Kia ora koutou Whānau,

I hope you are all well and have had a nice weekend enjoying all the beautiful sunshine we have had. I want to thank you all for your support in  enabling us to shift into Level 2 so easily last week. Thank you to those of you who were able to join us for our first Zoom assembly on Friday afternoon. 

While most of us are familiar with the requirements at Alert Level 2, we will continue to emphasise the importance of:

• Good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette.

• Staying away if sick.

• Avoiding coming into school where possible. 

• Signing in and using the NZCovid tracer app should you need to enter school grounds.

• We are cleaning and disinfecting our high touch surfaces daily.

• Bringing a drink bottle to school each day. The drinking fountain is closed.

We know all these things will help to keep our community as safe as possible.  Due to these measures being in place, your child does not need to wear a face covering while at school.

Thank you for your continued support for all we are doing to keep our community safe.

Ngā mihi
Penny Vincent
Acting Tumuaki/Principal

School Notices

Production
Production plans are well underway.  Tickets have been designed and will be printed and prepared this week.  We will let you know once sales begin.  A reminder that we are holding two performances, one on Wednesday 23rd September at 11am and one on Thursday 24th September at 6pm.  Ticket prices will be $5 each (gold coin for under 5’s).  Thank you to those of you who have been busy sorting your child/ren’s costumes. If you are stuck, please let us know and we will try and point you in the right direction.

Reporting
The teachers have been busy completing reading and writing comments for your tamariki.  At the end of next week these will be released for you to read on Hero.  If you have any questions or have trouble accessing these comments at the end of next week, please let me know.  My next newsletter will include a link to book a time slot for our three way learning conferences in Week 8. 

Preschooler Morning
Our preschooler morning was scheduled for Wednesday morning this week.  Due to Alert Level 2 we will now be postponing this until further notice. 

Ski Trip
We had a wonderful day up at Mt Lyford.  The weather was perfect and we almost had the whole mountain to ourselves! Thank you for your support with enabling us to make this happen.  It was a very special family day out.

New Build Tender
We are making progress towards breaking ground for our new multipurpose space (MPS).  Below is the Registration of Interests link on the GETS website to the Omihi new MPS.  If you are interested in tendering for this build, please click on the RFx ID link which will take you to the Omihi tender.  If you wish to subscribe to the tender you will need to log-in to GETS.

23097893
3454-19-02 - Omihi School: MPS New Build
Registration of Interest
Ministry of Education - School Infrastructure
02/09/2020

If you wish to access GETS directly click on gets.govt.nz which will take you to the GETS homepage.  Click here to modify your tender watch Category Codes and/or Regions and/or Organisations or to unsubscribe and select "Manage Tender Notification Subscriptions" after logging-in.  To completely remove your GETS account please select the following link: Remove Your Account. You will be required to sign into your account and agree to the terms to complete the request.  More general information on public sector procurement is available at www.procurement.govt.nz.

Mana Ake Initiative - Virtual Drop-Ins.
Katie Thomas (counsellor) and Emma Quantock (social worker) from Mana Ake are now able to offer a new opportunity for parents at our school.  They are offering phone appointments for advice and guidance on Mondays and Fridays.  This is for parents to bring concerns or worries around your child, and gain assistance or tips for things that might be helpful for your parenting or family life.  Times with Katie and Emma are available by appointment.  Please phone or text either Katie on 027 240 1080 or Emma on 027 245 5056 if you would like to take up this free opportunity.

Community Notices

Kia ora koutou Whānau,

We have had two great weeks to start Term 3.  There is a very excited buzz around the school as we get into the swing of our Production planning and preparation.  It is just lovely to hear the quiet singing and humming of our production tunes as the kids are working throughout the day.  It is looking like our performance will be in Week 10 of this term although we have a couple of final things to iron out before I will release the exact date and time to our whānau. 

I had a lovely afternoon last week watching some of our tamariki compete at the Kowai Cross Country event down at the Amberley Domain. 

Each and every one of them represented our school so well.  A big congratulations to Rowan Inkson, Charlie Murphy, Monty Croft, Jeremy Pennell and Violet Inkson who have all qualified to head into town and compete in the Canterbury Cross Country event next week. 

We have our ski trip this Wednesday (weather permitting) which we are all really looking forward to. It will be our first big trip outside of school since Term 1!! 

Have a fantastic week everyone.

Ngā mihi
Penny Vincent
Acting Tumuaki/Principal

School Notices

Ski Trip
This Wednesday is our ski trip (pp next Wednesday 11th). Thank you to everyone who has entered their vehicle information into the shared doc. If the mountain is closed and we are unable to go, there will be a cancellation notice on Facebook by 6.30am.  Otherwise, we look forward to seeing everyone up the mountain in the Mt Lyford day lodge by 9am.

Production
Last week you should have received a document outlining the costumes your child/ren need for the production.  Thank you for your support in sourcing these.  If you have any questions or are having trouble please let us know and we can help out.

Speech Competition
On Tuesday 1st September we have our school speech competition.  Years 0 - 2 will be learning and reciting a poem and Years 4 - 8 a speech.  It would be great if you could start thinking about and discussing this at home.  For the junior children you could help them find a poem that they like.  For those writing a persuasive speech it would be great if you could discuss and come up with some possible topics that your child will be passionate about.  The speeches will be written at school but it is fine for the children to work on them at home as well. 

Assembly
We are excited to be hosting our first assembly since Term 1 on Friday, 14th August.  The junior children are looking forward to having our whānau join us to share and celebrate their learning so far this term. 

Report Comments
The teachers are currently busy completing reading and writing assessments on the children.  At the end of week 6 you will receive a reading and writing comment on Hero for your child/ren.

Three Way Learning Conferences
In Week 8 of this term on September 8th and 9th we will be holding Three Way Learning Conferences after school.  I will share a link with you to book a time for this in the coming weeks.  This is an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher, review the goals that were set in Term 1 and set some new goals for the remainder of the year.

School Photos
Our school photos are booked to be taken on September 24th this year (the last week of term).  Thank you to Claire Inkson for volunteering to come in and do this.

Top Team
Our Year 5 - 8 children will be taking part in the Top Team challenge with local schools at the Amberley Domain on 2nd September.  This is always lots of fun and we are looking forward to this day out!!

Uniform
We still have a number of children coming to school wearing incorrect uniform.  Please could you ensure that your child is wearing the school top/jersey with plain navy bottoms and navy or white socks.

Community Notices

Kia ora koutou Whānau,

I hope you have all had a fantastic two week break. It has been lovely seeing our Omihi children back at school today and hearing all about their holidays.

I had a lovely break spending time with my three little people and catching up with friends and family. Miss Mickelson had a great trip down to Wanaka with her family and Miss J has enjoyed spending time with Izzy. 

I am really looking forward to the term ahead. We have lots of exciting things planned, the biggest of which is our school production of ‘Eddie the Penguin Saves the World.’ Tomorrow Harold the Giraffe and his Life Education van are visiting and on Wednesday we have the Firewise education programme and their blow up evacuation challenge maze.

I would just like to remind parents that we welcome you all onto our school grounds again this term. Any restrictions around this are now lifted and we are excited to see you all on school trips and at assemblies again.

Ngā mihi
Penny Vincen
Acting Tumuaki/Principal

School Notices

Online Lunch Orders
Online lunch orders are available again starting this week.  If you would like to order your child sushi for lunch this Wednesday all you need to do is login or register at www.lunchonline.co.nz and follow the easy steps to order.  A reminder that the cut off time for ordering is 8.30am on Wednesday morning. 

Ski Trip
Our 2020 ski trip is coming up in Week 3.  Everyone should have received the Ski Trip document that I shared with you last week.  Thank you to those of you who have let me know of anything that was missing or needed amending in the document.  Could I please ask that THIS WEEK you all go to the bottom of the document and fill in the Driver and Vehicles transportation section. 

Assemblies
We are looking forward to being able to hold normal assemblies again this term.  We will be having two assemblies, one junior and one senior.  Our celebration of learning assembly at the end of the term will be our Production.  The junior (Year 0-4) assembly is on Friday 14th August at 2pm and the senior (Year 5-8) assembly is on Friday 11th September at 2pm. 

Preschooler Morning
This term we will be having a preschooler morning on Wednesday 19th August from 9-10.30am. If you have a preschooler at home we would love for you to come and join us in Paemoana for the morning. 

Kowai Cross Country
Next Tuesday is the Kowai Cross Country event in Amberley.  We wish all our runners luck for this event and I know you will be running with our Omihi school values of Pride and Excellence on the day.

Camp
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our camp survey at the end of last term.  The majority of parents would like to see camp happen in Term 4.  We have discussed this as a staff and BOT and can confirm that camp will be happening in Term 4 from 25-27th November. The cost per child will be $225. 

ICAS Assessments
ICAS assessments are now open for registrations before being completed next month.  ICAS assessments are online assessments designed to recognise and award academic excellence.  If you are interested in your child sitting one of these please get in touch with me and I can give you some more information about the registration process.

Uniform
Just a reminder to start the term that everyone needs to be wearing the correct school uniform to school please.  Children should be wearing the school shirt and/or jersey, navy bottoms and navy or white socks.

Community Notices

Casual farm worker wanted in Greta Valley
We are looking for someone to move breaks and feed out baleage for 2-3 hours a day over the next couple of months. Having your own dogs would be helpful. Please contact Maree on 021-776-864.

Pilates

Three Pilates classes are now available at the Waipara Pavilion.  Joseph Pilates developed  these exercise classes in the 1920's as a way to improve flexibility, strength, balance and  well being.

Tuesday, 10.30am - General
Wednesday, 10.00am - Advanced
Wednesday, 5.30pm - Intermediate

Do come and join us. First session is free. Ring Sarah 021-159-8246

RESILIENT HURUNUI presents Dr Nicholas Cradock-Henry, Senior Scientist from Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research. He will be discussing the tools and processes that are used for climate change adaption planning in new Zealand.

Thursday August 20th, 7.30 p.m Amberley School Hall

Kia ora koutou Whānau,

Here we are in our last week of Term 2! I would like to express our thanks for your support during what has been a unique and challenging term. We are very grateful to be part of such a wonderful community and are incredibly proud of how well our children have transitioned through all of the changes they have experienced over the last few months.

Our cross country last week was a wonderful example of this Omihi Community Spirit. It is something very special to be in a school where every child had someone there to support and watch them take part in the race! Our tamariki definitely showed our Omihi School Values of Pride, Unity, Respect and Excellence while racing around our fantastic course. A big thank you to Pete and Emma Dormer for allowing us to run the race over their property. 

I would like to say a very fond farewell to our amazing cleaner, Thalia Pugh. Thalia has done a fantastic job of cleaning at our school for the last 18 months and will be missed very much. Luckily, we have found another wonderful person to fill this position. Welcome to our Omihi School whānau, Sharryn Pugh. I would also like to welcome Pete Murphy. Pete is coming on board as our gardener. We are looking forward to having you on the team.

Ngā mihi
Penny Vincent
Acting Tumuaki/Principal

School Notices

Reporting
At the end of this week you will be able to view a general comment, a science comment and maths, reading and writing progress charts for your child on Hero.  You should receive a notification once this information has been published and shared with you.  If you have any questions please contact your child’s teacher.

Matariki
This week we will be celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year.  Each child will be creating a Matariki lantern and we will be having shared kai for lunch on Thursday.  We will be supplying potatoes, however each child will need to bring their own toppings.  If your child would like kumara instead of potato they are welcome to bring this along too.

Cross Country
Congratulations to all the place getters and participants in our cross country last week.  Well done to those of you that will now compete at the Kowai Zones event.  Remember to keep up that training over the holidays!

Bus Run
Next term the bus run will change.  The bus run for Term 3 is as follows.  First north, then south and then Reeces Road.

Ski Trip
Hopefully you have all received a Ski Trip Notice.  If you have not already returned these, please can you do so this week. The children and staff are all looking forward to heading out for a day outside the classroom!

Camp
This week a short online survey about camp will be sent home to parents of senior children.  We would really appreciate your feedback so please keep an eye out for this and fill it in when you receive it.

Online Lunches
Online lunch orders start up again next term.  Every Wednesday you will be able to place an order for either Sushi or Subway.  Attached to the bottom of this newsletter is a flyer with all the details about how and when to order.  Your child/ren will also be given a flyer to bring home.

Life Education
In week 1 of next term we are looking forward to welcoming Harold the Giraffe, Louise and their Life Education van to school.  This is always a highlight for the children and will be a great way to start off our term.

Farm Race
Planning for our rescheduled Farm Race is well underway.  A reminder that Early Bird Entries close on the 30th June. The link to purchase tickets is www.omihi.school.nz/bikerun.

Keeping it Real Online
Netsafe and The Department of Internal Affairs have recently developed the following website as part of their Keeping it Real Online campaign.  As parents it can be very hard to know how to support our children as they navigate their way through the online world of today.  This website is full of tips for parents and caregivers on how to create a safe online environment for kids and young people.  Please check it out at www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz

Community Notices

Pilates

Three Pilates classes are now available at the Waipara Pavilion.  Joseph Pilates developed  these exercise classes in the 1920's as a way to improve flexibility, strength, balance and  well being.

Tuesday, 10.30am - General
Wednesday, 10.00am - Advanced
Wednesday, 5.30pm - Intermediate

Do come and join us. First session is free. Ring Sarah 021-159-8246

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AliceArcherYoga

Dynamic & fun yoga sessions accessibly to all abilities. Developing strength, balance & flexibility. 

Using the breath to cultivate mindfulness & connection, & to encourage deep relaxation.  

Alice is starting a class at Omihi Hall on Thursdays 5.30-6.30. It’s $10 a class plus a gold coin donation to cover the cost of the hall. Please text or phone Alice for further information on 027 225 5851

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Election Day, 19 September - The Electorate Commission need over 20,000 staff to work for them, both on the day and in the weeks before and after at headquarters.  They want to ensure that they have paid staff that represent our communities. Anyone interested is to register here: https://elections.nz/jobs/work-at-the-2020-general-election/ 

 A reminder for everyone to check their enrolment details – which can be done here: https://enrol.vote.nz/app/enrol/#/check-online , and of course to vote on (or before) Saturday 19 September!

Timebank Hurunui
Matariki & Maori Navigation, Wednesday 15th July

Join Nukuroa and Heidi Tirikatene-Nash for a korero around the significance of Matariki, the stars and other natural systems, that helped in navigating and wayfinding. Heidi will share about her journey as crew on the traditionally designed Waka Haunui, as part of the 2019 Tuia 250 Flotilla commemorations. Time: 7 – 8.30pm, Amberley School Hall. Cost: 1.5 TimeBank Hurunui credits or koha appreciated. Registrations: 03 3143406, tbhlearningexchange@gmail.com

Berry & Currant Bush Pruning, Sunday 19th July
Clean up your berry and currant bushes with the right thinning and shaping techniques, and enjoy their bountiful fruit come summer. Gary Burgess and Lorna Sandeman are experienced gardeners who will demonstrate then help you try your hand at pruning on a variety of bushes. They’ll also discuss general tips for tending berry and currant beds. BYO secateurs and gloves. Time: 11am – 1pm, Sunday 19 July, Waipara. Cost: 2 TimeBank Hurunui credits or $12 . Registrations: 03 314 3406 or tbhlearningexchange@gmail.com

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Dental Care during the School Holidays
                             

The Community Dental Service will be providing dental care for children enrolled with our service during the upcoming school holidays.  The clinics will offer treatment and relief of pain sessions by appointment only.   To make an appointment please call/email our Contact Centre which operates between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday throughout the holidays.

 The following Dental Clinics will be open during these school holidays:

 ·       Burnside Clinic, 96A Memorial Avenue, Burnside,
·       Hornby Clinic, 2 Hei Hei Road, Hornby,
·       Lincoln Clinic, 35 James Street, Lincoln,
·       Timaru Clinic, Level 1, 18 Woollcombe Street, Timaru

The clinics will offer appointments between 8.15am and 4.45pm for school-age and preschool children requiring treatment.
If your child has dental pain because of an accident, please contact your dentist in the first instance.
To book an appointment at one of our clinics please: call 0800 846 983 Or email commdental@cdhb.health.nz

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RESILIENT HURUNUI presents... Andrew Lorrey, NIWA Principal Scientist- 
Climate and Environmental Applications, will talk about NIWA regional 
climate change modelling as it relates to North Canterbury.

Date: Thursday July 16th    Venue: Amberley School Hall    Time: 7.30p.m 
Gold Coin entry

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