School Newsletter

10 August 2010

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to two important meetings, tonight and tomorrow night:

Tonight we are holding a meeting at 7pm in the library for all parents of Year 7 students going on camp to Motutapu on 30 August. Students, staff and parent helpers await our camp with excitement and anticipation. Many months of preparation have gone into the camp and we wish Ms Jenkin and all who are going on the camp a most enjoyable time. Ms Jenkin has been successful in obtaining a grant of $2000 from the Mt Wellington Foundation Ltd to subsidize the ferry transport to Motutapu. This will make it possible for the camp finances to break even this year for the first time in many. Thanks Ms Jenkin. For those Year 7 students remaining at school Mrs Eaton has organised a very busy and exciting non-campers’ programme involving activities provided by ‘Manukau on the Move’, a day at the Rocknasium, an excursion to Ambury Farm and some in-school activities.  Ambury Farm have kindly subsidized bus trip to make this possible for our students.

Tomorrow night, Wednesday 11 August, from 7pm to 8.30pm we are holding an Information Evening for parents of Year 6 students enrolling for 2011. This will be an opportunity to meet and discuss what our school offers, answer any questions parents have and talk informally with teachers and school councillors.

Successes in Sport

Five of our students were members of the Pakuranga Rugby Team that was undefeated in the Walter Dixon Trophy tournament over the July holidays. Team members were: Auinaatu Brown R12, Vai Thomson Fa’aofo R4, Gordon Muava’a R3, Wesley Tameifuna, Chris Savelio.

Our 1^st XV came second in the Auckland Championships on 23 June after winning the South Eastern Zone Competition on 2 June. Congratulations to coach Tu Edwards and the team.

We have also had good performances from Boys’ and Girls’ hockey teams, coached by Hannah Jenkin, the boys’ team gaining a promising 4^th place. The Boys’ and Girls’ netball teams coached by Gemma Maxfield, Jess Taylor and Natalie Baker gained some good results with both girls’ teams coming 4^th and the boys’ team 3^rd.

International Students

Our two groups of visiting Taiwanese students have now returned home to Taiwan however the Korean group is still with us. Next week they will be joined by Mr Takahashi’s group from Sammu City in Japan. There will be 16 students together with Mr Takahashi and two officials from the Education Board in Sammu City.  Thanks once again to Mrs Hoyle for the wonderful organisation, Mrs Walton  & Mrs Wallace for their support and to the many homestay parents who have supported us so well over the past few weeks.

Cultural Night

We will be holding our annual Cultural Night on Wednesday 18 August, at 7.00pm in the school hall. The evening will coincide with the visit of Mr Takahashi and the Sammu City students from Japan. The Sammu City students will present an item as part of the concert. This promises to be a spectacular evening featuring Kapa Haka, Pasifika, the Concert Band, the Hip Hop Group, a Gumboot Dance, a Lion Dance and items by Filipino, Indian and Afghani groups. Admission will be by koha.