Tēnā koutou whānau,
We hope you've all had a wonderful, fun-filled break and created great memories with those important people in your life.
What's Tūhura (Discover) all about?
He waka eke noa
‘A canoe which we are all in together’
We aim to provide a positive, supportive learning environment where everyone feels they can be the best they can be and be proud of who they are. There is always a lot of information you will hear over these first few weeks of term, so hopefully this will help you guide your way through our team.
TEACHERS IN TŪHURA:
This year we have 2 full-time teachers - Paula Gray and Molly Hindman. We also have the support of Hayley Powell as our teacher aide.
COMMUNICATION AND CONTACTING US:
Our preferred method of communication is via email and through this weekly blog that will be updated every Friday afternoon with any information you need to know for the following week. An alert will be sent out via the school app to remind you to check.
If you wish to meet with us to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning or concerns you may have, please make a time to meet so that we can focus on these without interruptions.
HOME LEARNING / STEPPING STONES: 
All students are expected to read or be read to every night, either something from school or home.
Year 4 students are also expected to take part in our Stepping Stones programme in order to prepare them for the Pathways Programme that is run in the senior school. This programme is optional for year 3 students. If you do not wish your Year 4 child to take part, please let us know so we can arrange an alternative home learning programme.
LITTER FREE LUNCHES:
As an enviroschool we encourage sustainable practices. This includes litter free lunches each day. Any rubbish brought in lunch boxes needs to be taken home, although we welcome compostable items for our school compost and worm farm. Watch this space for some quick healthy lunch ideas!
Seesaw
This is our reporting system and a meaningful portal where you can see your chid sharing their learning. An email will go out providing you with a link to access your child's Seesaw account.
MINDFULNESS:
Mindfulness is a big part of our everyday programme in our team. This is done in a variety of ways like yoga, mindful walking, breathing exercises etc.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / SWIMMING:
Our PE programme at the beginning of Term 1 revolves heavily around swimming. It is VITAL that togs are brought to school each day. If your child is unable to swim due to sickness etc, please advise the teachers with a note or email. Some Year 4 students will be eligible to take part in the Senior Swimming sports and we will also be holding our own Tūhura Swimming Carnival before the end of the season. Our Clarkville Tryahtlon will also happen in Term 1.
CHILL IN THE MORNING:
Our classroom is open from 8:30am and students start their CHILL activities from this time. It is important for children to become independent and manage morning routines as quickly as possible. These mainly involve unpacking bags, signing in and handing back notices etc. The timetable for the day and a list of “must do” activities begin from 8:30am. Hui starts at 9:00am so please have your child here in time to be ready for the day.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT OFTEN TEACHERS HAVE MEETINGS BEFORE SCHOOL AND ARE NOT IN THE TEAM, SO YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE SUPERVISED.
STATIONERY:
Please make sure all this is named, even you pencils, pens, felts etc.
OTHER:
If you have any questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to ASK. We strive for clarity and open communication. At any time you are welcome to come and spend time seeing what goes on after you leave your child in the morning.
Nga mihi nui
Paula, Molly and Hayley.
“We are more powerful, when we empower each other!”
