Newsletter – 7 December 2020 – Pakuranga Heights School

It has been a busy and exciting fortnight with the House Captains being selected for 2021, our teams going to the Jump Jam Nationals, the blessing and dedication of the sunshade. Mrs. Theresa Louisson is retiring after being a part of this school community for 26 years. The sunshade area will now be known as the Theresa Louisson Cloud’ (TLC) for short.

The plaque reads ‘ Dedicated to Theresa Louisson in recognition of her dedication and long service to the the Pakuranga Heights Community’ . Look out in the local newspaper as the covered the blessing ceremony.

I am proud to say that every day we see your children upholding the school values, reflected in the way they interact with each other, adults and visitors to the school. To all our wonderful student leaders who stand out on crossing duty in all types of weather to ensure students cross the road safely, the students who were monitors, leaders or helped in any way to make this a great school, we are very proud of you.

As this is the last newsletter for 2020 there are a few people I would like to thank for their work this year:

To the Board of Trustees, thank you for your support and guidance.

To the PTA, our sincere thanks for your many contributions of time and energy as well as the resources you buy for the school.

To all our parent helpers, thank you for your involvement and support.

To all our dedicated staff who go the extra mile in helping with community events, teaching, assisting children, school environment, sport, gardens etc.

Thank you all. May you have a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas with your families.

Staffing Update
We farewell Mrs Libby Slaughter next Wednesday after 10 years of service at Pakuranga Heights. Libby has won a position at Randwick Park, Manurewa, as Associate Principal. Libby is taking this opportunity to develop her skills and knowledge with the intent of one day becoming a principal. Libby will leave a large hole as she has been involved in and capably led many areas of the school. We will miss Libby and wish her all the best for her continued leadership in teaching.

Drop Off Trial
This has been enormously successful in terms of traffic flow and reduced risk. We are noticing parents not using the crossing and encouraging their children to run across the road to a waiting car. Please use the crossing as children model their behaviour on adults and it is only a matter of time before a car hits a child. We are investigating a more permanent solution.

Please be aware that you must park a metre away from any driveway and we have had the council ticketing around the neighbourhood recently.

Thank you for the positive feedback there has been overwhelming support for this initiative.

School Reports and Classes for 2021
School reports sent home this Friday 11 December with notification of your child’s classroom and teacher for 2021. We remind all students that the reports are addressed to you as parents and unless they have your permission, they are not to open them.

Optional Parent Interviews
The reports are sent out early to allow time for any parents to meet with their child’s teacher should you wish to. Please contact your child’s teacher directly or through the school office.

Last day of school – Wednesday 16 December 2020
School closes 1:00pm on the last day of school. Please arrange for your child/ren to be picked up at this time or alternatively, the after school programme will be available.

Property
Work begins today on a new ramp which will allow wheel chair access from middle school to the evacuation area on the field. Work will continue on this project over the christmas break.

Lost Property Check
There are a lot of items in our lost property bin by the whanau room, please take the time to check for any items you may be missing.

School dates and start times for 2021
Term 1 – Begins Tuesday 9 February, ends Friday 16th April
Term 2 – Begins Monday 3 May, ends Friday 9th July
Term 3 – Begins Monday 26th July, ends Friday 1st October
Term 4 – Begins Monday 18th October, ends Friday 17th December

Office hours- holidays
The office will be open from Friday 29th January from 8.15 to 3.30 until school starts on Tuesday 9th February.

Fintan Kelly
Principal

Need to Know

Uniform shop

Last days for ordering uniform before the end of the year are as follows:
Monday, 7 December – 8:00am to 9:00am
Wednesday, 9 December – 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Monday, 14 December – 8:00am to 9:00am

Or you can order online https://www.pakurangaheights.school.nz/uniform/

The uniform shop will be operating during the summer break between:
9:00am to 12:00pm – Friday 29 January 2021
9:00am to 12:00pm – Tuesday 2 February 2021 to Friday 5 February 2021

Upcoming events

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