Important Dates:
For more information on any of the topics covered at the conference contact Lee Sutton or Jenny Kyle at lees@kimiora.school.nz or jennyp@kimiora.school.nz
Weekly Newsletter
30 July 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
The pictures
this week are of Rose, Cameron, Thomas, Keelan, Billie, Morgan, Alexia and Te Kauri before the Air Force Band
concert. Our students arrived early and were able to get the seats they
desired. Keelan explored the St
James Theatre. Billie thought she
should have a private box. This concert
was an interactive performance arranged for school children. This was a quality
show. A sophisticated and slick brass band entertained the appreciative
audience
THE CUP
Olivia-Rose won The Cup for continued
development of life skills.
Individual
Education Programme meetings are held this term. Your class teacher will
contact you to arrange a convenient time. This round of IEPs is a review of your
child’s progress. If you do not wish to have a formal meeting the review can
occur by phone or communicating with your child’s teacher.
The new
school is progressing, staff are having to list all the items that will be in
each new room. The next step in the process is determining whether the budget
will cover this list. The procurement of all this equipment and process for
delivery is a major undertaking. Staff are keen to see the new building taking shape.
I visit the site every fortnight and see progress at every visit. If you wish
to see the progress visit Bell Kelly Beaumont Team Architects facebook page for
photos.
This week at
assembly I presented staff with first aid certificates. During the holidays
staff met and undertook first aid training. Congratulations to all the staff
who are now are trained first aiders.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
22 July 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
The photos
this week are of Leanne Brooks. We welcome Leanne to our school community and
we look forward to working with her. Some senior students went to the parade to
celebrate the All Whites World Cup success. Pictured are the All Whites as they
emerged from Parliament, Phoenix players, and
the height of fashion, the Phoenix
body suit.
THE CUP
Rose won The Cup for great use of tools during the
construction of penguin boxes.
Room Two are
leading the school in the construction of boxes for penguin nests. This project
coordinated by Wellington Zoo has community groups making the wooden boxes.
After construction they will be placed around the south coast for blue penguins
to use as nests. Room Two will manage the process and all students are going to
contribute to the construction of the boxes.
As a school
we receive tremendous community support. We are approached by many
organisations who wish to assist and help our students. All our students
receive the benefits of these actions. Our students also need to participate
and contribute to society. Projects such as the building of penguin boxes
enable our students to give back to society.
The Total Mobility
Scheme is moving to a new system of identity cards. These will replace the pink
vouchers that have been used in the past. If you would like help in applying
for the new Identity Cards for the Total Mobility Taxi Scheme please contact
Pat Gee, Occupational Therapist. Pat will be able to send in a photo of
your child and carry out the necessary paperwork to apply for the new ID
cards. The pink voucher scheme will end some time in August and every
person will need their ID card in order to travel.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
2 July 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
The photos
this week are of work Room Four have completed as part of their study of England. They
have made a model castle with Beefeater Guards. They also made models of the
traditional English Bobby. Marina
and Peter show the models they made.
THE CUP
Miriam won The Cup for fantastic switching during Music
Therapy.
Today we
said farewell to Jack Adams, Teacher Aide in Room Four. Jack is moving on to
study early childhood education at WelTec. Jack has been a popular and
motivated young member of staff. He is younger than some of the students. I
wish Jack all the best as he moves onto further study. He will be an asset to
the education system. Jack has a personal advertisement at the end of the
newsletter.
KORM (Kimi
Ora Rhythm Machine) are back in action for 2010. Yesterday they rehearsed their
repertoire for this season’s performance. KORM is a multi ability band this
year. Students from Kimi Ora School, Thorndon
School and Heretaunga College
are members of the band. You will be informed next term of the dates and venues
for the concerts.
In Term
Three the theme for senior classes is climate change and a focus on the marae
visit. For junior classes the focus is on weather and parts of the body. The
Life Education Trust will be visiting the school.
We look
forward to seeing the students next term.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
25 June 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
The photos
this week are off Constable Duncan Ashton who visited the school on Thursday.
He spoke to junior and senior students about the role of the policeman. He also
talked about keeping yourself safe. Unfortunately for me, I was observed and
noticed by Duncan,
when I entered the room he placed me in handcuffs. Watch the newspaper to see
the results of the court case.
Room Two are
shown with their SPEC (South Pacific Educational Courses) Certificates. They
have completed a unit of work based on the key competency managing self. This
included making healthy food, research on a chosen food, milk; an historic
building, Parliament Buildings; they studied counting in Maori; and studied the
kowhai tree in our grounds.
SPEC is a programme
for secondary aged students that enables every student to participate. All the students
in Room Two have recorded that they received assistance with each task. A range
of criteria exist for the level of assistance. Students can complete the work independently,
or they can have full assistance.
THE CUP
Olivia-Rose won The Cup for great progress in
life skills.
Today we are
sending home your child’s mid year report. If you wish to discuss any aspect of
your child’s report, contact your child’s teacher.
Julia
Bracegirdle, is away for the latter part of the week. Kimi Ora School runs the
programme MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education). Julia and Lee Sutton,
Physiotherapist, train the staff in this programme. Julia is attending a re
certification course in Bakersfield,
California to enable her to
continue to train our staff. MOVE is a great programme that is an integral part
of the culture of the school. Giving students the opportunity to sit, stand and
walk has resulted in fantastic progress for many of our students.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
18 June 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
THE CUP
Anika won The Cup for fantastic sitting.
Next week a
small group of staff will be visiting the new school at Naenae. The new
classroom section of the new building has a roof, walls, external cladding and
doors and windows with glass. This group will be examining and reviewing the
classrooms for the location of light switches, power and data points, the
kitchen design (all the classrooms have a small kitchen) and more. It is an
opportunity to make minor changes before the internal fit begins.
Roslyn Dix,
Administrator has left Kimi Ora School. Sharyn Hoerara will be relieving in the
office on a part time basis until the end of term. We aim to have a new
administrator by the beginning of Term Three.
Next Friday
your child will receive a written mid year report.
BOT NEWS
The Board of
Trustees nominations closed last Friday. Five nominations were received. There
are five positions on the BOT. An election was not required to be held.
Thanks to
Anne McKegg, Carol Corlett, Warren Anderson, Ron de Wit and Chris Rofe for
putting themselves forward as members of the Board of Trustees. The first four
BOT members are existing Board members. Chris Rofe is the father of Zaxton who is in Room One.
Parvin Ravla
decided not to seek re election. I would like to thank Parvin for his
contribution to the Board. Parvin joined the BOT in early 2008, during this
time major developments have occurred in the school. The primary issue has been
building and our location. Parvin has ensured that in trying circumstances the
best interests of students have been maintained. Thanks Parvin.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
11 June 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
The photos
this week are of last weeks Football World Cup event at Wellington Girls’
College. The Roaring Cougars were the winners. Congratulations to Joshua P, Alexia, Cameron and Jake who made up the Roaring Cougars
last Friday. Also pictured are Genevieve racing down the wing during a match.
Kasey is in goal. We also show the Orange Roughies, Miriam, Kayla, Anna, Ryan and Rosie.
It was a
great day last Friday. We had a large contingent of parental support. Thank you
for coming to cheer and support your child. We also had a couple of old pupils
who came as part of the day programme they attend this year. Reuben and Adrian
who left school last year came and played in the All Comers’ game. Zaxton’s mum, Junaya scored the winning
goal.
THE CUP
Jake won The Cup this week for great work in
mathematics.
Students
continue to win prizes from Tearaway Magazine. This month both Alexia and Cameron won ten song downloads from Fly Buys. Jake and Genevieve each
won a package of skin care products.
I have
attached a flyer and some of the photos taken of Jake last weekend. Jake visited the fire station and was a fireman.
This charity takes photos of children at no cost.
Next week we
have students from St Mary’s College coming to spend the day at Kimi Ora School.
This is part of their social justice programme.
The Board of
Trustees meets next Tuesday at 5.15pm in the staff room.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
4 June 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
Today was
the day of our World Cup Extravaganza. There will be a report and pictures next
week. Your child will come home with a certificate that indicates whether they
were part of the winning team, runner up or a participant.
Today’s
photos are of Room Two’s visit to Café Italiano in Molesworth St. Shown are Cameron, Alexia, Rose, Kayla and Te Kauri enjoying the fine Italian food. Andiamo Italia!
THE CUP
Gabrielle won
The Cup this week for a great contribution to Room Eight’s French meal.
Room Eight
had Notre Menu Francais which
involved preparing and eating French Onion Soup, Quiche Lorraine and
Profiteroles. Room Eight are backing France for the World Cup. Viva la France!
THIS WEEK
Room Four
have been making Beefeater Guards. They are also making a model of Buckingham Palace for them to guard. Room Four are
supporting England
in the World Cup. Come on England!
In Room One
they have been playing hide and seek. Hide and seek has a focus on object
permanence. The ability to recognise and remember that an object is in a
particular place, even if you can not see it is an important skill to develop.
Room Three
wanted to say that during their hydrotherapy session they managed to have the
entire class in the spa at one time. Sue thought this was quite an
achievement.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
28 May 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
The photos
this week are from the Junior
School’s visit to Pipitea
Childcare Centre. This is located twenty metres from our back entrance. Our
groups have crossed at the park and in the community. The students enjoyed
using the equipment and interacting with the children at the centre. Pictured
are Olivia-Rose, Keelan, Zaxton and Shuia’b.
THE CUP
Keelan won
The Cup this week for taking steps independently.
THIS WEEK
Today senior
classes went to the Vector Wellington Orchestra. The performance of The
Orchestra Through the Ages presented short pieces showing the development of
orchestral music.
The school
is getting ready for the Football World Cup event we are organising next Friday
at 10am. This is being held in the Wellington Girl’s College Hall. The Roaring
Cougars, Blue Tigers, Orange Roughies, Toraak Evergreens and the Red Rascals
will battle it out for the title of World Football Champions. If you would like
to join us for the sporting extravaganza, there is an open invitation. Be in
early if you want a seat in the covered stand.
This week
you will have received a nomination form for the BOT elections. Kimi Ora School
has a small roll and is fortunate to have parents who are willing to work for
the interest and wellbeing of all our students. All of the current Board are
intending to seek re election. If you are considering standing for the BOT and
wish to find out more about how the Board operates contact Anne McKegg,
Chairperson on 479 6773, or myself. Nominations close on the 11th
June.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
21 May 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
This week friends
of Jess, Aimee and Cindi visited the school, they both work in the production
of television series. The latest show they worked on was Master Chef. They
visited Room Four’s cooking session and saw the students preparing a chocolate
gateaux. They were very interested in the assistive technology we use to enable
the students to be participants in the cooking process.
Aimee and
Cindi presented Room Four with a signed Master Chef apron. This is signed by the
finalists Kelly Young and Brett McGregor. This apron will be used by Room Four
during their cooking sessions. The wearing of the apron will be an honour that
is given to the most deserving student. The photos this week are of the Master
Chefs. Jake, Hayden, Marina and Peter who are all talented chefs.
Blind and Low
Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ) staff from Homai
College in Auckland
have been in Wellington
this week. BLENNZ used to conduct assessments on students from Homai College.
This involves families travelling to Auckland
for a week. BLENNZ is now working in the regions. The assessment team come to
the child. This week a number of assessments have occurred involving our students. This has given our staff a valuable
opportunity to observe the assessment and work with the staff from BLENNZ. We
have had a steady stream of Kimi Ora School staff going to the RNZFB building
in Adelaide Rd.
Jenny Andrew
a Physiotherapist from BLENNZ came to school on Wednesday and ran a number of
sessions for all staff about working with students who have a visual
impairment. The quality and content of her delivery was fantastic. The
professional learning for staff through these opportunities this week has been
very valuable. The professional conversations between staff have impressed me.
These conversations identify key aspects of teaching and learning for students
with vision impairment. Although Jenny Andrew only worked specifically with
three students, this learning can be transferred to other students in the
school.
PTO for more
THE CUP
Felix won
The Cup this week for learning how to steer a power wheelchair.
Don Stevens
Principal
BOT NEWS
The Ministry
of Education has advised the Board of Trustees that we go through the election
process for parent representatives on the BOT again. More information will
follow.
Anne McKegg
Chairperson
Weekly Newsletter
14 May 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
This week’s newsletter varies the usual format.
I have
attached a photocopy from an IHC newsletter in which Helena Faherty, mother of Adrian who left Kimi Ora
School at the end of 2009 talks about her experience of the transition process
from school to an adult environment. The transition class of our senior
students works to ensure that a smooth transition occurs from school to a day
programme provider. This article identifies some of the pitfalls in the
process.
Kimi Ora
School places importance on the transition process. It is a time where families
face change. The key element is identifying at least a year out from leaving
school where you consider your child should attend after they turn twenty-one.
To achieve this the options that are available need to be explored during the
penultimate year of your child’s education.
I have also
copied a link to a parent’s blog. Trish Anderson, the mum of Tom, writes using
the pseudonym Cedarlark. The link to this blog is http://cedarlark.wordpress.com
The posting I have copied gives Trish’s view on holidays. I know these are
shared by many parents.
THE CUP
Hayden won
The Cup this week for great progress in life skills.
THIS WEEK
At swimming
on Wednesday Te Kauri independently
floated on his back. He has been very close to doing this for quite some time.
It was fantastic to see him floating without support. He did this for over one
minute. The next step in the progression is to get him to kick so he can move
through the water. Alan Devine, Teacher Aide and ex swimming instructor is a
valuable part of the swimming programme. He was very excited about Te Kauri’s
achievements.
When you
arrive at school to start the day you know in your role as Principal the
unexpected can happen. Yesterday I would not have anticipated what occurred. An
older couple came into the school. Geoff was from Australia. In 1960 he was a sailor
on the Australian navy’s ship the Melbourne when
it visited Wellington.
Students from Kimi Ora School went to visit the ship. He helped carry a girl
around the ship. He also communicated for many years by letter with the teacher,
Margaret Sue and the girl and her mother. The girl was Patricia Stewart and her
mother was Marjorie. Marjorie lived next door to KaraHandDs. I rang Susan
Urquhart, my predecessor who worked at the school form 1966 until 2001. She was
able to give Geoff information about the people he met 41 years ago.
Today the
school was divided into Football World Cup teams. We have five teams. Over the next
few weeks they will practising leading up to our extravaganza on Friday 4th
June.
This week
due to the amount of text the photos are at the end of the newsletter. We have Alexia
with a rabbit that was brought in by Andi from the SPCA. Charlie is helping to paint Room One’s World Cup Mural. Anika can be seen in the background
getting ready to paint.
Don Stevens
Principal
Weekly Newsletter
7 May 2010
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Kia ora koutou
Room Three
have been making the most of the good weather. They have been to Capital E to
see “The Farm at the End of the Road” and to Frank Kitts
Park. The photos this
week are of Felix at RDA, Rosie, Anna and Joshua at Frank
Kitts Park, and Billie and Olivia-Rose at Capital E.
All schools
are required to report to parents twice a year in plain English on student
achievement against the National Standards. This applies to students in Years
One to Eight. The standards are aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum. The
system recognises that for students with special needs they are unlikely to
achieve the standard.
Students at
Kimi Ora School will receive a written report in late June that gives feedback
on your child’s IEP goals. At the end of the year a digital report that has
video and photographic examples of your child’s achievement will be sent home.
These reports meet the requirements for reporting against the National Standards.
THE CUP
Morgan won The Cup this week for great eating.
THIS WEEK
Yesterday most
of the teachers attended a Paid Union Meeting. The therapists and I ran the latter
part of the afternoon’s programme. Chris Scott who was based at Thorndon School in the past, arrived at school
and said she was here to give us a hand. Chris reluctantly left her position
due to health reasons. Thanks Chris for coming back and helping hand.
Emma Necus,
SLT is completing a Master of Speech Language Therapy. Emma’s research has a
focus on relaxing the muscles used for eating and drinking. This week Emma
began to collect data for this research.
Don Stevens
Principal
