Term 2, Week 8, 2024

Kia Ora Parents and Whānau,

It's newsletter time again! In this newsletter you will find our recent successes, upcoming events. and important messages. Make sure you check out Matt Hansen's (Presiding Member, also known as Board Chairperson) message in this week's newsletter that introduces our school uniform and school uniform policy for 2025. It is very exciting to have our school uniform design finalised!

Matariki Celebration

Matariki, Māori New Year, is a significant event in New Zealand's cultural calendar. Celebrated this year with a national public holiday on Friday 28 June, it marks the rising of the Matariki star cluster (known globally as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters) and signals the start of the Māori New Year. Matariki is a time of renewal and celebration, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. For Māori, Matariki has always been more than just a celestial event. Historically, it was a time to honour the deceased, celebrate the harvest, and prepare the land for the coming year. The appearance of the Matariki stars signaled the beginning of the new growing season. Communities would come together to share food, stories, and cultural practices, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of unity.

As a kura, we are looking forward to coming together next week to celebrate Matariki. We value this unique and enriching celebration as an authentic opportunity to connect with Māori culture and traditions. Teachers are planning many differents activities in their classrooms and teams to honour the spirit of Matariki and we look forward to celebrating this special time as a kura (school). On Thursday 27 June at 11am we have our whole school celebration for Term 2 where we will end the week by sharing our celebrations of Matariki together, as well as having our Band and Choir perform. You are welcome to join us!

Eid

To all our staff, students and families who celebrate Eid, we wish you a very happy Eid-al-Adha and hope that this day brings you peace, happiness, and many memorable moments.

Y6 Maths Trip to RJHS

Last week, Jane took a group of our Year 6 students to Rototuna Junior High to compete in a Maths Competition organized by the RJHS students. Our team competed against six other primary schools, and we are thrilled to announce that Ishan won the individual prize and our Rototuna Primary team secured second place! Well done and CONGRATULATIONS to our amazing team!

Talent Quest

Our students have been showcasing their incredible talents recently. Miss Robb and Miss Edwards have had well over 90 entries for our very first talent quest. I am astonished at how our students are 'finding their brave' and sharing their talents with others. The hall has been packed with other students giving up their lunchtimes to enjoy the wide range of talents. Thank you to the parents who have supported their children in sharing their talent and come along to enjoy!

Soccer Tournament

Mrs Mitchell has organised a lunchtime soccer tournament for Year 5 and 6 students who chose to sign up. It has been an a very popular tournament. There are three games left to play before the elimination round. We are looking forward to the semi final and the final!

BSLA: Better Start Literacy Approach

The Government has changed the way NZ Schools are to teach reading and writing. The new direction is called a structured approach to literacy. Our teachers in the Year 1 and 2 teams are already trained in the Better Start Literacy Approach which is a structured approach to teaching reading and writing. This approach is already embedded in the way we teach literacy at the junior level of our kura (school). We are proud to share that six more of our dedicated teachers have been accepted into the Better Start Literacy Approach Microcredential Course with the University of Canterbury. I will be their BSLA Facilitator during this period, and this achievement means that all of our teachers in the Year 1-3 teams will be BSLA trained as we move into 2025. This is a significant milestone for our kura and will greatly benefit our students’ literacy development, as well as meet the newly introduced government requirement.

Welcome to Miss Priya Dharshini

We are delighted to welcome Priya Dharshini back to Rototuna Primary School in Term 3 as she opens our next New Entrant classroom. Priya will be teaching in Room 1.

Go the Chiefs!

In support of the Chiefs who are playing in the Super Rugby final this weekend, we are having a Chief's Dress Up Day on Friday! Students and staff are welcome to come dressed in Chief colours!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we are creating an enriching environment where our students are thriving.

Ngā mihi
Kylie

Kia Manawanui - Be Strong of Heart

As we approach the end of another busy school term, we wanted to take a moment to address an important matter regarding the safety of our tamariki during drop-off and pick-up times.

Safety During Pick-Up Time

Our school community is large with over 750 students enrolled at our kura (school). With that comes increased traffic around the school during drop off and pick-up times. Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority, and we need your help to make this happen.

Patience is Key: We understand that everyone has busy schedules, however patience is crucial during pick-up times in particular. The traffic peak time is between 2.55-3.10pm so expect delays, congestions and slow flow of traffic in this 15 minute timeframe, particularly if you come into Strathmore Drive or Coleraine for pick up.
Follow Traffic Rules: Always adhere to the traffic rules and the directions of our staff who are assisting with pick-up. This includes respecting no-parking zones, keeping disability car parks free (unless you have a disability car park sticker) and speed limits around the school.
Use Designated Areas: Please use the designated pick-up and drop-off areas to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Please avoid parking in the Rototuna Early Childhood carparks, stopping in the middle of the road, blocking driveways, parking on yellow lines or trying to swap lanes at the roundabout, as this creates unsafe conditions for everyone.
Walking, Biking or Scootering Across the Roundabout at Strathmore Drive School Entry: We ask that you please do not walk, scooter or bike across the roundabout at our Strathmore Drive school entrance during the busy drop off and pick up time. This is considered dangerous given cars are coming and going at this time. We ask that you prioritise your safety and the safety of the children in your care by walking all the way around the footpath past the Rototuna Early Childhood Centre and then into school. Doing this adds less than a minute to the trip to school and ensures your safety.
Walking and Cycling: If you live nearby, consider walking or cycling to school. This reduces traffic congestion! You can also park at the Countdown Carpark and walk to school or get your child to walk to Countdown.
Be Mindful of Others: Be considerate of other parents and children. A smile and a wave can make a big difference in creating a friendly and cooperative environment. Also allowing those who are parked in the disability carparks to join the flow of traffic when exiting the school would be kind.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding in keeping our school community safe. Your efforts in following these guidelines make a significant impact, and together, we can ensure a safe and efficient drop- off and pick-up time for all. We thank you for your continued support and patience.