New

sletter Term

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& Early Learning Centre

Warm Matariki greetings to you all!

Term Two has been a term of consolidation. New students have successfully transitioned with their chil-

dren into our learning community and are busy working towards their academic and personal goals. We

also have a number of students who are achieving excellent results, progressing up the NCEA levels, or

nearing their transition onto life beyond Karanga Mai - which is really exciting.

Among all the academic work there have been multiple opportunities for outings and activities that have

broadened students' experiences, and our Tamariki Talk Programme continues to strengthen their

knowledge and capability as parents. This term saw our Flipped Classroom focussing on one of our hab-

its that help learning. The theme for the day was Curiosity with lots of exploration and creative thinking

displayed by the children. We were also fortunate to have a whole school outing to the fabulous perfor-

mance of Tiki Taane Mahuta. It was great to see music and dance combining to deliver a powerful mes-

sage. This term's Citizenship Day brought another visit and amazing morning tea from our friends at the

Highway Group, and an outing once again to Tuhaitara Coastal Park where a few students braved the

cold to assist with some weeding. A range of students took part in our 4 week programme of Mums 'n'

Bubs swimming, enjoying the water with their children. It was beneficial for all involved growing water

confidence through play. Matariki Week was a particular highlight this term with teachers organising a

range of events and activities (see over leaf for more).

Our research project focussing on improving student participation, engagement, achievement and transi-

tion is ticking along with the creation of new transition processes and mapping of pastoral care "Circles

of Awhi" that exist around our students. I really enjoyed comparing notes with our sister Teen Parent

Unit in Nelson about how we structure our timetables, provide broad curriculum choices, and best sup-

port students while they're at school. It's always great to share ideas and see different approaches in ac-

tion.

Next term, with support from the Health Promoting Schools team, we will have a focus on Hauora, and

we are preparing to roll out the Loves me Not Programme focussing on healthy relationships. We'll defi-

nitely report back on how students have found these initiatives to support well-being in our next newslet-

ter.

Until then, keep warm and well over the rest of the winter - roll on springtime!

Mā te wā,

Rachel

Takatu Prize 2016 Education Focus Prize

Page 2

Matariki week was busy with lots of activities to celebrate the Maori New Year; each day began with community waiata together with the children & staff in Childcare, a inaugural Rakau competition, star circuit making, arts & crafts, a trip to the museum to visit the “Women of Kai Tahu” exhibit and the grand finale—a shared Harvest Lunch, together with a disco for the children in Childcare.

Citizenship Day—15 June; after a hearty morning tea generously supplied by Highway Group, and a rummage through the mobile Op Shop; some enthusiastic students spent time at Tuhaitara Walkway to assist with weeding and planting.

Well it has been an extremely busy term, with lots of highlights. The highlight that stands out the most in my mind was our Friday Hakari Kai at the end of Matariki week. What an amazing fun filled day of dancing, eating, playing rakau and laughing. It was so good to see some

of our extended whanau - the youth coaches, Dominic (from Highway) and Carola who came in on her day off to be with us!

This term has also seen the further development of our Tamariki Talks with Julianne (from Vision College) doing some sessions on infant

attachment and the lovely Roana, our community Plunket nurse, coming in for question and answer sessions. On our Citizenship Day, we

were spoiled with a sumptuous morning tea and pop up Op Shop provided by Highway Group. Many of our parents were able to get some

quality clothes for a small donation.

We've had some great support from Sarah and Maraea (from Health Promotion in Schools) around developing a Hauora plan for our school,

as well as support sessions with smoking cessation. I have also enjoyed networking more with the social worker at Vision West to speed up

housing referrals for some of our students.

It was a privilege to support a Maori Student Hui where we had a boil up feast and played rakau and engaged in whanaungatanga. My hope

is that this will be the beginning of more development in support of our Maori student responsiveness.

It is with sadness that I write however, as I am saying farewell. This is my last term at Karanga Mai as I am leaving for a new role in the Youth Development Unit at Burnham, which starts at the beginning of August. I will never forget my time

here, as it has been incredibly enriching and rewarding. I will miss the connection, the crazy busyness of my days and the

whanau of beautiful young people and their tamariki, that I have been so lucky to have worked alongside! It has been a wild,

amazing ride and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.

Much aroha and warmth to you all. Ka Kita Ano!

A word from our Social Worker, Mary ...

Page 3

Kia ora te whānau

Last week I had the privilege of representing Karanga Mai at the Prime Ministers Excellence Awards.

The 24 hours spent in Auckland gave me the perfect opportunity to reflect on our Learning

Community and all that has been happening over the past term.

Life has been full of learning opportunities, not just for the tamariki, but for all of us.

Some highlights:

Tamariki Talk Groups - have provided opportunities for us to learn from and alongside each other on matters related to parenting,

child development, what to expect when expecting. Thanks to Roana from Plunket, Julianne speaking on brain development, and

Justine for joining us at different times throughout the term.

Mums ‘n Bubs swimming – In response to student requests, we held 4 mums ‘n bubs swimming exper iences at Rangiora

Aquatic Centre. It was great to be a part of supporting our tamariki to develop water confidence with loving encouragement from their

mums and kaiako.

Tuakana time - we have started a new group for our older tamariki. The purpose is to provide a Focused time that; extends, challenges

and provides leadership opportunities for our Tuakana. So far the group has explored Kaiapoi High School on foot and bikes, been

catching and releasing tuna at the river, a visit to Linwood Kindergarten (thanks to June for providing the transport), cooking patiki/

flounder and eating them all up! More information about the adventures and learning of our tuakana can be found in the childrens’

learning journals on Storypark.

Matariki celebrations - this year we celebrated Matar iki with a ser ies of events, ending with the grand finale being a night sky

disco and community kai. This occassion was a great oppportunity to come together, to celebrate, reflect on the past and plan for the

future, have fun and enjoy each other’s company......

On that note happy holidays everyone, Nga mihi mahana ki a koutou. Nā Jacinta

… News from the ELC

Need to contact the school? Here are our details: Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College & Early Learning Centre, Robert Coup Road, Kaiapoi 7630 Admin E: ypc@kaiapoi.school.nz Rachel E: r.hawthorne@kaiapoi.school.nz Phone: 03-3278386

CONGRATULATIONS

Nau Mai Haere Mai (Welcome) Ngā Pepe Hou (New Babies): Ka Kite Ano (Farewell): Shaniqua Mohi & Nevayah Dustin (Sophie Harper) Sophie Harper & Alice Katelyne Brawley & Kyza Xavier (Carly Lock) Stevie-Lea Hunt & Carter Kaesi (Antonia) Kodie Kennett & Freedom, Deziah and Rydah

Nau mai haere mai & Ka Kite Ano ...

KEY EVENTS IN TERM 3: first day of Term Monday 24 July

Week 1: - Internet Safety Talk @ 2pm Thursday Week 2: - L3 Bio Student Trip to Orana Park, Wednesday; Tamariki Talk , Thursday Week 5: - Class Hui @ 11am Wednesday; Tamariki Talk @ 2pm Thursday; TOD, Friday Week 6: - Mid-Term Break Monday; Mock exam week for Te Kura students, Tuesday; L3 Bio Students Mock Exams, Thursday Week 7: - Citizenship Day (to be confirmed) Week 8: - Tamariki Talk @ 2pm Thursday; Spring Picnic (to be confirmed) Week 10: - Flipped Classroom or Marae Visit (to be confirmed); Friday 29 September—last day of Term 3. Also coming up in Term 3; Weekly Runanga Meetings, Tuesday at 12.30; Loves me Not Workshops; 4 x Hauora Workshops

ACHIEVEMENTS: Several students completed Levels this term, so big congratulations to the following students . . .

Toni Wickett Jadah Pitama Charlea Gray Danielle Donovan Abby Keats

Celebrating the achievements of our students at our monthly ‘Celebration Morning Tea’

Jadah Pitama Toni Wickett

Danielle Donovan Level 2

Tayla Fuller Level 2

Charlea Gray Level 2

Kodie Kennett Level 2

We are thrilled to acknowledge the academic dedication and perservance of both Jadah Pitama and Toni Wickett as they have successifully attained NCEA L3 and University Entrance. We are very proud of their efforts and results.