23 June 2010

From Debbie
Hi everyone,
What do you write when you have total writers block! As a classroom teacher when my
students faced a blank page and they were stuck, I told them to simply write anything
and it would come. So here I am taking a bit of my own medicine.

I think the reason I am finding it so hard this week is because my head is full of building
detail. As you know we have two projects running at the moment, the building upgrade and
the ICT upgrade. I have needed to co-ordinate the two projects as the companies in-
volved are working in the same space. It has been a big learning curve, I have had to learn
a new language, gateways, pathways and switches in techie talk are quite different to my
very common understanding of the terms. I have also had to learn to read the abbrevi-
ated symbols of the language, I can now confidently talk about the installation of T/O’s
and GPO’s and know that we need draw wires to be in place while the walls are open, oth-
erwise we end up with ugly wires running around the walls: and we won’t be having that!

I guess starting school can be a bit like that for children. Not only do they have to cope
with the mechanics of learning the language of reading and writing, but they have to cope
with spending huge part of their day with a new person, a teacher, they have to get used
to being a part of a class and a whole school. A lot more is expected of them and there
are lots more people to get on with. Thankfully, schools recognize the importance of
creating an environment where children, families and staff feel welcome and included. At
Rongotea we want the children to feel that they have a place at our school, that they
have a voice and that they have much to contribute to who we are as a school. We want
that also for the families and staff of our school.

To finish, I read this morning that laughter de-stresses you

and strengthens your immune system! I don’t know if it works
but it sounds good. With the holidays coming up perhaps you
could let me know of some good movies that would fit the bill.
 From the children
Stories from Colorful Eights
If I was in charge of the school………

If I was in charge of the school I would give everyone hot chocolate or milo. I would
give them marshmallows if they had been good. I would put the big kids into the
little kids class and swap the little people into the big kids class. I would let every
one have ten days off.
By Isabella C

If I was the incredible boss of the school I would change the school to
a castle. The castle would be white and shiny. It would be sparkly as
well. They would have to play in the flowers because there is flowers
every where. I would really like that.
By Caragh T

Just imagine if me, Alison, was in charge of the school! I would paint the WHOLE
school glittery pink and purple because it was going to be fantastic, great and girly.
Even the ground would be painted glittery pink and purple. So would the trees, the
whole playground, even the deck. I would swap the old wooden chairs to nice com-
fortable sofas because I think everyone doesn’t like the wooden chairs. I would
only have girls rule. I would say to the girls “you can wear a dress for the school uni-
form”. I would give them a lollipop and a gold medal if they were good PTA LUNCH NOTE:
because they would appreciate that. Last reason, I would let them eat Please note that there will be no
chocolate because everyone likes chocolate. lollie cake or Sour Cream &
By Alison W Chives v-chips available for
lunches next Tuesday.

Sports Notices
TE KAWAU CROSS
COUNTRY
Will now be held on
Monday 28 June 2010
Please ensure your child has
adequate clothing, food and wa-
ter for this day.
Keep up the training for this
event as it is not too far away.
Please let Cheryl know if you
are unable to provide transport.
Community Notices
Te Manawa
School Holiday Programme
5—16 July 2010
Our school holiday programmes are very
popular. We have a fun team of experts
and helpers ready with activities aned
games for your child’s growing and cu-
rious mind. Book early to avoid disap-
pointment
Ages: 6—12years
Cost $12.00 per session
Bring: Your own drink, snacks and a
bag to carry your things home in.
For more info phone 355 5000.
Interested in Table Tennis
Thursdays 4.00—5.30 pm at the
Waldegrave Lounge (Arena 5),
Waldegrave Street, Palmerston
North
Commencing Thursday 22 July and
running for 10 weeks—finishing
Thursday 23 September
Cost: $30.00 per player
Entries close Wed 21 July
Enquiries and entries to:
Reg Keogh: 3569435 or email
regkeogh@clear.net.nz
BUBBLE DOME
Have you ever wondered how com-
puter games and 3D movies like Shrek
are made? Learn the latest in 3D ani-
mation and Games Design on a Bub-
ble Dome School Holiday workshop
this July. Other courses in Science,
Inventions and Technology and After-
school Animation at selected venues.
For students aged 6 to 16 years. Tel:
0800 GET BUBBLE (438 282) OR
Email: info@bubbledome.co.nz or
visit: www.bubbledome.co.nz
KIWI CAN
The end of the term is almost upon
us. This week we will be reviewing the
term. Starting at week 1 and progress
through to where we are now, week
10. Asking specific question for each
individual topic. This helps us gauge
how well we have reinforced our top-
ics through out the term. It also re
triggers our memories and creates
thought and retaining information. It is
always great to see how much stu-
dents retain and see how precise they
get also explaining the activity we
used to reinforce each topic. Also this
will be my last couple of weeks
with ;your school as I will be leaving.
THANK YOU so much students for
your respect and ability to share
ideas, participate, stretch you comfort
zone experience and try new things
and to make my time here so cool, fun
and memorable. I really learnt a lot
from you guys and I hope I helped
you learn some new things along the
way. I’m really going to miss all of
you.
Thank you Kylee

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