Principal's Message
Kia Ora
Last week I finally got around to reading
KCDC’s draft Long Term Plan for their proposed activities, services and projects. Consultation for this draft plan closed yesterday, but I did manage to submit feedback before the close-off. My submission, on behalf of Paraparaumu Beach School, reiterated the traffic issues our school experiences, especially at peak times. This submission also reflected issues I had outlined to the Community Board earlier in the year.
The concerns held by myself, our staff and many parents involve traffic management, roading infrastructure and road safety in Gray Avenue, Martin Road and Beachwater Grove. Additional concerns have also been raised with me (by residents) about children trying to find safe places to cross Guildford Drive on their way to and from school.
As a long standing staff member of Paraparaumu Beach School, I have watched road safety issues increase over time with minimal change to roading infrastructure. In the midy 90’s, when PBS had around 200 students, the roading infrastructure was fit for purpose. However, as soon as PBS increased beyond 500 students, the traffic flow increased and safety issues became very obvious. By the end of 2015 our student roll peaked at 730, at which time the Ministry of Education agreed to reduce our School Zone, but the road issues remained unchanged.
Key KCDC staff members and the NZ Police have done their best to help us manage and mitigate traffic issues, and we are grateful for this support. The few road safety developments we have witnessed over time have been ones prompted by the students and staff. I realise that council funding is tight, and relies on ratepayers, but child safety must be prioritised.
Ngā mihi,
Jess Ward – Tumuaki ~ Principal
PS – REMINDER: Our school will be closed on Friday, 28 May for a staff only day
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Kohen Rm 24
Penny Rm 24
Lucee Rm 26
PBS Board Vacancy for a Parent Representative - Notice of Selection Process
Kia ora PBS whānau
As previously advised, the PBS Board currently has a vacancy for an elected parent representative. There have been no requests for the Board to hold a by-election within the required 28-day period, so the Board will now begin the process to fill the vacancy by selection. This means we would love to hear from any parent/whānau/community member who is interested in joining our team. Please let us know in writing by emailing the Board Chairperson, Zoe Pearson, on boardchair@pbs.school.nz by 14 May 2021. In your email, please tell us why you are interested in joining the PBS Board team, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role.
We are interested in hearing about what you value about your family’s experience of PBS, and the thoughts you have about what is important for all students to thrive at PBS.
We will also be inviting those interested in being considered for the role to meet with current Board Members on the evening of 18 May 2021, so that we can tell you a little more about the role, explain how we work together as a team, discuss how you might contribute and give you an opportunity to ask your own questions. If you cannot make this date, we can arrange another time to meet with you.
The Board will be seeking a trustee in line with the criteria set out in Schedule 23 clause 1 of the Education and Training Act 2020, including that the Board reflects the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the student community, and the character of the community served by the school.
If you have further questions about the process or the role of a Board Trustee, please email Zoe at the email above. There is useful information also available at https://www.nzsta.org.nz/assets/Information-for-parents/A-parents-guide-to-the-role-of-the-board-of-trustees.compressed.pdf
Ngā mihi
Zoe Pearson
Board Chair
School Donations
Thank you for the family donations we have received to date. Donations this year will be put towards buying new curriculum materials for all age groups. These payments, although voluntary are valued and appreciated, as they enable us to provide curriculum extras. Therefore, we appreciate every dollar donated, even if you cannot pay the full amount.
Donations are currently set at $65/child or $100/family and can be paid in cash at the office or via Kindo. Click here to register and pay through our Kindo school website.
Using Māori Language at Home
It’s important for all Kiwi to learn te reo. Each week our newsletter will include phrases that you might like to try out at your place. After all it will take the whole nation to keep this unique language alive.
Koia kei a koe! Good on you!
Were Your Ears Burning?
Staff Gratitude Section
It takes a team of people to keep a school library the size of our one running efficiently, and our library certainly does! Thanks to Kathryn Siversen and Anne Taurua for overseeing the organisation and operation of this resource.
Thanks must also go to our wonderful crew of student and parent librarians too. I know the students get a lot of enjoyment out of using our library – and without you all this wouldn’t be possible.
Kid's Quote
Children are hopeful beings; their natural instinct to be hopeful is heartwarming
“I had a dream that I had two dogs but my dream didn’t come true, but one day it will.”
Yarn Bombing Art Project
This term on Thursday lunchtimes from 12.50-1.30pm (in Room 13) we will have a club to knit, crochet and fingerknit (starting Week 2) – so if you are available to help out please get in touch with the office. For this project we are asking for donations of colourful wool and knitting needles.
Please send donated wool or knitting needles to the office and email office@pbs.school.nz if you’d like to be part of this project.
Free to a Good Home
We have 3-4 old filing cabinets looking for a new home. Filing cabinets are actually a good storage unit for toys and/or clothes or even tools in the garage.
If you’re interested let John Trask know at jtrask@pbs.school.nz
Inter-School Swimming
Last term, we took a team of 32 Year 4 – 8 students to the Interschool Swimming Carnival at the Coastland Aquatic Centre. We are proud to advise we had outstanding results from the following students:
Year 4 Boys:
Toby Rosson 1st in Freestyle
Noah Hunt 3rd in Breaststroke
Year 5 Girls:
Phoebe Corin 1st in Freestyle and Breastroke
Holly McCullagh 2nd in Freestyle and Backstroke
Mia Thomson 1st in Backstroke, 3rd in Freestyle
All 3 swimmers, alongside Corey Whitfield, won the Year 5 relay
Year 7 Girls:
Soren Chambers 2nd in Backstroke
Year 7 Boys:
Caleb Barber 1st in Breaststroke, 2nd in Freestyle
Year 8 Girls:
Greer Winter 1st in Freestyle, 1st in Butterfly
Year 8 Boys:
Sam Scriven 1st in Butterfly, 1st in Backstroke
Congratulations to these students and all our students who competed at this event, as they displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the carnival. You made us all very proud!
From the Student Council
Pink Shirt Day is coming on Friday, 21 May (NEXT WEEK)
This day is all about creating a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. We’re asking everyone to dress up in as much pink as they can. We’ve also asked our student community to do random acts of kindness and positive vibe window displays. You might want to join us in your pink gear too!
Order Your School Memories Photos Now
Last week we sent home order forms for classes/siblings/sports groups who had their photos taken last term.
You can order your school photos either online at www.schoolmemories.co.nz or fill in the envelope sent home enclosing the correct cash amount and return to the office. Orders close on 2 June.
If you have lost your order envelope with
your unique order code on it, please contact the office.
For all other queries, please contact School Memories direct on 0800 437 447.
Recent Student Achievements
Cricket: Corey Whitfield was named the most valuable player for the Horowhenua-Kapiti Yr 6 Rep Cricket Team at prizegiving on Saturday night. This was more special given Corey was still Yr 4 when the team was selected! His club team the PCC Tornadoes, also won the T20 cricket competition with only one loss. Well done Corey!
Recent Student Achievements
Paraparaumu Track & Field Club Prizegiving: Congratulations to the following students who received cups and trophies at the Paraparaumu Track & Field Club prizegiving at the weekend:
• Lucah Steinmetz, Rico Poutama & Boston Winiata received trophies
• Phoebe Corin received the PTFC Cup for best shot put & discus 7-9 girls; and the Beaumont Memorial Cup for best performance in shot put & discus
• Lucie Thomson received the PTFC Cup for most points for long jump 7-9 girls
• Mia Thomson received the PTFC Cup for most points 7-9 girls; and PTFC Cup for best all round girl 7-9
• Isla Kirton received the PTFC Cup for most improved girl 7-9 years
Congratulations everyone!
