Term 4 Newsletter 5

From the Acting Principal

There is plenty going on in and around the classrooms as we wrapped up Week 5. Our Year 4 and 5 students have an amazing opportunity to work with Mrs Attard on the science and engineering challenge structure called EPro8 – that continues this week too. Our Year 6 students went over to BBI on Friday afternoon as the first viewers of their production. And back at school our Junior School joined Room 15 to watch a group of drama students from Macleans College perform their versions of different picture books (more on that later).

This weeks newsletter includes our latest update on the structure for next year, some information about curriculum updates and more school reports.

This week we also said farewell to Mrs Amanda Williams. Amanda stepped into Room 3 earlier this year and has been a remarkably kind, compassionate and organised teacher. We wish her well in her future endeavours. Mrs Sandy Wang will continue to teach in Room 3 for the remainder of the school year.

Structure Updates for 2025

Placing students into classes for the upcoming year is a carefully considered process, and we appreciate your understanding as we work through it. Final class placements will be shared with you and your child on Monday 25th November, coinciding with our first transition day.

In 2025, we are excited to make some adjustments to our classroom arrangements to better support collaboration and learning. Our Year 4 team will be based in Rooms 1, 2, 3, and 4. While these rooms have recently been used by our junior students, they have previously served as a space for Year 4 learners. This change allows us to keep the Year 4 classes physically close to one another, fostering teamwork and connection within the team.

We are confident that these changes will create a positive and cohesive environment for both students and staff in the year ahead. Thank you for your continued support.

Curriculum Updates

Thank you to Mrs Linda Lowden and Mrs Fi Blest for leading our information session on BSLA structured literacy last Tuesday. The parents that came were excited about what the programme provides for our junior learners.

Just this week we have applied for funding to upskill our senior school teachers on structured literacy early next year.

Reports from Week 5

HPPA Athletics

A large number of our students took part in the HPPA athletics competition at Lloyd Elsmore today. We had some pleasing results, and everyone gave it their best!

Luca at the Melbourne Cup

On Thursday at RDA (Riding for the Disabled), Luca Burlacu took part in a thrilling horse race for the Melbourne Cup, competing against riders from other schools. Luca’s exceptional display of excellence and resilience led him to victory, earning the title of our Melbourne Cup Champion. This wonderful event highlighted the joy and opportunities that RDA provides to its riders. Congratulations, Luca! You truly are a champion, and we are incredibly proud of your achievements!

Macleans Drama exchange

This week, our students were treated to a special visit from Year 11 Drama students from Macleans College. They performed six picture book stories with creativity – in the image you can see ‘Pete the Cat’. Our PMPS students were fully engaged and mesmerised by the performances. It was a fantastic experience and an inspiration to our students. A big thank you to Macleans College for sharing their talent with us.

Assistance Welcomed

One of our dedicated staff members experienced an upsetting incident on Friday 14th, on Loloma Drive near the pedestrian crossing. Between 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM, their car was hit, causing significant damage to the right front panel. Unfortunately, no note was left to take responsibility for the incident.

If you witnessed anything or have any information about this event, we kindly ask you to contact the school office. Any details, no matter how small, could be helpful in resolving this matter.

We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to help our teacher through this challenging situation. Thank you!

Dates for your Diary

Tuesday 19 November – Titoki Auckland Art Gallery Visit

Monday 25 November – Transition to 2025 class

Thursday 28 November – Year 6 Bucklands Beach Intermediate Orientation

Thursday 28 November – Salvation Army Christmas Collection

IMPORTANT DATES

2024

Thursday 5 December

Senior Prizegivings

9.15am Kauri

11.15am Titoki

1.30pm Kahikatea

Friday 6 December

Junior Prizegiving

9.15am Puriri

11.15am Pohutukawa

1.45pm Manuka

Friday 13 December – Last day of term

2025 Wednesday 29 January – First Day of Term One

@school parent app

Please ensure that you have downloaded the @school parent app to notify school of any absence for your child. Note that your child’s end of year school report will be downloaded into this app. The @school parent app is our preferred method of reporting absences, accessing student reports, receiving newsletters and school notices. When setting up your app please make sure that you enter yes to notifications – this will mean that you will get an alert each time a notice/newsletter is available. Please contact the office if you are unable to access the @school app.