Carterton School - Newsletter No 8 – 7th September 2010

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome to Anita Ward & Amanda Cottle, first year student teachers learning alongside Andrea Harvey in Room 12 & Lesley Kennedy in Room 2.

The school library is now open.  The room looks fantastic!  Thank you to Sue our Librarian for making our library such an interesting and welcoming place to be, especially at lunchtimes.  Also, thanks to the librarians who are helping at lunchtimes.  Our thanks must go to the local Carterton Library for their support over the previous two terms.  Please check to make sure that your child/children have returned these books to the class teacher.

Thank you to all those who supported our Paint the School Yellow... (more)

Carterton School - Newsletter No 7 – 31st August 2010

Dear Parents and Caregivers

I have the pleasure of taking on the role of Acting DP at Carterton School this term.  In this role I have spent some time in each class in the school.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to see the great learning that is happening in our classes.  What a great school we have with super students!

I have also gained a wider view of the ‘happenings’ in our school.  A big thank you must go out to the parents and volunteers who are actively involved in our school.  Examples in the last week include Rippa Rugby Manager’s, PMP helpers, Bible in Schools volunteers, enthusiastic PTA and Board of Trustees Representatives, parents providing... (more)

Carterton School - Newsletter No 6 – 24th August 2010

Dear Parents and Caregivers
Our week began with the excitement of Rooms 9 & 11 moving into their new classrooms.  The rooms are warm and inviting places for learning.  Thank you to all those parents who came along and helped on moving day and again today.   Your assistance was much appreciated and invaluable.

Just a reminder that children are expected to wear their uniform to school every day.  I have noticed a variety... (more)

Carterton School - Newsletter No 5 – 17th August 2010

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Over the past couple of weeks we have had large numbers of children affected by the H1N1 flu virus.  We are pleased to note that our absence rate has dropped rapidly since last week.  However, do continue to keep sick children home until they are well again.

Last week we enjoyed a musical performance from Wairapapa College.  Just as our children... (more)

Despite the sickness sweeping the Wairarapa, on Friday 30 teams totalling 120 students piled into the Carterton School hall for the Take Note Chess Carterton Tournament 2010. Fierce competition saw MIS take the intermediate honours and Hadlow the primary ones.

Ronnie Tankersley's fabulous organisation made sure everything ran smoothly, and David Shead provided his impeccable chess expertise to ensure everything ran correctly!

Thanks as well to Bob Caldicutt, Minty and Marlon for being judges, and Martin Tankersley for manning the barbeque. Finally, the tournament wouldn't happen without the support and fabulous prizes offered by Kim Juno at Take Note Carterton- hurrah!

Carterton School - Newsletter No 4 – 10th August 2010

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As you are aware the H1N1 flu virus is prevalent at the moment. We have had large numbers of children absent and are sending numerous children home as the initial symptoms develop very quickly. Thanks for letting us know... (more)

Carterton School - Newsletter No 3 – 3rd August 2010

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Last week I was absolutely blown away by the generosity of the Carterton School community as the response with the grocery items was phenomenal!  The family was absolutely overwhelmed when about 10 boxes of groceries were delivered on Friday.  Today we received a card with the following message: “We would love to say a really big thank you for your kind hearts.  We appreciate everything you have done and have given us everything we really need.  Our love to you all from the Hadfield-Wereta family.”

Thanks for letting us know when your child will be absent. Text messages can be left on 027 263 0770... (more.)

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Year 8 students are currently visiting the annual open days at the local secondary schools to help them to decide which school they would like to enroll in for next year.  

We are conducting fire and earthquake drills at the moment. It may be a good opportunity to discuss what to do... (more.)

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome to term 3, already! We have welcomed several new families to our community and look forward to getting to know you over the coming weeks.  As always, please do not hesitate to come and see us if you have any questions, concerns or ideas.

During our professional learning day in the holidays, we explored the type of data that we can collect for assessing progress over time in reading, writing and numeracy.  One of the features of Carterton School is the determination of the staff to continually improve teaching methods.

Due to Alison’s Sabbatical leave there are some changes in staff this term... (more)

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Huge congratulations go from all of us to Barbara Whitburn, who married her lovely partner Paul at the weekend. Barbara and Paul managed to surprise their friends who had thought they were attending a birthday party! To follow the ceremony Barbara and Paul have announced that they are expecting a baby in December. This is such wonderful news. We are all so happy for them.

The winter term is not always our favourite here at school. In class we... (more)

GO THE ALL WHITES!

Cross Country – Congratulations to the students who took part in the Cross Country at Kahutara last week.  We have 5 people going to the Regional Race in Waikanae.  Go Carterton School!

Parent Teacher Interviews – We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday or Thursday after school.  Your appointment times (...more)

CHANGE OF DATE – Due to poor ground conditions the South Wairarapa Cross Country event has been POSTPONED until Friday 18th June.

It must be cross country week – the weather has turned very wintery! Congratulations to the students who are representing our school at the cross country at Kahutara on Friday. We wish you all well – make sure you take plenty of clothes to keep you warm! Our school cross country event last week ran so smoothly – thanks to all involved. Several students entered the ‘muddiest person’ competition I think!

Another special visit is taking place on Thursday this week when our kapa haka group is going ‘on tour’... (more)

I hope you all had an enjoyable long weekend – even though the weather was not very kind.

Report files will be coming home on Friday 18 June (next Friday). They will include a variety of work samples and graphs / charts which will let you know how your child is doing with some key aspects of learning. While the files will give you a lot of information it can not replace the importance of a face to face discussion with your child’s teacher. The week after the files come home we will have parent teacher interviews... (more)

Winter weather has certainly arrived! While curling up in front of the fire at home is lovely, wet playtimes are not much fun for students or teachers! We provide a range of activities in classrooms suitable for wet days, but if you have any old games / lego etc you would like to donate to school to help amuse the children please drop them off at the office (it does not matter if they are too old or young for your child’s class – we will find a suitable home for them!) Thank you.

Science Road Show opportunity.

The Fonterra Science Road show is coming to the Wairarapa in August / September. There are a range of over 60 hands-on interactive exhibits and two new demonstrations this year. The admission price is $6 per student (supervising adults are free). We are unable to offer this as a whole class / learning team opportunity but I am happy to co-ordinate individual students to attend. Parent transport / supervisors will be required. Teachers will not be attending. If you are interested in taking up this opportunity please return the slip below with $6 per child to me by Friday 28 June (This week!). Places are already filling fast! Please note there are three options – indicate which you are interested in.

Parent – Teacher interviews this term.  (more...)

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Congratulations to our new Board of Trustee members!  Many thanks to those who put their name forward for the role, and to everyone who took the time to vote in the election. Thanks also to Ronny Tankersley, our efficient returning officer.  Our first meeting of the new BOT is next Tuesday 25 May, 7pm in the staffroom.

Board of Trustees Election – Declaration of Parent and Staff Election results.
Parent Representatives’ votes:
Debbie Fryer – 108    Jim Green – 121        Debra Julian – 108
Sarah Smith – 128    Helen Waldron – 63    Thomas Westgarth – 86
Tracey Wilson – 68
I hereby declare the following duly elected:
Debbie Fryer, Jim Green, Debra Julian, Sarah Smith, Thomas Westgarth

Staff representative:  At the close of nominations, as there was only one valid nomination received, I hereby declare:  Barbara Whitburn duly elected.
Signed, Ronny Tankersley, Returning Officer

Autumn is finally here... (more)

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Last week I wrote about the concerns we have with some behaviour in school. Last Friday we had a visitor from another school to observe our assembly. Their feedback was wonderful, as they saw a group of well over 300 students paying attention to each other with respect and celebrating their own and others successes. In the last week there...

Dear Parents and Caregivers

This year we have a wonderful group of students at Carterton School who have the potential to have an amazingly successful year in all areas.

Many students are making a huge contribution to us achieving our first school community goal: ‘To develop a positive learning culture which will produce students who are enthusiastic, contributing members of society.’ (Carterton School Strategic Plan)

Unfortunately over the past few weeks we have become aware of some behaviours which are hindering the development of the ‘positive learning culture’...

BOT election special!

We have had seven nominations for places on the Board of Trustees (5 places are available). All voting papers have been posted home. If you do not get yours please contact Ronny Tankersley, returning officer, on 3797351.

The candidates have been asked to provide a short statement about themselves to give you an idea of who is standing for election, and you can view them here.

The ballot box is next to the school office. Closing date for voting is 7 May 2010.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to Term 2 at Carterton School! We have welcomed several new families to our community and look forward to getting to know you all over the coming weeks. We currently have a roll of 329 students – a very healthy number. As always please do not hesitate to come and see us if you have any questions, concerns or ideas.

Last week the teachers all attended some inspiring seminars....