Principal's Message
Kia Ora parents, caregivers and whānau
At the end of this week we farewell Kyle Reesor, as he and his family head off to live in the United States. For Kyle it’s a return to his roots after teaching at PBS for 2.5 years.
Kyle, you have been such a fun and energizing colleague to work with. Staff and students will miss your caring nature and your desire to make learning engaging. Your ‘set the tone’ motto will stay with us, as will your fun fashion sense. Thank you for inspiring us! All the very best wishes from PBS kids, staff and whānau.
Covid and Winter Illnesses Update:
There are lots of kids and staff suffering from colds and flu at the moment. We have also experienced a small rise in covid cases in the last 5 days. With a Covid resurgence nationwide it may be a good time to reconsider if you want your child to wear a mask indoors (at school) again. I will leave this up to your discretion. However, if the case numbers at PBS spike I will be asking all PBS kids and staff (Years 4-8) to wear a mask again daily until the spike drops. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Keep well everyone – you are important to us!
Reliever Shortage:
A reliever shortage across the motu is also impacting schools as levels of illness rise. A recent poll of schools showed only 17% have not had problems getting relief staff! And to compound that 19% of schools also reported that they have already used 75-100% of their relieving budget.
Due to the reliever shortage we are having to split classes quite often. Senior leadership are stepping into classes where we can, but we still have other responsibilities to fulfill. Some teachers have taught two classes each day, which is a kindness but also taxing on them.
We will not be closing the school or asking kids to be kept at home. So if your child comes home this week and says they were in another class (again), please understand this is the best we can do to keep the kids working, supervised and at school. Thanks for your ongoing understanding.
Dates to be Aware of:
Term 3 – Week 2: Wednesday, 3 August – PBS Teacher only day for Learning Conferences (see additional info in this newsletter)
PRINCIPAL’S GREAT NEWS CORNER:
Sharing good news spreads positivity, changes attitudes and ultimately leads to more people feeling encouraged and happy
A member of the public contacted the school last week to tell me that two PBS pupils were upstanders when there was an incident on a public bus recently. I was so proud to hear that two of our senior boys, Charlie and Jaekib, were able to help out someone in distress in a time of need.
Thank you – Your actions showed our CREST values in action!
Ngā mihi nui
Jess Ward
Tumuaki ~ Principal
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Daisy – Rm 23
Board News
Our next Board meeting is being held on Tuesday, 26 July. If you’re considering standing in the board elections (September) and want to see a meeting in action we welcome you to join us at 7pm in the staffroom.
Need Help with Sport Fees?
We recently applied for and were granted $500 by the Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board to help families struggling to pay sports fees for children. We are so grateful for this money and know it will help a few more kids get active. The last few years have been especially hard on some families financially and we don’t want that impacting on the opportunity for kids to get involved in sports.
If you need some assistance with sports fees please contact Libby Richardson in our school office at lrichardson@pbs.school.nz
Term 3 Learning Conferences
Did you know that research shows that students developing the ability to talk about their own learning makes a big difference to the progress they make? That’s why we want to involve our students in learning conferences with their parents this year.
On Wednesday 3 August, Paraparaumu Beach School will be using a Teacher Only day to host Learning Conferences throughout the day (from 9am – until 6pm). We are changing the way these conferences are organised so students can take part in the conversations about their progress and achievements.
Each learning conference will be 10 minutes in length and will be a conversation between the student, their teacher and their parents/whānau. This opportunity aims to strengthen partnerships between home and school, focusing on what the student has achieved so far this year and how we might support them moving forward.
- The role of the teacher is to facilitate and lead the conversation about the student’s learning. They may use supports such as Spotlight, Seesaw or other examples of learning within the classroom
- The role of the student is to share some of their learning and join in the discussion as they feel comfortable or as prompted by their teacher
- The role of the parent or whānau members is to listen, ask questions (of their child or the teacher) and encourage their child to participate
We hope that by involving our students they will gain more confidence and ownership of their learning journey. Furthermore, we hope that student involvement will enable parents to gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths and needs.
The school playgrounds and library will be available for siblings to play or wait at this time. The library will have adult supervision during the conferences. These, or other alternative arrangements for siblings, mean that your child can have your full focus during their learning conference slot.
Please note that there will not be time to raise complex social issues or confidential matters, but you can arrange a time to do this with your child’s teacher at another time by emailing them.
Parent/Teacher Learning Conference Bookings (Excluding Rm 3 Students)
Parent/Teacher learning conference bookings are now open for Wednesday, 3 August. The booking code is pcsxg. Go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and enter the code and follow the prompts.
Bookings will close at 9am on Wednesday, 3 August.
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.
Hararei = Holiday
Kia haumaru = Be safe/stay safe
Kia tino pai te hararei! = Have a great holiday!
Kia haumaru i ēnei hararei = Be safe over these holidays
Spotlight News
Kid's Quote
Patrol students came into the staffroom for a milo after a cold morning on gate duty. After one student had added milk the staff member noted there was hardly any room for hot water.
Staff member: “Would you like any hot water with your milk?”
Student: “Just a pinch”
Old Kitchen for your Garage or Bach?
This Friday we are dismantling our old staffroom kitchen.
If you’d like it for your garage or bach please get in contact with the school office before Friday on 04 2985775.
Old Relics/Technology Required
During the school holidays we hope to create an exhibition in Room 12 with lots of different technology items. We are looking for old and interesting items that could be put on display such as old tools, phones, toys, typewriters, cameras, cooking appliances, sewing machines, sports equipment, record players etc. Children will not be able to play with the equipment unless you have given permission. If there is some technology that can be played with, we will make a tinker station. This room will be used as a ‘hook in’ to get students wondering about technology.
Please contact Hillary Houston hhouston@pbs.school.nz if you can help. Thank you.
Kapiti College Enrolments
All enrolments need to be received by the college by Monday, 25 July. The ballot will be held on Friday, 1 August. Enrolment forms can be emailed to tracey.thorpe@kc.school.nz
TE MOTU CAMP 2023
Amazing Camp Fundraising Opportunity!
We are so grateful to Tony Shalders from PLATINUM HOMES for this generous offer.
If you know of anyone embarking on the building process we would be eternally grateful if you made them aware of this.”
Hoodies - Final Reminder
Orders close today for hoodies to support the Te Motu Syndicate School Camp 2023 fundraiser.
PTA Raffle 2022
Thank you to all those whānau that have sold their raffle tickets. Keep them coming.
If you would like any more tickets please email sandys@pbs.school.nz and I will arrange to get more home with your child.
Recent Student Achievements
Cross Country Champs: Gold for sisters Mia and Lucie Thomson at North Island cross country champs held at Taupo on the weekend! Lucie took gold in the under 10 and Mia gold in the under 12s. Congratulations girls.
Lost Property
Whilst you are able to go and check the lost property at any time this week, the clothes won’t be on display until the first week of next term due to isolation issues.
Order Ezlunch Now for Friday
All orders placed before 8pm on Thursday, 7 July (for delivery this Friday, 8 July) will be in the draw to win the value of their lunch back. Easy!
Three lucky people will WIN!
T&C’s – Winners will be selected randomly. Every order has one chance to win. Open to ezlunch account holders only, at schools with lunch service available 8 July 2022. Maximum value $20 per winner. Competition valid for orders received by 8pm on Thursday, 7 July 2022 for lunch delivery Friday, 8 July 2022.
Yummy School Promo
Please collect your yummy stickers and send them to your child’s class or to Ginny Hawke in Rm 2. The more stickers we collect the more sports gear we can purchase!
This runs all through term 3.
Future Student Achievements
If your child has an achievement you would like us to share in our newsletter, then please send details (and a picture if you would like) to mbarfoote@pbs.school.nz
Advertise in our Community Directory
Do you have a business and want to support PBS through advertising?
Check out the Community Directory on our website https://kapiti.pbs.school.nz/ You can advertise your business here for a small contribution. Businesses can list their services, events and opportunities all here for others in our large school community to see and access. This helps us support local businesses, encouraging PBS parents to support your business, and keeps all listings in one easy to find spot. Below are a few screen shots of what you can find. Click on a listing and explore the content!
