Parnell District School Pānui
Wednesday 8 May
Performing Arts Week 13 - 17 May
This year, Performing Arts Week focuses on Dance. Tamariki will spend the entire week exploring the elements of dance, experimenting with movement and choreographic devices to collaboratively create a dance piece. All children will have the opportunity to present their dances, which is a vital aspect of the Arts Curriculum.
Year 0-3
From Monday to Thursday, children in Years 0-3 will spend the first two learning blocks with their teacher, exploring movement and creating dance sequences. Their performance for whānau will be in our school hall at 2pm on Friday of Performing Arts Week. We look forward to seeing you there!
Year 4-8
On Monday this week, children in Years 4-8 chose from 16 dance options to inquire into during Performing Arts Week. Options were based around a variety of dance styles and themes. Throughout the week, children will stay in their option group to learn about the elements of dance, choreographic devices specific to their dance style or theme. They will use them to explore and create movement sequences. Each dance option will create their own unique dance performance to present on the Thursday following Performing Arts Week (Thursday, 23 May) at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tickets are available at the school office for this exciting event.
Bike Skills Year 7-8
Auckland's busy roads can be a deterrent for choosing to ride a bike. To encourage our tamariki and build their biking confidence, classes in Year 7 and 8 have been learning bike skills with Bigfoot Adventures. Fully funded by Auckland Transport (AT), the Bike Skills programme runs over two days and covers bike safety checks, legal requirements, clothing choice and safe riding techniques. Bike training enhances students cycling skills and teaches them how to ride their bikes safely and confidently.
For some children, it was the first time they had been on a bike. It was incredibly rewarding to see their resilience in action as they persevered and mastered the skill of riding a bike. Others built their confidence riding on our local roads.
PDS Library
Early this year, the PDS Library opened with gusto and a rush of tamariki keen to see what was new in the space and new on the shelves. It was an exciting start to a busy term. All classes visit once a week to choose books to take home, listen to stories, discover new genres to read. Many hope the book they added to the wish list was on the “New Books” shelf.
We had more than 40 students apply to be part of the library team, and 22 very capable Year 4- 8 were chosen. They have proven to be great at helping others, generous with their time, energy, organisation and attention to detail. We decided they would be called “Mrs T and the Olympians” after the popular book series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" - perfectly suited as they’re mighty, brave and determined! A big shout-out to Libby Armstrong and Bella Andrew as our Olympian Leaders.
Lunchtimes are busy - there are groups reading, others playing games and others who just want a place to sit and chat. This term, we have “Zen Zone” on Thursday - a lunchtime where it’s a quiet space where only reading is encouraged.
I love the way our tamariki are keen to read so a big thank you to parents, caregivers and staff who encourage them to read and enjoy books. Please check in with your child about their library books. Ask them about the story, who their favourite character is or even take time to read it together. All of these have enormous benefits to your child’s interest and enthusiasm for reading and books. Happy Reading
Kath Twomey
Librarian
Our After School Care programme offers a range of amazing activities to keep your children engaged and having fun while mastering new skills. You must book them online. Click on the C4 logo to book or visit pds.aimyplus.com. For more information you can also contact our C4 Manager Claire Jeffries on clairej@parnell.school.nz.
Mondays
- Shine - Speech and Drama
- Brain Play - Coding (Y4-8)
Tuesdays
- Brain Play - Coding (Y1-3)
Wednesdays
- Chess
Thursdays
- Skateboarding - Young Guns Skate School
Fridays
- Football - WYNRS (1-8)
Quiz Night and Live Auction Fundraiser.
This is our main fundraising event for the year and we are hoping to raise $20,000 for the school. The event will start with an online Silent Auction, open for bidding on Wednesday 22 May and running until the Quiz Night. Some of these items will go forward to a Live Auction on the night, so you'll need to come along to get your last bids in!
The Quiz Night itself will be a fun night of food, games, quiz questions and the culmination of our online Auction. Come along with your friends or just ask at the office and we can put you onto a table with other families from your child's class. Tickets are $35 and will be available soon from the school office.
A selection of Indian curries will be available (including vegetarian) to purchase at the Quiz Night. Kindly supplied by the Flying Rickshaw Indian Eatery in Devonport.
We are also looking for school whānau to support our event in the following ways:
- Donations of new items, gym memberships, restaurant vouchers, spa gift cards, etc for the auction. Ask a friendly local business if they'd like to support PDS with a donation. Physical items can be given to Amy at the office. E-vouchers and business contacts can be directed to pta@parnell.school.nz
- Attend the Quiz Night - Tickets on sale soon! Watch out for posters going up around the school, then buy your tickets from the school office. Join with friends to make a table, or let Amy know your room number and we'll sit you with fellow class parents. A great way to meet new families!
- Volunteer your time - We need helpers for a range of roles, including photography, decorating the hall, and helping on the night. Come along to the meeting on Wednesday 8 May at 6pm or email pta@parnell.school.nz if you can help in any way.
We are proud to announce that Fleur Denning has again generously offered to support the Quiz Night and Live Auction Fundraiser.
