS.
  • Active use daily of greetings.  Please feel free to greet all people you see with Talofa, talofa lava, or malo and tofa or fa for goodbye.
  • Sign of the Cross and Graces will be in Sāmoan for the week.
  • Island food will be provided on Wednesday but please also send lunches in case there is not enough or isn’t liked by your child.
  • Also, teachers will do their own individual activities for the week.
    Fa’afetai!

HERE ARE A FEW REMINDER NOTICES:

Contact Details –  Please don’t forget to update Shelley in the office with any change of address, phone numbers, emergency contacts.  It is vital that we have correct information in case we need to contact you urgently.

Teacher only day  –  Friday 4 June
This is next week.  Again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.  We have taken up less than half we are entitled to, so as to lessen the impact on families.  Kidsbase will be open that day so if you need care, they can be enrolled there at competitive costs, for the day. (see their flyer later in the newsletter)

2021 Dates
Term 1:      Monday 1 February to Friday 16 April
Term 2:      Monday 3 May to Friday 9 July
Teacher Only Day – Friday 4 June
Term 3:      Monday 26 July to Friday 1 October
Teacher Only Day – Friday 27 August
Term 4:      Monday 18 October to Tuesday 14 December
Teacher Only Day – Thursday 11 November

How amazing was Pentecost? 
I hope you enjoyed receiving Clara’s gift of a booklet containing six languages in our school and some things our children could memorise.  Please have a look at our photos on Facebook, it was a great day.  Ngā mihi nui  ki a Clara Mapley for this day!

Cross Country Zones
Our students had a great morning out at Zones!  These were at Heathcote sports fields.  Our children gave it everything, even if it was really boring compared to our Grit Challenge. Thanks to Penny and all of the parent helpers.  Please see our Facebook site for action photos!

Fa’afetai!

Dallas Wichman 
Tumuaki/Principal