Newsletter No. 2, February 18 2022

Welcome to Noah D who joined us last week in Te Onepoto.

Term 1 is now in full swing and it is fantastic to see children engaged and enjoying learning programmes across the school. Although different from our usual start to the school year, our teaching teams are working really hard to ensure a ‘business as usual’ approach to school life where possible. This is resulting in a really positive ‘buzz’ around the school and lots of happy children as they settle back into school life and make the most of their learning opportunities.

I encourage you to have a Sneak Peek here with the Media Team where you can see a little more of what has been going on.

On Monday our Years 5-8 students will be involved in the School Triathlon. Many thanks to our Sports Coordinator Gwen Vine for her organisation of this (especially given the current climate), and to the parents who have volunteered their time to support us to ensure this event runs safely.

Fun times in Tuawera

Our School Values of Whanaungatanga, Mōhiotanga and Kaitiakitanga are at the heart of everything we do at school, and are stepping stones to achieve our School Vision. Our School Value of Whanaungatanga is at the heart of our inquiry learning this term. For us at school, this value is all about making meaningful and respectful connections throughout our school whānau. This value is incredibly important at all times, but especially at the start of a new school year as we spend time learning about each other, building relationships and setting expectations that will support us in all we do together throughout the year. Our value of Whanaungatanga is also a really important one for our tamariki as they build new friendships with children in their teams. It supports us in developing a sense of ‘belonging’ which is essential for our young people and is integral in teaching our children how to; listen and be interested in others, be respectful, understand that we are all unique and different and to learn to forgive when mistakes are made. These skills are essential in helping our children be happy at school and to help them live our values.

Congratulations to the students who were recipients of our School Values awards during our virtual assembly this week:
Rapanui - Harry V, Kian O, Rocco R, Poppy H, Freddie T, Rosie E & Lily W.
Tuawera - Phoenix P, Josh S, Connor G, Ella P, Luke W, Harriet W, Sadie Y, Isla C & Louie A.
Te Onepoto - Cruz SJ, Nathan S, Frankie J, Frankie H, Israel C, Emma G, Emma C & Vincent N.
Awaroa - Louis S, Isaiah C, Issy S & Sienna C.
​It is fantastic to see you all living our School Values.

Part of our School Value of Whanaungatanga is about building strong relationships with our parents so that they can be actively involved as partners in their children’s learning. We are very aware that the health mitigations in place under Red can lead to a feeling of ‘disconnect’. We are actively working to ensure parents and whānau are involved as much as possible during this time by ‘upping’ our communication with you all. Alongside Seesaw, Teaching Teams will be sending a ‘quick update’ or Pito Pito Kōrero each Friday afternoon to review the week and share any reminders for the next week. We will also be increasing our frequency of Curriculum Newsletters so that you can keep up to date with what’s happening in learning spaces. The next of these will be sent home on Monday.

Our first set of Learning Conferences are set for Week 6 of this Term (Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th March). We are very aware given the current developing situation with Covid-19 that these conferences may need to go ‘virtual’ - but even digitally this will still be a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teacher, talk about how your child has settled into 2022 and to share learning goals for the year. A decision regarding whether conferences will be held virtually or on site will be made early next week and will be communicated via the App with information about booking.

Regardless of the format for conferences, as we have done previously, lessons will cease at 1.30pm on both Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 March in order to give our teachers enough time to meet with each family. Please arrange for your child(ren) to be collected from their class at this time. We will provide supervision for children that aren't able to be picked up earlier but with our increased efforts to keep the learning teams separate we would really appreciate as many children being collected as possible. We appreciate your support with this, especially at this time.

A reminder that an important update was sent home yesterday via the App and on paper (check your child’s bag). If you haven’t already done so please have a read. This letter focuses on the school’s response planning for Covid-19 and how we will communicate with the community should we be informed of a Positive case. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Have a wonderful weekend with your whānau.

Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Granger
Principal

Congratulations to the 29 students who participated in the ICAS Mathematics assessments late last year. We had 2 Distinctions and 9 Credit certificates awarded. In Science we had 1 High Distinction, 1 Distinction, 6 Credits & 2 Merit certificates awarded. Well done to all students who participated!

Please try to organise after school arrangements with your children before they leave the house in the morning. The Office as well as teachers have noticed an increase in requests via email and the phone this year to pass on information to students during the school day. This is often interrupting lessons which is difficult for teachers and isn't ideal during the school day. Please also be aware that teaching staff don't usually check their emails during the school day as they are busy teaching students. Thanks for your cooperation.

The school has flutes, clarinets and a saxophone for sale. Each instrument was serviced and valued at the end of last year, and all are in good condition. If you wish to purchase or would like more information please email the office admin@sumner.school.nz Please be quick as there are only a few left.

​​Mana Ake is available to Support families/Whānau

Parent Drop-ins to see a Mana Ake counsellor/Kaimahi are up and running. Due to Covid Red Setting these will be organised via Zoom or a phone call.
If you would like to meet with one of the Mana Ake team please talk to your child's teacher and they will book in a time for you.

Mana Ake encourage parents to visit https://manaake.health.nz/supporting-your-child/ and the Free Parent Helpline 0800 568 856. This is available from 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday. Mana Ake has also put together some useful resources on their website, Mana Ake - Stronger for Tomorrow.

We have two new Kaimahi, Amber and Jo, who will work closely with Sumner School/Te Kura o Matuku Tako Tako. Their introductions are below.

Amber Morris is a Social Worker who has previously been working alongside rangatahi and whānau in a community setting. She is a qualified Multi Systemic Therapist and works in a strengths based way with tamariki and whānau to facilitate what they would like changed. She is excited to be joining the Mana Ake team and is looking forward to working in the early intervention space. In her spare time Amber loves gardening and hanging out with her family. ​

The following policies are scheduled for review this term.
In term one, the focus is on the Health and Safety Management and Emergency, Disaster, and Crisis Management sections.

​Instructions for reviewers:

1. Visit www.schooldocs.co.nz
2. Search for Sumner School (Username: Sumner, Password: Wakefield)
3. Search for the above policies in the search bar.
4. Read the policy
5. Check the red Policy Review icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. a new screen will appear.
6. Select your role (Board member, staff member, or parent/caregiver) from the drop-down list.
7. Enter your name (optional).
8. Submit your ratings and comments.