| Thursday 27th October 2022 | Term 4 Week 2  |
Kia ora e te whānau,
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Labour Weekend? It was wonderful to learn how many of our students either participated or marshalled events at Hard Labour. Kia kaha! For me, Labour Weekend marked the final move home for my eldest daughter who has now completed her BFA(Hons) at Canterbury University. She’ll be back with her whānau until next year when she hopes to begin her Masters. Milestones like this certainly bring home to you the reward of parenthood, seeing the achievements of your children, and their growth to self-management. Independence is a skill, and as parents, risks have to be taken to allow key competencies to develop. The other thing I’ve learned is how quickly all this happens, cherish those moments!
I’m sure there are a couple of parents in our community who are also experiencing the same exciting moments - here is an example of another major achievement… I’m excited to share with you the success of Louie Skinner and Lily Brophy. Both have been selected by SGCNZ to represent New Zealand at the Globe Theatre in London next year. This is in recognition of their Shakespeare performances through the Sheilah Winn Competitions. They have written an article for the newsletter sharing their achievements. They now have the simple task of raising at least $10,000 each to make their dream come true. I know they’ll give all they’ve got to make this happen. The first of many fundraisers is the upcoming Movie Night. Check out our Facebook and promotions in this newsletter for more information.
This week, following our community consultation, Twizel Area School has opted into the Ministry of Education’s School Donations Scheme. This means that parents will no longer be asked for their annual donation to the school. You can learn more about the Donations Scheme here. I can also report back that the Board continues to work on the Uniform Consultation results, there will be further consultation on the finer details of any changes either later this term, or at the start of the new school year. We are working through adaptations to the school procedures and requesting samples from our uniform suppliers. The overall theme of the feedback was to reduce the procedural requirements and incorporate some less formal uniform items within the choice of styles already available.
Earlier this week we welcomed Shane Morrow from ERO to the school. We have started to work with ERO on Te Ara Huarau; their new approach to evaluation. You can learn more about the process here. Next year, we will be developing a co-constructed goal for the school that we will work together to achieve over a 3-year process. Special thanks to Room 13, Henry Scarlett, Mason Crawford and Harry Riley for their leadership in the informal Mihi Whakatau to welcome Shane.
Next week, we will be holding a Y10-12 Information Evening for Course Selection. This will be held in the multi-purpose room from 6-7 pm on Wednesday, November 2nd. Come along to learn more about our NCEA Course, the NCEA process, and our new Course Selection website. We’re looking forward to seeing the parents of students in Years 10-12 there!
Many thanks to everyone that has supported Arts in Action Week, and to Clare Frost for organising all the events. I’m excited to see our new word wall when it is ready and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the engagement in dance and printmaking from both our students and community. What an amazing week for everyone involved!
To wrap up, I'd like to pass on my congratulations to all students sending off, or finalising their NCEA Art Portfolios. This is a huge piece of work, and of very high quality from all involved. I know that your hard work will pay off with the achievements and credits you have worked so hard towards.
He waka eke noa,
Kate Staniford
Tumuaki | Principal
Head Students Lily and Louie have some very exciting news about next year's SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company! 🎭
This week has seen a successful return for Art in Action to Twizel Area School for a week of art and art-related activities today, including painting, printmaking and dance. 🎨 👩🎨 💃 We have enjoyed Highland Dance, Jump Jam & Waiata lunchtime performances and we're all looking forward to the Dance Performance…
This week we welcomed Shane Morrow from the Education Review Office. We held a mihi whakatau to welcome him to our amazing school. Matua Karatī, Harry and Mason opened and then Room 13 launched into our school waiata with Harriet and Tilly leading.
Nathan Wallis is bringing his 'The Brain Development' talk to Twizel on Wednesday 23rd November. For those wanting a quick snapshot of brain development, Nathan will guide you through the stages of brain development from childhood to adulthood, revealing little tricks to make parenting easier.
What an action-packed start for Term 4 with Room 8 ākonga involved in many learning opportunities. From Seesaw to maths, and let us not forget some awesome Halloween artwork!
The Mackenzie District Council have a fantastic opportunity for senior students who are interested in applying for the Mackenzie County Scholarship & Bruce Scott Memorial Prize. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 2nd November.
The Home and School Committee met this week. Here is an update from them, plus a way you can help with donating toys for the Junior Sandpits at school. 🏫
We have had some reports of children in the Junior School with Head Lice, please check & treat your child's hair if necessary.
In preparation for this year's Prizegiving ceremony, can any student who was awarded a trophy last year, please return it to school by Friday, 18th November?
Ka pai to everyone who showed off their amazing work at last week's Junior Assembly and for the awesome mahi you show, displaying your WAKA values.🤩
In preparation for 2023, Year 10, 11 and 12 students returning in 2023 are invited to the Course Information Evening with their parents/caregivers on Wednesday 2nd November at 6 pm.
Don't forget your sunhat or drink bottle! Sunhats are a compulsory item for students in years 1-6 during Terms 1 & 4, please make sure they are named. Water bottles are also essential to make sure students can keep hydrated during the school day.
With this year's NCEA exams fast approaching, here’s how you can study smarter, supercharge your learning and get information stored away so it’s ready when you’re face-to-face with that exam paper.
→ Tuesday, 25th to Friday, 28th October — Arts in Action
→ Monday, 31st October to Tuesday, 1st November — St Johns in Schools - Year 1-10
→ Wednesday, 2nd November 6:00pm — Senior Course Information Evening
→ Wednesday, 2nd November — Year 12 NCEA Art Folios final day
→ Friday, 4th November — UW Athletics
→ Monday, 7th to Thursday, 10th November — M1/M2 Camps (specific days tbc)
→ Monday, 7th November — NCEA Exams begin
→ Thursday, 10th November — Brainwave - Yr 9/10
→ Thursday, 10th November — Year 13 NCEA Art Folios final day
→ Friday, 11th November — South Canterbury Anniversary Day
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