Newsletter – Term 1 Week 1 – Pakuranga Heights School

Welcome back and a warm welcome to our new families. An interesting summer with plenty of rain, wind and being indoors which can bring its own challenges and stress. It was an exceptionally wet month for the southern half of Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty and parts of Hawke’s Bay which all received at least 400% of normal January rainfall. Auckland observed its wettest ever month in records dating back to 1853. Combined with the flooding and humidity it has been a challenging time for many of our families. Let’s hope for some sunshine

STAFFING

We welcome our new teacher, Mrs Sam Van Zyl, who is teaching in the junior school. Mrs Claire Stretch is back from maternity leave and will be our new SENCo (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator). Mrs Vanessa Pederson will continue to lead the junior school.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Students start school on Tuesday 7th February. If you are new to our school please read below:

If you pre enrolled your child, meet in the library which is at the front of the school across from the office.
If you receive this newsletter & your child is not enrolled, come to the front office.
If you require a hat, book bag or stationery come to the front office.
The uniform shop will be open for all other uniform requirements.

Student Support

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, the classroom teacher is your first point of contact. If you are still concerned, please see the team leader or Mrs Claire Stretch whose responsibilities include behaviour and learning needs.

If you have any concerns regarding health, custody issues, special needs, or require support with attendance or behaviour issues, please make an appointment with Mrs Claire Stretch. For questions on the curriculum or assessment, please make an appointment with Mrs Sue Kandasamy or Mrs Monique Browne.

PROPERTY UPDATE

New classrooms

This year we are due two new classrooms, sited by the junior school playground. The two old buildings will be removed.

Interactive Technology Upgrade

This has taken place in Rooms 12-17 as the projectors have been replaced with portable interactive technology. We have also invested in 50 new chrome books (laptops)

THANK YOU

Thank you to Mr Simon Fraser, our new caretaker for ensuring the school looks attractive, clean, tidy and safe. Mr Fraser takes great pride in what he does and this is evident in the lovely school environment he maintains for the community.

Thank you to our office staff of Kristina and Ariane who have been working hard to ensure a smooth start to the school year. If you have any questions regarding stationery, uniforms or payments please see our friendly team.

SUNSMART

School sun hats are compulsory during Term 1 if the children are playing outside. The school provides free sunscreen in all classes.

SCHOOL UNIFORM EXPECTATION

It is expected that all students wear the correct school uniform. This includes hats, trousers etc. Thank you for your support.

TEACHER ONLY DAYS

Last week we spent two full days planning the year ahead as well as team building activities.

STUDENT SAFETY

Thank you to everyone who is respecting the clearway areas. This makes it safer for traffic flow, just a small reminder that parking half on the curb and the road is not legal and you will get a ticket by the council parking wardens. If you see someone please politely point out the signs as sometimes new parents or parents from the Day Care can be unaware there are restrictions.

NEW SWING ARM CODE

We are changing the swing gate code. Please come into the office if you qualify for a code.

Reminder – Disability Park Use

With an increasing numbers of permit holders please remember:

Your disability permit can only be used by you.
Mobility parking permits are issued to a person, not a vehicle.
The permit can be used if the permit holder needs to get in or out of a vehicle.
If the permit holder is going to stay in the car, the vehicle must be parked in a standard parking space.
A permit can not be loaned to anyone, even if the person is running an errand for the permit holder.
Permits can be cancelled if they are misused.

Thank you for helping us keep all children safe

Fintan, Sue and Monique