He waka eke noa
A canoe that we are all on together
Kia Ora, Nǐ hǎo, Greetings
A special welcome to our new students who have started with us since our last newsletter: Leni Kasper and Myka Tan.
2018 School Focus
Our school focus areas come from needs identified from our school results, as well as looking at future developments in education. The draft Digital Technology Curriculum has been shared with schools, with a view to having this up and running in 2020. The curriculum looks exciting and engaging, as well as great preparation for our students for future learning and careers. BBPS have established a Digital Technology team, who will be working with David Kinane to map out what being a 21st century learner will look like at our school. We will be hold a parent information evening later in the year.
We continue our focus on writing in 2018. We are well supported by Doctor Alison Davis, who will build on the staff’s great work from last year. This year as well as looking at accelerating writing results for those who are working below the expected level, our second focus is moving more of our boys from working at the expected level to above the expected level. Our goal is to have boys and girls achievement on a par. We also continue with the National target of equity of achievement for our Māori and Pasifika students.
Cultural Assembly
Our cultural assembly was fantastic. We are more culturally diverse than ever in 2018, with 39 different countries represented! Thank you for taking time to talk through the ideas sheet that went home – it made a big difference to the knowledge that students brought to their group. Both staff and students learnt a lot about the students in BBPS. It was lovely to watch the older students supporting the younger students on stage. Here’s some of the feedback I collected from talking to students. We are sifting through many photos and photo permissions, and plan to have photos on the website soon.
“I liked being on the stage with my sister. I liked the talking, it was interesting. It was fun. I liked Paddington Bear. I liked it when they came on stage singing the Moana song.” Year 1
“I liked wearing a costume. I felt brave. I waved the Chinese work and I felt proud. It was Interesting. There was lots of different countries and cultures. They taught us about their cultures. There was some fun dances. It was interesting to learn where other people live. I had no idea we had so many many cultures in our school.” Year 2
“I like all of them going on to the stage, especially the dances. I would have like the opportunity to say something. I learnt things. It’s not just about living there, it is about celebrating their countries. I think you should split the bigger countries into smaller groups so we can share more. I felt proud of my country. I used to be shy on stage, but on Friday I forgot about it!” Year 3
“I did a dance and told other people. I loved the stories. Let’s do it again – yes, yes, yes!! I’d like to do my other culture next year. I had no idea we had so many cultures in our school. I loved it!” Year 4
“Learning new stuff about other people’s countries and finding out where they are from was fascinating. It was amazing! (Finding out about all of the people in our school and where they were from.) I learnt so much about Sweden. It made me also feel proud of where I come from. We should definitely do it again!” Year 5
“I like how lots of people talked about their culture. People were smiling because they felt proud and happy. I learnt so many interesting facts about others. It was nice how students looked after each other in their culture. We should do it every year.” Year 6
Student Writing
On Friday we went to the Cultural Assembly and there was dancing and clapping. I watched it, I was laughing a little bit because they are moving their bodies. I love the China country but New Zealand are the best.
Amelia Room 9
I was in the Korean group. I coloured the flag black, white, blue and red. I did lots of talking. Someone did the drums. I dressed up. My costume was too small for me.
Isabelle Room 9
On Friday the whole school went to the hall because the whole school wanted to know where we were from. I was from New Zealand and there were 32 other countries. Some of them were England, Germany, Scotland, Russia, New Zealand, Phillipines, China, Australia, South Africa, India and Japan. The whole school were waiting for a super duper long time. A lot of people went up on the stage and people were dancing, singing and waving flags around. They were wearing costumes and my favourite costume was the Australia costume and my favourite country was Australia.
Leo Room 7
On Friday the whole school went to the hall because we could see where people came from. I am from Germany. My costume was Germany football kit. I was on stage and I talked and I said football is the most popular sport in Germany. My favourite part was that I held the microphone that was duper fun.
Luca Room 7
On Friday the whole school went to the school hall because all the teachers wanted to know where we come from. Everybody got dressed in their countries costume at home. We went to the cultural assembly and sat in a line waiting for our group to go on stage. I was in the China group because I am from China. I was wearing a Chinese dress and I like my dress because it has a fantail on it. My favourite part is watching the children dancing the Scotland dance.
Anita Room 7
When I go to the beach I see a little white smooth clam shell. Lawrence Room 5
When I go to the beach I see a white bumpy shell. Wilson Room 5
When I go to the beach I see brown, bumpy driftwood. Ehab Room 5
Chinese New Year Celebration
Thanks to all of came along to our Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday. What a great day, filled with entertainment and delicious food. Thanks again to Jessica Zhou and Victoria Wu who organised this community celebration. Thanks also to Barfoot and Thompson who gave the school a generous donation. The school received over a thousand dollars from the day.
Parking
We realise that parking outside of the school grounds is sometimes somewhat crowded and we appreciate those parents who park a short walk away to collect their children. Please can we remind parents that they should not park over drive ways. This is very annoying when our neighbours are trying to leave their property and a school parent has parked over their driveway. Thank you for your support in this matter.
PTA News
The PTA would love to thank the wonderful helpers we had last week helping deliver chocolates to the kids classes. It was lovely seeing everyone get involved. Thank you to everyone who has given a donation or sold their chocolates already. If you would like another box to sell, please ask at the office. All chocolate money is due back by Friday 9th March. The family who have sold the most chocolates receives a $100 voucher of their choice and the second top seller gets a $50 voucher.
Family fun night is organised for Friday 23rd March. Hope to see you all there.
Kind regards
Kelly Slater-Brown
Community Notices
SWIMMING BLOCK COURSES – Swimmers usually make great progress during our block courses. They retain the skills they learn by swimming a few days in a row. All levels and abilities are welcome. Lessons are 30 minutes and swimmers will swim at the same time every day. Email farmcoveswim@gmail.com to secure a place.
Monday 16 April to Friday 20 April 2018 from 9am to 7pm (5 days)
3 swimmers per class – $80 per swimmer
2 swimmers per class – $120 per swimmer
Private lessons (one on one) – $240
Monday 23 April to Friday 27 April 2018 from 9am to 2pm (5 days)
3 swimmers per class – $80 per swimmer
2 swimmers per class – $120 per swimmer
Private lessons (one on one) – $240
Course 1: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January
Course 2: Monday 23 January to Friday 27 January
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