School Newsletter - 30th January 2024
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome to Kohimarama School for the 2024 academic year! As the principal, I am thrilled to greet each and every one of our students, families, and staff members. We're embarking on another exciting year of learning, growth, and community engagement.
At Kohimarama School, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing and dynamic environment where every student can thrive. Our focus this year continues to be on providing high-quality education that caters to the diverse needs of our students. We are committed to enriching the learning experience for our capable students and ensuring that every child achieves their fullest potential.
This year, we're also emphasising the importance of responsible digital citizenship. In alignment with the government's policy, we have a comprehensive cell phone policy in place. This is designed to minimise distractions in the classroom while recognizing the need for students to stay connected with their families. Please see below.
Furthermore, we believe in the significance of wearing our school uniform. It's a symbol of our unity and commitment to the values we uphold at Kohimarama School. We expect all students to wear their uniforms with pride and respect the standards we have set.
We have a range of extracurricular activities and programs planned for this year, and I encourage all students to get involved. We are fortunate to have the Rock Band for senior students reestablished for 2024. We have also reestablished the Brass bands. These will be reintroduced during this term. Look out for more information in the following newsletters and school calendar. These activities along with our regular music and sporting activities are fantastic ways to develop new skills, make friends, and contribute to our school community.
I would also like to extend a special welcome to our new families joining us this year. You are now part of a warm and supportive community. I look forward to meeting you and your children, and I am excited about the journey we will take together this year.
You will have heard about the Government's ban on cellphones in schools.
Kohimarama School has a comprehensive policy on cellphone use. This has been in place for a number of years. The guidelines are clear and focus on promoting a conducive learning environment while recognizing the practical needs of some families. Here are some key aspects of the policy and additional consideration:
The Policy;
- Mandates that cell phones must be turned off between 8.55 am and 3.00 pm helps ensure that students remain focused on their learning without distractions.
- States our Limited Liability: The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen phones, clarifies expectations and encourages students to be responsible for their belongings.
- Details Procedure for Confiscation: The policy that staff can confiscate a phone if seen during school time, to be collected later, is a clear deterrent against misuse during school hours.
- Includes EOTC Activities: Allowing cellphones on Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) activities with approval is a practical approach, considering the potential need for communication in different settings.
- Encouraging parents to call the office if they need to urgently contact their child during school hours is a sensible measure that limits disruption.
- Deals with inappropriate use: The policy addresses the consequences of inappropriate use during school hours, such as bullying, unauthorised photography, or sharing inappropriate content, which is crucial in fostering a safe and respectful school environment.
- States that parents must request permission for their child to have a cell phone at school. Link to form follow: (Phone permission form)
Additional Consideration:
- Digital Literacy Education: Devices, including cell phones are part of the digital literacy and online safety education at our school. This is designed for students to understand the responsible use of technology and the implications of digital actions.
Overall we believe that our policy strikes a balance between the needs of modern communication and the priorities of the educational environment. By enforcing these guidelines, Kohimarama School is taking a positive step towards enhancing student focus and safety.
Additional resources:
Digital Technology and Cybersafety
Surrender and Retention of Digital Devices
School Communication with Parents
Kohimarama School prioritises communication with parents and caregivers. By utilising a variety of communication tools ensures that important information is easily accessible and that parents stay well-informed about school activities and updates. Here's a summary of the communication methods:
- School Website: Regularly checking the school website is crucial for parents and caregivers. It often serves as the primary source of detailed information about school policies, news, events, and resources.
- Mobile App: for reminders, calendar upcoming events and weekly school newsletter: Using a dedicated mobile app for calendar updates is a convenient way for parents to stay informed about upcoming events, important dates, and changes in the school schedule. This tool allows for real-time notifications and easy access to the school's calendar. The newsletter is sent directly to the app once ready.
- eTap Messages: eTap messaging system is an effective way to communicate directly with parents and caregivers. This system can send instant messages to devices, ensuring that parents receive timely updates, reminders, and important alerts.
School and Team Newsletters:
Every week on a Wednesday we send a school newsletter. This is connected to our website and pulls calendar information alongside articles. We have Team newsletters which give a heads up about the learning that is occurring over the next half of the term. This is a good way to prepare your child for the upcoming learning. We have every team participate so that the whole school can see the happenings across all teams.
We hope that by providing multiple channels for communication, we endeavour to cater to different preferences and ensure that the school community stays connected and informed.
Let's make 2024 a remarkable year filled with learning, achievements, and memorable experiences. Together, we will continue to uphold the high standards of education and community spirit that make Kohimarama School a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Remembering our gift of a Kaikōhau at the end of 2023 from Ngati Paoa.
A Kaikōhau is an expression of our hopes and desires. When we say it, we are welcoming all things that are good and wishing for them to be plentiful in time to come. Based on the Kohimarama Way
Te Ara Pūkaka o Kohimarama Nau mai ngā hua katoa O te māramatanga Kia makuru Kia hāwere Kia ranea Kia ea ai Ngā moemoeā O te whānau, nō te Kura o Kohimarama Whakamaua kia tina Tina Hui e, taiki e | The Kohimarama Way We welcome all the fruits Of the world of enlightenment To be fruitful To be abundant To be copious So that The dreams Of the whānau belonging to Kohimarama school Will be fulfilled Join, gather, unite |
Composed by Drina Paratene - Ngāti Paoa (11/12/2023)
Thank you to our wonderful PTA, Gala Committee for the upgrade of the Kiri playground.
Welcome to our school, and here's to a successful and enjoyable year ahead!
Paul Engels, Principal
The Kohimarama Way - Honesty
Being honest is being open, trustworthy and truthful. When people are honest, they can be relied on not to lie, cheat, or steal. Honesty is telling the truth. It is admitting mistakes even when you know someone might be angry or disappointed. Being honest means that you don't pretend to be something you are not. With honesty, you can trust things to be as they appear.
School Librarian
We are looking for a Librarian to join our team at Kohimarama School.
If you love books and think you are the right person and have the skills and administrative background then this is an exciting opportunity to lead an important resource of our school.
You will establish and maintain positive relationships with students, teachers and suppliers and be able to operate a library computer system (training can be provided).
The position is 20 hours per week, term time only and fixed contract until 17 December 2024. Immediate start would be preferred.
This role may suit two people to share the librarian role. Your hours per day can suit you, so long as you can monitor the library between 1pm - 1.50pm to allow students to utilise this facility.
To apply, please send your current CV and the contact details of two verbal referees to the Principal’s PA, Helen O’Brien - hobrien@kohimarama.school.nz
School App Schoolzine
If you havent done so already, please download the school app, Schoolzine. This will be where you will find the school calendar, newsletters and receive messages from the office. Once you download the Schoolzine app, search for Kohimarama School and enter our school pin 2024. Each user will need to register. If you choose not to download Schoolzine, you will be able to find newsletters on the school website weekly on a Wednesday.
Rock Band Auditions - Years 6 to 8 students Wednesday 7th February 9.00am
Ben Jurisich is our Rock Band Director for 2024 and he is looking forward to working with students in Years 6 to 8 who have a talent and passion to be in a Rock Band. The Rock Band will meet Wednesday mornings from 9.00-10.00am each week and work together to put performances together for assemblies. Ben is looking for students who are willing to audition their talents in singing, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard. Audition sign-up sheets will be in the office. There will be a cost to each student to pay for Ben's tutelage.
Band Sign Up Evening - Wednesday 7th February 6.30 pm in the Library
Jesse Sheehan is our new Band Director. He has organised tutors to teach our students saxophone, clarinet, flute, trombone, trumpet or cornet. At the Band Sign Up evening students with their parents will be able to see the instruments and choose which one they would like to learn. Students signing up must understand it is a year commitment to learning the instrument, with 4 x 10 minute practices at home each week. Come along and find out more.