School Newsletter - 20th September 2023
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and caregivers
As we approach the end of the term, I want to thank the PTA and parents who supported events such as the School Gala and Blokes Breakfast. Both of these events enabled our school community to connect and spend time together. Thank you to the PTA, especially Suyin and the various leaders who organise the above events as well as Sushi, Pizza etc. Your support for the school and community is outstanding. Thank you.
The Gala has raised the monies needed to undertake work in the Kiri Playground. This work will be scheduled for the summer holiday break. Thank you to those who have raised the funds to make this work possible. Your contribution supports our early learners into Kohimarama School.
There are still a few items on Trade Me if you wish to jump on and bid for those. Thank you in advance.
2024 planning and organisation
The school is working through the data that has been collected from parents over the last few months. This supports our school planning and organisation for 2024.
During this week and into the school spring break, we will be constructing the classes for 2024. Of note it is pleasing to see that just over 66% of our Year 6 students are continuing into Year 7 at Kohimarama School. When I first arrived at Kohimarama this number was 25%.
Our Year 7&8 programme ranks as superior, preparing our learners very well for their continued learning in secondary school. Recent discussion with Sacred Heart College reflected these comments from the school and via feedback our students and their teachers:
Students said
HUBS - Helped us to get used to learning with different teachers.
Sports - Kohimarama School offers lots of different sports which are also offered at SHC.
At Kohimarama School, you did lots of writing - speeches, narratives, persuasive, all of which set us up very well for our writing at SHC.
We have lots of group work in the classroom at SHC - At Kohimarama School, we get used to working together in the Kohimarama Way and through our HUBs as well.
Online homework got us used to online programmes (like Education Perfect, which is used at SHC)
Teachers said
Students have good prior knowledge in literacy and numeracy ready for secondary school.
Most students appear to have had extensions in Maths.
Kohimarama boys are very well-prepared in the areas of Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
Boys being extended more than a year above their NZC Level can be challenging for the staff, when they come to the secondary school system.
This year Kohimarama School is trialling coaching for our Year 8 students. This is currently in a 10 week programme over terms 3&4. The coaching is designed to support our students managing the social and academic complexities of secondary schooling and enabling them to better know themselves and the way that they operate.
Sean Boyd - Artist and Alumni
A past Kohimarama School student, Artist Sean Boyd, has been working with the school to bring 3D sculpture alive. He is currently working with a group of students in terms 3 & 4. It will be fantastic to see what they create.
You may have seen some of Sean’s creations in the office if you have called in to see us.
Notice of Evacuation Drill
On Thursday we will hold an evacuation drill. This will begin at the end of a break time. Teachers have been preparing students for this during the week. These drills are part of Health and Safety Management for the school.
Out of Zone Enrolments
The Kohimarama School Board will not be releasing any out of zone places for 2024.
Unfortunately I am writing this newsletter at home as I have contracted COVID having missed it for the last 3.5 years. I do wish all families a wonderful spring break and look forward to seeing you next term.
The Kohimarama Way - Respect
"Respect is appreciation of the separatenss of the other person, of the ways in which they are unique." Annie Gottlieb. "I must respect the opinions of others even if I disagree with them.? Herbert H Lehman.
Rehu Tai Speech Festival
Congratulations to the 6 students who represented us at the interschool speech competition recently. I was proud to have you represent our school with your confidence and practiced deliveries. Your presentations were interesting and centred on the theme 'kaitiakitanga' - guardianship.
- Years 5 and 6 = Amy, Forest and Rachel
- Years 7 and 8 = Jayden, Louisa and Olivia
Our school hosted the Years 7 and 8 Remuera Cluster final, we had 11 schools participate. Thank you to the Student Leaders who ensured the event went off without a hitch, Juliette, Mattys and Phineas ably assisted as emcees, timekeepers and technical support.
EPRO8 Semi-Final
Last week we had 3 Kohimarama teams competing at the EPRO8 semi-finals competition in Papatoetoe.
The year 5/6 team (The Bananas) had a spectacular build with their Space Invaders game and placed 2nd, securing a spot in the Grand finals this Friday.
The year 6 team (LJHS) tackled the Space Invaders task before trying their luck with Tetrus. With some tough competition they came away in 7th place.
The year 8 team (Peanut Butter Pi) were sitting in 2nd for most of the event but sadly lost their placing in a very tense final 30 minutes. They showed determination and perseverance and kept smiling till the end.
Kohimarama Cheerleading
On Sunday, the year 5-8 Kohimarama Cheerleading team performed at the Spring Carnival Competition.
We have a huge team with 28 athletes. They looked amazing on the mat and placed 2nd in their division.
Blokes Breakfast
Blokes Breakfast WINNERS:
Please collect prizes from the office for your Dads.
- Freya Horn, Rm 25
- Scarlett Ewan, Rm 2
- Naomi Hong, Rm 6
- Jacob, Rm 23
- Arlo, Rm 11
- Grayson B, Rm 3
- Grayson G, Rm 19
- Mina Goodwin, Rm 26
Music Opportunities 2023
We have two music specialists this year teaching piano or ukulele, guitar and drums. If you are interested in finding out more please contact them directly.
Piano
- Rebecca Erskine - bec.erskine@hotmail.com
Guitar, ukelele or drums
- Ben Jurisich - eastsideguitar@gmail.com
Leavers
As we begin our classroom planning for 2024, we ask those families who have made plans and have a student/s who will be leaving Kohimarama School at the end of 2023 school year to complete this form. The last day of school is 15 December 2023.
Note: The form does not need to be completed for Year 8 students.
Many thanks for your support in assisting us with our advance planning.
Certificates & Awards
Caught Being Good - "Greenies"
Congratulations to our students for doing the right thing in the playground at Break times. Our fortunate two this week are:
- Aria Rm 13 for Friendliness Selwyn
- Zoe Rm 18 for Respect Colenso
Sports Results
Flippa Ball & Mini Polo Results
- Year 3/4 Kinas
Win 11-0. POD Whole Team - Year 3/4 Sharks
Win 3-1. POD Whole Team - Year 5/6 Blue Bottles
Win 6-1. POD Whole Team
Community Notices
