VOGELTOWN SCHOOL PANUI
TE KURA O HUATOKI. TERM 4, WEEK 4, 2024.
KIA ORA VOGELTOWN WHĀNAU!
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Time together at a combined Kahui Ako meeting yesterday was a timely reminder of the importance of well-being. The Kahui Ako organised Tracey of Trace Consulting to come along and share some well-being ideas. Unfortunately, I'm not able to recall all of what she shared in this short time however, a quick internet search has revealed the following things (from other sources) which I thought was worth sharing.
Often our lives are just so busy that we don't take a moment to stop and consider just how well we are going. As mentioned to us all yesterday, it's really hard to fill something using an empty cup so here are five things to consider around maintain a sense of wellbeing:
Step 1 – Connect
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you an opportunity to share positive experiences, provide emotional support and allow you to support others. Being social means different things for different people – you might prefer being in quieter situations with one other person, or you might like being in big groups.
Step 2 – Get active
Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health. There are many different things you can do to be a bit more active. Studies have shown that getting active can help you sleep better, have happier moods, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and racing thoughts.
Step 3 – Take notice
Reminding yourself to take notice can help you to be aware of how you're feeling. It can help you understand what triggers your feelings of stress or anxiety. Some studies have shown that savouring ‘the moment’ can also help you to feel more positive about life.
Step 4 – Learn
We're always learning new things – often without realising it. Feeling like you're learning and developing can boost your self-esteem.
Step 5 – Give
There's been lots of research about the effects of taking part in social and community life. Some studies have shown that people who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.
Even if there is one thing here that resonates with you, give it go! After all, we are the ones in charge of our own well-being.
Ryves
PUANGA PLACINGS
Following our performance at Puanga, we had great success at the prizegiving. Te Kura o Huatoki were awarded the following:
- 1st place - kaitātaki wahine
- 3rd place - poi
- 3rd place - overall
Some comments from the judges:
Solo at the start, you did so well to hold those low notes girl!
Male solo, such a great voice. You're one to watch out for.
To the boy to the left of the leader-how cool you were getting into the waiata and smiling.
Thank you for sharing your gifts with us today.
Poi was such a joy to watch. The tune was amazing.
Kaitātaki for waiata was just amazing. It made me tear, her reo was amazing.
Great unity. Strong and together. Very clear.
Enjoy the waiata you sing and never forget to smile and present your aroha.
The performance made everyone watching feel super proud and reminded us all of the wairua or spirit that runs through our school. Again a big thank you to Whaea Raewyn, Ms Pretty and Mr Ransfield for their mahi. We are very proud of our kapa haka tamariki!
THANK YOU TO SPEEDY SIGNS
Speedy Signs have sponsored and installed the new signs at the junior school. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe. This means they look similar in design to the new signage at the senior side. We appreciate the efforts of Matt and the team helping us out with this and to Katy McLean too for her efforts in this space.
SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS
We are very excited about our upcoming school productions! The decision to split into syndicates for this was to allow them a little more autonomy during what is a very busy term and to give them the chance to put together a performance suited to the interest and abilities of the children.
All our syndicates will be having two sessions of their production held in our school hall.
One is a matinee from 12pm to 1pm, one is an evening session from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
The Paetoki (senior) syndicate production is called ‘The Battle of the Mountains’.
They will be performing this in their two sessions on Wednesday 20th November.
The Huatoki (middle) syndicate production is called ‘The Great White Man-Eating Shark’.
They will be performing this in their two sessions on Wednesday 27th November.
The Taranaki (junior) syndicate production is called ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’.
They will be performing this in their two sessions on Wednesday 4th December.
More information will come from your child’s teacher which will include timings for drop offs/pick ups for the evening performances.
We look forward to seeing you there!
YEAR 6 SWIMMING SAFETY SKILLS
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL
Like all schools we’re working hard to improve levels of attendance. The Ministry of Education has set a target for all schools to have a high proportion of students with an attendance rate of 90% and better. Currently we have 57% of our children with an attendance rate of 90-100% so there is plenty of room for improvement.
The evidence shows that attendance is directly related to how well learners achieve. The more learners attend, the higher their achievement.
Going to school is important for learners’ wellbeing too. The research shows that frequent absence is associated with worse wellbeing outcomes, including schoolwork‐related anxiety, decreased sense of belonging, and fewer friendships with peers.
We’re keen to work with you to ensure all children have access to regular learning. If you have any aspects of attendance that you need to discuss, I recommend making a time to talk with your child’s teacher.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
An email from Photolife was sent out to all families last week, including details on how to order photos. Some families have said this email went into their junk or spam folders.
If you still haven't received it, please contact the school office and we will give you the details.
Orders must be placed by midnight on Sunday 17th November for free delivery to school. Any orders placed after this time will incur a postage fee for delivery to your home.
VS HOME AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
CALENDAR ART
If you haven't received the flyer that came home with details on how to place an order, please contact the school office. There are calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats and sketch pads available - these make great Christmas presents! Orders need to be placed by Monday 11th November to ensure these arrive in time for Christmas.
PIZZA DAY
Our next pizza day is on Wednesday 13th November - you can place your orders through Kindo now. Orders close on Monday 11th November at 8pm.
COOKIE TIME
Our Cookie Time fundraiser is now underway! You can place orders through Kindo - information is on the flyer below.
Thank you for your support!
HATS IN TERM 4
It's now that time of year when our tamariki need protection from the sun's harmful rays - bucket hats must be worn every day during Term 4. We have the famous Vogeltown School bucket hats for sale at the senior office for $20 each, but any bucket hat can be worn. Children not wearing a hat will need to remain in a shaded area during break times. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
WEET-BIX KIDS TRYATHLON 2025
The 2025 Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon is being held in New Plymouth on Tuesday 25th March 2025 at Ngamotu Beach.
If you wish to enter your child and register them under the Vogeltown School group, here is the link to do this:
http://raceroster.com/events/2025/93896/new-plymouth-weet-bix-kids-tryathlon/register?team=714836
We will have a Vogeltown tent up for children to meet but parents are responsible for their children on the day.
TARANAKI PRIMARY SCHOOLS YEAR 5/6 SURFING COMPETITION
Surfing Taranaki are hosting this event at the New Plymouth Surfriders Club on Tuesday 3rd December (postponement date of Wednesday 4th December).
If your child wishes to enter you can register them using the link below. You will need to attend with your child and provide them with a wetsuit and board. Cost to enter is $5 per child which can be paid on the day.
VOGELTOWN SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024
TERM CALENDAR
Put all these dates in your diary or your phone! Remember we will put all updates on Facebook, Skool Loop and Seesaw.
TERM 4
11 November - Final day for placing calendar art orders
11 November - Final day for ordering pizza lunches
13 November - Pizza lunch day
15 November - Four Year Old Friday, 9:00am to 11:00am, Junior School
15 November - Athletics (senior and middle school)
18 November - Cohort entry #2 begins
20 November - Paetoki production matinee/night
22 November - Vogeltowner Awards
26 November - BOT meeting
27 November - Huatoki production matinee/night
28 November - Hangi sleepover (Year 6 students)
29 November - Four Year Old Friday, 9:00am to 11:00am, Junior School
29 November - Hangi day
4 December - Taranaki production matinee/night
6 December - Whole school assembly
10 December - Whanau tabloid sports
11 December - Year 6 farewell assembly
11 December - Meet the teacher for 2025
11 December - Year 6 leavers night
13 December - Last day of school for 2024. School finishes at 3:00pm.
TERM 1 2025
Friday 31 January - Mahi tahi meetings (to be confirmed)
Monday 3 February - First day of school
Thursday 6 February - Waitangi Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
TERM 4 SCHOOL GOAL: RESPECT / WHAKAUTE
KA KITE ANO WHANAU
Stay safe and be kind to each other. Thank you for the ongoing support of Vogeltown School, we really appreciate the efforts everyone makes to ensure our kura is such a great place to learn and work!
On behalf of the Vogeltown team, ka kite ano!
Ryves Hunt and the VS team
VOGELTOWN SCHOOL CONTACTS
Email: office@vogeltown.school.nz
Website: www.vogeltown.school.nz
Location: Vogeltown School Huatoki Street, Vogeltown, New Plymouth, New Zealand
Phone: (06) 753 6843
SCHOOLDOCS - VOGELTOWN POLICIES
Our school policies, like many schools, are now in an online system through a portal called 'Schooldocs'. Any time you want to bring up a school policy, just log in to schooldocs and you can access the policies.
The login is: vogeltown
The password: huatoki
The website link to Schooldocs is below.