Friends of Kimi Ora School

19 November 2003

Dear Friend

As a Friend of Kimi Ora School we thought you would like to know what has happened over the last eighteen months.

Kimi Ora School has experience growth. We have 32 students in five classes on the roll. A waiting list was established in February 2003. Since this time the waiting list has grown. Places are now available in 2009 for prospective students.

The Ministry of Education have intimated that Kimi Ora School may be relocated to the vacant site that was formerly Petone College. The Board of Trustees have agreed to this being the best available option. This option was first identified in November 2002. We were informed that we would have an answer by Christmas 2002. The process appeared to have stalled.

New programmes have been introduced. MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) was introduced in 2002. This programme aims to develop the physical functional skills of students. The focus is on sitting, standing and walking skill development. This is practised throughout the day and integrated into the routines of the school. The results we have achieved so far have exceeded expectations.

Kimi Ora School has an annual camp for students. This camp has been held at El Rancho, Waikanae. A variety of challenging activities such as rock climbing, boating, the water slide and the horizontal bungy are part of the programme. The social aspect of camp is also important.

Students should contribute to society. The students of Kimi Ora School have two ongoing projects. The senior class has formed an Amnesty International Group. All students are involved in growing seedlings for Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Island Bay. The marae has a vision to reforest the hills behind the marae, our students contribute to this process.

Over the past two years Kimi Ora School has based one of its teachers at Thorndon School. Students from Kimi Ora School go over to Thorndon School to mix with regular students in a classroom environment. Students from Thorndon School participate in the music programme run by Kimi Ora School.

Kimi Ora School continues to be supported by organisations and clubs from the community. The Rotary Club of Wellington North has donated equipment for the MOVE programme. BP’s staff social club, TSW Aquatics, the Henderson Trust and Prime Finance have made contributions to the school. We appreciate their support.

For the last two years we have produced a school production. Last year’s performance was How the Super Heroes Saved Christmas. This year’s production is Kimi Ora Discovers Aotearoa. The music programme at school is taken by Andreas Lepper, a percussionist. There will be a musical aspect to this year’s production. The performance will be on the 11th December at 1.45pm in the Thorndon School hall. We invite you to attend.

We have said farewell to a number of long standing staff members who have made a major contribution to Kimi Ora School. Jan Fullarton, Speech Language Therapist decided on a change in career and opened Fullarton’s Fine Fabrics. David Nicholson, Deputy Principal resigned due to health reasons in early 2003. We thank these staff members for their contribution over many years to the students and life of Kimi Ora School.

The Friends of Kimi Ora School is a charitable trust that has asked people for subscriptions in the past. The trustees have decided we will not be asking for a subscription this year. However if you wish to make a donation please complete the form below.

Jo Martin, Susan Urquhart and Don Stevens
Trustees

I wish to make the following donation to the Friends of Kimi Ora School.

Name:
Address:

Amount of donation:
Post to Friends of Kimi Ora School, 21 Turnbull St, Thorndon, Wellington.
A receipt will be sent.