As we reach the end of the year and look back in the rear view mirror we have had a great year of Learning, Sports, Cultural activities and much much more.
Some of the sporting opportunities this year have included, Netball, Soccer, Athletics, Hockey, Cross Country, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Rugby, Croquet, and the Totara Springs Sports camp. A HUGE MASSIVE thank you goes to Mrs Paul for her commitment and dedication to sport at TAPS. If it wasn't for her many hours of organising teams, entering teams, organising coaches and standing on the sidelines in all weather we simply wouldn't have the same amount of fantastic opportunities here for our children. So, on behalf of all of us, we thank you Mrs Paul for all you do for sports at TAPS. Thank you so much.
Learning at TAPS has taken a focus on what children are learning, why they are learning it and where to next with the learning. It has been an exciting mind shift for teachers and students alike. We are continuing this journey in 2024 as we move to the Spotlight platform. Spotlight is going to be a powerful tool in strengthening the home-school learning partnership. Parents, Whānau and Caregivers will have realtime access to student learning. You will be able to see what your children are learning, the workshops they are attending and you will also be able to see when your child uploads evidence to support a learning intention being met. As this is a large undertaking, the teachers will introduce one learning area at a time, as they implement this new way of learning.
You are crucial partners in the learning journey of your children, we will keep you updated with progress as we go along. Look out for an information evening coming in Term 1.
In the Waihou Hub this year, the teachers have undertaken professional development in Accelerating Learning in Literacy. This is has been successful, with results showing the acceleration programme has had a positive impact on student achievement. With this in mind, we have signed up to take part again in 2024, this time it will be Tikapa Moana (middle hub) taking part in the programme.
Other highlights in 2023 have been our Maths Week, our Book Fair and Special Persons Day, John Parsons cyber safety talks, the celebration of language weeks for a range of cultures, and the weekly TECH classes for our Year 7 & 8 students at TAC.
We also mustn't forget to mention the recent Year 7 & 8 camp to Omokoroa. The children had the best time over the 3 days. They did Rock Climbing, Escape Rooms, A day at Waimarino Water Park, and a day at the Gold Centre in Waihi. A lot of time and effort went into planning the camp, so it was heart warming to hear what a magical time the students had. Thank you to the teachers for making this happen.
Last, but absolutely not least - we have had a great year of Kapa Haka. Kapa Haka has been passionately led by Matua Rawiri and Mrs B...the passion these two have for kapa haka is infectious, and is reflected in the large number of students who turn out every week for practice. Kapa Haka is one the special character features of Te Aroha Primary School and something that we treasure. Thank you to all our tamariki who keep the passion going.
Our support and teaching staff were celebrated throughout the year with their celebration day and week.
A huge THANK YOU must go to Miss Entwisle and the teachers for the fantastic production of "Lost in the Library" that we all got to enjoy this term. It was a brilliant show and allowed all our students to shine, particularly our lead characters who wove the show together beautifully. There is a link below to view the show
Thanks must go to our outstanding and amazing BOT and PTA groups here at TAPS. A lot of what the BOT does goes unnoticed as they oversee the governance of the school and work behind the scenes. I can tell you though that they are a super group to work with and we are extremely lucky to have them governing our school. For those of you who are new to our school, the BOT consists of;
Darren Diprose - Presiding Member
Dave Johnston - Property
Amy Paetai - Finance
Sam Vercoe - Policies and Procedures
Maree Burns - Health and Safety
Megan Paul - Staff Representative
During Term 4, the BOT, in conjunction with the principal and some of our senior leaders, have constructed our schools annual plan for 2024.
The plan is made up of four main parts;
Academic learning - Students are leaders of their learning
Teaching and leadership - Leadership and teaching is effective
School culture and community - Active partnerships with whānau, family and community
People, Tools and Resources - The school has what it needs for students to be successful
Each of the areas have initiatives attached to achieve the goal. The initiatives have measures and actions that provide clarity to the direction needed and all goals have timeframes and people responsible for ensuring they stay on track.
We will share the plan with you early in the new year.
Our PTA are the visible fundraising parent group whose tireless efforts raise much needed funds that support student learning, subsides trips and works towards major projects like a new playground that we are hoping to make good progress on next year. On behalf of all of us at TAPS, including Parents, Caregivers and Whānau, we thank you so very much for all your hard work.
Our 2023 PTA is
Cam Melrose, Jen Hirawani, Kate Wassell, Lesley Wilson, Nadine Bradding, Nakita McNab, Nikki Williams, Torina Halford, Amy Paetai and Kandis Bettridge
