Relationships – Whanauangtanga, Resilience – Manawaroa, Respect – Manaakitanga, Responsibility – Tiaki

Kia Ora, Nǐ hǎo, Greetings,

Welcome to our new students and their families that have joined us recently:  Hanan Malakhil, Sakina Malakhil, Rebecca Cui, Maximilian Young, Amber Gerneke, Ruan Van Der Westhuizen and Divan Van Der Westhuizen.

As I reflect on another year, one of the many highlights has been the wealth of volunteers who give up their time to support our school.  While interviewing new staff, one of the candidates asked what was special about our school.  I had to say that Bucklands Beach school is supported by a strong and dedicated community, who help run all of the wonderful extra opportunities our students have.  We also have lovely students who come to school ready to learn.  We are fortunate to have a community who give of their time so willingly.  On behalf of the school I would like to thank all of the 2018 volunteers. Your help is very much appreciated and valued.  

Over the summer the corridor behind rooms 1 -5, and some of the classrooms are going to be upgraded.  This has been a long time coming, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it after a make over!  Many thanks to John Rist and Rachel Penny for all of their work getting the corridor and classrooms ready, and to the parents who have come in to help.

Linc Ed online reports

After months of hard work, Linc Ed is ready to share with you.  You will be able to see your child’s progress, as well as examples of their work over the last two terms.  Today you will receive an email with instructions for how to log on to our new online reporting system Linc Ed.  There will be a slideshow attached with instructions and explanations.  Keep an eye out for the email. 

2019 staffing 

It is a very buoyant teacher market out there, with 128 primary teaching vacancies in Auckland, and 368 primary teaching vacancies across New Zealand as of today.  This is seeing teachers embracing promotions and opportunities, as there is much more scope to do so than would normally be available, due to the extreme teacher shortage. 

Following this trend, some of our teachers are moving on at the end of this year seeking new opportunities and promotions, or a much shorter commute time. We have been lucky that our excellent ERO review and reputation have meant that we have still been able to pick and choose from a range of applicants to find quality additions to our staff.  From speaking to other Principals, this is not the case for many schools in the current market.

We are farewelling and congratulating…

Rachel Griffin.  Rachel is off to be an RTLB (resource teacher of learning and behaviour).  For those who have been lucky to have Rachel teach their child, you will know that she is very skilled in finding ways for all children to learn and feel comfortable at school.  Rachel is very passionate about this area, and this role will suit her perfectly.  She will be sorely missed, but lots of students will benefit having Rachel in her new role.

Kerri Riach.  Kerri has gained a position at St Kentigerns, where her girls also attend, making juggling family life and teaching easier.  Kerri’s passion and enthusiasm for enviro among other things will sure be missed, as will her bubbly personality.  We will continue your enviro legacy!

Kelly Cowan is moving to Clevedon School, which is much closer to her home.  Thank you Kelly for all of your work around the digital technology curriculum and getting PB4L up and running.  Enjoy your short commute, and new opportunities.

Thank you to our staff who have stepped in to open or take over classes in 2018: Miriam, Sue and Erin.  You have all done a superb job.

For 2019 we welcome to BBPS…

Kris Jochimsen.  Kris has taught English overseas for a number of years, and more recently trained to be a primary teacher.  Kris and her family live in our community and is looking forward to being part of BBPS.  She enjoys the great outdoors, including a range of sports.

Judy Chao – Judy is an experienced teacher, with a passion for literacy, which she led in her last school.  She relates to students who are new to New Zealand, drawing on her own experience of being a new English speaker.   Judy also has a strength in STEAM (science, technology, arts and maths) teaching.  Judy grew up and went to at BBI and Macleans.  She is currently at Victoria Avenue School, and is looking forward to coming back to the Bucklands Beach community. 

Luke Petterson  – Luke has also taught English to a range of students overseas, and has now retrained in primary teaching. He enjoys the arts, and plays guitar and ukulele.   Luke also speaks fluent Spanish and is currently learning te reo. He’s looking forward to conversing with our Spanish students.  Luke and his wife are moving up from Wellington.

Shari Knox – Shari is an experienced teacher, with a passion for enviro.  She is coming to us from Everglade Primary, where she has taught for a number of years.  Shari has strengths in art, literacy and currently runs a cultural events committee at her school.

Staffing structure for 2019

Sarah Bartholomew (Team Leader / Junior Transition)

Students will meet their new teachers next Friday morning.  Where a teacher is not able to be here, their teacher will send in a welcome clip to show students.

 

A message from the NZEI (New Zealand Educational Institute)
 

You may have heard that primary teachers and principals have overwhelmingly voted to reject the Ministry of Education’s latest collective agreement offers.

While the latest offer for teachers included a salary increase, it failed to address the important issues of class size and planning and assessment time, which underpin the crisis in education and difficulties in teacher recruitment.

Disappointingly, we end this year without the necessary movement from the Government, and with still not enough to meet the needs of children, schools and teachers.

This may mean further industrial action next year, although we are very much hoping for a negotiated outcome – the Government has received a very clear message that educators are desperate for the teacher shortage to be fixed before it becomes a full-blown disaster.

Public polling has also showed continued strong support for what we are trying to achieve for our students and the future of the teaching profession. School parents in particular see the struggles we already face in hiring teachers and finding relievers when teachers are sick. 

We greatly appreciate your continued support as we continue our campaign to ensure a quality public education for every child.

Board of Trustees News

The last board meeting for 2018 is scheduled for 6.00 p.m. Tuesday 11 December.

Our school policies and procedures are now online.  Our next policy to be reviewed is “Improving Educational Outcomes for Maori Students”.

 

To review the policies: 

1. Visit the website http://bbps.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
2. Enter the username (bbps) and password (clovelly).
3. Follow the link to the relevant policy (Behaviour Management / Complaints).
4. Read the policy.
5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
6. Select the reviewer type “Parent”.
7. Enter your name (optional).
8. Submit your ratings and comments 

Thank you.

PTA News

A big thank you to Philippa and her team for their tireless work.   Great teamwork ladies!

     Congratulations

Congratulations to Miss Wilson and Mrs Patel who graduated last week as fully registered teachers. They have both completed their two years as provisionally registered teachers. We are very lucky to have two such dedicated teachers working with our children. 

Student Council News

Thanks for all of your donations.  They really will make a difference to a family this Christmas.

Student Success

On Saturday afternoon Klaas Kamp was presented with a medal for being a top Year 5 student this year in the ICAS Science Competition in an award ceremony that was held in the city.  To be awarded this Klaas scored 100% in this year’s science test.  Congratulations Klaas.  

Year 5 Camp News

Our planned Year 5 camp will go ahead this Friday regardless of the weather.  If it is fine students will sleep in tents on the field.  If it is wet then we will have indoor games and sleep in the hall and the library.  A notice of requirements for the evening was sent home last week with students arriving back at school at 4:30.   A huge thank you goes to all who have donated food and contributed to our expenses.

Fresh Choice Marina $150

Ray White $100

Pak’nSave  Groceries

Sanitarium $40 breakfast cereals.

We are also having donated Chicken and Fried Rice, ice-cream, sausages and Nestle products.  Thank you also to all who have offered tents.  You can send these to school on Friday morning as we plan to put up as many as possible on Friday afternoon.  I know some parents have indicated that they will bring theirs after 4:30.  Could all tents be named even if just on the carry case.  Thank you for those who offered to stay overnight.  We had a huge response but we were limited  by the number of tents we had and the need to acquire police vets.  If you plan to stay for dinner and you have not already indicated help could you please email faye@bbps.school.nz.  This is just for catering arrangements.

Robotics Club News

On Saturday 3 teams from the Friday robotics group competed at Somerville Intermediate School in the First Lego League competition.  This competition is an all day event.  All teams achieved some success during the day and received a medal.  We were fortunate to have one group win the Teamwork Award and receive a cup for this.  Congratulations to all participants.  We are extremely proud of you all.  

                                                     

                                                 

                                        

We were also very pleased for Jerry Sun and his team from BBI.  Jeremy developed  his robotics interest during the three years that he was in the BBP team.  He has now gone on and organised his own team.  This team, “404” was successful in being awarded the Project Cup.  We were able to help them to do this by inviting them during the season to consult with one of our speakers Mahima Seth from RocketLab.

              

Our recent cupcake day raised over $800.  This will go towards competition fees and new equipment for next year.  There will be robotics this week for the Wednesday group for the last session this year.  There will not be robotics for the Friday group this week because of the Year 5 camp.  Hopefully some of this year’s group will be keen to return next year. 

Showcase Assembly

The Junior School children auditioned for the ‘showcase assembly’ being held at the end of the term.  We had a range of auditions from magic shows, dances, piano recitals, jokes etc.

What a fantastic range of abilities and talent the children have.  It was a privilege to see their interests outside of school.

 

 

 

 

Bridge Making

The middle team students have spent this term designing and making bridges as part of their Inquiry. They have learnt about different types of bridge and important design features so that their bridges were stable and that they met their original design brief. Here are the bridges that the students have designed and made.

 

 

Swimming Pool

Swimming pool keys are now available for hire from the school office.  $80 per key of which $10 is refundable at the end of the season.

We need one more parent to assist with the pool over the summer break.  Are you going to be around and wouldn’t mind going on a roster to keep the pool area clean and tidy?  If so, please contact the school office.  Thank you for your support.

Upcoming Events – Important Dates

Y6 Graduation/Prizegiving

This is scheduled for Wednesday 12 December at 7.00 p.m. in the BBPS hall.  We look forward to seeing all of our Year 6 students in correct school uniform at this important ceremony along with their parents/Whanau.  Further details will be given closer to the date.

Y6 Big Day Out

This is scheduled for the day after Graduation.  The students will wear their Year 6 t-shirts and PE shorts.  We will be spending the entire day out of school visiting Skateland and Gravity.

School Lunches

The last date for school lunches will be Friday December 14.  The first day will be Thursday 14 February 2019.

Stationery for 2019

Next year stationery packs will be available from Paper Plus (Crandall Peters) Picton Street, Howick from Thursday 10 January.  Please ask for the pack of the year your child is in.  Stationery lists, for those wishing to get their stationery at other locations, will be available at the office from Monday 4 February 2019.

School Office Holiday Hours

School will finish at 12 noon on Monday 17 December and re-open on Thursday 7 February 2019.  The office will close at 12.30 p.m. on 17 December and will be open from 9-12 noon from Monday 4 February.  Should you wish to contact the school office outside of these times, please leave a message on the answerphone or email office@bbps.school.nz and we will get back to you asap.

School Term Dates for 2019

Term 1: Thursday 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

 

 Have a wonderful Christmas, and a happy new year!  See you in 2019.

Kelly Slater-Brown

 

Community Notices

HOLIDAY SAILING COURSES WITH THE HOWICK SAILING CLUB

Once again the HSC is offering its popular learn to Sail courses during the holidays for girls and boys . These will run over four days, 9am to 3pm. The first is from 19 to 22 December, and the second is from 14 to 17 January. Look online at howicksailingclub.co.nz for more details and registration. It is also interesting to look at the club’s Facebook page.

 

AMETI Eastern Busway

This is a message from Auckland Transport regarding the AMETI Eastern Busway that is scheduled to begin in March/April 2019.

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