ARDMORE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

* Kia orana * Guten Tag * Nǐ hǎo * Sat sri akal * Hola

* Chào bạn * Bula * Hallo *As-salamu ‘Alakum

Welcome back to school for 2024. We all hope you have had a lovely break. It is great to see all the children looking well rested and ready to go. A very warm welcome to all our new families who have joined Ardmore School this year. We hope you all settle in well and enjoy your time here.

On Tuesday 30 January we began the year by welcoming our new tamariki, their whānau, and new staff with a school whakatau. A whakatau is a form of welcome ceremony similar to a pōwhiri, but less formal.

On Monday 5 February we welcomed our new Deputy Principal, Mr Tim Bradley and his whānau with a whakatau. Tim is returning to Ardmore School having previously taught at Ardmore from 2008 - 2014.

We have a number of new teachers joining the staff this year. Mr Sunny Chand and Mr Andre Schutte join Ruru Whānau (Year 7 & 8); Ms Cassandra Ter Weijden and Mr Ronan Cabillo join Tūī Whānau (Year 4 - 6) and Ms Holly Brown and Mrs Rebecca Kirby join Piwakawaka Whānau.

Mrs Carleen Ashford has won a Teach NZ Scholarship and is on study leave for the year.

Ms Georgia Scherini will leave us shortly to take up her parental leave.

Mrs Trisha Quinn is returning from leave on a part-time basis for terms 1 & 2.

A few reminders to start the year

• Classes begin at 9am each day. Please ensure children are at school in time to organise their belongings and set themselves up for the day. Intermediate tamariki (Ruru Whānau) MUST be at school by 8.45am on Tuesdays to catch the Tech bus.

• School finishes at 3pm. No child is able to leave the school grounds without an adult. Children wait for their parents in the quad under the red sails.

• Please ensure students are in the correct school uniform. All students need a school hat. Shoes/sandals must be plain black along with either black ankle or knee length socks.

• Swimming is part of the curriculum in term 1. We recommend a rash shirt is worn and we ask that bikinis are not worn. Swimming days and times have been sent home.

• Sunscreen is available at school, however please put this on in the morning before school.

• Please do not send any medication to school with your child. If your child has any special medical requirements please contact the school office.

• If for any reason you need to collect or drop something off to your child during the school day, please ensure you come through the school office and collect a visitor's badge.

The school’s Student Council provides a leadership opportunity and learning experience for children at all levels of the school, while providing a means for students to have a voice in the organisation and running of the school.

Included with this newsletter is information in relation to the Student Council, a job description for the Student Councillor - Classroom Representative role and the 2024 Student Council Election Timeline.

Nomination forms will come home today with your child. Please remember to sign your child’s nomination form if they are interested in seeking election for one of these roles. There is one boy and one girl representative from each classroom.

2024 Student Council Election Timeline

Please make sure you have read the Whānau Group newsletter. This provides information pertinent to your child's class.

We are looking forward to another successful year, thank you for your support.

Ruru Tech begins: Tuesday 13 February. Tamariki must be at school by 8.45am.

PSG Second Hand Uniform Sale Tuesday 13 February 2.30 - 3.15pm School Hall. All items $5. Eftpos only.

Board Meeting: Monday 19 February 7.30pm Teacher Workspace.

PSG AGM: Tuesday 20 February 7.30pm Teacher Workspace.

Please be aware that Easter falls during term time this year. Schools close for the following dates:

Friday 29 March - Good Friday

Monday 1 April - Easter Monday

Tuesday 2 April - Easter Tuesday