A Message from Kylie
Kia Ora Koutou
Gratitude Morning Tea
We enjoyed our Gratitude Morning Tea last week where the staff showed their appreciation for the ongoing support, dedication, and involvement of our spectacular volunteers:
- Winter Sports Coaches and Managers: Netball and Hockey Teams
- PTA: playground extension, digital devices, contribution to Kapa Haka uniforms
- Board of Trustees for their ongoing support
- Ormsby whānau for donating the excavation work for our new playground extension
- Siohban Nuri: designing our vision logos and building logos
Kai Time
Kai Time is back! ... for a limited time. "Kai" is a Māori word for food, and it was super exciting last Wednesday to open the hall kitchen window and share toast and milo with our tamariki. We will be offering Kai Time every Wednesday morning until the end of the term as we say goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring!
Kai Time is back! ... for a limited time. "Kai" is a Māori word for food, and it was super exciting last Wednesday to open the hall kitchen window and share toast and milo with our tamariki. We will be offering Kai Time every Wednesday morning until the end of the term as we say goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring!
Lost Property
Our Lost Property collection has grown significantly! If your child is missing any items, please encourage them to check the lost property area, located in the hall. Items not claimed by the end of the term will be donated to charity. To help us reduce the amount of lost property, please ensure that all personal items, especially uniforms and lunch boxes, are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
Our Lost Property collection has grown significantly! If your child is missing any items, please encourage them to check the lost property area, located in the hall. Items not claimed by the end of the term will be donated to charity. To help us reduce the amount of lost property, please ensure that all personal items, especially uniforms and lunch boxes, are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
Traffic Around School
Safety is our top priority, and we are aware of the concerns regarding Traffic Around School during drop-off and pick-up times. We are fielding a lot of concerns and photo evidence from our community about the way some parents are not following the road safety rules and parking rules at drop off and pick up time. As a school we have no mandate to follow through with this evidence other than to encourage our parent community to follow the road rules and direct parents to share their concerns with the correct agencies.
For any concerns with traffic behaviour or illegal parking we encourage people to contact the Hamilton City Council or lodge a complaint with the police to address these issues. Tickets for illegal parking or dangerous driving are able to be processed with photo evidence and licence plate numbers.
Here are the appropriate contact details for any traffic or parking concerns:
Safety is our top priority, and we are aware of the concerns regarding Traffic Around School during drop-off and pick-up times. We are fielding a lot of concerns and photo evidence from our community about the way some parents are not following the road safety rules and parking rules at drop off and pick up time. As a school we have no mandate to follow through with this evidence other than to encourage our parent community to follow the road rules and direct parents to share their concerns with the correct agencies.
For any concerns with traffic behaviour or illegal parking we encourage people to contact the Hamilton City Council or lodge a complaint with the police to address these issues. Tickets for illegal parking or dangerous driving are able to be processed with photo evidence and licence plate numbers.
Here are the appropriate contact details for any traffic or parking concerns:
Cameron Ward
Senior School Travel Coordinator | City Transportation
DDI: 07 838 6957
Email: cameron.ward@hcc.govt.nz
NZ Police Roadwatch
Community Roadwatch Form
Community Roadwatch Form
We are also experiencing first hand an increase in parent frustration and unkind and intimidating behaviour towards staff members who try to help direct traffic to prioritise your safety and student safety. We expect our parent community to follow the road rules as well as treat everyone with respect and kindness. We therefore kindly ask all parents to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety of our students:
Safety During Pick-Up Time
Our school community is large with 800 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 and a respectful and kind place for all. 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.
Ngā mihi,
Kylie
