Week 9 Term 1 Panui

Website: https://witherlea.school.nz

Bank Account Details: Witherlea School Board of Trustees

12-3167-0133327-00 Eftpos/cash available at school office

Email: office@witherlea.school.nz
Website: https://witherlea.school.nz
Location: 214-216 Weld Street, Witherlea, Blenheim 7201, New Zealand
Phone: 64 (03) 578 5568
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/witherleablenheim

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Greetings to you all.

It was great to see such high attendance rates at learning conferences last week and the feedback I heard from both staff and parents was really positive. We will aim to get you a copy of the agreed goals by the end of term.

This week we’ve been hearing lots in the media about educational engagement and achievement in New Zealand with some concerning data emerging. Fortunately for us, things look a little different at Witherlea as you will see below.

We have just completed standardised testing in Maths and Reading for our Year 4-6 students. A standardised test is norm referenced to give a high level of data reliability. It compares the performance of our students against a control group. The tables below show that our students outperformed the control groups for both tests.

It is concerning to hear that only 60% of students attend school regularly (>90%) in this country. I am thrilled to report that at Witherlea, 92% have met the criteria for regular attendance this term.

I have also checked on our behaviour data today and can report that 97.1% of students have either none or no repeated incidents of unacceptable behaviour this year.

All of this paints a pretty positive picture that we should collectively celebrate! Well done to students, parents and staff on a really positive start to 2023.

We have cancelled the working bee this Saturday due to the limited availability of people at this time. We will look to reschedule next term and hopefully rally a few more helpers.

A reminder that Friday is a non-uniform day (black & white themed) to raise funds for St John Ambulance.

Keep an eye out for the Term 2 Events and Activities Calendar due out next week and all the best for the term break.

Ngā manaakitanga

Symon Beattie

Principal

We wish to welcome these new students and their families and whānau to our school and community;

Harrison G, Oscar J

Welcome to School Certificates are given out at our assembly on a Monday morning at 9am.

Please ensure you pay the $25.00 (Year 1 - 4) $30 (Year 5 & 6) for Fundamental Skills as this covers the cost of buses to and from, Swim Safe Lessons from experts at the Stadium and extra-curricula expert training in small groups from Stadium experts.

1st, 2nd , 3rd & 4th May - Rooms 9,10 and 11

5th, 8th, 9th & 10th May - Rooms 8 and 21

11th, 12th, 15th & 16th May - Rooms Pukeko, 4 & 5

17th, 18th, 19th & 22nd May - Rooms 3, 6 & 7

23rd, 24th, 25h & 26th May - Rooms 17, 18 & 19

29th, 30th, 31st May & 1st June - Rooms 15 & 16

Dress up on Friday the 31st March with Black and White. Bring a gold coin donation to support this essential community service.

In Week 1 Term 2 there will be a teacher only day on Monday the 24th of April. Please note Tuesday the 25th of April is ANZAC Day and school will be closed for both of these dates.

Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Fair Shoutouts

Congratulations to these students who have displayed one or all of our school behaviour expectations and are a model to others;

FERNS TEAM

Poppy A - Living and breathing our Witherlea values. You are so respectful and are a wonderful friend to your Room 3 classmates.

Chloe B - Helping create a safe and inclusive classroom in room 4. You always look out for others and lend a helping hand!

KOWHAI TEAM

Amelia C - Showing kindness and empathy to other students in our class when they need a friend or help. You are such a great role model. We are lucky to have you in Room 11.

Rosa I - For being such a kind, caring classmate. You are always looking out for your friends and keeping everyone safe. Ka Pai!

KAURI TEAM

Josh W - Being a friendly and enthusiastic member of Room 18. You try your hardest in all aspects of the school day. Keep up the great positivity. Also, you are rocking your class job!

Lily D - You are always so kind, considerate and respectful towards your classmates. Showing fabulous EMPATHY, which is such an important value at our school. Ka Pai!

Charlotte M - Charlotte, Harold would be proud of you. Your name is out there because you have built a GREAT reputation! You are inclusive, kind, and supportive! You encourage others and you are a bucket filler! Tino pai!

The awards are for recognition in displaying and modelling our school motto and values; Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Fair.

This week our Year 6 Jump Jam leaders attended a 2 hour Jump Jam workshop hosted by Mr Jump Jam, Brett Fairweather. The children learnt a brand new routine from scratch and worked on technique, facial expressions and chanting.

Over the weekend Blenheim Olympic Taekwondo Club travelled to Nelson to compete in the Tasman Nelson Marlborough Championship for 2023.

George T

Bronze - Poomsae

Gold - Kyrougi

The Marlborough Table Tennis Association is again running junior table tennis starting Tuesday 25th April. It will run during term 2 and 3.

4pm – 5pm, Beginners and developing players. 5pm - Two player teams competition, any gender, Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre 50 Batty’s Road.

To register phone Debbie , 0211632140, or e-mail deb_e_j@hotmail.com

or Alex 0221890995 e-mail alexkennedy545@gmail.com