PICTON SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday 1 December 2011 (WEEK 6)
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the School
Teachers are currently writing end of year reports that will be sent home on Monday 14 December. We are required by the Government to report on children’s achievement against the National Standard in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. An analysis of this information must be presented to the Board of Trustees and to the Ministry of Education. We work hard to lift the achievement of all students and your child’s report needs to be looked at in the terms of progress that has been made. Probably even more important is that children enjoy school and develop a love for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Alister McCosh, PRINCIPAL

NEXT BOARD MEETING
2 DEC, 5PM - All Welcome

EGGS
We have very kindly been donated pullets’ eggs by Koromiko Free Range Eggs. If you would like some please send your child to the office with an egg carton. First come first served.

LEAVERS’ ASSEMBLY
The Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly is on Friday, December 9th at 11:00am. The children will deliver a personal speech, perform some favourite songs and certificates will be presented. The year 6 students will then be treated to Subway lunch and Mini Golf.

CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Picton Santa Parade is this Saturday at 2pm. Those children with decorated bikes will need to register on the day – meet at 1pm at the Police Station. Join in the fun and have a go.

DUFFY AWARDS
Rm 1: Georgia Kate for working hard and concentrating on Journal Comprehension.
Rm 2: Brooke n for improvement in Reading and Writing.
Rm 6: Charlie for trying hard to learn letters and numbers.
Rm 7: Gemma for excellent work in Maths.
Rm 8: Mollie for fantastic expression in her reading.

SWIM FOR LIFE PROGRAMME
We are extremely fortunate to have been selected for the Swim For Life Programme in Term 1 of next year. Water Safety N.Z. have secured funding for us to run the ‘Swim and Survive’ lessons. The programme, for all our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students will run for 10 days-starting on the very first day of term January 30th. It may seem a long way off, but it is essential that all the Year 3-6s have their swimming gear with them everyday from January 30th to Monday, February 13th. The students will be in groups of about 10 and will receive quality lessons from trained instructors from Stadium 2,000.

KAIPUPU POINT VISIT
On Wednesday, December 7th, Room 1 students will return to Kaipupu Point to do some planting. They will leave school at noon and return by 3:00pm. Adults are welcome to come and help us. We are grateful for the continued, kind support from Sounds Connection who is providing the transport. Bird banding of gulls, on the Northbank Road is going ahead on Sunday, 4th December. Phone Andrew John on 5735509 if you are interested in participating.

DOGS AND SAFETY
This week we had the ‘Doggy Do’s and Don’ts’ Programme run by Animal Control. The aim is for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities and for children to know how to safely react to dogs. Here are some tips:
Don’t go near stray or unfamiliar dogs.
Don’t let your own dog wander the streets.
Don’t tease or hurt a dog.
Don’t approach a dog that is sick, injured, tied up, sleeping or protecting its puppies.
Do ask permission if you want to pat a dog walking with its owner.
Do stand still if a dog comes up to you-keep it in your sight.
Don’t yell, scream, run away or stare at a dog that comes up to you.

ROAD PATROLLERS
Constable Roz Frost was in school training for and revising the essential role of the road patroller ready for 2012. Constable Roz is moving away and we thank her for all her help over the many years that she has been the Police Education Officer for Picton School. Constable Roz has assisted with road and personal safety programmes across the school.

WEETBIX TRYATHLON
The Sanitarium ’Weetbix Kids Tryathlon’, is on in Nelson on March 4th 2012. It is the 20th anniversary of the event and registrations are now open. The ‘Weetbix Tryathlon’ provides kids with a long- lasting experience of achievement and success, and encourages them to live happy healthy lives. The triathlon entails a sea swim, bike ride and run. Register at: weetbix.co.nz or call 09 531 5080.

NO ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK

THIS WEEK’S MERIT AWARD
Georgia-Kate

ROAD SENSE
Did you know that cyclists should make clear hand signals before they stop or turn-making other road users well aware of their intentions? Indications by bikers and car drivers need to occur prior to the manoeuvre.

SCHOOL RAINCOATS
We would like all our loaned Adidas rain jackets brought back to school by Friday please, which is December 2nd. Please return them to Room 1 so that your name can be crossed off the list. The jackets will be available to borrow again in 2012.

SUN SAFETY
Above the Earth there is a layer of atmosphere known as the Ozone Layer. This layer acts as a large sunscreen for the Earth. It screens out some of the Sun’s harmful ultra violet radiation. UVR is the part of the Sun’s radiation that burns our skin. There are holes in the Ozone Layer which let through the harmful UVR.

PSAS NEWS
The next Sausage Sizzle is on Friday. If you are able to come along and help from 11:40 onwards please feel welcome.
Please add into your 2012 diaries a very special date - Saturday, March 31st starting at 10:00am will be the Picton School Easter Fair. The Easter Fair will raise money to support ‘Education Outside the Classroom’ - funding things such as educational visits, performances, camps and outdoor equipment. The next organizing meeting will be on Wednesday, December 7th in the staffroom at 6:30pm.
P.S.A.S. is funding the end of year celebration for our Year 6 leavers - after their special assembly on 9/12/11, they will be having Subway lunch followed by a game of Mini Golf.
On Saturday 10th December at 49, Moana View there will be a P.S.A.S. Christmas Breakup/Leaving B.B.Q. Children are welcome bring togs, meat and a plate of food to share. The social will run from 3pm-6pm-many thanks to Katharine Overend for arranging this. Please R.S.V.P. to the school office by this Friday, 2/12/11, if you are attending.
We are looking for a volunteer to be the Treasurer. The next meeting will be in Term 1 next year-date to be determined.

COOKBOOKS
We have approximately twelve, $20 150th Anniversary Cookbooks left-a great gift, come to the office if you would like to purchase a book of Picton School’s community recipes.

COMMUNITY NEWS
ASB Holiday Fun Football – Get active during the school holidays
Available over three days – any combination of sessions – register for individual or the full programme
Suitable for boys and girls aged 7 to 11
January School Holidays:
Tuesday 24th – Thursday 26th January 2012, Oliver Park, Blenheim
Whole Day Session – 9am-3pm (lunchtime supervision and activities provided) - $30 per child per day
Morning Session ONLY – 9am – 12noon - $25 per child per day
Afternoon Session ONLY – 1pm – 3pm - $15 per child per day
Go to www.marlboroughfootball.co.nz for a registration form and for further information.

You’re their lifeguard –
Keep your Child safe at the pool this summer!

Over the Summer School holidays many families will be enjoying all the fun and excitement local swimming pools have to offer.

Water Safety NZ and NZ Recreation Association would like to remind families about the Pool Alone policy that public pools in New Zealand are required to adhere to:

Children under 8 must be actively supervised, (ie watching your child at all times and able to provide immediate assiatance), by a caregiver 16 years or over.

Lifeguards are an important safety feature, but they are not intended to replace the close supervision of parents or caregivers.

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