| | | | | | IMPORTANT DATES
Week 3
Friday 19th February - Wānaka Primary School Triathlon in
conjunction with the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Triathlon
Week 4
Monday 22nd February - Board Meeting 5:00pm - Staffroom
Wednesday 24th February - Welcome to WPS 2021 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday 25th February - Pork Pie Challenge and Tribe afternoon
Friday 26th February - Airforce Band Y4, 5, 6, Lake Wānaka Centre - 1:30pm
Week 5
Swimming Pod 8
Wednesday 3rd March - PTA Meeting 7:00pm - Staffroom
Thursday 4th March - Science in a Box
Friday 5th March - El Grego Performances - 9:00am and 11:00am
Week 6
Swimming Pod 3
Monday 8th March - Parent Voice Meetings - 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday 9th March - WPS Senior Athletics - Years 4, 5 & 6
Wednesday 10th March - Parent Voice Meetings - 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Friday 12th March - Pod 7 Assembly 2:15pm - Hall
Week 7
Swimming Pod 7
Friday 19th March - Pod 8 Assembly 2:15pm - Hall
Week 8
Monday 22nd March - Otago Anniversary Day - School Closed
Tuesday 23rd March - Upper Clutha Athletics
Friday 26th March - Pod 5 Assembly 2:15pm - Hall
Saturday 27th March - Wānaka Trail Ride
Week 9
Monday 29th March - Board Meeting 5.00pm - Staffroom
Wednesday 31st March - Clued Up Kids Programme Y6
Thursday 1st April - Clued Up Kids Programme Y6
Friday 2nd April - Easter Friday - School Closed
Week 10
Monday 5th April - Easter Monday - School Closed
Tuesday 6th April - Easter Tuesday - School Closed
Wednesday 7th April - PTA Meeting 7:00pm - Staffroom
Friday 9th April - Pod 4 Assembly 2:15pm - Hall
Week 11
Monday 12th April - Top Bike
Tuesday 13th April - WPS Junior Athletics Years 1, 2 & 3
Friday 16th April - Term 1 Ends
IMPORTANT NOTICES
No Subway Orders this Friday
There will be no Subway Orders this Friday due to Challenge.
Scholastic Book Brochures
The first brochure for 2021 is available from classrooms now. If you wish to place an order, please follow the instructions on the inside back cover of the brochure - Option 1 Credit Card/Loop System.
If you wish your order to be a 'gift', please tick the "Gift" option and advise Katrina also as a back-up. Orders close at 3pm on Tuesday 23rd February. All orders when received are handed out to the children unless the office is notified.
2021 Annual School Activity Fee The annual activity fee is $40.00 per child for 2021. This is a compulsory fee which covers extra-curricular costs, such as those incurred by bringing visiting performers/specialists to Wānaka, for example, sports coaching, dance/music/drama performances and special events. Collecting this annual fee avoids the time consuming exercise of collecting 500 plus entry fees each time there is a performance or activity. The $40.00 payment is required by 26th February 2021, please make your payment as soon as possible, as participation in such activities is on a user pays basis.
Payments can be made by:
Direct credit to Wanaka Primary School - account 02-0673-0023784-001
Eftpos - available at the school office
Cash - please ensure you provide your child's name and room number with payment.
School Donations for 2021 The school donation for 2021 is $150.00. The BOT requests the donation annually to assist with costs (not covered by the MOE operations grant), these include providing specialist teaching tutors (eg. Maori and Music), extra resources and teaching / learning enrichment and extension programmes, as well as employing extra staff to address teacher / student ratios. Our 2021 class sizes are smaller in comparison with Ministry staffing levels because the Board employ extra teachers. This is not sustainable without your school donation.
Tax deductible receipts are issued for all donations.
Bus Standing Orders Thank you to the parents who have updated their children’s bus standing orders.
For those that still need to update their children’s bus standing order please contact the office as soon as possible. |
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Learning Support Team Profiles Emma Stewart - Literacy Lift (Monday-Thursday)
I started my teaching career in 2006 and have taught across all year groups from new entrants to year 8. I have held my current position as a Literacy Lift Teacher at Wānaka Primary since the beginning of 2017. I find working with small targeted groups a really rewarding experience! My husband and I live in Albert Town with our three children. Maisey is seven, Jacob is five and Allie is a sassy two year old. Life is busy but we wouldn’t want it any other way. As a family, we love exploring the outdoors spending time camping, jet boating, waterskiing, biking and snow skiing. Another passion of mine is getting creative with sewing and painting projects (although, this can be challenging with my three wee helpers). Marg Grieve
I am a specialist teacher and have the privilege of working on developing literacy skills with small groups of students. I have been at WPS. for 25 years and prior to this I taught at Hawea Flat School and at a wide variety of urban and rural schools throughout New Zealand and overseas. My teaching career spans 45 years during which time I have seen many changes and exciting developments in education. I have always maintained a strong interest in developing the core literacy and numeracy skills needed for all further learning. I am a trained reading recovery teacher and in 2015 I completed the SPELD certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties. I have held management units as lead teacher of numeracy and have led the implementation of structured literacy skills programmes at WPS. I am proud of the fact that the team at WPS. was one of the first to implement the comprehensive literacy skills programme Steps which now has 997 user schools.
I am married to Peter Thomson who is known to many through his work as manager at Treble Cone for many years and we have 2 adult daughters, a border terrier and a mini schnauzer. I enjoy biking, paddle boarding, walking the dogs and half days skiing.
I am delighted to witness the recent acknowledgement and development of resources by the Ministry of Education to support students with dyslexia in our schools and I look forward to seeing these being utilised as part of a balanced approach to teaching reading which will support all students but especially those with specific learning difficulties.
Marj Cosgrove
My teaching career started in rural Southland in 2003. Prior to that I had worked in the banking sector for 20 years in Invercargill. In 2007 my husband Cosie and I moved to Wānaka when I began teaching at Wānaka Primary School. I have taught in the junior and middle school areas from New Entrant through to Year 4. Lately my teaching career has moved into the Literacy Support area working firstly in Reading Recovery and then over the last two years developing students' phonological awareness skills, the key element in the development of word recognition.
Down south in Invercargill I have 2 married daughters and 4 beautiful grandchildren (2 girls, 2 boys) aged 5, 3 and 2 years and a 5 month old. I love going to visit for my “Nana cuddles and fun”. My parents and a brother live in Invercargill also. My youngest sister lives overseas in Melbourne and I am lucky to have my other sister recently move here to Wānaka. Having family nearby is great.
I enjoy reading, gardening, walking, skiing, knitting and playing the guitar. I have 2 newfound interests in the past 6 months - golf and biking. I had to get fit enough to do the Alps to Ocean trail ride recently. What a fantastic experience that was!
I love working with young children. They are entertaining at best and getting to know them gives me much pleasure. I enjoy seeing them grow and transfer their skills through their learning journey. Teaching is a pleasure and a privilege.
Week 3 Update I am so impressed with the classes, our students and teachers as I walk around the pods. Everywhere there are settled, focused children, and teachers working with groups and individuals immersed in their work. Our admin staff and TAs are busy supporting teachers and students and the leadership team are overseeing their pods with an eye to putting in support to help teachers personalise each child's learning pathway. And then we have Leah our SENCO and her team of TAs actively engaged with children with extra needs or learning differences. Marg, Emma and Marj are our Literacy Lift team who withdraw small groups from classrooms to provide accelerated literacy learning. This is a programme developed by the team at WPS of which we are very proud. Also Jo and Megan provide Reading Recovery sessions for our children identified as having extra needs at the age of 6 years old. It is great to see that the Reading Recovery programme has been updated to offer more of a phonological awareness and phonetic approach which is good to see. Add in Melissa our librarian, John our caretaker and the admin team and what a great team to lead. Next week and the week after, we will feature some more staff profiles.
Gunn Road Roundabout areas being upgraded Thanks everyone for your feedback and suggestions. I have forwarded these to the contractor. In the meantime please make sure your children have explicit instructions and have been with you for a ride through this area to WPS and MAC. As I have had feedback that cars still exceed the 30km speed limit, I would be safe rather than sorry and ride with them if you can or transport them yourselves.
Covid precautions
We will continue to wash hands, do deep cleans of our pods and provide social distancing as much as we can within a primary school. I will keep you in touch with MoH and MoE updates as soon as I get them. Please scan before coming into school as contact tracing seems to be the key to holding this virus at bay. Have face masks (reusable) on hand as it may be that these are the next step in living with this epidemic. All events including Challenge are going ahead until we hear different from the organisers or the minister.
We are well prepared to live with Covid at school, but we are also clued up and well planned for online learning - whatever comes our way we have a strategy in place! We look forward to your support either way.
Challenge update
We are so sorry about the piecemeal information you have been given in dribs and drabs. We have sent it as soon as we received it from the organisers and it has been patchy and spread out - new organiser and new venue. Hopefully this update will give you all you need to know. Please let us know if there is anything we have missed. (Information under School Notices)
Dates to note on your calendar
Wednesday 24th February: Welcome back to School Jump Jam Jump Off 5pm - 7pm We will be starting with a powhiri so we ask that all families wait by the hall and at 5pm sharp we (the staff and Board) will welcome you all onto the school. Then there will be a Jump Off whilst you enjoy a picnic tea, or fish and chips or takeaway of choice. Then you are welcome to follow your children into their pod to meet the teachers and have a look at the space your child will spend the next year in. We look forward to seeing you there.
The PTA will be there and will have Pure NZ Icecreams for sale by the Staffroom Entrance Door. Please feel free to show your support for the PTA by filling in their HELP forms for different events.
Thursday 25th February: Pork Pie Challenge and Tribe Colours
Bring a gold coin donation to support Jarrod and Maddi Fraser as they raise funds for KidsCan (a Charitable Trust for disadvantaged children in NZ). Their car will be parked at school and they will come in on Thursday to tell the children about the challenge.
The afternoon will be a tribe afternoon so come to school in tribe colours.
Wednesday 3rd March: PTA meeting We have our committee in place so you don't need to worry about having a job dumped on you...come along and hear about our plans. We would love your support and people power at our events. Thursday 4th March: Lab in a Box Year 3 and 4 children attend a science session 'Lab in a Box' (paid for by your school activity fee)
Friday 5th March: El Gregoe Everyone will take part in the El Gregoe (comedian/magician performance) in the hall in either the 9.15am or 11am performance. This performance is focused on our values and being a good citizen, caring and supporting others. This is also funded by your school activity fee. Please make sure this has been paid - $40 per student
Monday 8th March and Wednesday 10th March: Parent Voice Meetings This is your chance to come and tell your teacher ALL about your child. And...the teachers will listen and take heed as you know your child the best. We will send examples of questions you can ask so make sure you note down things you would like to say about your child, or ask the teacher, in readiness for these 10 minute slots. We will let you know when the booking system is up and running to book your time.
PTA projects this year We had an excellent meeting last week and have planned the following events and the teams that will work on them. The PTA committee would appreciate your support with these. If you can offer people power or contributions of some kind please get in touch with the PTA Cook Book - we are creating a culinary masterpiece using your favourite recipes so watch out for an invitation to send along that recipe, adored by your family. We have a planning meeting this week so will let you know more details once the Cook Book team has a plan. We aim to have these on sale in term 4 for Xmas. Easter Buns at the end of the term Mothers' Day Movie evening - Friday 7th May PTA SKI Sale - Saturday 15th May Fathers' Day Breakie Friday 3rd September Friday Night Lights Gala- Friday 17th September
If you are interested in helping or supporting any of these activities please email the PTA at [email protected]. The subcommittees will already have a plan in place, we will just need slave labour! We need you to get these events off the ground so please get in behind us. |
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Challenge Wānaka
An email will be sent out tonight with everything you need to know for this event. |
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SchoolDocs Policies and Procedures Wānaka Primary School works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies and procedures. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well researched and follow the Ministry of Education National Administration Guidelines. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behaviour management, reporting to parents, etc.
SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our board of trustees has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented. We will advise you when policies are up for review and how you can take part in the review.
If you would like to visit our SchoolDocs site simply: Go to - https://wanaka.schooldocs.co.nz Username is "wanaka" Password "wanakaprimary" Also please note that: Except where stated, the content on the site is the copyright of SchoolDocs Ltd. It may not be reproduced without written permission from SchoolDocs Ltd. |
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Wānaka Trail Ride Our biggest fundraiser of the year is nearly here! Wānaka Trail Ride is locked in for Saturday 27th March. Don’t miss this stunning all-ages and all-abilities trail ride for trail bikes, quad bikes and peewees. For just one day, riders have access onto private high country farmland at Deep Creek, Long Gully and Lindis Peak Stations near Tarras. Trails cover all levels of riding from beginners to expert single trails. Food and coffee available on site. The event is 100% volunteer-run and is always a great day of family-friendly fun and incredible scenery. Register online at www.wanakatrailride.org. |
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Sponsors of the Wānaka Trail Ride Wānaka Primary School and Montessori Children's House would like to thank the following businesses for their generosity in sponsoring our Wānaka Trail Ride.
If you own a business and would be interested in sponsoring the Wānaka Trail Ride please contact Anne-Marie on [email protected].
Land Access
Denis Nyhon - Lucy Annan and Simon Mailing
Gold Sponsors
Maungatua Contracting - Stonewood Homes
Bronze Sponsors
Aspiring Helicopters - Puzzling World - Ecco Landscapes - Hirepool Wanaka
Additional Sponsors
Alpine Auto Centre - Tyreland Wanaka - Custom Digital - Placemakers
Cardrona Alpine Resort - 4 Square - Rotorworx - Tonia’s Photography - Logical1
Challenge Wānaka - Subway - The Lake Bar - Mitre 10 - Moto South
Wireless Rentals - Wānaka Wastebusters |
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Pure NZ Icecreams for Sale We will have Pure NZ Icecreams for Sale at the Welcome back to School Jump Jam Jump Off. Came and find us at the Staffroom Door Entrance to the Office Building. 1 icecream for $3 2 icecreams for $5 |
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Library News Click here to find out why reading picture books repeatedly is good for your children. We have lots of new books - come and check them out! Click here to view our Library Webapp which also gives access to our eLibrary and lots of useful links, activities and book recommendations. There are also lots of talking stories including ones from Melissa, our librarian.
Feel free to email Melissa at any time if you have any questions. |
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Wānaka Associated Football Club Registrations for the 2021 Junior Season are now open. Training for all junior age groups will start from the first week of March (U6s start 17th March).
Game weekends for the season will be played during Term 2 only, from the first weekend of May, until the last round on Sunday 11th July.
Wanaka AFC will also be holding Girls Only Football, for age groups U9 and older, for those that would like to train and play in a girls only competition.
Please visit https://www.facebook.com/wanakafootball/ or http://www.wanakafootball.nz/ for more information on how to register. |
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Wānaka Samurai Karate Club Start your journey to black belt this year at the Wānaka Primary School Hall on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 4:30pm.
Check us out on Facebook: Wanaka Samurai Karate
and contact Sensei Gabriela on 027 2106459 or [email protected] |
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Origami at Wānaka Library |
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Challenge Wānaka - Volunteers Volunteering at Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka on Saturday 20th February is both rewarding and inspiring. Volunteers are the heart and soul of Challenge Wānaka and we couldn't do it without your support and passion. We are super excited to be holding the event at Glendhu Bay this year and can't wait for you to join us. Race day is on Saturday 20th February and we have plenty of roles available from kayakers to helping hand out medals, course marshals to aid station helpers. Get together a group of friends or come along with your family - there are roles to suit all ages and abilities. Please email Sarah Searle, Volunteer Manager at [email protected] for more details or register online www.challenge-wanaka.com - thank you!
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Netball Excellence in Training Skills Academy
Click on the link to register: https://forms.gle/NeTmoiG8DcNBeUMu6 |
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Upper Clutha Junior Rugby Club AGM
Thursday 4th March 2021 - Rugby Club Rooms 7.00pm
Would all intending coaches from U7 up, Committee members and helpers please attend.
Come along & support your local junior rugby.
Apologies to:
[email protected] 027 4306548
Paul Mavor 0274 730100 |
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Netball Coach Development Opportunities
Thursday 18th March 2021
12 noon Steel v Pulse Game - Queenstown Events Centre, Coach Mentoring and Coach Development Plan, Mentoring by Lana Morrison, limited to three coaches (first in first served)
Cost $15.00 (includes ticket to game)
Thursday 18th March 2021
5-8pm Coach Development at Game Queenstown Events Centre - Game Analysis Workshop starts at 5pm and includes game analysis of second Steel v Pulse game. Lana Morrison facilitating.
Cost $20.00 (includes ticket to the game).
Friday 19th March 2021
3.30pm-4.30pm - Mt Aspiring College 101 Plantation Road, Wanaka Skills and Drills - Steel player delivery to Students. Coach Observation from sideline - Lana Morrison assisting unpack Steel player delivery.
Cost $10.00
Saturday 20th March 2021
10-30am-11am NetballSmart Warm up, Molyneux Park, Boundary Road, Alexandra NetballSmart Warm up - Georgie Bryce
11am-12.30pm Introduction to Coaching, Molyneux Park, Boundary Road, Alexandra Coach Workshop, Lana Morrison to assist new coaches. Cost $10.00.
If you are interested in any of these coach development opportunities please use the link below to register.
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/154944
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Wānaka Community Hub - Recycled Art Sale |
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| Delicious, nutritious and popular with kids, Subway delivers school lunches every Friday. Order online at subwayexpress.co.nz by 9am. |
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