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    • School Notices - 14 December 2020
      • School has finished for the year, but there are a few final things to pass on .... School Leavers Whether your child is a year 6 or simply leaving to move to another school, this information concerns you. At the end of this calendar year (31 December 2020) all school leavers accounts will be deactivated. If wish to retain the information (school reports etc.) you need to follow the instructions on this link. Last Day for 2020 Here is a link to some photos taken on the last day of school for 2020. At some stage during the photo taking process, the camera was hi-jacked and the Koru kids did their own thing. Enjoy. Holiday Activities Over the last few weeks I've included various holiday activities. I've consolidated them into one document if you wish to have a look through them in this link. Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter If you haven't already come across it please check out the latest Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter to see what's happening in Churton Park. Christmas and Beyond Parents: I've had the opportunity to randomly wander around the school this year and, not surprisingly, I've come across all of the kids several times. Not once have I had a negative encounter. It has always been a pleasant experience and the kids have always been polite, welcoming and eager to interact and share what they are doing. This clearly is a credit to you parents. So, I would like to thank you all personally. Students: Have a wonderful holiday and thank you all for being "you". 2021: The first day of school in 2021 will be Tuesday 2 February 2021.By John Murrihy

    • School Notices - 7 December 2020
      • This is what is happening for the last week of 2020 .... What's on? Amesbury Junior Athletics Carnival - Monday 7 DecemberEnd of Year Reports go live on ALF - Monday 7 December by 3pmYear 6 Graduation Dinner - Monday 7 December 5:30 - 7:30pmYear 6 Day in Town - Tuesday 8 DecemberYear 6 Miniball - Tuesday 8 December 6.20pm @ Nairnville Rec CentreBoard of Trustees meeting - Wednesday 9 December 5:30pm in school meeting roomSchool farewell celebration 9:15 - 9:45am - Thursday 10 DecemberSchool closes for the year at 12:30pm - Thursday 10 December Amesbury Junior Athletics Carnival - Monday 7 December The Amesbury Junior Athletics Carnival now has a new date - Monday 7th December, 9.30am-12.30pm. This is for all years 0-2. Originally planned for earlier this month, the Carnival was postponed due to the inclement weather. Year 6 Graduation Dinner and Day in Town All Year 6s and their families will have been invited to the Year 6 Graduation Dinner on Monday (7 December) and a reminder too that the Year 6s will be going into town the following day (Tuesday 8 December). Year 6 Miniball - Clash of the Titans! Our 2 unbeaten miniball teams are going head-to-head this Tuesday (8 December) at 6.20pm at the Nairnville Recreation Centre (corner of Cockayne Road and Lucknow Terrace, Khandallah). This is the last term for our Year 6s, so, if you can, come on down and support the teams. Kindo - Families leaving Amesbury Image by: John Murrihy Note: If you still have other children at Amesbury next year the above does not apply to you. Lunch Orders Pizza lunch orders have now finished for the yearPita Pit lunch orders have now finished for the yearLast day of Lunch Online (Nada Bakery) orders Wednesday 9th Dec Please Return all Books A reminder to return all library books as soon as you can so Regina can do her end-of-year thing. Thanks. Also, please don't forget to return all school readers before the end of the school year. Lost and Found We have a number of items, including un-named school uniform items, water bottles and containers. Any items not collected by midday Thursday 10th December will be donated to charity or sold as second hand uniform. Community Notices Christmas & Summer Holiday Drama Programmes - Drama Remedy Christmas Holiday Programme It's been a year like no other but let's end it with a holiday programme with a festive theme. The 3-day workshop will focus on Drama, Creative Writing & Craft. Create craft items to display your own writing, plus festive themed decorations. On the final day dance to a medley of Christmas tunes and it gets more exciting with Secret Santa and a scrumptious spread. When: 16th, 17th, & 18th December & 21st, 22nd & 23rd December Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm (doors open from 8.30 am) Where: Churton Park Community Centre Cost: $125 per child for the 3 day workshop or $45 per day per child (We provide morning and afternoon tea) Summer Holiday Drama Programme  Roll on 2021!! The January holiday programme will be focusing on Play Performance. During the course of the 3 days we will work on a play script to suit the ages, interests and abilities of the children who are taking part. Dates: 18th, 19th & 20th January 2021 9.00 am - 4.00 pm (doors open from 8.30 am) Location: Churton Park Community Centre Cost: $130 per child for the 3 day workshop or $45 per day per child We provide morning and afternoon tea. For more details or for enrolment contact: dramaremedy@gmail.com04 478 5962 or 022 027 3316 www.dramaremedy.co.nz 150 year Story Competition The Mayor, Andy Foster, is inviting young aspiring writers to take part in the 150 Year Story Competition. Write a fiction or non-fiction story, based around a person or event which happening during the past 150 years of Wellington’s history. This is between 1870 and today. Two categories 9-12 year old writers, up to 1500 words13-18 year old writers up to 3000 words Submit their entries or find out more information here Entries are open until 7th January 2021 The winning fiction and non-fiction stories in each category will receive 1:1 Writer’s ClinicA CertificateAn invitation for lunch with the MayorA “Keys to the City” prize pack Tots to Teens Your link to the latest Tots to Teens digi-magazine is http://issue2012nis.totstoteens.co.nz/ IN THIS ISSUE we investigate if summer brain drain is actually a thing – you might be surprised! We share the important points that parents need to consider for their new school starters. Everyone can win $3,400 worth of amazing prizes, including a fantastic holiday fun package! Choose your own adventure with our great holiday ideas for kids, and learn to make adorable cupcake trees for Christmas. We have the buzz on whether honey is a better choice and have two simple honey-based snack recipes. Shining bright, here comes the sun… and the burn, the itchy scratchies, and the family road trips, so parents will love our great tips for life in NZ this season. Check out our travel section on Aotearoa’s Coromandel coastline and enjoy our family fun page (we have a perfect road trip game to try). Remember to ask the kids to find the 5 Honeybees (pī) buzzing around this issue. Fergs Adventure Club: Summer Holiday Programme 2021 Here at Fergs’ Kayaks our Adventure Club Summer Holiday Programme offers a number of different experiences in one fun package, from Rock Climbing to Kayaking and Stand up Paddleboarding!  The Adventure Club Summer Holiday Programme runs weekly from Monday- Friday, January 11th- 29th. The programme is for ages 8-17 and is designed to be multifaceted in Rock Climbing, Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding. The programme will be inclusive for all activities, or you may choose the activity that suits your child best. Prices start at $200.  For more information or to register interest, please email Hope at Saleswn@fergskayaks.co.nz. Artrageous Kids Holiday Programmes Artrageous Kids Creative Christmas: 16 Dec – 23 Dec 2020 Come and join our magical pre-xmas Artrageous Holiday programme! We will be exploring many exciting Christmas crafts including baking, decoration making, ornaments, and creating love filled handmade gifts. Our trusty favourites will also be on hand like paint, paper, clay, stone, collage, construction and of course the "glue gun table" will all be available. Venue: Poneke Dojo, Prince of Wales Park, Salisbury Tce, Mt Cook, Wellington 8.30am–3:00pm $79 and after care 3:00pm-5.30pm $15Bookings essential. BOOK NOW:Artrageous Kids Christmas For ages 5-10 yrs old Artrageous Summer Adventure: 6 Jan – 3 Feb 2021 Aimed at children aged 5-10 years. Our classes provide a space for all children to explore at their own pace; chaotic or careful, gingerly or with gusto, tiptoeing or tromping. Our aim is to draw out their creativity, not stuff things in! Bookings essential. BOOK NOW! Venue: Poneke Dojo, Prince of Wales Park, Salisbury Tce, Mt Cook, Wellington 8.30am–3:00pm $79 and after care 3:00pm-5.30pm $15 Christmas Market As part of the Wellington Open New Zealand Tennis Championships we are running a Christmas Market at the Renouf Tennis Centre on Saturday 19th December. We will have over 35 artisan stallholders nestled in a Christmas atmosphere with live music and incredible tennis to watch – all for FREE! A great day out for all the family. Finals day at the Renouf Tennis Centre is on Sunday 20th December and tickets are now on sale. Kids Under 12 GO FREE!. Not just for tennis fans, everyone will enjoy the incredible on-court action of four sensational matches of tennis. Tawa Racketlon - January 2021 Back by popular demand! Tawa Squash, Tawa Tennis and Wellington North Badminton joint holiday programme initiative. Players rotate around each sport spending 1.5 hours at each club. Qualified coaches will take each session. Please note, holiday programme is for age 6 years and older. Dates: Wednesday 27 January, Friday 29 January and Monday 1 February,Time: 9am - 3pm Round 1: 9 - 10.30amRound 2: 11 - 12.30pmRound 3: 1.30 - 3pm Cost per day: $50 or sign up for three days $135 Registration link and further details: https://bit.ly/3qikaqrBy John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • School Notices - 30 November 2020
      • It's camp week. Hopefully the weather is more favourable than last year .... What's on? Pōhutukawa Camp - Monday 30 November - Friday 4 DecemberHarakeke Camp - Tuesday 1 - Friday 4 DecemberKoru Camp - Tuesday 1 - Thursday 3 December Scholastic Book Fair - Monday 30 November - Tuesday 1 December School Camps (EOTC) I'm sure that the kids haven't forgotten but it's Camp Week this week. Please check out the links above and the communications that the teachers have sent out directly, to ensure that you know what's happening where and when and what the kids need to bring along. If you have any last minute questions please contact your child/ren's whānau teacher. Scholastic Book Fair at Amesbury The Scholastic Book Fair is finishing on Tuesday, so if you want to have a look for something come on in during the following times: Monday 28th November 8:30-9:15am or 2:45-3:30pmTuesday 29th November 8:30-9:15am or 2:45-3:30pm Amesbury Junior Athletics Carnival - Monday 7 December The Amesbury Junior Athletics Carnival now has a new date - Monday 7th December, 9.30am-12.30pm. Originally planned for earlier this month, the Carnival was postponed due to the inclement weather. Lunch Orders Pizza lunch orders have now finished for the yearLast day of Lunch Online (Pita Pit) orders is Friday 4th DecLast day of Lunch Online (Nada Bakery) orders Wednesday 9th Dec Please remember when your child/ren will be away from school over lunchtimes, e.g. camp week, Year 6 end of year activities, etc. so that you don't place lunch orders for those dates. Please Return all Books A reminder to return all library books as soon as you can so Regina can do her end-of-year thing. Thanks. Also, please don't forget to return all school readers before the end of the school year. Gift for Teachers Last week I emailed all parents/caregivers with a message from one of our parents, Mark Turner, who is co-ordinating a gift for the teachers as a thank you for their dedication to all of the Amesbury Kids. If you wish to contribute, please refer back to that email for the details. Thanks. Lost and Found We have a number of items including un-named school uniform items, water bottles and containers. Any items not collected by midday Thursday 10th Dec, will be donated to charity. Kelly Club Holiday Programmes  These focus on giving children aged between 5 and 13 the opportunity to do things they enjoy in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. PRE-XMAS HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – 11 DEC – 23 DEC 2020 HO HO HO - We’re taking over Santa’s workshop for the Pre-Christmas Holiday Programme with lots of Christmas activities planned! Messy Xmas Day, Super Hero Day, Summer Tea Party, Masterchef Monday, Christmas Party plus trips to Laserforce and we are off to see the movie Croods 2! JANUARY 2021 HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – 5 JAN – 1 FEB 2021 The January programme is packed with activities to entertain and inspire children. We have some exciting days planned: Trips to: Wellington Zoo, Staglands, Te Papa, Cure Kids Day! Plus: "Minute to win it", Crazy Day, Harry Potter Day, Star Wars Day, H2GO Day and lots more!! To enrol www.kellyclub.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201 JANUARY HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES Football - Wests Rugby Clubrooms, Ian Galloway Park, Wilton Week 1 - Tues 12 Jan, Weds 13 Jan, Thurs 14 Jan Week 2 - Tues 19 Jan, Weds 20 Jan, Thurs 21 Jan Week 3 - Tues 26 Jan, Weds 27 Jan, Thurs 28 Jan Sessions run from 9.30am-12.30pm Years 1-4 Perfect for beginners and those just wanting to have fun. Come along and learn more about football and learning the basic skills of Football. We will focus on ball control, dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting but MOST importantly having as much FUN as possible! Years 5-8 Come along for a more advanced class for those wanting to improve their technical and tactical skills and understanding of the game. These sessions will focus on improving technique, knowledge and skills. The cost for this three day programme is $95.00 or $36 per day. Summer Netball Holiday Programme Northland Memorial Hall, 5 Woburn Road, Northland. Tues 19 Jan, Weds 20 Jan, Thurs 21 Jan Session runs from 9am -12pm Years 1-4 These sessions will work on improving basic netball skills and start to develop technical and tactical knowledge in accordance with the Future Ferns programme. Children will improve their passing, shooting, spacial awareness and defensive skills. Years 5-8 These sessions will work on sharpening basic skills like passing and shooting and start to develop a better understanding of the 7-a-side game and the different positional roles. We use fun drills and games to develop and challenge young players focusing on the key skill areas for their level of development while also having fun! The cost for this three day programme is $95.00 or $36 per day. For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201.  Community Notices Healthy Active Learning Have your say on improving healthy eating and drinking and quality physical activity for our tamariki by participating in the Healthy Active Learning evaluation To understand the impact that Healthy Active Learning is having and to improve what we do we would like feedback from as many care givers, teachers and principals as possible. To better understand from parents, care givers and whānau how their children are participating in physical activity and healthy eating and drinking at your school, we invite all parents and care givers to complete our whānau survey. It takes 5-10 minutes and once completed whānau will go in the draw to win a $100 supermarket voucher. For templates and more information to help you share our surveys please see the attached word document. Massey University is undertaking the evaluation of Healthy Active Learning on behalf or Sport NZ, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education for more information on the evaluation please visit Massey University or view the evaluation facebook page. Ajmol Ali PhD, Associate Professor, Associate Dean - International, phone: +64 9 213 6414, e-mail: a.ali@massey.ac.nzOwen Mugridge MSc, Research Trials Manager, Sophie Turner MSc, Senior Research Assistant School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition | College of Health, Massey University Nairnville Rec Centre  The centre is running a community fun day out here at our facility on Sunday 20th December from 10am-3pm. We’ll have lots of fun activities planned for the day, as well as food and drinks available. Santa will also be in attendance. We’d love to see as many people as possible come along on the day, as this is our way of giving back and saying thanks for all the support! Book in for a summer of fun at Tawa Rec Our school holiday programme is now open for registration! We've got everything from inflatables, to dodgeball, to giant bubbles and much more! Our programme, included below, runs from 11-29 January 2021. Beat the Christmas rush and request a booking now - https://wgtn.cc/schoolholidays Tawa Recreation Centre will be closed for the summer from Friday 18 December and reopen on Monday 11 January 2021. Get your registrations in now. Emails will be cleared on Sunday 10 January if you request a booking during the closure. Contact us at tawa.rec@wcc.govt.nz or 04 232 2260 Christmas Funday: 21 December 2020: 10am - 2pm Tawa Anglicans annual Funday - Christmas crafts, games, stories... for primary school aged children. $15 See the flyer below. Contact hayley.balmer@xtra.co.nz to bookBy John MurrihyAttachments HAL Evaluation Information for all schools   Word, 121.4 KBholiday-programme-tawa-rec jan 2021   PDF, 121.2 KBCommunity Fun Day out Poster 20th December   PDF, 4.5 MBChristmas Funday Flyer 2020   PDF, 62.2 KBPhoto Gallery

    • A message from The Library
      • It's nearly the end of the year and we are doing a big push with the kids to get all issued books back to Amesbury School Library by the end of this week. Hi everyone It is nearly the end of the year and we are doing a big push with the kids to get all issued books back to Amesbury School Library by the end of this week. Please have a look in the cupboards, under beds, down the back of the couch etc!  The library is shut now until the end of the year, however, books can be returned by placing them in the returns box at any time.  If you are looking for some summer reading inspiration for your kids, here is a great NZ website to check out called The Sapling.By Regina Singh

    • Speech Finals
      • We have narrowed down our finalists and are looking forward to seeing them do their best this week. The speech finals will now be held in the hall on Thursday at 2pm. The time has changed slightly as we won't be needing as much time as we thought.  We look forward to seeing you there.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Natalie natalie@amesbury.school.nzBy Natalie Douglas

    • School Notices - 9 November 2020
      • This week marks the halfway point of the term. What's on? Amesbury Speech Competition Heats - Monday 9 - Friday 13 NovemberParent Focus Group Sessions - Wednesday 10 NovemberNewlands Intermediate Orientation Morning (for enrolled students) - Friday 13 November Parent Survey and Parent Focus Group Sessions How well are we implementing the vision for education for Amesbury School? This Survey and information was emailed out to all parents during the past week. Urs & Lesley really urge as many of you as possible to complete the survey and make yourselves available for a feedback session this Tuesday 10 November as the school looks to 2021 and beyond. Year 6 Orientation Morning at Newlands Intermediate All students who are currently enrolled at Newlands Intermediate for next year will be attending an orientation morning on Friday 13th November. This will be a chance for the students to meet some of their future teachers, become more familiar with the layout of the school, and meet children from other schools who will also be attending Newlands Intermediate next year.  We will be travelling by bus and will leave Amesbury at approximately 8:30am. Please ensure that children are present in the library from 8:20am and that they have their hat, fleece and some morning tea to take with them. We will return to school at around 12:30pm, so lunch orders can be collected at lunchtime as normal.  This is only for students who are currently enrolled at Newlands Intermediate. Please contact kalesha@amesbury.school.nz if you have any questions.  Walking and Wheeling to Amesbury School Survey Further to our Movin' March and Walk or Wheel to school events, Natalie has put together the this survey about how children are currently getting to and from school. It's really short and your input would be greatly appreciated. If you haven't already done so please fill in this form. EOTC / ‘Camp’ Week This year, we have changed the format for our end of year overnight stays and camps due to issues with Covid-19. All permission forms were due to have been completed by now. If you are one of the few who haven't done so, a big please from the teachers to do so. All of our end of year trips and activities will happen in our ‘EOTC’ (Education Outside of the Classroom) Week - Mon 30 Nov - Fri 4 Dec. For further information about what your child/ren will be doing for the week and what you need to know and to do, please read the following: Koru HubHarakeke HubPōhutukawa Hub School Shop Invoices Following on from the above please check Kindo for EOTC and student activity invoices. Amesbury Speech Competition Entries have now closed for the Amesbury Speech Competition. Heats will take place next week (9th - 13th November) and the finals will take place in our school hall from 1:30pm on Thursday 19th November. If you haven't started working on it - now's the time. For everyone else who's entered keep working at it. Cultural Festival at Amesbury The Amesbury School cultural festival will take place at Amesbury School on Friday 27 November from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Among other things it will showcase the activities that have been taking place in the school's learning enquiry this term around artworks. Additionally, there will be a diverse range of cultural activities on display and foods to partake of. But there is room for more. If you have something of your culture that you would like to share please contact Regina (regina@amesbury.school.nz) by 15 November. But wait, there's more: One our our teachers, Gar Kee, has agreed to have her long hair cut for charity, or more precisely for the Cancer Society. If you wish to find out more and make a donation please follow this link. Image by: John Murrihy Community Notices WCC - Upper Stebbings and Glenside West Engagement The Wellington City Council engagement on Upper Stebbings and Glenside West is now open and will run until 30 November 5pm. The link to their engagement webpage is here. The summary document and feedback form are at the bottom of these notices. The WCC encourages everyone to submit online if possible. Engagement events – an opportunity to discuss the proposals with a planner: WCC will be attending Utsav in Churton Park (Amesbury School) on Sunday 8 November from 3-5pm. WCC will hold a drop-in event at Tawa Library on Thursday 12 November from 5-7pm. WCC will hold a drop-in event at Johnsonville Library on Thursday 19 November from 4-6pm. Bike-a-palooza! Bike-a-palooza is a fun mountain biking event for kids aged from 2 to 13 years old, held on the 15th of November at the Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park. Bike-a-palooza is run by WORD, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing mountain biking adventures to children all over Wellington, to give them a lifelong love of riding. Online registration for Bike-a-palooza is already open. Check out the WORD website to register and for more information about the event and the courses available: word.org.nz/things-we-love/bike-a-palooza. Registration is $15 for one child, $40 for a family of three. OceanKids Attention all swimmers aged 7-10 years!  The Banana Boat OceanKids Series is coming to Freyberg Beach on Sunday 31 January - a great chance to have a go at a 100m or 200m ocean swim close to shore, in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.  Every child who participates will receive a finishers medal, photo, other goodies, and a great day at the beach!  Visit www.oceankids.co.nz for more info and to enter.By John MurrihyAttachments J011517-Upper-Stebbings-Glenside-Consultation-Feedback-Form-v3   PDF, 70.6 KBJ011517-Upper-Stebbings-Glenside-Consultation-Summary-LOWER-RES(2)   PDF, 6 MBPhoto Gallery

    • School Notices - 2 November 2020
      • What's on? Northern Zone Athletics - Monday 2 NovemberJunior (Year 0-2) Athletics at school - 9:30am - 12:30pm Tuesday 3 NovemberBoard of Trustees meeting - 5:30pm Wednesday 4 November Junior Athletics Carnival Our Junior Athletics Carnival will be held at school from 9.30am-12.30pm this Tuesday (3 November). The Carnival is for our Year 0-2 students including those Year 2s based in Harakeke. Please refer to the Junior Athletics Carnival article for further details, especially around what to bring for the day. Parent Survey and Parent Focus Group Sessions How well are we implementing the vision for education for Amesbury School? This Survey and information was emailed out to all parents during the past week.  Urs & Lesley really urge as many of you as possible to complete the survey and make yourselves available for a feedback session (on 10 November) as the school looks to 2021 and beyond. Walking and Wheeling to Amesbury School Survey Further to our Movin' March and Walk or Wheel to school events, Natalie has put together the this survey about how children are currently getting to and from school. It's really short and your input would be greatly appreciated. EOTC / ‘Camp’ Week This year, we have changed the format for our end of year overnight stays and camps due to issues with Covid-19. All of our end of year trips and activities will happen in our ‘EOTC’ (Education Outside of the Classroom) Week - Mon 30 Nov - Fri 4 Dec. For further information about what your child/ren will be doing for the week and what you need to know and to do, please read the following: Koru HubHarakeke HubPōhutukawa Hub Amesbury Speech Competition Entries have now closed for the Amesbury Speech Competition.  Heats will take place next week (9th - 13th November) and the finals will take place in our school hall from 1:30pm on Thursday 19th November. If you haven't started working on it - now's the time. For everyone else who's entered keep working at it. Scholastic's Book Club Issue 7 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering. The closing date is Friday the 6th of November 2020. Cultural Festival at Amesbury The Amesbury School cultural festival will take place at Amesbury School on Friday 27 November from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Among other things it will showcase the activities that have been taking place in the school's learning enquiry this term around artworks. Additionally, there will be a diverse range of cultural activities on display and foods to partake of. But there is room for more. If you have something of your culture that you would like to share please contact Regina (regina@amesbury.school.nz) by 15 November. But wait, there's more: One our our teachers, Gar Kee, has agreed to have her long hair cut for charity, or more precisely for the Cancer Society. If you wish to find out more and make a donation please follow this link. Sun Protection and Pollen  A friendly reminder that Amesbury sun hats are compulsory this term and in readiness for the upcoming sunshine, please apply sunscreen in the morning at home.  Pollen levels are increasing again - for students needing seasonal allergy medication, the first dose should ideally be given before school. Lost and Found Sleeping bag (pictured below)FitbitCasio watchPink togs with dinosaurs on them BraceletSnapper CardSchool uniform: beanies, polo top and skortKathmandu track pants (black)Bike Helmet Absence Reminders Parents/Caregivers are required to notify the school office by 9:00am each day their child is absent (or coming in late), so that we can verify the safe whereabouts of all our students. Here's how to let us know:  Absence Form on website/school app (preferred), 04 477 3423, text only: 021 865528, or office@amesbury.school.nz Please only select 'Appointment' for medical absences (doctor/dentist/specialist)It is school practice that a certificate from a medical professional (confirming days and when fit to return to school) is requested/provided after 3 consecutive days absence due to health reasons. Community Notices Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter If you haven't already come across it please check out the latest Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter to see what's happening in Churton Park. UTSAV - Celebrating Indian Culture The Churton Park Community Association invites you to attend UTSAV 2020 on 8 November from 2.30pm onward. UTSAV is an annual community event that celebrates Indian culture through performances, food and crafts. Image by: John Murrihy Churton Park Garden Group The next meeting is scheduled for 10 November from 7-8.30pm in the Churton Park Community Centre with guest speaker Finn Michalak, Manager - Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton’s Bush Reserve, on NZ plants and how you can use them in your garden The Churton Park Garden Group is an informal community group, open to people with a love of gardening, horticulture and plants, who are interested in finding out more, looking at other people’s gardens, talking about gardens and helping others with their gardens. Meetings are held monthly on the second Tuesday evening of the month from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Each meeting will generally include a speaker on topics of interest to gardeners and local gardening conditions, a plant sales table and raffles. Proceeds are used to support the running of the group, group activities and support for Churton Park Community initiatives. Visitors welcome - $5 For membership enquiries, please contact Alison Hannah, 022 415 6480 or churtonparkgardengroup@gmail.com Plunket: An Evening of Christmas Music Image by: John Murrihy Amesbury School will not be performing as a school but groups are welcome to perform. Please contact Plunket if you wish to do so.  Also everybody is invited along to enjoy the evening and make a contribution to the work that Plunket does. Poetry Journal for Kids and Teens Wellington City Libraries is excited to announce that we are launching our very own poetry journal for kids and teens -- Tūhono! All throughout the month of November, we will be accepting submissions of poetry from young writers aged 5 - 18 in Wellington. Unlike some other poetry journals, having your work accepted in Tūhono is not a competitive feat -- as long as you follow the rules of submission, every piece of work that gets submitted will be published. Tūhono itself -- the collection of poetry from young people all over Wellington -- will be published as an eBook on OverDrive, so that everyone with a library card can borrow it and bask in your talent and glory! Here is all the information your students will need to submit a poem for inclusion in Tūhono 2020: When? Submissions will be open from 1 - 30 November 2020.The journal will be published and available to borrow from the library in December 2020. Where? From the 1st of November, this submission link will be activated. All submissions must be completed online. Who? Everyone between the ages of 5 and 18 who lives or attends school in the Wellington region may participate. What? Theme: We want you to write a poem on the theme of "Tūhono -- Connection." Exactly what this means to you is up to you -- you could write about your family; friends; your connection with history or your place in the world; disconnection during lockdown -- anything at all. We can't wait to see what you create!Length: Your poem should not be longer than one A4 page typed, with size 12 font and 1.5 line spacing. Only one poem per person will be accepted.Language: Your poem may be written in English or te reo Māori. Why? We want to give all young people in Wellington the opportunity to have their work published in an accessible format. We think everyone deserves a platform and the chance to see something they created be part of the library's collection, alongside all the great authors and poets represented on our shelves. We hope that Tūhono grows into a uniquely Wellington collection of writing, capturing the thoughts and emotions of kids and teens from all over the city and region across time. We are so excited to see what you come up with! Throughout the month of November, we will be posting regular updates on the Kids’ and Teen Blogs providing inspiration for your writing -- so keep your eyes peeled! If you would like more information about Tūhono, you are more than welcome to contact the editors here. Happy writing, everyone! The Inspiration Garden The Inspiration Garden is Wellington’s newest, most inspirational FREE art event for all ages, curated with top Wellington designers & artists taking you behind the scenes of their passion, demonstrating their creative process & journey. Its an art event & market, featuring 30 + artists creating art from all different mediums from painting to pottery to sculpture and everything in between! You can watch, ask questions and in some cases, try it for yourself! There will also be delicious food & coffee available, & lovely music to listen to. Find stunning Christmas gifts & watch how ceramics, jewellery, paintings, felt, leather products, sculptures & many other artworks are made. The event listing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/338296837252499/ A link to the Promotional Video: https://youtu.be/3Xj1VAxav4A Come along to experience the creative magic & leave with beautiful products along with a new knowledge and understanding of art/ design that will spark your curiosity for creation. November 28th 10am till 4pm at the Petone Baptist Church. Free entry & perfect for all ages, children & families. Christmas Drawing Competition Orchestra Wellington are delighted to announce that we are hosting a Christmas Competition for all local primary school children. The winner will receive a VIP family pass (x2 children x2 adults, although we can be flexible on this) to our Christmas Singalong (usual cost $10 Child, $15 Adult). The concert itself features a Samoan choir, classic Christmas anthems, special guests (including Santa himself), and fun for all the family. All finalists will have their work displayed in the Renouf Foyer at the venue, which will be seen by a large number of people as there is an hour of pre-concert entertainment on the day.  The brief for pupils: We want to see your best Christmas drawing! This can be ANYTHING - presents under the tree, Santa in his sleigh, or you scoffing some delicious Christmas food! The FINALISTS will have their work displayed in the Renouf Foyer for everyone to see during our pre-concert entertainment for our Christmas Singalong. The WINNER will receive a VIP Family Pass to our Christmas Singalong concert. You can use pen, pencil, paint or anything you like. Just get creative! Entries close at midday on 30 November. You can either scan & email your entry to richard@orchestrawellington.co.nz Or post it to us at: PO Box 11-977, Manners Street, Wellington, 6142 Link to Christmas Singalong tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/orchestra-wellington-christmas-singalong-wellington-13-12-2020/event/2400594897031D55?fbclid=IwAR1hysSEMizXtYwlfL6XUt2Y0cOF9hWmtGZlw6NfzDzbDchkmnI4HF9OOuEBy John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • School Notices - 19 October 2020
      • What's happening at Amesbury this week .... What's on? Walk or Wheels Week - Monday 19 - Friday 23 OctoberMihi Whakatau - 2:30pm, Monday 19 OctoberNew Entrant Parent Information Session - 3.15pm, Monday 19 October4-year-old programme begins - 2-2.45pm, Thursday 22 OctoberSchool closed - teacher only day - Friday 23 OctoberSchool closed  - public holiday (Labour Day) - Monday 26 October Mihi Whakatau Our Mihi Whakatau, to formally welcome all of our new teachers, students and their whānau will be held on Monday 19 October at 2.30pm. All Amesbury whānau are welcome and encouraged to attend. This will be followed, at 3.15pm, by the information session for New Entrant Parents. Amesbury Speech Competition Entries are now open for the Amesbury Speech Competition. Sign up using the Registration Form attached to the article. Entries close on Friday 30th October 2020. Heats will take place in Week 5 Term 4 (9th - 13th November) and the finals will take place in our school hall from 1:30pm on Thursday 19th November. Co-curricular Lessons  Amesbury's Co-curricular classes have started for Term 4 but if you are keen to learn more or sign up, you still can, however, our guitar & ukulele classes are full and there is only one group space left in drums. A reminder, too, that gymnastics is not being held this term. If you require further information or you want to sign up please contact John communications@amesbury.school.nz. Magazines & Newspapers Koru  Hub are in need of magazines and newspapers, so if you have any spares at your place please drop them into the Hub. Much appreciated.  Teacher Only Day - School Closed - Friday 23 October The teacher only day is on next week, Friday 23 October, and the school will be closed for the day. To assist with something for the kids to do Kelly Club is running a one day Holiday Programme at Amesbury for the Teacher Only Day and they would love to invite you all to join them! Their theme for the day is 'a book character'. Kelly Club will have activities based around all of the best childhood books and kids can come dressed as their favourite characters! Book in now on www.kellyclub.co.nz. If you intend to enrol, can you please do so urgently as they do not currently have enough enrolments to make running a programme viable on that day. Enrollment numbers will be assessed and a final call made on Tuesday morning (20 October). Lost Property Rachel would love for you to claim any of the following from the office: Pink towel and pink togs with dinosaurs on themBlue school uniform polo topSchool uniform skort6 x School beaniesKathmandu trackpantsBike helmet (Limar) (black & silver)Starwars topCDK Stone Beanie (black)Puma running jacket (black)Nike FCB hoodie3 x large Sistema lunchboxes and 3 x pottlesStar Wars lunchbagLots of water bottles and socks! Community Notices Kelly Sports - Term 4 Kelly Sports will be back in Term 4 with their fun and exciting classes. Kelly Sports encourages children to have fun, build confidence and to give sport a go. We believe that sport and physical activity has so much to offer young people; it improves fitness, develops communication skills, team work and gives them a place to channel their energy. Back to School Sports! (Yrs 0-4) – Friday’s 3.05-4.05pm - Come and try the following sports: Football, Cricket, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee and Fun Games. It’s a great way to try new sports, learn new skills and improve ability. We use games & drills to teach game sense and team play. Your child will learn the fundamental skills for all sports – throwing, running, jumping, striking, balance and many more – all while having a great time! For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201. Johnsonville Scouts Johnsonville Scouts are currently inviting new youth members to join.  We will welcome children aged 6 -10 that want to join Keas (6-8) and Cubs (8-10) sections. The scout hall is located at 30 Ironside Road. If you are interested, please contact the Group Leader Johann Weich via email johnsonville@group.scout.nz or register your interest on the scouts website https://scouts.nz/join/. Keas (ages 6-8) meet on Thursdays; while Cubs (ages 8-10 1/2 ) meet Mondays/Tuesdays. Please Note: The scout section (ages 10.5 -14) is currently oversubscribed, but we can add potential youth members to a waiting list for when vacancies occur.  We have a free trial period of up to three weeks and would love to have new members come along and give it a try. Samuel Marsden Collegiate School education for your daughter in Year 7, 2021 Open Morning (tour the school, ask questions and find out about Marsden’s Visible Wellbeing approach and programmes).Friday 23 October, 8.45am-12pm. Principal Narelle Umbers will be speaking briefly at 9am. Please register here. 2021 enrolments are now due. Please contact Marsden Enrolment Registrar Leigh McCathie on 476 8707 if you have any questions marsden.school.nz.By John MurrihyAttachments KS Term 4 North   PDF, 1.3 MBPhoto Gallery

    • School Notices - 21 September 2020
      • It's the last week of Term 3, and everyone is looking forward to the holidays, however, there are still a few things happening .... What's on? Harakeke and Pōhutukawa Swimming / Waitohi Library - Monday 21 SeptemberStudent Conferences - Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 SeptemberLearning Celebration & Science Roadshow - 1.30-2.30pm Thursday 24 SeptemberEnd of Term - 3pm Friday 25 September1st day Term 4 - Monday 12 October Student Conferences for Term 3 - this week Bookings for our student conferences, that will be running this week, on 23 & 24 September, close at 8am on Wednesday 23 September.If you haven't already done so please follow the link in the email sent out on 20 August for more information about the conferences and how to book. Do you have any Preschoolers? If you have any preschoolers and you are thinking of sending them to Amesbury, it would be appreciated if you could enrol them, or at the very least advise us of those children by emailing John enrol@amesbury.school.nz. This will help us with our projections of school numbers for the next couple of years. Little Garden Kits from New World There will be a gardening elective group next term so if you have any spare Little Garden kits from New World, or you wouldn't normally accept them with your purchases, take them anyway, and drop them into the office. Much appreciated - thank you. Lost and Found All items will be displayed on a table in the corridor outside the hall from Tuesday-Friday, including when Student Conferences and the Learning Celebration are on. Remaining unnamed items not claimed on the last day of term will be donated to charity. Sunhat Reminder  Time to find, wash and name sunhats ready for Term 4. If you need to buy one, we have 5 sizes (XS-XL) in stock Car Park Access  If you are going to be driving down to school to use the grounds over the holidays, parking will need to be roadside due to the work being done on improving our school driveway entrance.   The car park will be completely out of action from Monday 28th September at least for the first week of the holidays and possibly for the duration of the 2 weeks depending on progress. With such a high use area, there's never a great time to do this sort of work, however, despite the temporary inconvenience, we look forward to the long awaited improved access! Onslow Gymnastic Club Kids got energy to burn? Gymnastics is the answer! Have Fun – Learn Skills – Build Confidence! Onslow Gymnastics has Recreational, TeamGym and Competitive classes for ages 5+ years.  Recreational Gym-for-All classes are held at Khandallah School Hall (ages 5-9 years) and Onslow College Rec Centre (ages 7-14+). No previous experience is required to join any of our recreational classes. TeamGym (ages 10+) brings together tumbling, mini-tramp and dance to provide an energetic and creative performance.  Registrations for Term 4 2020 open from 17th September 2020 or for more information please e-mail onslowgym@xtra.co.nz. Kiwi Hoops Basketball Camps Kiwi Hoops Basketball Camps are back on these school holidays at Walter Nash Stadium in Lower Hutt. See the flyers below for more details.By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery Amesbury School Level 2 boundary.  — by Urs Cunningham

    • School Notices - 14 September 2020
      • Amesbury School Level 2 boundary.  — by Urs CunninghamTwo weeks of school left for the term .... What's on? Te wiki o te reo Māori (Māori Language Week) - Monday 14 - Sunday 20 SeptemberHarakeke and Pōhutukawa Swimming / Waitohi Library - Monday 14 SeptemberHarakeke Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Tuesday 15 SeptemberKoru Hub Swimming - Thursday 17 September (last session)Pōhutukawa Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Thursday 17 September4-year-old programme ends - Thursday 17 September Student Conferences for Term 3 Bookings for our student conferences, that will be running next week, on 23 & 24 September, are still open.Please follow the link in the email sent out on 20 August for more information about the conferences and how to book. Do you have any Preschoolers? If you have any preschoolers and you are thinking of sending them to Amesbury, it would be appreciated if you could enrol them, or at the very least advise us of those children. This will help us with our projections of school numbers for the next couple of years. Boxes Needed Harakeke Hub needs boxes for their science displays. If you have any at home, or any coming in the next two weeks - please send them our way. Anything medium sized is good - between 30cm - 1.2m high. They can be flattened down for ease of carrying. Thanks. School Lunches Wednesday to Friday Lunch Orders continue to be popular - particularly with Kalesha as she finishes the last of her pizza! Image by: John Murrihy                                     The Leaning Tower of Pizza - Amesbury Version! Entertainment Book Support local businesses whilst saving and make a difference! Join Entertainment today & Amesbury will receive an EXTRA $10 or $20 on top of the 20% we already receive from every Membership purchase! All memberships are Valid for 12 months from Activation! https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/11026z1 Sunhats  Now is a good time to find, wash and name sunhats ready for Term 4. If you need to buy one, we have 5 sizes (XS-XL) in stock Lost and Found  Items not collected before the end of this term will be donated to charity or sold as second hand uniform items. Jacket (Macpac) size 10yrs Soft rabbit toy (Citta) 'Cat in the Hat' bookHoodie (H&M) blueHoodie (Star Wars)Top (Judo South Africa) blackBaby Vest Jacket (Seed) navyBlack long sleeve top (Torpedo7) size 8-10yrs Large bin full of clean paired socksAmesbury beanies x2 OSFA, x1 Size one and x1 Size two)Fleeces These have been in lost property since end 2019 or Term 1&2 so will be made available to purchase second hand if not claimed before the end of term 3): x1 near new size 2 fleece, x1 size 8 fleeces, x2 size 4 (one has an ohm symbol raksha bandha in pocket and no zip, the other with hard to read label), and x1 size 10 (has a nasal inhaler in the pocket)  Community Notices Whitby Collegiate Open Day Sunday 20 September 11am-1pm Whitby Collegiate is the first co-educational, independent school in the Wellington region for Years 7-13. We believe in small classes, big thinking, individual attention and collective responsibility - all focused on helping children be the very best that they can be, in every aspect of their lives. There are easy transport links to school as our buses collect students from the Hutt Valley, Johnsonville, Churton Park, Tawa and Aotea, and connect with the train for students travelling from the Kapiti Coast. Our Open Day is an opportunity for you to come along and enjoy a tour of our campus. To register for our Open Day visit our website whitbycollegiate.school.nz or call us on 04 2341070. NZ Marine Studies Centre In this month’s newsletter the NZ Marine Studies Centre would like to introduce you to ‘SOAK’! What is Soak, you ask? Soak is the loveable, but unreliable, pied cormorant/shag behind a new series of short videos on the Marine Environment brought to you by the NZ Marine Studies Centre. Soak and our Nelson educator, Richard de Hamel, explore everything from fish to plankton. Each 4 minute video ends with questions to discuss and an accompanying sheet with a variety of ‘student ready’ related extension ideas, questions or activities all whimsically illustrated by light-hearted cartoons. You can check out more information on the series in our newsletter here. Summer Series Netball and Football Competition Below is information on the Kelly Sports Summer Series Football and Netball Competition which starts Friday, 30 October, 2020. Image by: John Murrihy October Holiday Drama Programme - Drama Remedy The October holiday programme will be three days of activities based on Play Production. During the course of the 3 days we will work on a play script to suit the ages, interests and abilities of the children who are taking part. Everybody has an important part to play! Be it acting, making props, designing costumes, make-up, sound & music etc. Dates: 28th, 29th & 30th September 2020Time: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm (doors open from 8.30 am)Location: Churton Park Community CentreCost: $120 per child for the 3 day workshop or the price per day per child $45. We provide morning and afternoon tea. For more details or for enrolment contact: dramaremedy@gmail.com 04 478 5962 or 022 0273316 www.dramaremedy@gmail.com Maneesha (Drama Remedy) provides Speech & Drama lessons in our co-curricular programme. Element Rhythmic Gymnastics Is your daughter or son looking for something a little different to do in Term 4? Come along to a Rhythmic Gymnastics class and give it a try! Ellie, who teaches our co-curricular gymnastics lessons, is a senior coach at 'Elements'. Email info@rhythmicgym.nz to arrange a free trial. For more information about Elements and their classes, visit www.rhythmicgym.nz. Olympic Junior Athletics Registration is now open for our Junior Athletics Season. Club nights are Wednesday evenings. Please see www.olympicjuniors.nz for information on our club nights (see Junior athletics tab) and registration (see membership tab). Our first club night is Wednesday 21 October 2020, at Grenada North. Under 7s (3 to 6 year olds): 5:45pm - 6:45pm (Athletics NZ Get Set Go programme)7-14 years: 6:00pm - 7:15 pm Further details about other athletic events such as interclub meets at Newtown and Colgate Games will be available at club nights. Athletics is a great sport for developing not only in the track and field area but also in skills for all other sports. KidzStuff Theatre These school holidays KidzStuff Theatre for Children are presenting Thumbelina, Written by Rachel Henry and Directed by Hilary Norris. What: ThumbelinaWhen: 26th September - 9th October 2020Where: Tararua Tramping Club, 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, WellingtonTimes: Weekdays 10am & 11:30am, Saturdays 10am, no show SundaysTickets $11.00pp, Children under 2 FreeBookings: www.kidzstufftheatre.co.nz Te Moana Glow Show Wellington October 26-28 @ 10am & 11.30am daily - Shed 6 three days only! Term 4 - Week 3 Book @ www.ticketmaster.co.nz $15.50pp + fees. The Te Moana Glow Show is a giant scale puppet show for 2-10 year olds with magical glow-in-the-dark characters from Māori myth and legend. This innovative, cutting edge new concept features more than 40 glow-in-the-dark puppets under ultraviolet light in a black box theatre environment. The ALL NEW TE MOANA GLOW SHOW 2020 is set around the takutai moana (coastal sea) and Te moana-nui a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), with the show being a delightful story about our kai moana and the whakataukī “He waka eke noa. We are all in this together.” Rich in Te Reo Māori, it’s an upbeat show that has the audience buzzing from the onset. This masterful 45-minute show is underpinned by catchy music that engages the audience immediately, followed by a Q&A session afterwards for our tamariki. There’s an abundance of educational content to take back to the classroom. This production is suitable for special needs children. If you'd like free tickets, enter the colouring competition: Go to our website to choose one of the sheets, and print itHave fun colouring it in!Take a photo and post it on Facebook! Make sure to tag The Glow Show Company and mention which region you'd like tickets for It's as simple as that! In a few week's time, we'll be choosing some winners to receive free tickets!By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • Year 3-6 Amesbury School Athletics Day
      • Our Year 3-6 Amesbury School Athletics day is coming up very early in Term 4 on Tuesday 15 October (Week 1) at Newtown Park. Please note that this will still go ahead at Level 2. Information We will be leaving school by bus as close to 9:00am as possible and returning just before 3:00pm. As this is part of our school sports program, all students are expected to participate unless they have a specific reason not to. On the day, students can come to school in mufti and will need: plenty of food and watersunblockschool sunhat and polar fleece (as it is a summer term, students need sunhats to participate in outside activities)appropriate running clothes and footwear (bare feet are also fine)warm clothing and wet weather gear (just in case it is blowing a gale or the rain sets in) Students will be competing in a number of events between 10:00am and 2:00pm.  If we are at Level 1 or below, we welcome family and friends to come and support their children. We do need parent help to ensure the safety of all students and the smooth running of each event. In previous years, we have found that parents like to move around with their child and help out with the event their child is competing in. If you are coming for the day or even part of the day, and you are happy to help out, please e-mail Michelle Prinsloo (michelle@amesbury.school.nz). This just helps with our organisation. Please note that parents will not be able to attend if we are in Level 2. If this is the case, we will organise the day differently to ensure the safety of all students and the smooth running of each event. We will let you know of any significant changes if necessary. For Year 4-6 students we use our athletics day to help us select the team to compete in Northern Zone Athletics. For the throwing and jumping events, there are qualifying marks that students must reach in order to be considered. Selection in running races will be based on whether students will be competitive at the Northern Zone event. If for any reason your child is not able to compete at our athletics day, they will still be taken into consideration when selecting the team. Harakeke and Pōhutukawa Hub have been regularly practising athletics during Term 3, so we have a fair idea of what each student is capable of. We are unable to have a postponement date at Newtown Park as it is in such high demand during this time. Therefore, we will likely run our athletics day whatever the weather. However, if there is any need to cancel it, we will email you the morning of the event to let you know.By Michelle Prinsloo

    • School Notices - 7 September 2020
      • Amesbury School Level 2 boundary.  — by Urs CunninghamSchool is closed for the Teacher Only Day on Friday this week (11 September). Apart from that it's business as usual .... What's on? Harakeke and Pohutukawa Swimming / Waitohi Library - Monday 7 SeptemberKoru Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Monday 7 September (last session)BoT Meeting - Wednesday 9 SeptemberKoru Hub Swimming - Thursday 10 SeptemberPōhutukawa Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Thursday 10 SeptemberTeacher Only Day - School Closed - Friday 11 September Teacher Only Day - School Closed - 11 September The teacher only day is on this week, Friday 11 September, and the school will be closed for the day. To assist with something for the kids to do Kelly Club is running a one day Holiday Programme at Amesbury for the Teacher Only Day and they would love to invite you all to join them! Their theme for this day is "Slumber Party" so bring your onesies and get excited for all the best parts of a slumber party! Activities like design your own PJ's, a Drive-in movie, creating your own bedroom door hanger and lots more. Book in now on www.kellyclub.co.nz Student Conferences for Term 3 Bookings for our student conferences, that will be running on 23 & 24 September, are now open.Please follow the link in the email sent out on 20 August for more information about the conferences and how to book. Entertainment Book Support local businesses whilst saving and make a difference! Join Entertainment today & Amesbury will receive an EXTRA $10 or $20 on top of the 20% we already receive from every Membership purchase! All memberships are Valid for 12 months from Activation! https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/11026z1 Raroa Intermediate Open Day If you missed seeing Raroa Normal Intermediate School in action, they are holding open mornings on Thursday 10 & Friday 11 September from 9-11am.  Please come to the Raroa school office. Masks will need to be worn." Timesaving hint for collecting a student for an appointment If you are collecting a student for an appointment during school hours, please allow time to sign yourself in or register with the Covid QR code and to sign your child/ren out while they are being located in the hub. It's faster and easier to find students when they are in class rather than at playtime, so best to do pickup before or after these times: Morning Tea: 11-11.30am, Lunchtime: 12.50-1.40pm Uniform  Hooray, the zips have arrived and the new batch of fleeces are now made and all sizes 2-14 are in stock! Lost and Found  Items not collected before the end of this term will be donated to charity or sold as second hand uniform items. Jacket (Macpac) size 10yrs Soft rabbit toy (Citta) Hoodie (H&M) blueHoodie (Star Wars)Top (Judo South Africa) blackBaby Vest Jacket (Seed) navyBlack long sleeve top (Torpedo7) size 8-10yrs Large bin full of clean paired socksAmesbury beanies x2 OSFA, x1 Size one and x1 Size two)Fleeces: These have been in lost property since end 2019 or Terms 1 & 2 so will be made available to purchase second hand if not claimed before the end of term 3): x1 near new size 2 fleece, x2 size 8 fleeces, x2 size 4 (one has an ohm symbol raksha bandha in pocket and no zip, the other with hard to read label), and x2 size 10 (one has a nasal inhaler in the pocket)  Please help us out by naming water bottles as we have an increasing number gathering and unclaimed by students. Community Notices Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter If you haven't already come across it please check out the latest Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter to see what's happening in Churton Park. Kelly Club (Amesbury) Holiday Programme Kelly Club Holiday Programmes focus on giving children aged between 5 and 12 the opportunity to do things they enjoy in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. This programme is packed with activities to entertain and inspire children. We have some exciting days planned: Pirate Day, Wheels Day, Safari Day plus some exciting trips to Wellington Zoo, LaserForce, Awesome Bounce and to see the movie The Secret Garden! To view the activity planner click on the following link: Kelly Club AMesbury Activity Planner To enrol www.kellyclub.co.nz, email amesbury@kellyclub.co.nz or ph. 021 133 2891 Football Morning Holiday Programme (Yrs. 1–6) Wests Rugby Clubrooms, Wilton (all weather indoor surface). Children aged between 5 and 12 can come along and improve their technique, knowledge and skills. We will focus on the core skills of control, dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting but MOST importantly having as much FUN as possible! Week 1 - Tues, Wed, Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm,  Week 2 - Tues, Weds, Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm Netball Holiday Programme Come along and grow your child’s confidence at the Kelly Sports Netball Holiday Programme at the new venue of Northland Memorial Hall. Years 1-4 - Learn the fundamentals of netball in a fun and engaging environment. Learn the key skills and understanding of the game, ball handling, co-ordination, speed and accuracy. Years 5-8 - For those already playing 7-a-side netball and those wanting to get a head start and advance their technical and tactical knowledge of the game. We use fun drills and games to develop and challenge young players focusing on the key skill areas for their level of development while also having fun! Week 2 - Tues, Weds, Thurs 9am-12pm. Kelly Sports - Term 4 Kelly Sports will be back in Term 4 with their fun and exciting classes. Kelly Sports encourages children to have fun, build confidence and to give sport a go. We believe that sport and physical activity has so much to offer young people. It improves fitness, develops communication skills, team work and gives them a place to channel their energy. Back to School Sports! (Yrs 1-4) – Fridays 3.05-4.05pm.   Come and try the following sports: Football, Cricket, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee and Fun Games. It’s a great way to try new sports, learn new skills and improve ability. We use games & drills to teach game sense and team play. Your child will learn the fundamental skills for all sports – throwing, running, jumping, striking, balance and many more – all while having a great time! For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201. Kiwiana Board Game Kiwiana, a year 12 Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) group from St Mary's College.  Young Enterprise gives students from across the country the opportunity to create their own product, open, and run their own business. Our group, Kiwiana, noticed that there is a gap in many New Zealanders’ knowledge about Aotearoa. This has inspired us to create a New Zealand themed board game to educate children and families about our country in an interactive and enjoyable way. Kiwiana is a combination of snakes and ladders and trivial pursuit, with the four main categories being history, sport, culture and nature. Kiwiana is a very exciting game, and is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to learn more about Aotearoa.  For more information and to order, please check out our website kiwiana.mystorbie.com Tawa Racketlon Tawa Squash, Tawa Tennis and Wellington North Badminton joint holiday programme initiative is back by popular demand!. Players rotate around each sport spending 1.5 hours at each club. Qualified coaches will take each session. Dates: Monday 5 October, Wednesday 7 October and Friday 9 OctoberTime: 9am - 3pm Cost per day: $50 or sign up for three days $135 Registration link and further details: https://bit.ly/2Qg6ewi  School Holiday Computer Classes Grand Training runs educational and fun computer classes, school holidays, Saturday or after school at Wellington Girls College and The Johnsonville Club for ages 5 to 15. Learn to Code: Scratch, Python or Java, Learn to Code & Create 3D Games, Minecraft,  Web Design: HTML and CSS, Build a PC,  Film and Video Editing,  Discovery Course in Computing (suitable for younger children) Information & bookings: grandtraining.co.nz or call 499-2211 Sun, Sand & Surf  Club Open Day on Sunday 20 September, 10am - 12pm. Summer is approaching, so now is the time to register with Maranui Surf Life Saving Club. Junior Surf is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment.  Come along to our Registration and Club Open Day on Sunday 20 September, 10am - 12pm. See what’s happening at the club this season, meet coaches, lifeguards and athletes, have a look around the surf clubhouse, ask questions, and if conditions allow have a go. Information on junior surf, lifeguard sport and becoming a lifeguard will be available. You'll be so impressed you can even register on the day.  We look forward to seeing you all. Or join Maranui SLSC today at www.maranui.co.nz/how-to-join.html and check us out on Facebook - www.facebook.com/MaranuiSLSC Maranui Junior Surf season starts on Sunday 1 November 2020. Johnsonville Junior Cricket  Registration for current and new players years 1-8 starts September 1 and goes through to the 30th September. See the flyer below for more info and contact details. Junior Softball  Register now for Softball 5 - 14 years at https://www.sporty.co.nz/jvillesc/  Contact details johnsonvillejuniorsoftball@gmail.com, Facebook, or phone Sue on 0272760644. By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery View the full article

    • Light Optics - Koru Hub Science Inquiry
      • I got sidetracked in Koru Hub last week. What a fun place to spend the day! Check out the photos below. This term they are undertaking a science inquiry and, this week, the focus was on 'Light Optics'.  There was lots of activity as they observed the behaviour of light and created their own illusions with light. It was also very energy sapping given the regularity with which they devoured their yummy food that they had brought with them for the day. But before they ate there were long queues for hand cleaning and sanitising.   Not only were the kids learning, I learnt something too! I learnt a new word 'thaumatrope'. I never knew that was it's correct name. Just goes to show that you are never too old to learn. This week I will think of another excuse to end up in Koru Hub as they look into 'Magetism'.By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery View the full article

    • Congratulations to our finalists
      • Thank you to everyone for participating in Amesbury’s Got Talent, It has been amazing seeing all the talented students perform in front of your peers. We would like to say a big congratulations to our finalists: Xiangyi, Chloe S, Veda, Anandi, Yiqi, Annabelle, Caitlin, Emma, Aniska, Jade, Georgie, Vaibhawi, Kyla, Tisha, Nakshatra, Ewan and Alex F. Good luck to you all and we can’t wait for you to perform for us again on Friday.  Unfortunately due to Ministry requirements at Alert Level 2, we cannot have parents attending this. As the finals are performed in front of the whole school, the rules of gatherings apply in this situation if we allow people onsite for non-educational reasons (such as performances). We hope you were able to come in and watch your child/ren during the heats. By Natalie Douglas

    • School Notices - 31 August 2020
      • Week 7 - what's on this week .... What's on? Harakeke and Pohutukawa Swimming / Waitohi Library - Monday 31 AugustKoru Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Monday 31 AugustICAS Maths Exam (For signed up students) - Tuesday 1 SeptemberHarakeke Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Tuesday 1 SeptemberCo-curricular Lessons Open Days - Wednesday 2 & Friday 4 SeptemberICAS Spelling Exam (For signed up students) - Thursday 3 SeptemberKoru Hub Swimming - Thursday 3 SeptemberTeacher Only Day - Friday 11 September Student Conferences for Term 3 Bookings for our student conferences, that will be running on 23 & 24 September, are now open.Please follow the link in the email sent out on 20 August for more information about the conferences and how to book. Entertainment Book Support local businesses whilst saving and make a difference! Join Entertainment today & Amesbury will receive an EXTRA $10 or $20 on top of the 20% we already receive from every Membership purchase! All memberships are Valid for 12 months from Activation! https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/11026z1 Scholastic Books Club Don't forget that Term 3, 2020 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering. Please do the ordering by visiting the website at mybookclub.scholastic.co.nz - no need to fill in the paper order form and please do not return anything to school. Everything can be done online. Ordering will be open until Monday 31st August 2020 and books will be sent to school. Teacher Only Day - School Closed - 11 September While the teacher only day is not this week, just a reminder that it is taking place the following week, Friday 11 September, so that you can finalise arrangements in relation to your child/ren. To assist in that Kelly Club Amesbury is running a one day Holiday Programme for the Teacher Only Day and they would love to invite you all to join them!  Their theme for this day is "Slumber Party" so bring your onesies and get excited for all the best parts of a slumber party! Activities like design your own PJ's, a Drive-in movie, creating your own bedroom door hanger and lots more.  Book in now on www.kellyclub.co.nz  Missing Fleece If anyone with a child in Koru Hub has ended up with a brand new size 4 fleece (without a name in it) that isn't theirs, can you please hand it into Steph. The owner would sincerely appreciate it.  Community Notices Introductory Sailing Course The Heretaunga Boating Club, situated on Petone foreshore is running an introductory sailing course in the upcoming school holidays. If you are interested in trying sailing, see the poster below with times and contact details. School Holiday Programme – Capital Gymnastics (Newtown) Capital Gymnastics offers a fun filled holiday programme during the school holidays. Our programme suits children aged 5 – 12 years. Each day we provide gymnastics, free play time, games and other activities. There are half and full day options available ($25/$40). Please visit our website for full information and to book: http://www.capitalgymsports.org.nz/holiday-programme.html We have very easy pick up and drop off with heaps of free parking. Churton Park Garden Group  Next meeting: 8 September 2020, 7.00pm – 8.30pm at the Churton Park Community Centre. Visitors welcome - $5 Meetings feature guest speakers, a sales table, raffles and opportunities to share experiences with other gardening enthusiasts. Topic: Threatened NZ plants of the Wellington region & how you can use them in your garden. Contact Alison Hannah on 022 415 6480 for membership. Author seeks true stories about dogs for new book project Gina Dawson (www.ginadawson.com) is an author who is currently in the early stages of her latest book which is of true stories about Wellbeing, Therapy, Assistance or other kinds of Working Dogs, and how they have changed people’s lives. If anyone happens to know someone with a Working Dog and has a story to tell, they can get in touch with Gina directly at gina@ginadawson.com for more information. Onslow College Book Fair Unfortunately with Wellington still being in Level 2, Onslow College has had to reschedule their Book Fair.  The new date is the weekend of 12th/13th September. See the flyer below for more details.  If we are still in Level 2 then the Book Fair will have to be cancelled until next year.By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • JUNIOR INVITATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CANCELLED!
      • Due to the latest announcement and current status of Covid 19 alert levels in New Zealand, the Junior Invitational Cross-Country event, set to have taken place on the 8th of September, is sadly, now cancelled. Level 2 is currently due to end on Sunday 6th, with the cross country running on the 8th. We may be in Level 1 by then, but equally we may not be. We may also be in a 'mixed' level, such as level 1.5. It's hard to plan for this and ensure that we can keep everyone safe and adhere to alert level protocols. We recognize that such events can still run in Level 2, but there are considerable complications. The Ministry has advised that schools treat cross-school events with "strong caution", and has said that "minimising congestion should be a key priority for that plan, including in the classrooms or spaces being used for delivery." We have looked at systems we could put in place to minimise congestion, such as a staggered approach and having students only come on and offsite for their particular race. However, this is difficult for schools, especially with such young children. Schools in our area, jointly entered more than 200 athletes to participate in this event. As such, we have made the call to cancel the event, as mixing children and parents across a large number of schools is not the safest call to make right now. We will, unfortunately, not be able to reschedule this event for a later date this year. We'll have to give it another go next year.By Michelle Prinsloo

    • School Notices - 24 August 2020
      • We still remain in Level 2 but, while some of our procedures are tightened up, teaching & learning continues apace .... What's on? Harakeke and Pohutukawa Swimming / Waitohi Library - Monday 24 AugustAmesbury's Got Talent (Heats) - 24-28 AugustKoru Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Monday 24 AugustHarakeke Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Tuesday 25 AugustICAS Digital Technologies Exam (For signed up students) - Tuesday 25 AugustICAS English (Reading) Exam (For signed up students) - Thursday 27 AugustKoru Hub Swimming - Thursday 27 AugustPōhutukawa Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Thursday 27 August Student Conferences for Term 3 Bookings for our student conferences that will be running at the end of this term are now open.Please follow the link in the email sent out on 20 August for more information about the conferences and how to book. Scholastic Books Club Don't forget that Term 3, 2020 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering. Please do the ordering by visiting the website at mybookclub.scholastic.co.nz - no need to fill in the paper order form and please do not return anything to school. Everything can be done online. Ordering will be open until Monday 31st August 2020 and books will be sent to school. Community Notices Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter If you haven't already come across it please check out the latest Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter to see what's happening in Churton Park. Samuel Marsden Collegiate School - Year 7, 2021 Year 6 girls considering a Marsden education in Year 7 in 2021 are invited to attend the Marsden Year 7 Experience Day on Wednesday 26 August. This is an opportunity to meet current and new students, join in with activities and experience some Year 7 subjects.  Please register here: www.marsden.school.nz/about/enrolments/experience-marsden/. If you have any questions please contact Leigh McCathie on 476 8707 www.marsden.school.nz. Onslow College Book Fair Onslow College is holding their annual Book Fair on 5th/6th September.  See the attachment below for further details. School Holiday Writing and Art Camps It's been a tough year for everybody. Due to Covid-19 we've had to cancel all our popular school holiday writing and art camps. But we're back! "Write like an Author" is an internationally acclaimed writing course that teaches young writers the skills and techniques that professional authors use to create their stories. During the camp, each participant will develop and write an original creative story under the guidance of well-known author and writing coach Maria Gill. "Draw Like an Artist" is our concurrent illustration course that teaches young artists the skills and techniques that professional illustrators use. The presenter is Fifi Colston. Their websites are www.writelikeanauthor.com and www.drawlikeanartist.com. The camps will be held at Raroa Intermediate during the school holidays, starting on Tuesday, 29 September, and running until Thursday, 1 October, 2020. The writing camp is ideal for young people who have a dream of becoming a published author or anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. The art camp offers the same opportunity to young artists. The camps are non-residential, and run from 9am to 4pm each day. The number of places on the camp is strictly limited. A flyer about the camp is attached.By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • School Notices - 17 August 2020
      • Week 5 sees us in Level 2 but it hasn't stopped things happening, just how we approach them .... What's on? Made to order products with your child's artwork - close 10am Monday 17 AugustKoru Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Monday 17 AugustNew Parent Information Session - Monday 17 August 3.30-4.30pm Koru HubICAS Science Exam (For students signed up to do this) - Tuesday 18 AugustKoru Hub Swimming - Thursday 20 AugustPōhutukawa Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Thursday 20 August Made to order products with your child's artwork Students have been very busy creating their own artwork that can be printed onto calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats and sketch pads (spiral bound A5 notebook with blank pages) that are available for you to buy. Please use this to order online via the KidsArtWorks website. (Orders cannot be made via the school by cash or on the school account). Final orders close at 10am on Monday 17th August and, sorry, no late orders can be accepted. Purchased items will be delivered to school mid September and will be given to students to bring home. Scholastic Books Club Don't forget that Term 3, 2020 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering. Please do the ordering by visiting the website at mybookclub.scholastic.co.nz - no need to fill in the paper order form and please do not return anything to school. Everything can be done online. Ordering will be open until Monday 31st August 2020 and books will be sent to school. Lost and Found Laundrette KeyJacket (Macpac) size 10yrsJacket (Kathmandu) size 6yrsBlue (Seed) polo size 4Soft toy - Rabbit (Citta)Socks!Black (Clarkes) trainersRed and black bike helmet with name CalebBlack long sleeve top (Torpedo7) size 8-10yrsx2 Amesbury beanies (OSFA and Size Two)Fleeces These have been in lost property since end 2019 or Term 1 so will be made available to purchase second hand if not claimed before the end of Term 3): x1 near new size 2 fleece, x2 size 8 fleeces, x2 size 4 (one has an ohm symbol raksha bandha in pocket and no zip, the other with hard to read label)And 2 more unclaimed, at the office x2 size 10 (one has a nasal inhaler in the pocket) By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery Amesbury School Level 2 boundary.  — by Urs Cunningham

    • Moving back into Alert Level 2
      • Kia ora koutou, Key links and numbers: Healthline: 0800 358 5453  Ministry of Health site Our Prime Minister announced last night that Auckland was moving to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand was moving to Alert Level 2 as of midday on Wednesday 12th of August. This is sad but not entirely unexpected. We currently have four cases (all in one household) of Covid-19 in Auckland that, as of yet, have come from an unknown source. Thankfully, we are taking a cautious approach as a country to this latest development. This level of care and caution worked well for us earlier this year, and will no doubt help again to stamp out the virus. What this means for Amesbury School is outlined below. Please can all parents ensure that the following information is passed on to all caregivers and whānau who will be picking children up. School is open for all students as usual under Alert Level 2. Children and adults must stay home if they are unwell. If staff notice children at school who are showing signs of sickness, we will contact parents to have them picked up. Please contact your GP or Healthline if you are worried about any symptoms.If someone is waiting for results of a Covid-19 test, they must stay home until they receive the results.All teams will continue to reinforce regular hand washing and/or sanitising before and after all breaks, before eating food, and before all session changes (when children may mix groups). Teams will be reinforcing with children about not getting into each other’s ‘breathing zone’. Co-curricular lessons will continue as usual. All students have been sanitising hands upon entering and leaving the sessions, and we will ensure this continues consistently. Lunch orders will continue and staff will wear appropriate protective equipment to ensure a heightened food safety regime.Parents and caregivers will need to sign in if they come onsite. There will be sign in sheets in every hub. If it is necessary to go into a learning space, please ensure you see a teacher in the space to sign in. In order to minimise the need to sign in many parents daily, we ask that parents only come onsite into school if it is really necessary. Below are further detail about drop off and pick up systems in Level 2. Our school playgrounds remain open, and children can use these playgrounds freely. Students will sanitise their hands before going to breaks and after coming back on from breaks. During school hours we will ask students not to use the Wellington Council playground, because we do not operate track and trace registering within the playground, so we cannot be sure who has been there during the day.At this point trips to ASB Centre and swimming will still run as usual, with all precautions taken around hand washing and minimizing contact with people outside of school. We strongly recommend you record your movements using the Ministry Track and Trace app. If you come onsite for any reason, please sign in using the QR code that is displayed at all key entrances to school buildings. Drop off and pick up systems in Level 2 Our onsite boundary will alter slightly from our previous system, in order to avoid students gathering or using the car park for foot traffic. We recognise that this could be confusing for students and could impact their safety as we move between alert levels. As such, our boundary for coming ‘onsite’ will be the far pathway between Romaine Road and Amesbury Drive; the far edge of the netball courts and in front of the council playground; the line running along the edge of the netball courts and along the drop off zone. Please see the attached photo that illustrates this pick up / drop off boundary line. If any parents or caregivers pass over this line to come onsite, you must sign in with a teacher or at the office. This means that the car park will remain open. The drop off zone can be used by all parents and caregivers, but we ask that parents stay inside their cars. Children can hop into the car without parents getting out. Parents and caregivers of Koru children can use available car park bays to park, but you must only come to the edge of the drop off/pick boundary (edge of netball courts) to collect your child/ren. Any parents of Harakeke or Pōhutukawa children should not be using any car park bays in the school car park unless they are also picking up a Koru child. Koru Hub teachers will bring the children out to the courts as usual. They will come to the far edge of the courts (near the car park). We ask that all adults stay off the courts, and gather along the periphery. Teachers will send your children over to you once they know you are there.We ask that all parents and caregivers practice and model physical distancing when waiting at school boundaries - leave a 2 metre space between you and other people. For slightly older children, make a plan for where they will meet you or how they will get home. If they are able to walk by themselves, or walk with younger siblings to meet a caregiver offsite or at the edge of the site, that would be useful. One change will be that this will happen even in poorer weather. In the case of inclement weather Koru students will still need to come out onto the courts to be collected, so please ensure your child has a suitable coat or umbrella.There will be two teachers / leaders out on duty in the morning wearing high visibility vests. One person will be stationed over near the Romaine Road entrance, and the other person will be at the bottom of the steps going into school. Those staff members will be present to greet children and help them come into school independently. Navy will be doing road patrol as usual. After school, all Koru teachers will be out on the courts with their students, and two leaders will be based by the drop off zone and on the walkway through the car park, to ensure students can get offsite safely. As with our previous Level 2 system, we will be asking all students to leave the school site after school to return home or to the home of a caregiver. All children need to have left the school site or have been picked up by 3:15pm, unless otherwise organised directly with the school. We are well prepared for this move into Level 2, having done this before. Hopefully this will be temporary measure to ensure our ongoing health and safety. Stay safe, stay home if you are unwell, and, as always, horoia ō ringaringa, wash your hands! Ngā mihi nui, Urs Cunningham (Acting Principal) and John Bunting (BoT Chairperson) By Urs CunninghamPhoto Gallery Amesbury School Level 2 boundary.  — by Urs Cunningham

    • School Notices - 10 August 2020
      • Welcome to Week 4 of Term 3 .... What's on? Koru Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Monday 10 August"School in Action" @Newlands Intermediate (for parents) - 9-10.30amParent Evening @ Raroa Intermediate - Tuesday 11 August 6-7pmSchool Photos gallery closes - Wednesday 12 August  midnightKoru Hub Swimming - Thursday 13 AugustPōhutukawa Hub ASB Centre Sport Programme - Thursday 13 AugustRaroa Prospective Parent Open Days - Thursday 13 & Friday 14 August Amesbury School Photos 2020 The 2020 Amesbury School photos are now available to view and purchase. An email was sent out to all parents on 28 July with all the 'How to' information. This gallery will close at midnight on Wednesday 12th August 2020. Made to order products with your child's artwork Students have been very busy creating their own artwork that can be printed onto calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats and sketch pads (spiral bound A5 notebook with blank pages) that are available for you to buy. On Friday (31 July), your child/ren will have brought home a named order code form that will have a unique code that is linked to their art. Please use this to order online via the KidsArtWorks website. (Orders cannot be made via the school by cash or on the school account). Final orders close at 10am on Monday 17th August and, sorry, no late orders can be accepted. Purchased items will be delivered to school mid September and will be given to students to bring home. Scholastic Books Club Don't forget that Term 3, 2020 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering. Please do the ordering by visiting the website at mybookclub.scholastic.co.nz - no need to fill in the paper order form and please do not return anything to school. Everything can be done online. Ordering will be open until Monday 31st August 2020 and books will be sent to school. Absences and Late Arrivals It is important that we know by 9am each school day if a student is going to be away or arriving late to school so that we can verify the safe whereabouts of all our students.  All absences must be notified to the school office as teachers don't always have the opportunity to forward emails/messages before class starts at 9am. Absence/late arrival notifications can be made at any time by: Absence form on the school app or websiteEmail – office@amesbury.school.nz Text – 021 865528 Telephone – 04 477 3423 If your child arrives at school after 9am, they must sign in at the office before going to class. Uniform Fleece name-tag check: we have a few fleeces misplaced/missing ... please check that your child is wearing their fleece (not someone else's), and that theirs has their name clearly displayed. New fleeces: The production of size 4, 6 and 8 polar fleeces (currently out of stock) has been delayed due to extended international shipping timeframes (for the zips!). New fleeces can still be ordered via Kindo and will be issued as soon as they arrive (hopefully by end August).  Second Hand: You're welcome to visit the office between 8.30am and 3.30pm to check out the range of second hand items currently available. We also have a bin of unclaimed long sleeve black tops that you can have for a gold coin donation. Lost and Found Laundrette KeyJacket (Macpac) size 10yrsBlue (Seed) polo size 4Soft toy - Rabbit (Citta)Socks - massive amount of paired and unpairedFleeces (most have been in lost property since end 2019 or Term 1 so will be made available to purchase second hand if not claimed before the end of term 3)x1 near new size 2 fleece x2 size 8 fleeces (one slightly named in photo attached, the other with very faded biro)x2 size 4 (one with an ohm symbol raksha bandha in pocket and no zip, the other with hard to read label (photos attached) LunchIf your child is regularly bringing yummy food that requires a utensil to eat it, please pack a fork, spoon or chopsticks in their lunchbox, or have one they can rinse after using and leave in a bag or container in their school bag. Community Notices Tawa Squash Junior Club Night - Friday evenings Kids - learn to play the healthiest sport in the world 5-7pm with qualified coach, usually $5 for non club members, first week free 5-5:30pm Small Nix 5-8 year olds (always free) Refreshments available for kids and parents all at great pricesAll gear provided – just need non marking shoesTawa Squash, 67 Main Road, Tawa (next to St Francis Xavier School), www.tawasquash.co.nz . 04 2328200 After School Computer Classes Image by: John Murrihy The Circus Hub Inspiring passion for circus arts Image by: John Murrihy By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • Congratulations to all our students who participated in the Northern Zone Cross Country on 31 July.
      • We are so proud of all our students who participated in the Northern Zone Cross Country event. How fortunate were we to have such great weather on this day!  It was great to see the enthusiasm and determination with which all our students participated. They gave it their all, in each of the races.  A huge thank you to all our whānau who were there to support and cheer on our athletes during their races.  Inter-Zone Cross Country Date: 18 August (with Postponement Days on 20, 25 & 27 Aug) Venue: Grenada North Park The following students made it through, and will be representing Amesbury School at the Inter-Zone Cross Country Event: Year 5 Girls - Hannah K Year 5 Boys - Lucas S, Liam H, Oscar R Well done team! We are super proud of you!By Michelle PrinslooPhoto Gallery

    • School Notices - 3 August 2020
      • ASB Sport sessions, swimming and co-curricular continue this week as advised previously as well as fitting in normal school lessons, but a few more things that you need to know .... What's on? Mihi Whakatau - Monday 3 August 2.30pmKeyboard Lessons - cancelled Wednesday 5 & Friday 7 August Amesbury School Photos 2020 The 2020 Amesbury School photos are now available to view and purchse. An email was sent out to all parents last Tuesday (28 July) with all the 'How to' information. This gallery will close at midnight on Wednesday 12th August 2020. Keyboard Lessons Cancelled this week Apologies, but owing to Tas's unavailability due to personal circumstances, co-curricular keyboard lessons will not be held this week - Wednesday & Friday.  All affected parents should have received an email. If you haven't or you have any other questions please contact John communications@amesbury.school.nz. Amesbury's Got Talent Amesbury's Got Talent heats will be running during lunchtimes in weeks 5 & 6 (17-28 August), with the finals the following week. Now is the time to sign up, as entries close this Wednesday 5 August. After that - start practising. We know that we will be amazed at the diverse range of talents on display. Made to order products with your child's artwork Students have been very busy creating their own artwork that can be printed onto calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats and sketch pads (spiral bound A5 notebook with blank pages) that are available for you to buy. On Friday (31 July), your child/ren will have brought home a named order code form that will have a unique code that is linked to their art. Please use this to order online via the KidsArtWorks website. (Orders cannot be made via the school by cash or on the school account). Final orders close at 10am on Monday 17th August and, sorry, no late orders can be accepted. Purchased items will be delivered to school mid September and will be given to students to bring home. Scholastic Books Club Don't forget that Term 3, 2020 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering. Please do the ordering by visiting the website at mybookclub.scholastic.co.nz - no need to fill in the paper order form and please do not return anything to school. Everything can be done online.  Ordering will be open until Monday 31st August 2020 and books will be sent to school. Harakeke Inquiry Can you help out with materials for Harakeke's Inquiry this term? They require newspapers and bubble wrap. If you have any - whether or not your child/ren are in Harakeke - can you please drop it off in the hub (preferably) or into the office. A big thank-you in anticipation. Nits and Head Lice Checks There are signs that these pests are back again. Please read through this article and take the appropriate steps. Thanks. Koru Hub Swimming Lost Property Koru Hub swimming only started last week and already they have a number of items of clothing in their 'lost property' pile. If you recognise it and, while it is all unnamed, it will be kept in Koru Hub for you to pick up. Image by: John Murrihy Can I also take the opportunity to strongly encourage you to name all of your child/ren's clothing and things not only when they take them to swimming but whenever they bring anything to school? Uniform Labelling: with ASB trips and changing room chaos at swimming this term it's a good time to get everything named (even goggles, togs and swim caps!). We have fabric label pens available to purchase on Kindo, or Stuck on You have a great selection of iron on and sticker labelsFleeces: The production of size 4, 6 and 8 polar fleeces (currently out of stock) has been delayed due to extended international shipping timeframes (for the zips!). New fleeces can still be ordered via Kindo and will be issued as soon as they arrive (hopefully by end August). Reminder: Jeans are not permitted as part of the school uniform. Lower halves must be black (not blue) and long sleeve tops worn under the polo must also be plain blackSecond Hand: You're welcome to visit the office between 8.30am and 3.30pm to check out the range of second hand items currently available (polos, fleeces, skorts, skirts, shorts, pants) Lost Property: Blue Accelor8 bike helmet (L)x2 Sistema Klip It 2l rectangular containers/lunch boxesx4 Sistema screw top snack/pottlesx2 pairs of kids sunglasses Key ring with hand sanitiser, kiwi and other tagsHello Kitty fanChild's SKMEI watchx1 size two Amesbury beaniex2 OSFA Amesbury beanies (without an inside tag) Fleeces (most have been in lost property since end 2019 or Term 1) x1 near new size 2 fleece x2 size 8 fleeces (one slightly named in photo attached, the other with very faded biro)x2 size 4 (one with an ohm symbol raksha bandha in pocket and no zip, the other with hard to read label (photos attached) SchoolAppsNZ Update SchoolAppsNZ have just released the latest App update 2.4.2 which resolves a couple of outstanding bugs some users were experiencing. Most people have automatic updates set on their device, however, you might want to ensure that you have the update to the latest version of the app. Community Notices Election Day: Work Available  Our school will once again be a Voting Place on Election Day Saturday 19 September.  The Ōhāriu Electorate is looking for good people to staff the Voting Place, and there are also opportunities to work before and after Election Day. These are paid roles and full training is given.  See elections.nz/jobs for more details. If you wish to work on Election Day, please help the recruitment team by stating your preferred Voting Place when you apply.  Papararangi Kindergarten is turning 50 Paparārangi Kindergarten is turning 50 years old and to celebrate they are holding an open afternoon on Sunday 30th August from 1pm. There will be an afternoon tea at 2.30.  They would love to see past families, committee members and teachers join them. If you wish to attend please RSVP to papararangi@wmkindergartens.org.nz. Samuel Marsden Collegiate School Education for your daughter in Year 7, 2021 Open Mornings (tour the school, ask questions and find out about Marsden’s Visible Wellbeing approach and programmes): Friday 14 August and Friday 23 October 2020, 8.45am-12pm. Principal Narelle Umbers will be speaking briefly at 9am. Year 7 Māori & Pasifika Scholarship applications for entry in 2021 close 31 July, see details and apply online. Enrolments: Enrolments for entry in 2021 are now due. To organise a personal tour or day in class for your daughter please contact Enrolment Registrar Leigh McCathie on 476 8707. marsden.school.nzBy John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • Made to order products with your child's artwork
      • Purchase unique calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats and sketch pads/notebooks with your child's cover art on them! Looking for personalised keepsakes, gifts or just great practical items? Students have been very busy creating their own artwork that can be printed onto calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats and sketch pads (spiral bound A5 notebook with blank pages) that are available for you to buy. All orders are to be placed online via the KidsArtWorks website. Orders cannot be made via the school by cash or on the school account. Here is the timeline: Friday 31st July, each student will bring home a named order code form (like the one below) that will have a unique code that is linked to their artThe Kids Artworks website is then live and open for viewing art and purchasing products.  To avoid missing out, please submit orders between Friday 31st July and Sunday 16th AugustFINAL ORDERS - the website is closed at 10am on Monday 17th August and no late orders will be accepted.  Purchased items will be delivered to school mid September and will be given to students to bring home There are samples at the office if you would like to have a closer look at sizing, details, or quality before placing your order online. Only the artwork done at school and already submitted to Kids Artworks is able to be used as part of this offer. The original artwork will be returned to students. Any questions, please contact Rachel office@amesbury.school.nz  Thank you for supporting this school fundraiser!By Amesbury OfficeAttachments Kid Artworks Order Code Form   PDF, 130.8 KBPhoto Gallery

    • Amesbury's Got Talent
      • We will be running Amesbury's Got Talent in weeks 5 & 6, dust your singing voices and your dance skills off to come and give it a go! This term we are going to be holding our Amesbury's Got Talent competition. This is open for all students in the school to enter with any talent they want to share. We will be holding the heats in weeks 5 and 6 (17th-28th August) during lunch times in front of an audience and judges. The finals will be run the following week. Specific dates for each item will be shared with children once the schedule has been finalised. This is a fun and casual event for anyone to sign up to if they want to share their talent. Children can sign up with this link if they haven't done so at school already. Sign ups will close on 5th August. Children will need to be responsible for providing their own equipment and music. Music needs to be brought to school via a PA compatible device or a Youtube link that has been sent to us. Music can also be brought in by an adult to be copied. All music should be appropriate for playing at school. There will be access to keyboards, piano and the PA/speaker system. A criteria will be used to help judges make decisions for the finals. Only performances tailored for a wider audience, not just the judges viewing (e.g. a card trick) will be considered for this. Although such talents can still be performed in the heats. We look forward to seeing the amazing talent at Amesbury School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on natalie@amesbury.school.nzBy Natalie Douglas

    • School Notices - 27 July 2020
      • There's quite a few things happening this week so please check out what affects you .... What's on? Koru ASB Centre - sessions begin - Monday 27 JulyBoard of Trustees Meeting - Wednesday 29 July 5.30-7.30pmKoru swimming lessons begin - Thursday 30 JulyPōhutukawa ASB Centre - sessions begin - Thursday 30 July'A Day at Raroa’ (for Year 6s) - Thursday 30 July4-year-old programme begins - Thursday 30 JulyNorthern Zone Cross Country - Friday 31 July Harakeke and Pōhutukawa Swimming - Term 3 An article on Harakeke & Pōhutukawa Swimming in Term 3 has been published. Please read it here, noting the dates and what the kids need to bring, and also please go to your school shop account and make the payment before 17 August. If you have any queries pleas contact your child's whānau teacher. Student Invoices Could all parents please check the "Student Invoices" section of the online shop to check if you have any outstanding invoices that need to be paid? https://shop.tgcl.co.nz/. Unfortunately, our system currently doesn't send you out a notification when a new invoice is added.  Spare balls of wool for our electives? One of the elective groups is going to be making gorgeous soft toys with pom-poms for an elective this term.  If you perhaps have any odd balls of wool, or wool you won't be using any longer, just lying around the house, could you please send it to school. It would be great if we have a large variety of colours for kids to choose from.  There will be a container in the library where the wool can be dropped off.  Nicholas Jermyn (NZ shirtmakers) The Board has agreed a sponsorship partnership with Nicholas Jermyn (NZ shirtmakers) where parents get a discount using a code, and the school gets a cut of any sales using the code: amesbury 15.  Spare clothes in school bags Please pack a spare set of short/pants/leggings and underpants in the school bag (for all ages) with a plastic bag to put the wet clothes in, and let your child know that they are there for them.  For some children it can be quite upsetting when they unexpectedly become wet or dirty (particularly if there isn't anything for them to change into) or they don't like what is available. We have limited space to hold a small selection of spares but are not always able to cater for all sizes and 'requests'. Lost Property School Fleeces: x1 size 2, x2 size 4, x2 size 8 (including the one in the photo below) Heaps of long sleeve black tops, black track pants and socks Found in carpark (likely fell out of the same wallet) Credit card, Driver's Licence and Snapper Card Newlands Intermediate On Thursday 30 July Newlands Intermediate will be holding an Open Evening in their school hall, 7-8.30pm. Students and families are all welcome to attend this. On Tuesday 11 August Newlands will open their school for a “School in Action” morning 9–10.30am. This is an opportunity to see the school working as it does each day. All enrolments for 2021 should be made online by 31 August 2020. www.newlandsint.school.nz On Friday 13 November students who are enrolled, or planning on attending Newlands in 2021 are invited to take part in an Orientation Morning. All students are collected from their schools by bus for this morning. All of the above dates and activities have been added to the Amesbury Events Calendar. Kelly Sports Netball Programme - Raroa Normal Intermediate School - Wednesdays 3.30-4.30pm Years 1-4 - Learn the basic of netball in a fun & engaging environment. Learn the key skills & understanding of the game, ball handling, co-ordination, speed & accuracy. Years 5-8 - For those already playing 7-aside netball & those wanting to get a head start & advance their technical & tactical knowledge of the game. For both sessions we use fun drills & games to develop & challenge young players focusing on the key skill areas for their level of development while also having fun! Sessions start Wednesday 29 July 2020 at a cost of $96 for 8 weeks. Kelly Sports - Term 3 Kelly Sports will be back in Term 3 with their fun and exciting classes. Kelly Sports encourages children to have fun, build confidence and to give sport a go. We believe that sport and physical activity has so much to offer young people; it improves fitness, develops communication skills, team work and gives them a place to channel their energy. Play Like a Sports Hero! (Yrs 1-4) – Friday’s 3.05-4.05pm - Come and try 2 weeks of: Netball, Hockey, Rippa Rugby and Football. It’s a great way to try new sports, learn new skills and improve ability. We use games & drills to teach game sense and team play. Your child will learn the fundamental skills for all sports – throwing, running, jumping, striking, balance and many more – all while having a great time! For full details and to enrol into our programmes visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201. Community Notices Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter If you haven't already come across it please check out the latest Churton Park Community Centre Newsletter to see what's happening in Churton Park.By John MurrihyPhoto Gallery

    • Invitation to Mihi Whakatau - Monday 3 August
      • All Amesbury families are invited to join us at 2.30pm on Monday 3 August to welcome new students, teachers and their families into the Amesbury School community... A Mihi Whakatau is a traditional Maori ritual whereby the host people (tangata whenua) welcome visitors (manuhiri) to our "marae" - school. The process starts with a "karanga". Visitors are then led onto the "marae" (into the hall), where they will be welcomed by a haka. A short speech will be made by school staff. As a result of this encounter, the manuhiri are recognised as "friend" not "foe" and cease being manuhiri, but now count among the tangata whenua. A "waiata" is sung and finally kai (food) is shared to complete the process. Traditionally this would be a hākari (feast), but at school we tend to share cake and biscuits. RSVP is not required. Just a reminder to all new families attending the Mihi Whakatau to meet in the reception area by the office just before 2.30pm, where we will guide you through the ceremony, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. We hope to see everyone there!By John Murrihy

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