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Connect Communication
14 September 2022
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Spring is in the air, our clocks are about to spring forward and we start our planning for 2023. Should your plans be changing and your child is NOT going to be with us for 2023 please let us know. Juggling numbers and organising classes is becoming increasingly complex as we grow and get tighter on space.
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It was heartwarming to see so many parents put their names forward for our school board. We had the highest number of nominations in the area and this is an illustration of parents wanting to be involved with the school. Not so heartening was the poor voter turnout. I will be seeking information if this is part of a general trend and investigating the impact of the digital voting system. Nevertheless, we have a stunning group of parents on our Board and an incredibly high calibre of skilled nominees, thank you for putting your hand up. It is much appreciated.
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We have been sharing one of our values in our hui over recent weeks. This week we focused on 'kotahitanga'.
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Kotahitanga is the idea of solidarity, unity and shared aims, teams collaborating for a positive outcome. We used an example of navy seals climbing a wall to illustrate that kotahitanga is the power of achieving more together than you could have alone.
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“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Vincent Van Gogh
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Ko te toa i a tini, i a mano o te takata
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It is the bravery of a multitude, of thousands of people united
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Donna and I are away from school attending the NZPF Conference here at Te Pae in Christchurch. We look forward to hearing and bringing back new ideas and the chance to discuss and connect with other leaders from around Aotearoa.
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I look forward to connecting with you again next week.
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Hei konā mai - goodby for now,
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Whaea Claire and the team
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Student Absence Notifications/Late Arrivals
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Absences can be reported via:
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- Phone 03 42 00 888, press 1 and leave your message
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We really appreciate your help in reporting absences prior to 9am as it saves us a lot of time following up via texts and phone calls.
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When late for school, please always come and sign your child in at the office before heading to class as it's likely they will have missed being marked on the roll and you may receive a notification that your child is absent.
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If your child is away because they are unwell, it is also helpful to provide a bit more information (eg. tummy bug, cough, etc.) as it helps us identify what is circulating in which areas of the school.
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NO PIZZA 27 September - due to the one-off public holiday in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 26 September, there will be no pizza orders on Tuesday as our order needs to be placed with Domino's on the Monday. Kindo will be in touch directly with any of you who have placed orders already.
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Free Period Products in Schools - FREE period products for students can be ordered on Kindo and will be available for collection from the school office.
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Scholastic Free Book Offer - Scholastic are giving away FREE books in issue 5. Place an order from issue 5 on the Scholastic LOOP app before 23 September and a list of free titles to choose from will display before checking out.
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1 FREE book when you spend over $30
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2 FREE books when you spend over $50
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3 FREE books when you spend over $70.
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The new long-term strategy for COVID-19 - You’ll be aware that we have moved to a new, long-term approach to COVID-19. These changes have been made based on public health advice and reflect high levels of immunity and declining case numbers across New Zealand.
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This new approach will only result in minor changes to the way we operate.
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The very positive news is that household contacts of a person with COVID-19 do not need to isolate, but instead are asked to complete a RAT test each day, for five days. Therefore, ākonga who are household contacts but test negative and do not have COVID-19 symptoms should continue to attend. It is the best place for them to be so they can be engaged in their learning, and connected with their teachers, classmates and friends. Positive cases remain legally required to isolate for seven days. Anyone who is symptomatic, including household contacts, should stay at home and get tested for COVID-19.
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You can still get RAT kits by ordering on Kindo.
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Mask wearing is no longer required. This includes school bus transport. Masks are encouraged if you are not feeling well.
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All the other recommended public health measures will stay in place as we know they reduce the spread of infectious illnesses including COVID-19. These include ensuring our indoor spaces are well-ventilated, maintaining good hand hygiene, encouraging everyone to cough or sneeze into elbows and, most importantly, staying home and getting tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
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Thank you for your ongoing support in protecting our community.
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Click here for further information regarding the types of batteries we can accept.
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IMPORTANT DATES - 2022
- 12-18 Sept - Maōri Language Week
- 14 Sept - THT Meeting, 7pm in Pūtahi (Library)
- 15 Sept - Sports Tournament, Hagley Park
- 16 Sept - Curiosity Clubs (last session for Term 3)
- 19 Sept - Circus to school (Hikuwai and Huarapa)
- 19 Sept - School Hui, 2.40pm in the Hall
- 21 Sept - Board of Trustees Meeting, 6.30pm in the Staffroom
- 26 Sept - One-off Public Holiday (Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day)
- 27 Sept - NO PIZZA
- 30 Sept - Last day of Term 3
TERM DATES - 2022
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Term 3: Monday 25th July - Friday 30th September
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Term 4: Monday 17th Oct - Thursday 15th Dec (TOD 10th November)
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TERM DATES - 2023
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Term 1: Wednesday 01st February - Thursday 06th April 2023
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Term 2: Monday 24th April - Friday 30th June 2023
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Term 3: Monday 17th July - Friday 22nd September 2023
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Term 4: Monday 9th October - Tuesday 19 December 2023
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Note: 2023 Teacher Only dates are still to be confirmed
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Click here for a list of New Zealand Public Holidays including regional anniversary days
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School Board News
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We are pleased to share that our new Board consists of;
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- Karen Andrews
- David Fitchett
- Brie Liberty
- Andrew McMenamin
- Jayde Wilkinson
- Nicky Harding (staff elected representative)
- Claire Howison (Tumuaki | Principal)
Our new Board will meet with the outgoing Board on Weds 21st of September before their first meeting in Week 10 of the term. For full details of the result, you can head to the Board page of our website.
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NEXT MEETING - 28 September, 6.30 pm in the Staffroom
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Te Hapori Tautoko (THT) News
Te Hapori Tautoko (THT) - providing opportunities to tautoko (support) and connect our school community and fundraising for school initiatives and resources.
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NEXT MEETING - 14 September (TONIGHT), 7pm in Pūtahi (library).
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Please note: the Arbonne skin care, makeup and nutrition information evening scheduled for 20 September has been postponed until Term 4 - new date TBC
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Second Hand Uniforms - The THT has a small selection of second hand uniform items available for purchase. We are looking to increase our selection and would welcome donations of good quality uniform items. All profits are used by THT to improve our school and provide resources for our tamariki. If you have uniform items to donate or would like to see the selection we have, please contact Charlotte at charlotte.mcmenamin@ararira.school.nz
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Precious Labels - Support the Ararira Springs THT by labelling your child's clothing, shoes, lunch boxes, drink bottles, stationery, electronic items, uniform, swimwear and sports gear with Precious Labels. Please use the above school link when making your purchase as all sales give Ararira Springs a commission.
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Ararira Springs Quiz Night 2022
It was a night of records for Ararira Springs Quiz Night 2022 Fundraising event, with our largest crowd, most auctions, first post-quiz disco and most money raised.
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The school hall exploded with colour and laughter as 150 guests filed in, many in costume in creative interpretations of the theme “Class Of…”
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Guests didn’t waste time buying up raffles and chocolate wheel tickets to be in to win from a huge selection of prizes donated by local families and businesses.
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Chris Seller again, demonstrated his prowess as Quiz Master, with an array of fun and unexpected questions to ensure the crowd was challenged, and had a good time.
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The Panheads captained by Meredith Noonan were rapturous taking out first place, Class of Young Farmers captained by Stacey Nicholas came second, closely followed by Quizzy Rascals captained by Kelly Serrant in third.
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Ray White’s Steve Morgan led some lively and competitive auctions which produced over half the total funds raised. The traditional “Your Child - Principal for a Day” and “Principal Babysitting Service” proved popular once again and the Couples Getaway Pack to Tekapo Springs took out the top $ raised in a single auction.
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Towards the end of the evening, Quiz Master Chris transformed into DJ Chris, and the disco commenced with some quintessential mum and dad moves on display.
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Overall a great night out and the event raised over $10,000 that will go towards a new play area are Ararira Springs Primary School.
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A heart felt thank you to Major Sponsor Ray White Town and Lifestyle, and all the people and local businesses that supported the event.
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Ray White, Selwyn Irrigation, 73 Hire Rolleston, Tekapo Springs, New World, Mosaic Property Management, The Selwyn Printing Company, S & H Built, Lincoln Village Vets
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Challenge Lincoln, The Flaming Rabbit, iSushi, Lincoln Barbers, Lincoln Laundromat
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Number Works n Words, Scenic Hotel Group, Songkran Thai Takeaway, Swain Woodham Group, Twice Cooked, Wall Decor Ltd, Donaldson Family, Ponce Family, Any Excuse, Bianca's Tips, Bridgestone Tyres, Coffee Culture, Collective Hair, Eden Chiropractor, Estilo, Flex Fitness, GLO Nail Bar, Lincoln HQ, Lincoln Pharmacy, Magnitude Sport, Mexicali's / Burger Wisconsin, Reinvent Boutique, Rolleston Costume Hire, Selwyn Community Pharmacy, Simplicity Accounting Limited, Style 4 U, The Lab
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The Lincoln Pantry, WeCare Pharmacy, WeCook
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This week our mixed Year 5/6 hockey team will attend the Canterbury Hockey Tournament. We wish them the best and look forward to hearing about their day.
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The Year 5-8 Duathlon that was to be held on the 26th of September will not be able to go ahead due to this day being made a public holiday in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II. We are awaiting a possible new date for the duathlon and will pass that on should it become available.
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Years 5-8 will be holding their Athletics day on 27 of September 2022 (Postponement date 29 September 2022) at Brookside Park and would appreciate any parent support in making this day happen. If you are available to help please contact Whaea Meeghan.
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The Year 5-8 Huxster Mountain Bike Race will be taking place on the 20th of October. Year 5/6 have to enter as a two person team, Year 7/8 can participate as an individual. If you are interested in participating please contact Whaea Meeghan.
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Our Year 7/8 students will be participating in the Koru Games next week and we wish them the best of luck!
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Kelly Club
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Next Week: At Kelly Club next week our theme is The Deep Blue Sea! Book in now to join us for this exciting week.
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October Holiday Programme: Have a look at our Theme Planner to see the fun filled events we have planned for this upcoming holiday programme. Booking are now open. Book in Quick!
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Kelly Sports October Holiday Programme: Bookings for our upcoming Kelly Sports Holiday Programmes at Hillview Christian School and Hillmorton High School are now available online.
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The focus of our Programmes is to ensure kids are active throughout, with a great mixture of games and activities to suit everyone. WINZ Subsidies are available for families that qualify and we have options of Half Day sessions, School Day sessions and Full Day sessions available.
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Heads Up for Kids is an organisation supported by the Lions Club. I found out about this organisation from my Nana Ann. She is the coordinator for the Rangiora Lions, who is helping to get Te Puna o Ararira started on this awesome initiative. I am really grateful that my Nana got me interested in this project.
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All we need to start is a Heads Up for Kids tin which is provided by the Lions Club with the help of my Nana. We also need students to participate by bringing in old foreign coins, overseas coins or even just the coins we use here in New Zealand.
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Once these coins are collected they are sent to Wellington to be sorted. The money goes towards helping other schools, and most importantly children's charity.
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By Poppy Marshall (Hikuwai)
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Life Education Charity Duck Race
Life Education are running their 5th annual charity duck race on Sunday 6th of November. They would love for you to get behind this exciting fundraising event.
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Purchase a $10 school race duck and $5 will go towards our school's next Life Education visit. The more ducks our school purchases the more money that we will earn. Click here for more information or to purchase your duck.
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It has been a challenging few years for many of us with lots of unforeseen events we would not have thought would ever happen. So it is understandable that there has been a rise in children and adults feeling anxious. Anxiety is a normal and natural response that occurs when an individual perceives a threat, danger or negative outcome or …
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Enviro Education Has your child ever built a fort out of sofa cushions and blankets? Or made a secret den from branches and bushes? A pallet fort? Had leaf races in the stream? Climbed a tree? Maybe you used to do it too. Remember how great it felt to make up your own rules and have your own secret space? …
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Digital Technologies Technology in the classroom over the past five years has been one of the biggest changes we have seen in education. Digital technologies used in a positive and creative way can be very beneficial for education . Ararira Springs Primary has clear policies and procedures around digital technologies in the classroom. The school works closely with REV IT …
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Structured Literacy - Supporting children’s early reading, writing and oral language at Ararira Springs Junior Ako Classes You may have heard in the media recently about the changes in the way we teach reading. At Ararira Springs we have spent time researching this approach and best practice so we can meet the diverse learning needs of all our learners. Staff …
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“Cultivate curiosity and capabilities in Akonga (learners) to enhance the world around us” What is Agentic Learning and what does it look like at ASP? Aristotle said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Students with agency and control over their learning and what they are learning, are more likely to learn deeply and demonstrate …
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Thanks so much for your support as we introduced measures to keep Omicron at bay. Cases in the community are starting to increase so we know this might mean changes for how we deliver our learning. We have a plan but aim to be as responsive as possible to how our scenario plays out. In the meantime; Parents coming onsite …
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