St Clair School Bulletin

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No 6, Week 1, Term 2 ~ May 1, 2009.

Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Kia Ora Koutou

It was good to welcome children back for the start of the new term and to see them looking rested and refreshed after a break characterized by warm sunny weather. The fine weather earlier this week certainly helped get the school underway on a very positive note.

During the break teachers spent a considerable period of time preparing programmes for the next ten weeks and our children can look forward to a variety of interesting learning experiences that will enhance their ability to think and apply their skills in a variety of different areas of learning.

Naturally the N1H1 ‘flu virus, commonly known as ‘swine flu’, has been a topic of ongoing discussion. What is clear at this point is that the virus spreads quickly from person to person and is being closely monitored by both international and national health authorities.

Our school, in line with educational requirements, has a Pandemic Action Plan and at this stage has activated the first part of that plan which involves reviewing policies, monitoring trends in student illness, and responding to Ministry of Health information and directives.

All parents are asked to note the following important points that relate to student illness;
· schools are not like ‘medical centres’ so children who are unwell should not be in attendance.
· if a child becomes unwell during the day, parents are required to arrange for appropriate care.
· any child arriving at school unwell will be sent home as soon as a parent or alternative caregiver can be contacted.

These simple practices minimize the chances of spreading infections and help keep our children healthy and well.

The best initial defence against the spread of viral infections is good personal hygiene and social distance. Consequently, all children have been reminded that;
· hands must be washed before eating
· sneezes and coughs should be contained in a handkerchief, tissue or the crook of an arm
· used tissues should be disposed of directly into a rubbish container
· we should all avoid touching our eyes, nose or mouth.

Families will be kept fully informed by notice or email (do we have your email on file?) of any further developments or directives issued by the Ministry of Health. Our school is taking sensible and appropriate precautions but at the same time is realistic that causing undue concern for children is both unhelpful and unnecessary.

Regards
Richard Newton
Principal

New Faces
This week we welcome Maria Stoff, Samantha Oldham, Madelyn McLay, Isabella Buchanan, Riley Strange, Cameron Longman and Chloe Boulter. We trust that you all settle in quickly, and enjoy your time at St Clair School.

‘KCM’ School Values
Our value focus for weeks one and two of this term is MANNERS. During this fortnight classes will discuss ways in which using manners towards others can enhance everyone’s lives.
“Civility costs nothing and buys everything.”

Our school values are promoted, modelled and supported by staff and children. Parents/caregivers are asked to reinforce school-based discussions by talking about ways in which manners can enhance life at home and in the wider community.

Building Development
Towards the end of the last term, the Ministry of Education informed us that we would receive additional funding to address a number of accommodation issues. The Board is delighted to have approximately $600,000 to put towards this development and has this week engaged the services of an architect to begin initial investigations. Further information about the development will be shared with you as it becomes available.

Visiting Specialist
On Tuesday of this week, our school hosted a visit by Kath Murdoch. Mrs. Murdoch is internationally recognized for her work in relation to ‘inquiry based learning’ and travels extensively to speak to teachers at conferences and seminars. Kath spent the day working with small groups of our teachers to further enhance the effectiveness of our inquiry learning programmes. Funding for this visit was drawn from our school’s four year, Ministry of Education funded, Southern Edge project.[1] <#_ftn1>

Board of Trustees Bi-Election
The Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Debbie Nicolson to the Board following the bi-election held last term. Debbie takes up her role at the next Board meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 20 May. Our thanks to all those who stood in the bi-election. Your interest in the governance of our school is greatly valued. Many thanks too, to our Returning Officer, Mrs Vicky Caswell on a job well done.

Kapa Haka
This week, our Kapa Haka group held its first meeting for the year. The group will now meet on a weekly basis, developing a range of skills as part of this year’s performance at the Otago Maori and Pacific Island Festival.

Winter Sport Underway
This term a number of sporting codes have commenced, including netball, hockey, and miniball. We wish all those taking part, every success in the season ahead. Our thanks to the parents and friends of the school who have volunteered to assist with coaching. Parents and students are reminded that sports draws are published on our school website and are available at www.stclair.school.nz/studentwork/sport.html <http://www.stclair.school.nz/studentwork/sport.html> .

Integrated Inquiry Learning for Term 2
This term’s school-wide inquiry context seeks to extend children’s understanding of ‘sound’; how it is created and transmitted, and the ways in which it influences our lives.

As part of this inquiry, senior classes will be looking at how our knowledge of sound can help us to build and sustain a healthy environment. While that is happening, classes from the Middle Learning Team will look at the nature of sound and how it influences our lives both positively and negatively. Children in our Junior Learning Team will be investigating the ways in which sounds make our lives fun.

PTA AGM Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the St Clair School PTA will be held on Thursday 21st May at 7pm in the staffroom. Items on the agenda include Annual Reports, the election of office bearers and general discussion about the school fair and the ways in which funds may be allocated. All parents are warmly invited to attend. For further information please contact Kristy Booth ph 487-7985.

Visitors performing for our children this term are ...
* Bob Bickerton ~ Music Works
* Elgregoe ~ You’ve Got the Power
* Gordon Hall ~ Storyteller

Snippets from the Public Health Nurse
When to keep your child at home
When your child:
Has signs of being unwell ie grizzly, unsettled, listless or tired
Has a high temperature or appears very hot
Is complaining of, or appears to have a sore tummy, throat or ears
- has a continuous cough
- has had diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 24 hours and not able to eat their normal food
- has had diarrhoea and vomiting within the last 48 hours
- has weeping, red eyes and/or a yellow discharge around the eyes
- has broken skin sores
- has become ill with a communicable disease eg measles, chickenpox.

If you are unsure, call your child’s early child centre, school or Public Health Nurse.
Please inform your school if your child is going to be kept home due to illness.
The Public Health Nurse for our school is Laurie Mahoney
Ph 476-9833 or email Laurie.Mahoney@otagodhb.govt.nz

Community Noticeboard

Kid Station (based at St Clair School)
Quality before and after school care for your child/ren. Casual bookings welcome.
Please contact Carmel or Kevin by email Carmel@kidstation.co.nz <mailto:Carmel@kidstation.co.nz> or by phone 0274 492 102 and 4559344. Based in the Tech Room 7.15am to 8.30am and again 3pm to 5.45 pm.

Onyx Militaires Marching Club
Onyx Militaires Marching Club is currently looking for members aged 5 to 16 years old to join our established club for the 2009/2010 seasons. No experience is necessary, and there are teams available to suit the different age groups. Uniforms are supplied free of charge. The competitive season runs from October to March (with a 7 week Christmas break). Further details can be found on the website www.onyxmilitaires@bravehost.com <http://www.onyxmilitaires@bravehost.com/> , by contacting Shona at 4530964, or via email at onyxmilitaires@xtra.co.nz <mailto:onyxmilitaires@xtra.co.nz> "

Flute Tuition
Experienced flute teacher is currently taking on new students. All levels welcome. Flute hire available for beginners. All enquiries phone Kirsten Bevin on 4739136 or 027 749 4625 or email kirsten.bevin@gmail.com <mailto:kirsten.bevin@gmail.com>

Barnados Parenting Programmes
PARENTING THROUGH SEPARATION
Next course commences on 27 May. Two sessions held monthly. Helps parents focus on the needs of their children during separation and make the best parenting arrangements.
CONSCIOUS PARENTING
Next course commences on 7 May 2009. A six-week programme to strengthen relationships through communication, self-awareness and strategies for positive parents.
CREATIVE PARENTING
Making family life less stressful and more enjoyable. Services and supports. Shopping and meal ideas. Budgeting know how. Family fun.
Enquiries to: Barnardos, 392 Hillside Road, South Dunedin.
Phone: 03 466 3075
otago.amu@barnardos.org.nz <http://www.barnardos.org.nz>

Kidz Club
Do you have questions??? We are ‘gonna’ find the answers!!! 5.30 – 7.30pm. Starts Friday May 1st. Bring $2, tea provided, ages 5-10. Corner of South Rd and Surrey St, phone Jo for extra details 454-3339.

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