Last week our tamariki showed resilience and determination as they competed in our annual Triathlon.  Despite the unsettled weather, we made the decision to go ahead with the triathlon, changing the location to school which meant there was adequate shelter if we needed it.  Feedback from both teachers and parents was positive with many parents saying it was fantastic to be able to 'see' all of the event as it unfolded.  See the Triathlon section of the newsletter for results.

Last week I attended a Taupō Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) meeting at Tongariro School.  The Taupō Kāhui Ako consists of 16 schools and we meet regularly to discuss and plan for the challenges our schools are facing.  Our current strategic plan is focussed on two key 'work streams' - Hauora (Wellbeing) and Culturally Responsive & Relational Practice (specifically supported by increasing our understanding of Tūwharetoa taonga). A theme from last week's discussion centred on the high rate of absenteeism across our region.  Low attendance is certainly something that has featured often in the media over the last 12 months.  Have you ever wondered why regular attendance is important?  Check out the section on Attendance Matters. 

Our students are loving The House of Science kits that we have signed up to receive every 2-4 weeks throughout 2023.  These kits are INCREDIBLE and provide amazing opportunities for our tamariki to learn about all sorts of scientific concepts.  Each kit includes some exciting and engaging hands on scientific explorations or experiments AND they are fun!  You might like to ask your children about the kits they have explored this year.  

We only have two weeks left until the end of Term 1.  Luckily they are two pretty quiet weeks for us and we are looking forward to packing in some great learning before the holidays arrive.  

Kia pai te ra!  Have a great day.

Mā te wā

Shirley Bailey
 

Well done and congratulations to the following place getters. 

Yes!  Check out these alarming statistics below.  Many Schools across Aotearoa New Zealand are working hard to address low attendance rates in their communities.  Our year to date attendance rate is 88.65%, which is better than some schools in our region.  Our percentage (88.65%) means that, on average each day we have 10 students absent.  The Ministry of Education is aiming for attendance rates to be above 90%.

Did you know ... "attendance is linked to both student wellbeing and to attainment.  Student wellbeing is a key priority of the education system. Our education insights studies confirm that attending school regularly predicts the best outcomes for wellbeing on average. The Ministry found that reports by 15-year-old students of skipping a greater number of days in the previous fortnight of school predicted worse average outcomes relating to schoolwork-related anxiety, sense of belonging, bullying, racism and motivation" (Retrieved from Education Counts)

We have started hearing from people who are keen to return to the annual Kuratau School Bike Day for 2023. This day is always a popular calendar event for the ATV Side X Side Trail Riders and it is time for us to start planning this year's event.   

We will be holding our first Bike Day organisation meeting at school on Wednesday 29th March at 6.00pm. We have had a couple of people 'retire' from the organising group after many years of support ... so if you are interested in helping us with the organisation of this major fundraiser we encourage you to come along.

This is a huge event and requires many helpers to ensure the day runs smoothly. 

Money raised from this event directly benefits your children and will go towards providing amazing resources and learning opportunities for our learners.  Last year we purchased 40 chromebooks and 2 storage trolleys.  We also approved the purchase of new sports uniforms.  These 'luxury' items simply cannot be purchased without the money we raise from this event.  

We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday at 6pm :-)

As you may be aware, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts [RAL] are still in the process of releasing their intentions for the 2023 winter season, including pricing for schools and season passes.  We have been in contact with RAL and are hopeful they will inform us of their plans within the next 4-6 weeks.  We want to be ready to go as soon as the information is released to ensure our tamariki don't miss out.

We are wanting to hear from any Parents or Whānau who are able to be a parent helper/driver with Snow Squad for the coming winter season.

Please read the information below carefully to ensure you are able to commit to ALL the requirements, before filling in the form.

Parents helpers MUST:

Parents helpers WILL:

Without your support our tamariki would not have the opportunity to participate in such a great sport on our beautiful maunga.

Any queries or questions please contact Mrs Pyman on pymanb@kuratau.school.nz or phone: 07 386 5801 or 021 1892485.

If you are interested in being part of this amazing experience please fill in this form .

Karearea and Ruru will be selling pinecones and taking orders for firewood at the Omori Market on the Saturday of Easter. This is to raise money for their class trip in November. If you can provide large bags/sacks to put the pinecones in or your child can come and help at the market, please contact the school.