3 July 2008
From the Principal
Dear parents and caregivers

Our term 2 value is:
Compassion
Our key message with the children is:
Treat others as you would like to be treated.

All the very best for the holidays.  The children have worked hard this term and I have signed all their reports which in most cases indicate very pleasing progress.  We are looking forward to the student/parent/teacher conferences in August to discuss the report and set learning goals for the remainder of the year.  All our staff have worked very hard this term too, to provide a positive learning environment for your children.  I would like to acknowledge everyone’s wonderful efforts.

Community Group Meetings:  Thank you to the parents who came to our community group meetings last week.  It was good to have a birthday celebration at one of them!  Thank you for your suggestions and ideas – we really appreciate your input.

Staff farewells:  On Friday the following staff are leaving us.

Lynda Barham is moving to Papatoetoe Intermediate School where she will be at the front desk!  Congratulations on your appointment, Lynda.  We will miss you at our school.  For many years you have given so much of your personal time to the school, both on the PTA and as a very valued learning assistant.  Many students have enjoyed the benefits of your skilled assistance.  Thank you so much for all your wonderful work and support for our school and all the very best for the future.

Becky Samson leaves us to head to Dubai.  Becky joined us as a beginning teacher in 2005 and we have valued her work with the students and her super contribution around the school in a variety of areas.  Go well Becky and enjoy all the adventures ahead of you.  Keep safe and take great care.  We will miss your cheerful, humble and supportive approach around the school.

Cassie Frost is also heading overseas.  Thank you Cassie for doing a good job with many students during your time at our school.  Thank you also for doing a very thorough job as the teachers’ union representative.  You will be hard to replace!  Keep safe and take great care, also.

Elle Mackwood is completing her short term contract with us and leaves to begin studying for  a post graduate qualification.  Thank you Elle for helping us out and thank you for sharing your dance talents with us, too.  All the best for the future.

All the best for a great weekend and for the holidays.  School re opens on Monday 21 July.

Kind regards
Marilyn Gwilliam
Principal

General Notices

Welcome to our New Students: Papatoetoe Central School welcomes the following new students to our school – Japnam Siddhu, Kanak Nandal and Shreeya Swamy.

Class visits to St Christopher's Residential Home:  Tomorrow, Friday, 4 July (weather permitting) at 1.30pm,  Room 24 will be visiting St Christopher's Hospital.

Assembly Day:  On Monday, 21 July, we will be having a singing assembly.  As always you are most welcome to attend but please make sure that you are seated by 1.15pm

School Dental Clinic:    If your child is having dental problems or you wish to enrol a preschooler, two Dental Therapists will be available over the school holidays.  The Dental Clinic is situated in front of the school by the Great South Rd entrance and can be contacted on 2785232

Book Amnesty:  After our recent stock take we find we are missing a large number of home readers.  It only takes a couple of books to be missing from a set before that set can no longer be used effectively as a teaching tool with our reading groups.  Please take the time to check at your place for any of our school readers and return them to us.

Chess: 12 of our chess players travelled to Puhinui last Friday for some warm-up games as part of our build up to the Southern zone competition early next term. We won 39 of the 48 games played showing that the training the players are putting in is paying off. John Chen, Isaiah Zarate-Rapana, Spencer Hart, Tiger Liu and James Zhang won all 4 games played which is a great achievement.
Yesterday we played Papatoetoe East, who have always been our toughest competition. We won 40 of the 48 games. Once again John, Isaiah, and James won all 4 games along with Patupo, Archer and Caleb. Well done to all players, a great effort.
On Friday 25th July, the top 8 players will travel to Papatoetoe Intermediate for some tough, last minute games. The Papatoetoe Intermediate players are always strong and these games  will extend the players prior to the tournament the following Tuesday.
The Southern Zone competition will be held on Tuesday 29th July at Everglade School from 9.30 to 2.30. Spectators and supporters are welcome.


PTA Times

Winter Warmer Raffle – This will be drawn this Friday, 4 July - PLEASE return your sold tickets - We need them all back before Friday thanks.  Have a great holiday from the PTA.
Regards
Rachel Hagglund - PTA

Term Events
    
Reports go home                    3 July   
End of term 2                         4 July
Term 3 begins                       21 July   
PTA Meeting                        21 July
New Parents Seminar           24 July  (Oval Room) at 2.00pm    
Teaching of Writing Seminar             31 July (Oval Room) at 2.00pm