School Newsletter Term 1 Week 5 2016 Welcome to this edition of our school newsletter. It is hard to believe that we are nearly half way through the first term already. I think the school is well settled, with our children very much getting used to being a part of the Kirkwood community for 2016. The Year 7 camps have now finished and it is really good that all camps were able to complete all the activities, rather than having some postponed due to inclement weather. It was really good to see how happy (and tired) the children were on their return from camp. This activity does help to create new friendships and a positive class culture. Many thanks to all the adults – teachers, support staff, parents and our youth workers Jeremy and Lizzie – for your invaluable support. The Kirkwood PTA held its first meeting last week with a new committee established and office holders elected. This is a really good group of parents and I look forward to working with them over the space of this year. I would like to thank, once again, the many parents who have helped last year and who have now moved on. The support of our community is never undervalued by our staff and we hope that you have enjoyed this experience. I am sure that the PTA will welcome any more parents who wish to join at any stage during the year. The first major fundraiser is the sale of chocolates – there is more information about this later in the newsletter. I do hope you will support this fundraiser, as the money raised is spent to help your child, at your school. Thank you in advance.

In previous newsletters I have raised the possibility of the school organising a trip to China and Korea later this year. It seems likely that our sister school in Jeonju (South Korea) will be keen on a reciprocal exchange this year, which makes our visit much more manageable. I have included the expression of interest form with this newsletter – please feel welcome to return this to the school, or to come to school on Tuesday 15 March at 7:00pm for an information evening. This meeting will most likely be in the Room 7 (the ESOL classroom) and should last no more than one hour. I do hope you are enjoying your association with our school. Please remember we are to here to provide a safe, happy learning environment where all of our pupils can achieve to their best. Working with you makes this much easier to achieve. Best wishes Phil Tappenden Principal

ICAS (International Competitions and

Assessments for Schools)

These tests are by no means compulsory and may suit the more able pupil.

If you wish to have your child enter, please

return the slip (later in this newsletter) together with payment to the school office

by Friday 11 March.

Road Safety Please can you emphasize to your children how important it is to cross Riccarton Road at the pedestrian crossing by Wharenui Road. If you are dropping your child off opposite the school, they must walk down the road to this

crossing. Please do not help them to cross opposite the school. Thank you for your support with this.

School Cell Phone

For texting absentees only please. 027 4163414.

(Please note – we do not reply.)

If you have an urgent or important message that you want passed to your child,

please ring the office on 348 7718. (If you text or email, we may not read the

message in time.)

Thanks.

Homework Club

This is held on Tuesday & Thursday

afternoons from 3:00pm – 3:45pm.

This is for pupils to do homework, research and to ‘ask any questions’ which is a service

provided by the Christchurch City Library.

Drink & biscuits will be provided.

Important Reminder Please ensure you do not drive up the school driveway (front & back entrances) to drop off or

pick up your children either before or after school. It is too unsafe for our children.

Thank you

Scholastic Book Club

Book Club orders are due by 10 March

Please post your order in the office slot

Internet Banking The school bank details are as follows:

Account Name: Kirkwood Intermediate Board of Trustees Account Number: 12-3147-0180900-00 Particulars: Child’s name (surname and first name) Reference: Parent’s/caregiver’s name (surname and first name)

For those of you who wish to pay by internet banking for any school activities during the year,please make sure you return the permission slip, ticking the box saying that you are

paying via the internet.

Purau Bay – Room 8

PTA Chocolate Fundraiser

Dear Parents and Caregivers This is Kirkwood Intermediate’s main fundraiser for the year. Part of this money will be committed to replacing sports uniforms and improving information technology devices around the school. To help it run smoothly, please could you read the following information:

1. All children who have not brought a note by Friday 4 March will be issued with ONE box of mixed flavoured

chocolate. There are 24 bars in each box and the bars are to be sold for $2.50 each (ie $60 per box).

2. Children should sell to people they know and only go door to door if their parents are happy with this arrangement.

3. All money and unsold chocolate must be returned to school by Tuesday 15 March.

4. Cheques are to be made out to Kirkwood Intermediate Home and School. No Internet Banking please.

5. If a child knows that they cannot sell their chocolate please ask them to return it to school as soon as possible,

so that others can try to sell it. 6. There will be a prize

for the best seller overall;

one for the best seller in the other year group;

for the first class to return all of their chocolate and money;

drawn from all children who sell 2 boxes of chocolates or more. All prizes are awarded on the basis of all money/chocolate being returned by the due date unless otherwise arranged.

7. POINTS TO REMEMBER: a. I have sold my chocolates and I would like to sell more? - bring your money and post in the office slot

in an envelope with your name, room number, and amount of money enclosed before the bell rings at 8.40am. At 2.55pm come to the office and pick up another box of chocolates (if available).

b. I can’t sell all of my chocolate! – bring to the office your part box with your money in an envelope with your name, room number, amount of money enclosed and the number of chocolate bars being returned before the bell rings at 8.40am.

c. I have sold all my chocolates and don’t want anymore. Bring your money in a named envelope with

your room number and amount of money enclosed and post in the office slot before the bell at 8.40am.

d. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN YOUR SCHOOL BAG!

8. Any questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you for your support. Phil Tappenden Principal

ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) Dear Parents and Caregivers Re: ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) It is again possible for your child to participate in the ICAS Science, Digital Technologies, Writing, Spelling, English and Mathematics competitions. These tests are provided by the University of New South Wales and detailed results are provided for each child. These competitions take place on the following dates

Digital Technology Tuesday 17 May Science Tuesday 31 May Writing Monday 13 to Friday 17 June Spelling Wednesday 15 June English Tuesday 2 August Mathematics Tuesday 16 August

These tests are by no means compulsory and may suit the more able pupil. If you wish to have your child enter, please return the slip together with payment to the school office by the Friday 11 March. If you require further information, please contact me at the school. Yours sincerely Peter Aitken Deputy Principal ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) Student Name: ……………………………………… Room………….. Would like to take part in the following: (please tick the appropriate box)

Subject

Digital Technologies $8.50

Science $8.50

Writing $19.50

Spelling $10.50

English $8.50

Mathematics $8.50

TOTAL to be paid $

Payment of $ ……….. for ………. subjects is enclosed

Please note – payment must be by cash or cheque to the school office. No payment via Internet banking please. Signature of Parent/Caregiver: ………………………………………………..

Rutherford’s Den Rutherford’s Den came to visit our school on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The programme they provided was called Famous New Zealanders. This programme explored New Zealand history and the impact individuals have had upon our society. Below are some photos of Room 3 enjoying their session.

School Blues Awards Kirkwood Intermediate School values and encourages personal excellence which has resulted in the establishment of our ‘Blues’ system. There are quite strict criteria for receiving a Blue and this can be viewed on our website www.kirkwood.school.nz. . All of you can achieve a Blue in your time here at Kirkwood if you are dedicated, committed and enthusiastic. Good luck.

Isport are giving away balls Isport have 1000’s of balls to give away to intermediate and secondary schools around New Zealand. You have the chance to nominate our school to receive one of hundreds of packs of sports balls. All you need to do is click on the link below to register our school. www.facebook.com/isportfoundations/?fref=ts http://isport.org.nz/?adds_give=true

Chess Club Hello readers my name is Ethan, I am the chess club/checkers President and top player of Kirkwood as far as I know. In chess club, members are all happy playing their passion - chess and checkers. In our chess club we have established a ranking system. The lowest rank consists of pawns and knights, the next highest rooks and bishops, next comes kings and queens and the highest is the newly added emperor rank. From President Ethan (the Emperor)

Possible Trip to China and Korea

In the past the school has offered children an opportunity to travel to China and Korea for around 3 weeks in the September-October school holidays. This trip has been organised every second year, and interest has been expressed by some members of our community for this to happen again this year. The cost is expected to be around $4000 per person. To be successful we need a minimum of 10 pupils. If you think you may be interested in this trip could you please complete the slip below and return to the office. Please note, this does not bind you in any way – it is just an indication. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

China and Korea Trip Interest First and Last Name of Student: _____________________________________of Room ____ is interested in attending the China-Korea trip tentatively scheduled for the September-October school holidays. Parent/Caregiver: _________________________ Signed: _________________________ Contact Phone Number: _____________________

The school Chess Club is up and running during lunch time and interval.

Science Badges At Kirkwood Intermediate we offer a number of wonderful opportunities for our pupils in and out of school hours. Science badges are a fantastic way to explore the world and work on a series of activities. How it works:

Teachers have samples of Science Badge activity sheets. Pupils choose a sample sheet and are able to start to complete activities at home.

Activities are shown to the classroom teacher for verification of completion. If the pupil wishes to complete more activities to earn the badge, they need to complete a form detailing their chosen Science Badge with $5 enclosed in a payment envelope and handed into the office.

As soon as the full sheet arrives, pupils continue and complete the 20 points required to obtain the badge.

When completed, hand in the verified sheet to Miss Toaolamai in Room 5 and you will be awarded your Science Badge and certificate.

How much help should pupils be given?

The activities are designed for Years 7 – 10, so students should be able to work on them by themselves.

There is a wide range of activities and pupils select them independently. For further information please view Science Badges: www.sciencebadges.co.nz ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Science Badge Scheme Name:____________________________ Room: __________

Topic Tick Topic Tick

Agriculture Investigation

Astronomy Large Animals

Botany Marine Biology

Chemical & Process Engineering Meteorology

Conservation Optics

Electronics Ornithology

Energy Palaeontology

Environmental Science Psychology

Food Technology Sports Science

Forensics Technology

Geology Water Science

Home Chemistry Wool Science

Home Physics Zoology

Human Biology

I enclose $5 per badge. Paid by internet banking Parent/caregiver’s name _________________________________ Signature _________________________________

………………………………………………………………………………..……………. School Swimming Sports – Tuesday 8 March I/we give permission for …………………………………………… of Room …………… to attend the school Swimming Sports on Tuesday 8 March and to travel to and from Jellie Park Pool by bus. Enclosed $5 to cover the cost of the trip or $5 paid by Internet Banking Signature of Parent/Caregiver: ………………………………………………..

Kirkwood Intermediate Board of Trustees; 12-3147-0180900-00; Particulars: Child’s Surname, First Name; Ref: Swimmin

Our Term Calendar: (you can also refer to our website: www.kirkwood.school.nz)

Tues 8 Mar School Swimming Sports at Jelly Park

Wed 9 Mar Year 8 HPV Vaccinations (First of three doses)

Wed 16 Mar Room 12 Photos

Thur 17 Mar Inter Intermediate School Bowls Tournament

Fri 25 Mar Good Friday – school closed

Mon 28 Mar Easter Monday – school closed

Tues 29 Mar Easter Tuesday – school closed

Wed 30 Mar Kids Lit Quiz

Thur 31 Mar BoT Meeting

Tues 5 April Inter Intermediate Swimming Sports

Fri 8 April International Food Festival

Tues 12 April Inter Intermediate School Rugby League Tournament

Fri 15 April Last day of Term 1

COMMUNITY NOTICES Project Wild Thing – You’re invited to a screening on Tuesday 8 March, 7.30pm the Christchurch Art Gallery. Purchase tickets at www.dashtickets.co.nz/event/275g36h1t Christchurch City Libraries – Big bargain book sale happening 11-12 March at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre. Free Earthquake Counselling visit http://www.petersgate.org.nz

SPORTS/CLUBS Technical Netball Club Trials for year 7 and 8 players are happening on 3 & 10 April. For full information visit www.technicalnetball.co.nz or contact Elaine on 021 410 824. Defy Dance Classes – Ballet, Jazz, contemporary and hip hop. For enquiries, please email defydanceteam@gmail.com Halswell United Football Club - For information, please visit www.HawkFootball.org.nz GirlGuiding NZ – are asking for your help to reach girls around New Zealand, aged 7-17, to tell us what they think about social issues and current events. For more information, please contact 027 444 3708 Ashgrove Badminton Club – are running an after school program in the evening during the school terms on Monday evenings. For further information contact Desmond 021 035 6440 SUMMER FOOTBALL visit: www.hawkfootball.co.nz Jenn Halliday, General Manager, is available on 027 873 3329 and huafcgm@gmail.com Marist Albion RFC Junior Rugby 2016 player registration happening now. For membership enquiries visit www.maristalbio.co.nz

PROGRAMMES/EVENTS Horizons – Before school, after school and holiday programmes for Years 1-8. For more information visit www.horizonsoscar.net.nz Air Force Museum – Holiday programme, bookings essential. Please phone 343 9504 or email

programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz Drama Classes For more information, please visit www.freetheatre.org.nz/education.html. Kiwi kids love riding their bikes. We want to make it as safe and easy as possible for them to do just that and support them to develop lifelong active transport habits. Consultation on a Major Cycle Route in your community is starting soon. Have your say: ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

XRACE event for families– Christchurch Saturday 19 March at 10:00am. For details www.xrace.co.nz Children’s Day Sunday 6 March 11am – 3pm. Free community event at Spencer Park. For more info Ph 941 8999 or

check the Be There website http://bethere.co.nz/ Free Theatre Christchurch Weekly drama classes held at The Gym, in the Arts Centre. Explore puppetrym mask, physical theatre, coice work and sound and music making. For details email education@freetheatre.og.nz Culture Galore – Saturday 12 March 12 noon – 4pm, Ray Blank Park, Maidstone Road. A celebration of culture, showcasing performing arts, crafts, demonstrations and global food. For more details ph 941 8999 (cancelled if wet)

New Radio Show-Lighthouse of Hope Heading back to school can be a really stressful and challenging time for parents, caregivers and students. Plains FM has a new show to help anyone who is feeling down, stressed, or who is struggling in life. The show combines the latest research, personal stories and practical advice. In episode one TV presenter Sonia Gray shares her struggle with anxiety and depression. 11am Tuesdays on Plains FM 96.9, also available in podcast from www.plainsfm.org.nz under Lighthouse of Hope. http://www.plainsfm.org.nz/podcasts/programme/lighthouse-hope/

Events supported Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board as follows:

Culture Galore - Saturday 12 March, 12 noon - 4pm, Ray Blank Park, Maidstone Road. A celebration of culture, showcasing performing arts, crafts, demonstrations and global food. Bishopdale Skate Jam - Friday 18 March, 3.30pm - 6.30pm, Bishopdale Park, Leacroft Street. Learn to skate with Skate Skool team, free gear hire available, free BBQ, best trick competitionDDI: 03 941-6451 For further details Email: sally.holtham@ccc.govt.nz Web: www.ccc.govt.nz<http://www.ccc.govt.nz/

Please note: Kirkwood Intermediate does not necessarily endorse or support any of the services advertised

260 RICCARTON ROAD, P.O. BOX 29-242, CHRISTCHURCH 8440. PHONE: 03 348 7718. FACSIMILE 03 348 1085

Email: school.information@k irkwood.school.nz www.kirkwood.school.nz