Kia Ora, Nǐ hǎo, Greetings,

A big, warm welcome to our new students who have started with us recently:  Rio Carter and Max Zou.

I had the pleasure of spending some time at the Google Student Summit at Ormiston Junior College last week.  The premise of this event is to focus on creative and collaborative use of digital technologies to promote innovation and learning. The highlight of the programme is the hands-on workshops and demonstrations, led by learners for learners.  BBPS had the largest group of students presenting at the conference.  Students had worked hard with Faye Chilvers to organise and practise their presentations, which they delivered in a very expert manner.  It was fantastic to watch the range of skills we have within our school (and potential future teachers).  Our students were great ambassadors for BBPS.  A big thank you to Faye in particular, who has worked tirelessly with students preparing for the summit, and to the teachers and parents who supported on the day.

The summit was a great example of living our vision of being inquiring, connected, resilient, future-focused learners who give 100%.  To learn a skill such as coding a robot is one thing, but to teach it to your peers requires a high level of proficiency, commitment and courage.  Our students took risks, adapted when things didn’t quite go as planned, and connected to a range of students and teachers.  

Here are some reflections from our students:

“I think that it was a lot bigger than I realised.  When we presented we all need to have preorganised roles for the delivery. I am excited by the future of technology and the world, and I definitely would want to present and share again in this type of forum.” (Alex, Y6)

“I really enjoyed it. I honestly want to be involved again. It was well organised and it was fun meeting other students from other schools. I learnt a lot about drawing superheroes (complex character design – Ormiston group) and I am wanting to attend a Google Summit again. I would like to improve my delivery when I present to an audience.” (Declan, Y6)

“I thought the event was fun and I learnt a little bit more about coding on Episode. I would definitely attend a Google summit again, as it is the future. I would like to help more people develop their tech/coding skills as I have so much I can share.” (Maria, Y6)

We are now looking at how we can use our student presenters to work with classes across the school to share the learning further.

Have Your Say – 24th of August, staffroom, 6 – 6:45 p.m.

Prior to each BOT meeting I would like to take the opportunity to meet with groups of parents to consult on school matters.  

This time around I have three areas I would like to discuss:

•  Feedback on the current system for reporting on student progress.

• Any property feedback or ideas you would like considered by the board when developing the ten year property plan.

• Feedback on the possibility of five year olds starting on predetermined dates throughout the year in groups.

If you have items you would like discussed, or are unable to attend on the 24th but have feedback you would like to share, please drop me an email principal@bbps.school.nz, or pop in and see me.

Parent Teacher App

Thanks to those who have signed up already.  The app is a free download from either the App Store if you an Apple phone, or from Google play for other phones.  Search for ‘Parent Teacher Calendar’ and choose our school once it has installed.  Then sign up to get notifications from any groups your child / children are a part of.

Board of Trustees News

The next BOT meeting is in the staffroom on the 24 of August at 7.00 p.m.

PTA News

The Maths-whizz-a-thon is well under way.  Thanks for your support with this and keep testing those maths facts!

A big thank you to Kate Addis who prompted us to apply for a grant from Mercury Energy to help upgrade our Kapa Haka uniforms.  Mercury Energy have kindly given us $450.  Ka pai Kate and Mercury Energy!

Enviro News

The “Colgate Better World Recycling Project” has kicked off for 2017!  Please bring in your oral care waste to the black collection box at school reception, this includes toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, plastic toothbrush packaging, floss packaging, empty pumps, empty stand up toothpaste bottles and cardboard toothpaste packaging.

This year, there are ten weekly prizes of $1000 up for grabs for submitting a shipment of Oral Care Waste.  Plus, for every shipment of waste received there is also the chance to win one of five garden beds made from recycled materials valued at $1,500 and a $200 Mitre 10 voucher to get us started with soil, seeds and garden tools.

Let’s get behind this recycling project and win some great prizes for BBPS!

Dance Festival

Recently a group of Year 4, 5, and 6 students performed in the Dance Festival at Elim College.  The performance was great to watch, and by the smiles on students’ faces they were having a great time!   Thanks to Debbie Rist, who has put in many hours to get such a polished performance. Our dancers will be performing again in assembly this Friday.  Follow the link to check them out. 

Sports News

Kind regards

Kelly Slater-Brown

Community Notices

Bucklands Beach Tennis Club (Jern Place)

Kids and Parents…it is time to start thinking about Summer sport and why not let your kids learn a sport that will last a life time…  TENNIS !!!

BBYC Learn to Sail Programmes

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