Welcome Back for Term 2

It was an exciting (and very difficult for some) holiday with the extreme weather we had. The children have
arrived back full of stories and energy. Have a browse of today's newsletter to find out what things are coming up this term!

Fun, Jump, Throw Day Thursday 10th April

Kumara and Ross Schools will join us for a day of running, jumping and throwing.
All Kokatahi-Kowhitirangi School children should come to school in sport clothing in the
Colour of their house.

Mahoe: Purple
Rata: Red
Kowhai: Yellow

Kokatahi School is running smoothly with Mrs Warner at the helm. Here are some pictures of the plays from the Hoiho class on Friday.

Goodbye... for now!

Today is my last day and I am off studying for the rest of the year - with a few adventures planned as well.  I am sure you will all have a great year with Ingrid leading the way.

I am very excited to have the opportunity to study and am looking forward to the chance to refresh my ideas along the way. It is very hard to leave the children behind as there are so many things I would love to be doing in the classroom this year.  I will post some updates on my class blog  through the year and you are always welcome to email me on megan@kokatahi.school.nz .

I will also be popping in to check up on the staff from time to time ;) so I am sure I will see you through the year - if I don't catch you have a fantastic year and see you in 2015.

First destination... Vancouver :)

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra

We had a visit from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra... well, 5 of them, not the whole orchestra!  What a great treat.  The children's faces where as interesting to watch as the music was to listen to.  With songs from Peter and the Wolf to the Simpsons theme song the children enjoyed a range of emotions and images music can create.
A big thanks to the wonderful musicians who travelled to see us as well as to the sponsors who ensured there was no cost to the school.

Click here to see a short video a Portia conducting the symphony! 

Welcome Back!

Welcome to term 1 2014!
The children have come back with big smiles and great summer adventure stories.  A big thanks to everyone who helped get the school ready for the start of year.  The field looks great with an increasing tinge of green.  Staff are off to a great start, getting things under way with class routines and learning programmes.

Next week we will begin swimming in the afternoons.  Please ensure your child has named togs and a towel at school everyday.  We will try to swim everyday, even if there is a light drizzle.

We will be looking for some parent helpers to supervise the pool at lunch time as well.  If you can help us out please let us know.

Please also ensure your child has a sunhat at school everyday in term 1. 

More details will be in the newsletter on Tuesday.

Getting bored of the holidays?

It hardly seems likely that anyone can get bored of summer holidays... but as they draw to an end I am sure that there are some people (parents especially) who are keen for the term to start.
I came across this math activity on a neat blog called bedtime math - it seems a great creation for a wet summers day!

http://bedtimemath.org/make-a-marshmallow-catapult/


- Enjoy the last of the holidays and we'll see you on the 30th!



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***Change in Bus times for 2014***

***Change in Bus times for 2014***

We have received several requests to review the bus route due to the length of time some children are on the bus as well as 2 possible extensions.  I have written to the Ministry of Education and at this time they cannot complete a full review.  They did confirm that both extensions are within their criteria, however there were concerns about the conditions of the road, safe turning points and the time needed to complete the run if they were to be included.

Neither of the extensions are currently viable as adding either would mean the first students would be picked up by 730am and the last drop off would be close to 5pm.  While this is within Ministry of Education’s allowable time frame, I believe it is far too long for young children to be on the bus. 

However, to ensure all children have a more fair time on the bus the morning run will be completed starting in the Kokatahi Valley.  The afternoon run will remain the same.  Tony has provided approximate times for pickups, however these may change slightly.  If you are dropping children off at school next year, please keep in mind that the bus will have to complete a turn in the school car park at about 8:15am.

I will post the map with approximate times on the school blog so that you check times next year.

Sorry for the late notice, but I only received confirmation Tuesday afternoon. 

If you have any questions please email me on principal@kokatahi.school.nz

Have a fun restful summer.

In case you need a laugh

Term four is always busy with the build up to the end of year.  The change in routine at school, changes in the weather, and the full on exhaustion that the children are experiencing after a long year of learning, means everyone is a little less patient and a little more ragged.

So since they say laughter is the best medicine - here's a little clip that might make you laugh. :)

Grandparents Day

A big thanks to all the family and friends who came out to make grandparents day so much fun!  The scarecrows were fantasitc and hopefully some are still surviving in your gardens.

Click here for some Grandparent day photos