2024 Term 2 Week 4

Kia ora e te whānau

In true Term 2 fashion, it has been a busy two weeks at Pekapekarau with so many amazing opportunities for our tamariki. Every day there seems to have been exciting things with Wheels Day, Road Safety Week, Pink Shirt Day, and ASB Financial Literacy.

I was very fortunate and attended a Leadership Conference in Brisbane two weeks ago and visited some schools. This awesome experience gave me an insight into some new approaches to how we can support our students with social and emotional learning in a fast-paced world that is constantly changing. It was also a great opportunity to reflect on the amazing place we have and how we provide opportunities for all our tamariki to be involved in so many different events and learning pathways. All alongside the importance of teaching the basics well.

It appears that the Winter Bugs are truly upon us. We often have parents/caregivers ask us in the office about how long tamariki should be off school for certain illnesses. This link has a range of information for parents: https://info.health.nz/pregnancy-children/childhood-conditions/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-guidance-for-parents/

Since the start of 2024, our tauira (students) have demonstrated outstanding behaviour, filling the house points container to the brim. Their exemplary display of our school values as Pekapekarau Stars has earned them a whole school reward. To celebrate this achievement, a Wheels Day was organised for each buddy class. There has been lots of fun and excitement on wheels! This has tied in well with Road Safety Week, learning to walk our wheels in and out of the school safely, especially around pedestrians.

We are wrapping up Road Safety Week, where our students engaged in various activities and discussions centred around promoting road safety awareness. Some of our leaders have created a really cool video that we have shared in Singing Assembly, on Facebook and further below in this newsletter. Please support us in using the crossing in the morning and afternoon. Walking directly across to the side street from our bus stop is dangerous, hence the placement of the crossing where it is. Thank you for your commitment to keeping all of our school community safe when crossing the road.

Our Enviro Warriors have been out in the Te Awamutu Food Forest with the community volunteers learning from their expertise. A big shout out to their team for their invaluable contributions to our school's gardening space, particularly the TA food forest. Your dedication and efforts are helping to create a thriving green space that benefits our students and community alike. Take the time to walk through there in the weekend and look at the signs, the planting and talk about how we can be kaitiaki and look after this space together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pink Shirt Day! Together, we raised $172.00 in support of kindness and anti-bullying initiatives. Your participation and support have made a significant impact on a campaign that we are passionate about here at Pekapekarau.

An Important Reminder: Teacher Only Day (TOD) - Friday 31st May

As advised in previous communication, please note that next Friday the 31st May is a Teacher Only Day. Several Te Awamutu Schools also have their Teacher Only day on this day, as well. The Safe & Happy Club is running a programme in our school hall if you need care on this day. If you're interested in this opportunity, please contact Laille via email at info@safeandhappyclub.co.nz. We will look forward to seeing you all back at kura (after the long weekend that is King’s Birthday) on Tuesday 4th June. It might also be important to note that some other schools are having their Teacher Only Day on the 14th June, otherwise known as Field Days Friday. We will be business as usual that day.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou

Tania and the Pekapekarau Team