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Connect Communication
29th September 2021
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The term break is just around the corner and I am looking forward to warmer weather. There is something about a warm spring day that brings a smile. Combine that with a walk and coffee with friends and the result is perfection.
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Recently we have been talking to children about what it means to be inclusive and the differences between equity and equality. As learners, we are all different and therefore need different things. While at first glance that may not seem fair when we dig a little deeper it just simply is.
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In this graphic, if we gave every person the same bike, they would not be able to ride. If children hurt in the playground come to the office and all we give them is a plaster, irrespective of their injury, then we aren't being helpful. We are blessed to have a range of diverse learners at Ararira and they all need a unique approach. They need modifications to their programmes and specific resources for their individual needs. The biggest lesson we can teach connects back to our value of caring and simply being kind.
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During the break, we are interviewing for new kaiako to join the team in 2022. Along with this is planning the class structure and allocating teachers to teams. If you know you won't be with us in 2022 please let us know as soon as possible. This does have an impact on the class structure we are putting together. Alternatively, if you know of families moving to the area or thinking of coming to Ararira, please ask them to enrol and contact the office.
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Enjoy a wonderful break with your whanau and we look forward to the end of year madness. Please be mindful that if you email the team over the term break they will be working reduced hours and may take longer than usual to respond.
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Claire and the Ararira Team
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Welcome to Te Puna o Ararira
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This week we welcome Victoria, Grace and Poppy to Kaunuku, Alexis and Beau to Huarapa, and Michelle to Hikuwai. We know you will soon love Ararira as much as we do. We were also delighted to welcome Yujin and Yushin back from overseas.
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The school board met on the 15th of September and were happy to be able to meet on-site. First and foremost the board thanked Claire and the staff for the quick transition to online learning as we entered the nationwide lockdown. Thank you also to the members of the community that gave feedback to the school from the previous lockdown. Because of that feedback, changes were made to ensure children, families and staff were given the best support possible. The board would also like to acknowledge the changes to pick up and drop off protocol in level 2 and thank the community for adhering to these. The staff have made every effort to ensure the children have felt safe and happy back at school for the last few weeks of term. Thank you for that.
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There are a couple of policies that are up for review this term and it’s not too late to be a part of this review process. Please visit our Schooldocs site. Our username is "ararira" and our password "russdrive".
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Due to our roll growth, we have been able to advertise for a team leader and additional teaching positions. Interviewing will take place during the term break, and we look forward to welcoming new members to the teaching team.
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Looking ahead to the 2022 School Board elections, we have agreed with the recommended election date of 4th May 2022 and 10th May as counting day. Further information will be shared about the process in due course, so please consider if this is something you would be interested in for a three-year term starting next year.
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The Board wishes everyone a safe and relaxing term break. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 27th October.
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NEW ENTRANTS AND STARTING SCHOOL REVIEW
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Next term we will be sending out a survey to the families of our new entrants to reflect on your experiences of starting school at Ararira. We are also keen to hear from other families who are new to Ararira and will send this to you as well.
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This information helps us improve as a school and to best meet your needs as a whanau.
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Alternatively, if you wish to give feedback in person an informal hui will be held on Tuesday 26th October from 2.15 pm-3.00 pm, in the staffroom.
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Te Hapori Tautoko
Te Hapori Tautoko (THT) means community support group in te reo Māori. Our main aims are to provide opportunities to tautoko (support) and connect our school community and fundraising for school initiatives, and resources that benefit our school. To date our fundraising has helped to pay for:
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- Sports uniforms owned by the school, that are lent to tamariki as required
- Community Events such our annual Matariki Evening
- Coffee mornings
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Fundraising in 2021 will go towards play areas and equipment at the school.
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If this is something you are interested in, we would love to see you there. We always welcome new people.
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Our next meeting will be Wednesday 3 November starting at 7 pm in Pūtahi.
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QUIZ NIGHT - 5th November 2021
We made the call to postpone Quiz Night as it was highly unlikely we would be at Level 1 in time.
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The postponement date is 5th November. Fran will be in touch with team captains via email with instructions for refunds if there are any teams that can’t make the new date.
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TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP
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Coffee catch ups are on hold during Level 2, but will be running again every Tuesday morning from 8.45 in Putahi as soon as we are at Level 1.
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We also plan to arrange Friday afternoon catch ups in Putahi at Level 1, and will advise when these are happening in this newsletter and on the online whanau page.
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Don't forget that next week is the start of our awesome Holiday Programme! Make sure you book in so you don't miss out! Book online at Kelly Club
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Our October Holiday Programme and Term 4 after school enrichment programme are now open for enrolment. We would love to see more and more Ararira Springs School students taking on the learning journey with Bricks 4 Kidz Christchurch.
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Facebook Page for Ararira Whānau Māori
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We have created a Facebook page specifically for our Māori families. This is a space to post successes at home and school, share ideas and resources, and make connections. The page is called Te Puna o Ararira Whānau Māori. Nau mai, haere mai!
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If you have pātai about the page, please contact chloe.cull@ararira.school.nz
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TOOT FOR TUCKER - Rolleston Rotary Club, the Selwyn and Rolleston Lions Clubs and Property Brokers, who will be doing ‘Toot for Tucker’ on the afternoon of Sunday, 17th October 2021 in Lincoln township between 4pm and 5:30pm.
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The purpose of Toot for Tucker is to collect much needed donations of non-perishable and sealed food and toiletry items which will then be distributed to Selwyn Foodbanks. All donations stay in the Selwyn District.
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A group of volunteers (along with local Emergency services) will drive along the Lincoln streets and toot their horns so people know to come out to their letterbox with any donations they may have.
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