Week 7 Term 4

Kia ora Kapakapanui Whānau, Parents and Tamariki

We are on the countdown with 4 weeks remaining-the time will zoom by. The Year 8s had a great time at Paraparaumu College on Thursday as they navigated their way around the college with the 'Amazing Race'. PC has run this orientation day for quite a few years now and it really does help the students prepare for college and will hopefully alleviate getting lost in the corridors which I recall happening to me when I was in 3rd form!

Another great new initiative took place last Friday for all of the Pasifika Students. A special Orientation Day was held where they connected with other Pasifika students from the local primary schools and senior PC students. There were fun activities, a lunch and everyone was encouraged to wear traditional clothing. See the awesome pics below, including teaching our younger tamariki back at school the SaSa!

Staffing News
As you know Alison Roberts our SECNO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is resigning at the end of the year. I am thrilled to announce that Lucy Tristram has been appointed to this role and will take over as our new SENCO from the beginning of 2025. Lucy will be awesome and is an experienced Kapakapanui School teacher having taught throughout the school and is also a current Kāhui Ako Cross School Leader, as well as the staff trustee on the BoT. Congratulations Lucy and thank you again for your mahi Alison!

Whaea Paula is on parental leave and will be extending this for another 6 months. This is great news for Paula and we wish her and he whānau the very best!

We are currently working on filling both Lucy and Paula's roles.

Passion Projects

Passion Projects are happening throughout the school and there has been a hive of activity taking place. Some of our tamariki in Ngā Kaitoro have been making bird houses and trolley cars. We have appreciated the many adult helpers who have come in to lend a hand. Here’s a cool pic of Mr Whiteman helping out!

How We Create New Classes for 2025
At Kapakapanui School, creating balanced and effective classes is a thoughtful process. We consider factors such as gender, abilities, friendships, and a mix of loud and quiet personalities to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment for all tamariki. Where possible, children remain with the same class and teacher for two years unless a teacher is moving to a new class. We understand that transitioning to a new class can be challenging for some children, so we encourage you to support your child with positive messages about the change. This is a great opportunity to help build their resilience, adaptability, and confidence as they embrace new experiences and friendships.

What is CRT (Classroom Release Time)?
Classroom Release Time (CRT) is provided to all schools by the Ministry of Education to support teachers in focusing on important tasks such as planning, assessment, and professional development. Starting in 2025, classroom teachers will be released from their teaching duties for five days per term to use this time effectively. During CRT, your child will continue learning under the guidance of a carefully selected relief teachers ensuring their education remains engaging and uninterrupted. This initiative supports teachers in delivering high-quality education and meeting the diverse needs of all learners.

Updating Addresses
A reminder....If your address has changed can you please let the office know asap. The teachers will be sending our letters to every child in their at the beginning of 2025 and we want to ensure that these letters make it to every child! Ngā mihi

Christmas @ Kapakapanui
Ngā mihi to the awesome team of parent helpers who are busy beavering away behind the scenes to organise this exciting event for Friday December 6. Thanks guys-you are doing a wonderful job! More information later in the newsletter.

Gate Update and Parking on Yellow Lines
We are only a few weeks away from having a brand new front gate. I received notification from the MOE a couple of weeks ago that this, along with the fencing on the turf and by Belvedere Ave will be all paid for by the MOE. I also heard from the Police that the person who drove through the school and destroyed our fences pleaded guilty and was due to be sentenced.

Please do not park on Yellow lines around school.
I am being sent photos from road patrol parents and will pass these onto KCDC who cay issue offence notices. Please do the 'right' thing!