Kia ora koutou
Welcome to term three. We are looking forward to working with tauira (students) and whānau next term.
Just a reminder that we have IEMs on Monday and normal timetabled classes begin on Tuesday.
Here is the link to book an IEM
If your Year 1- 6 child needs supervision on Monday then please complete the form found at this link Supervision Years 1 – 6 Booking Form
Staffing
We farewell Ethan Rowbotham who is moving to a position at REV IT. Ethan started as a student with us in 2019 and became invaluable in his support of IT within the school. We wish him all the best for his future.
We welcome Harmony Beaven as a part-time student administrator / receptionist. Harmony is an ex-Ao Tawhiti student and she will be supporting Beth at the front desk. We are looking forward to working with her.
We also welcome Sam Warland who will be working in Mel Fisk’s HB between 9-11 every day while Mel trains in Reading Recovery.
Head Lice
We had cases of head lice in the school last term. Please check your child’s head if they are itching. Here is some public health guidance on how to get rid of head lice. How to get rid of head lice
We have two electric head lice combs that we are happy to lend to whānau, as these can be effective in getting rid of lice without having to use chemicals. Just ask at the front desk.
Friday Hapori in Y1-6
We are on the lookout for parents to run a workshop on Fridays in the Y1-6 part of the school. There are options for length of time, how many students you can work with and what you can offer. You don’t have to have a child in Year 1 – 6 to share a workshop.
If you are keen to come and share some of your passions and interests with our younger ākonga, please fill in this doc.
Time options:
11.20-2.30
11.20-12.20
1.00-2.30
Popular workshops from term 2 included going out-and-about, making and creating, anything sporty.
We are keen this term to get more tamariki out to the Climate Action Campus, so any workshops around nature play/ art in nature/ gardening/ composting etc are most welcome.
If you’re keen but unsure how to go about things, please contact Niki at niki.stephenson@aotawhiti.school.nz
Covid
Masking up for Term Three
We continue to ask that all students (year four and over), staff and visitors wear a mask while at school. In previous years we have found there is an increase in winter illnesses in schools as students bring back infections after travelling and socialising during the holidays. There is also an increase in COVID-19 in our community. The pressure on our health system is immense.
Last term the high numbers of students, staff and visitors wearing masks contributed to our school remaining open for all students. The Ministry of Health has advised us that wearing masks can reduce new cases of the virus by as much as 53%. It works alongside other measures including vaccination, good ventilation, staying home when sick, and hand washing and other hygiene measures, to protect our students and staff.
This recommendation does not include any situation where mask wearing might not be practicable, such as while eating and drinking, playing certain musical instruments, indoor sport, where it will have a significant impact on teaching and learning (for example, students with particular learning needs), certain activities such as singing or drama performance on stage, and PE. In these situations we will ensure social distancing and good hygiene practices.
We have supplies of adult and child masks at the front desk.
Thank you for your support in protecting our school community.
If your child does test positive then please email us at covid@aotawhiti.school.nz. This helps to support our health and safety decision making.
School Calendar for the remainder of 2022
Below are the dates for Public Holidays, Term Dates, IEMs and Staff Only Days for the remainder of 2022.
| Date | Event |
| Monday 25 July | IEMs – supervision is available for students in Years 1 – 6 if needed |
| Tuesday 26 July | Term 3 normal timetabled classes begin for term three |
| Monday 22 August | NCEA professional learning day. Students in Years 9 – 13 will learn at home on this day as the Learning Advisors who teach NCEA will be off site. Online learning will be provided for students on this day. School is open for year 8 and younger. |
| Thursday 1 September | Staff Only Day – School is closed for instruction |
| Friday 2 September | Staff Only Day – School is closed for instruction |
| Thursday 29 September | Last day of timetabled classes for term three |
| Friday 30 September | IEMs – supervision is available for students in Years 1 – 6 if needed |
| Monday 17 October | IEMs – supervision is available for students in Years 1 – 6 if needed |
| Tuesday 18 October | Term Four normal timetabled classes begin for term four |
| Monday 24 October | Labour Day – Public Holiday |
| Friday 4 November | Last day for students in Years 11, 12 and 13 (NZQA exams start on Monday 7 November) Graduation at The Piano |
| Friday 11 November | Show Day – Public Holiday |
| Thursday 15 December | Last day of school for 2022 |
Enjoy the last couple of days of the school holidays.
Ngā mihi nui
Anita