March 3rd, 2010

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

Our Enrichment elective programme began last Thursday. Students chose from a wide range of activities such as performing in our cultural group, film making, animated movies, drama, Future Problem Solving, Team Mechanics, Maori Art, The World of Sport, yarn craft and school reporters.

The yarn craft group (above and left) began with learning the basics of knitting.

CHESS CLUB

Wednesdays 3.00—4.30 p.m.

Library

Cost $2 per session

All interested students very welcome.

STUDY CENTRE

Tuesdays   3.00 p.m. —4.00 p.m.

School Library

Students are welcome to attend for supported independent study.

Afternoon tea provided.

Quote of the Week

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising up every time we fail.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Principal’s Comment

Our school camps took place two weeks ago. They are a lot of work for staff and increasingly expensive for parents. They are also a special worry for me as the students challenge themselves with adventurous outdoor experiences that have some element of risk. Every activity is thoroughly examined to minimise risks and I have every confidence in staff but I still worry.

We continue to have school camps because I firmly believe they can be an extremely positive and valuable opportunity for personal growth and broaden the experiences of our students.

I have seen some students who have come back from camp with an improved self image. Quite simply, they feel better about themselves. For many, the social experience helps them begin to see how they fit in society, and friendships are strengthened. Apart from that, it’s just simply ‘fun’.

School camps are a great opportunity for young people to be a bit adventurous in a safe and supportive environment.

My thanks to the parents and caregivers who came out to the camps. We simply couldn’t do it without you.

…………………….

Sometimes I talk to students and am surprised when my view of them is quite different from how they see themselves. I may see an intelligent, friendly, serious, sensitive young person with a very nice group of friends but they view themselves as un-likable and doubting their self-worth.

Emerging adolescence is a time when this can be quite common. American research suggests one in five young people will experience a phase of emotional difficulties. Most come through this phase unaffected but for a few it can lead to the more serious condition of depression. If mood swings are more extreme or there is a lack of energy, little interest in what is happening around them, difficulty sleeping or loss of appetite, it may signal the need to seek professional help.

For most children, parents and other adults showing a genuine interest and sharing concerns helps ease the young person through this phase of self-doubt and it is nothing for parents to be worried about.

I notice this period of self-doubt is more common in sensitive and caring individuals. These are terrific qualities in adults but people with them often pay the price for them in emerging adolescence.

Mike Debney

Thank You Students

We wish to publicly recognise the appropriate, positive behaviour displayed by these students and identified by a staff member.

Niki Menzies

Ruby Redshaw-Nalder

Loxley Thornton

Elise Forman

Honu Kirifi

Kyle Schultz

Vatimio Tunabuna

Malia McBride

Bea Cooke

Alicia Print

Kiran Richards

Small Empty Computer Cartridges

Don’t throw them away!

Send them to school with your child. We will collect them and can raise $4 for each one, any size. Remember your empty ones at work as well. Ask friends and family to collect for you.

Let’s see how many we can get!!

Guitar Lessons at School

Fridays

You choose what songs you want to learn!

30 minute lessons

@ $10 per person.

Two students per lesson. Find a friend who wants to learn!

Starts Friday 5th March

Contact Paddy Bleakley on 027 470 6769 or 383 5461

Available Term One Dates

03 Mar       Fest Arts—Sutra @ 8pm

04 Mar       Fest Arts—Echoa @ 1pm

08 Mar       Fest Arts—Happy as Larry @ 7.30pm

10 Mar       Japanese group arrives

        School Athletic Sports

11 Mar       Powhiri Japanese students

        Postponement SWIS Athletics

15 Mar  Fest Arts-The Tragic Life of Cheeseboy

        Goal setting interviews

16 Mar       Goal setting interviews

18 Mar       Chess Tournament

23 Mar       Inter-Intermediate Athletics

25 Mar       Postponement II Athletics

01 Apr       Last day, Term One

19 Apr       First day, Term Two

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONTACT

Lynn McBain (Chair)

027 241 4082

Eryl Jones

383 6235

Lindsay Daysh

027 261 5840

Barry White

021 477 663

Michael Priest

934 4738

Board of Trustees Meeting

7.00 p.m.

Monday 8th March

Interested parents very welcome

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

Robyn Cantlon, our Public Health Nurse will be at school during lunchtimes conducting  free Health clinics on the following date:

Tuesday 16 March

Tuesday 30 March

Parents may refer children by contacting the office. Staff may also refer children and children may refer themselves (Check location of clinic at office). Referrals may relate to any Health issue.

UNIFORM

Skorts are now available as an optional item for girls.

If you wish to purchase one you may do so at the school office for $45.00.

MP3s, iPods

Students are not to bring MP3s, iPods and other small valuable items to school. If found at school staff will look after them until the end of the school day. If they keep being brought to school, parents may be asked to collect them at their convenience.

Cellphones are a different case as they are a valuable link to parents outside school hours. We require that they are turned off during school hours.

Staff are happy to look after cellphones for students during school hours.

All Star Cheerleaders

All Star Cheerleaders is running Free American Style Cheerleading Classes in your area. Everyone is welcome no experience necessary.  For more information call 0800 CHEERLEADER or www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz.

2010 Season – Harbour City Rugby League

Registrations and Open Day

Sunday the 14th March

Martin Luckie at 1.00 to 3.00pm

Registrations 1.00—1.30pm.

Games and competitions 1.30pm—2.30pm

Sausage sizzle, competitions and prizes.

Contact: Junior co-ordinator Ian Leary 021 517 953 or

itl@spencerholmes.co.nz

SOUTH WELLINGTON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Athletic Sports

Wednesday 10th March  (Postponement day Thursday 11th March)

9.30 a.m.—2.00 p.m.

Newtown Park

All students require P.E. uniform and hat. Sunblock will be provided.

Parents/caregivers very welcome

PRIMARY TEACHERS UNION MEETING    24th MARCH POSTPONED

The planned meeting by the NZEI has been postponed until week four next term. Parents will be informed of exact details at the beginning of next term.

GOAL SETTING INTERVIEWS

There are two pages of inserts concerning goal setting interviews accompanying this newsletter.

The interviews can be very valuable for all concerned.

They will be held on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th March: 3.20—5.00 p.m., 6.00—8.00 p.m.

Please complete the preferred interview time slip and return to school a.s.a.p. You will receive a slip with your interview time.

Please also complete the questionnaire with your child and bring it to the interview. This can give staff a valuable insight and greatly assist in setting realistic and worthwhile goals.

M. Debney