ORATIA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM MS LINDA

Tēnā koutou katoa. Nau mai ki te whānau o te Oratia. Talofa lava. Malo e lelei. Zdravo. Ni hao. Namaste. Kamusta. Greetings Oratia whānau and families.

Welcome back to Oratia kura. We have had a very smooth and settled start to Term 3, after our well earned non-contact break. Teachers have stated how ready they were for it and really enjoyed their time away from the alarm clock. I hope that you and your families also enjoyed the break.

Term 3 traditionally is our hardest working term. Teachers feel they have established good routines and expectations, and know where your children are placed in their learning. Students have settled into the learning and behavioural expectations, and are ready for more learning. We expect our students to put their heads down and work hard, as this term is often where the big gains in progress are made. If you are interested in what you can do at home to support your child's learning, please contact their class teacher.

Our 2026 theme for our topic and inquiry work is "My World and Beyond". This term, Potiki team are investigating their Physical World, and exploring Space as their topic of inquiry. Arawhata are looking at how our identity and whakapapa are reflected in our cultural customs, comparing NZ with other countries in the world. Tuakana are investigating Natural disasters and how we can best prepare ourselves mentally and practically for such events. Considering the effects that Cyclone Gabrielle created in our community, this seems like a timely topic for study. Intermingled with this planning are other events - zonal Winter Sports and speech competitions, class trips to the observatory or museum, and other activities in school or out. Keep an eye on your weekly email from your class teacher to keep up with the schedule.

We are also eagerly looking forward to our school production "Bottled Up" in Week 4. Hayley Bamborough and Kerensa Mackinnon have been working tirelessly with many students and staff members on rehearsals, props, lighting and backdrops, including over the holiday break, and feel all is on track and doing well.

We also look forward to celebrating Cook Island and Māori language weeks, as well as Book Fair tucked in amongst it all.

Term 3 is always a busy and productive term, and we look forward to everyone getting stuck in and making it great.

Take care and stay safe.

Kia kaha, kia atawhai.

Ngā mihi nui, Ms Linda

Yesterday Lone Kauri School planted a new orchard. Parents came to help us plant some tamarillo, peach, pear and apple trees, plus a large banana palm. We love growing fruit at school and look forward to caring for these plants and sharing the fruit over the years to come.

Special thanks to our helpful school whānau, Karekare Landcare (for the trees) and to the wonderful Grimes family for allowing us to plant in this special spot.

Bottled Up School Production Tickets

Tickets for our Bottled Up school production will go on sale from Friday 31 July and will be available to purchase through Kindo only.

To ensure as many families as possible have the opportunity to attend, there will be a limit of four tickets per family. In previous years, tickets have sold out quickly, so we appreciate your understanding as we aim to give every parent and caregiver the chance to see their child shine on stage.

Tickets purchased through Kindo will be issued the day prior and on the day of the performance and will come home with children.

We can't wait to share this wonderful production with you!

The NPHS -Northern Region Vision and Hearing Screening team will be visiting our school on 25th August.

This screening is for Years 0-2 students who have not yet completed their B4 School Check, or any required follow-up rescreen. (Further information: B4 School Check – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora).

If you do not want your child to take part in the vision and hearing screening, please let the school know before the visit.

Your child’s screening results will be sent home with your child. These results may also be shared with the school, including your child’s teacher to support their learning and wellbeing.

This term, the scheduled review focuses on behaviour management, staff wellbeing and safety. For more information about the review, go to the Current Review tab at the top of your SchoolDocs site. A summary is provided below.

• Daily School Bus
• School Swimming Pool
• Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
• EOTC Governance Roles and Responsibilities
• EOTC Risk Assessment and Management

Follow these instructions to log on to schooldocs to review these.

1. Visit the website https://oratia.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm

2. Enter the username (oratia) and password (0604).

3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

4. Read the policy.

5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.

6. Select the reviewer type "Parent".

7. Enter your name (optional).

8. Submit your ratings and comments.

9. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Come and join our fabulous team of volunteers at West Auckland Riding for the Disabled. Make new friends, keep fit and enjoy making a difference in your community.

We assist 50 children with disabilities and special needs who benefit from horse riding therapy every week during school term time.

We are looking for a person to assist with morning tea on Tuesday mornings. Duties include making scones and providing tea and coffee. We are also looking for people to assist with cleaning our facility. Days and hours are flexible.

If you would like further information, please contact us -

Email: volunteers@westaucklandrda.org.nz Website: www.westaucklandrda.org.nz

Email: principal@oratia.school.nz
Website: https://www.oratia.school.nz
Location: 1 Shaw Road, Oratia, Auckland 0604, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 818-6216
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OratiaSchool/