St Clair School Bulletin

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No 3, Week 5, Term 1 ~ March 6, 2009.

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Kia Ora Koutou

Two weeks ago our school held a coin trail in support of schools affected by the bushfires in Victoria, Australia. At the time, this response was seen as a simple, practical and appropriate way of expressing our concern and support for children, families and staff members during a time of stress and sadness. Having transferred over NZ$500 directly to the affected schools, we received the following email early last week;

Dear Shelley,

This is just the biggest thank you that I can muster to you and your school community for your most generous donation of $367.39.

I have been humbled by the amount of goodwill that we have received, but particularly in your case from so far away!

I have made mention to many people in our area of your school’s support – the St Clair School name will be held in very high regard in the Bendigo area!

I will forward an equal portion of the raised funds to Camp Hill P.S. Specimen Hill P.S. and California Gully P.S. (other fire affected school communities)

I will be donating our portion as a food voucher and a cleaning credit to two of our most fire affected families:

Rest assured that the food and cleaning credits will be very welcomed and appreciated by these families.

If you could please pass on my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the students, staff and family members who helped raise the money – we think that you are a fantastic school community and your efforts will not be forgotten!

With Thanks & Warm Regards,

John Scobie – Principal

Bendigo Violet Street Primary School

I would like to add my thanks to those of John Scobie. The support of our families made this simple donation possible and demonstrates once again that even a small, simple act can have a profound impact on those in need.

Today’s newsletter contains a variety of school and community notices. For further information in regard to any item, please contact the school's Executive Officer, Mrs. Bev Mulconroy.

Regards

Richard Newton

Principal

New Faces

This week we welcome Karen Zhen. We trust that you settle in quickly, Karen, and enjoy your time at St Clair School.

‘KCM’ School Values

Our value focus for weeks five and six of this term is Manners. During this fortnight classes will discuss ways in which using manners towards others can enhance everyone’s lives

“Good manners have much to do with emotions. To make them ring true, one must feel them, not merely exhibit them.” Amy Vanderbilt

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 kindness can enhance life at home and in the wider community.

School Counsellor

This year, our school has employed a school counsellor. Mrs. Sue Stevenson is a fully qualified and registered psychologist and will be based at our school on Mondays. Over the past two weeks, Mrs. Stevenson has introduced herself to classes and already begun to establish very positive relationships with children throughout the school. We anticipate that this additional level of student support will further enhance our existing comprehensive set of support strategies for children, teachers and families.

Geoff Sewell, Incognito and the St Clair School Choir Perform

Last week, our school choir had a unique and very special opportunity to sing with Geoff Sewell as part of his performance at the Regent Theatre. The choir sang two songs, which were warmly received by the audience. Since the evening of the performance, there has been a steady stream of congratulatory messages from members of the audience, and teachers from other schools, commenting on the high quality of the performance and the exemplary standard set by our children. Our congratulations to our music specialist, Mrs. Alison Caldwell, on the success of the performance and for the endorsement of the quality of our music programmes as evidenced by the invitation to perform

Sustainable Living

This week, our school received a donation of $139 from Sustainable Living for the purchase of a tree for the school grounds. All such donations are warmly welcomed and a suitable tree will be purchased over the next few weeks. Our thanks to those involved in this kind donation.

Drama Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Jessica Powell who was selected as our 2009 Helen O’Grady Drama School scholarship recipient. Jessica has already attended two drama lessons and is thoroughly enjoying them.

OUR SCHOOL FAIR IS NEXT WEEKEND & WE NEED YOUR HELP.

CALL KRISTY (4877985) FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO OFFER YOUR SUPPORT.

Goal Setting Conferences – 18th and 19th of March (from 2pm)
This year’s Goal Setting Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday 18th March and Thursday 19th March, beginning at 2pm. These interviews are an important opportunity for children, parents and teachers to meet to discuss specific academic and/or social objectives for the year ahead.

This year, we have a significant change to the way in which interviews can be booked. Instead of using paper notices and repeated return-slips we will be using a secure, web-based service, which allows parents to book an exact interview time using any computer connected to the Internet. This system is likely to be widely used throughout New Zealand this year and following internal testing at school is clearly an improvement on previous booking methods.

Bookings for interviews are now open and can be made at the website http://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz using the School Code ‘YPZXE’. Although the vast majority of parents will be able to access the web from a home computer, a friend’s computer or a workplace computer, school laptops will be placed in our foyer over the next week for any families having difficulty with the booking process. Our friendly office staff are available to assist.

We advise parents to book early to confirm their preferred time.

Parents are reminded that school will close at 2pm on both days.

Junior School Swimming

This week, all children in our junior rooms received professional swimming tuition from Jill Clark and her team of qualified swimming instructors at the Andersons Bay School pool. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many parents who assisted with student supervision and dressing. Without your active involvement swimming tuition would be much more complicated and far less effective.

WE CURRENTLY HAVE SPACES AVAILABLE FOR OUT-OF-ZONE ENROLMENTS IN BOTH OUR NEW ENTRANT AND SENIOR CLASSES. ANY PARENT CONSIDERING ENROLLING THEIR CHILD AT ST CLAIR SCHOOL DURING 2009 IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE OFFICE.

School Fair

We now have only one week remaining until our annual school fair. The fair is our major fundraiser for the year and needs everybody’s support.

Goods for sale such as toys, clothing, books, plants, and items suitable for the white elephant stall should be forwarded to school next week in a named plastic bag. All donated items earn points towards our class-based chocolate fish competition.

Each year our fair contributes significantly to a number of school projects. Contributions from 2008 were used to purchase; additional music resources ($1,500), class games and activities ($2,200), a new drinking fountain ($1,300), sports tops ($2,000), and additional shade trees for the grounds ($800). In addition, funds also made a contribution towards our professional swimming programme ($3,000), and a contribution towards classroom data projectors ($2,500). The balance of funds raised were put towards the construction of a small adventure-fitness area to be located under the trees near the main gate. Although tender documents were sent out last September, a number of delays relating to permits and personnel availability have resulted in significant delays to the project. We have been assured however that construction will commence within the next few weeks.

Walking Buses – Walk And Wheel Week

In recognition of Walk ‘n’ Wheel Week, teachers enjoyed the opportunity to walk to school with children on Wednesday. Four walking buses were coordinated, drawing children from Beach St, King Edward St, Macandrew Rd and Forbury Rd. Judging by the response of children, the novelty of the experience had a wide appeal. All families are encouraged to consider walking-to-school as a regular alternative to a ride in the family car. Walking to school is not only healthy for our children, but also fosters independence while promoting environmental sustainability.

Sun Snippets from Your Public Health Nurse

Sun Protection

Episodes of sunburn in childhood can cause skin cancer in adulthood. However, adults also need to continue to protect themselves from sunburn. The Ultra Violet Index (UVI) helps us know how to protect ourselves. The UVI is in your daily paper’s weather report during summer and on some radio and television weather reports. It can also be found on www.sunsmart.org.nz .

Laurie Mahoney Public Health Nurse 478-9833

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 or Ph 0274 492 102 and 4559344. Based in the Tech Room 7.15am to 8.30am and again 3pm to 5.45 pm.

‘Hot Tips on Growing Boys’ and ‘Hot Tips on Raising Girls’ Seminars
Dates: Hot Tips on Growing Boys ....... Tuesday 24th March
Hot Tips on Growing Girls ....... Wednesday 25th March
Time: 7.30-10.15pm
Venue: Dunedin Town Hall
Cost: $20 per person or $35 a couple
To book phone Parents Inc on 0800 53 56 59, email registrations@ParentsInc.org.nz, or book online at www.ParentsInc.org.nz .

Melchester Rovers Junior Soccer Club - Registration
Dates: Thursday 5th March 2009 6-8pm
Sunday 8th March 2009-03-03 1-4pm
Venue: Melchester Clubrooms Marlow Park (Dinosaur Park)
Contacts: Gerry & Irene Sannum ph 487-7394

Children’s Choir
The University of Otago College of Education Children’s Choir is starting again on Thursday 28th February 2009 in the College Music Suite at 4pm. Rehearsals will be from 4 - 5.15pm. For more info please contact Carole Randall, Music Dept, University of Otago College of Education ph 479-4243.

Southern Junior Rugby Club – Registration Days
Venue: Clubrooms @ Bathgate Park (Helena St)
Dates: Sunday 8th March 12-2pm (Highlanders players present)
Tuesday 10th March 5.30-7pm
All players receive a free rugby ball. For further information contact Helen Crawford 4558281 or 027 6227496.

Learn Unicycling
When: 14th March (if wet 15th March)
Where: email paul@onone.co.nz for the details. We are number restricted so might have to have a couple of sessions.
How much: Free!! Ages: 7 to 70. People need to also email me their height.

Southern Gymnastics Academy
Boys Gymnastics - Skill, Fitness, Agility, Strength, Balance and Flexibility. Come along and try gymnastics. Contact: Michael Eathorne-Gould 454 6101 or 027 237 2300.

WE CURRENTLY HAVE SPACES AVAILABLE FOR OUT-OF-ZONE ENROLMENTS IN BOTH OUR NEW ENTRANT AND SENIOR CLASSES. ANY PARENT CONSIDERING ENROLLING THEIR CHILD AT ST CLAIR SCHOOL DURING 2009 IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE OFFICE.

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