Entries for November 2018

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support you have shown us as we come to terms with Mr Pouniu’s passing. As many of you will know, Drew was a ‘larger than life’ man, he exuded passion and positivity for education in general and the Performing Arts and ICT in particular, A real ‘people’ person, Drew will be hugely missed by us all.

We truly appreciate our school community’s messages of support, baking, flowers, coffee and the understanding!

Drew’s wife and young son (along with all his whānau) are very much in our thoughts as they grieve the loss of a truly remarkable person.

We have all been much richer for the time Drew was in our lives.

As indicated on the term calendar we have a whole school sports event next Monday the 19th November. Our Year 1-3 akonga will be displaying the fundamental skills they have learnt over recent weeks (these skills are the building blocks for athletics), and the Year 4 - 6 akonga will be participating in athletic sports.
The rotations begin at 10am (children rotating in their whanau class rather than year groups this year) and finishing at approximately 12.30pm when the PTA will be serving their sausage sizzle lunch.

We would love as many of you as possible to come along (for as much of that time as you can spare) and watch the children ‘in action’. You would also be welcomed by the PTA should anyone be free to help with the sausage sizzle serving too - many hands make light work.

We will also have a coffee cart in attendance, so come prepared. 100% of the profits from the sales will be donated to the PTA, so I hope they get lots of support!

A reminder that Hokowhitu School will be CLOSED next Tuesday 13th November due to industrial action being taken by

the teaching staff.

We sincerely regret the inconvenience this causes and genuinely hope the current mediation process is successful in resolving the significant concerns of the profession.

If you require care for your child/ren on the 13th November, aPlus (out of school care) can be contacted on 06 357 5583.

New Zealand’s principals and primary teachers have voted about what to do to get government action to address the years of underfunding and under resourcing that schools have faced.
Teachers did not accept the Government’s latest collective agreement offer because we consider it did not begin to address the crisis.

Through their union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, teachers are asking for:

•   Smaller classes, so children can get more one-on-one attention

•   More resources and staffing to adequately support children with additional learning needs – this will benefit all

  children because teachers will be freed to spend more one-on-one time with every student

•   A significant increase in teachers’ salaries so that they are properly valued for their qualifications and

  responsibilities, and as a country we can recruit and retain teachers.

  Principals and teachers have therefore voted for an unprecedented second strike, to be held the week after next. There will be nationwide rolling strikes over a week, and our region will be striking on TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER.
  As all of our teachers are union members, the Hokowhitu School Board of Trustees has decided to close the school on the 13th November.

  The Board and our staff recognise the inconvenience of this, but sincerely hope that you support our cause as we make a stand for better conditions for your children.
  For more information, please go to http://campaigns.nzei.org.nz/time/.

  If you require care for your child/ren on the 13th November, aPlus (out of school care) can be contacted on 06 357 5583.