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.

We are getting back into the rhythm of the school week as we come to the close of our first full week of learning. Waitangi weekend gave us a breath before we all started back into the rest of the term. Term 1 is only a short 9 weeks long and so teachers are mindful of trying to get assessments sorted out so that the learning is best tailored to their students' strengths and needs. When I have chatted to your children these past few days I get the sense that they are settled and happy to be back, meeting up with their friends and starting learning with their teachers. There is a really warm and happy hum around the school, which is so good to see.

This Tuesday the senior leadership team and some teachers and whānau took a group of our kapa haka students down to Waihi Beach School to take part in their powhiri, where they were welcoming Kōkā Teena to their staff. Our group was also welcomed on as manuhiri supporting her. Kōkā's children and grandchild were there too, and we all were able to take part in the ceremony. Olly Morgan and Micheal King spoke on our behalf, ceremonially passing Kōkā over to Waihi Beach School with thanks and blessing. It was a lovely ceremony to be a part of and we wish Kōkā all the best in her new job.

Our programmes and clubs are starting up now. Garden to Table has begun. We cannot do this programme without parent and community support, so if you can help in any way we would appreciate your presence. We also run reading mileage support for our young readers, so if this interests you please let the office know, and we can put you in touch with the people running our programmes. Sports teams are trialling, kapa haka is calling for participants as is the Fanau Pasifika group, and there will be regular lunchtime clubs happening throughout the week. Peer mediators and well being warriors will be called for soon. Please remind your child to listen to the morning notices in class to hear about what is happening.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that our Country Fair is happening on Saturday, March 28. Save the date! This is always a huge enterprise that requires support from every family in the kura. We are asking for donations, prizes, sponsorship, and most of all, your help with the stall your child's class will be running on the day. Be prepared for the communications that will be coming to you from the school office and your chid's teacher. It is always an amazing event, which I know you will love, and I look forward to seeing you all here at school from 11am-4.00pm on the 28th.

Take care and stay safe.

Kia kaha, kia atawhai.

Ngā mihi nui, Ms Linda

LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026

2026 is the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse represents energy, independence, and a bright spirit.

At Oratia School we would like to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a special arts and crafts club on Friday 20th February at lunchtime.

We would love to involve members of our school community. If you are available on Friday lunchtime (from 1pm to 1:50), and would like to help run a Lunar New Year activity, such as Chinese writing, lantern making, storytelling etc. please email Monica (monicamb@oratia.school.nz) for more information.

As we prepare for our upcoming Country Fair, we are kindly asking for donations of goods to help support our fair stalls. Contributions would be greatly appreciated and will help make the day a success for all. If you have a business and would like to contribute a prize, voucher or cash donation, we would love to hear from you - michellem@oratia.school.nz

School Nurse Marlies Tuika's Weekly Visits

We are fortunate to have a school nurse available at Oratia School. Marlies Tukia visits weekly to support the health and well-being of our students.

Her role includes various responsibilities, such as:

Providing health education and resources to students, staff, and families.
Collaborating with school staff to address health-related concerns.
Conducting health screenings and assessments, especially for those who find it difficult to attend GP visits.
Supporting students with additional health needs.
Absenteeism (health related)
Access to Health / Social Services
Allergy / Anaphylaxis
Child Health Assessment
Dental services
Eczema, Skin Sores, Headlice
Gowth and Development
Hearing / Vision
Rheumatic Fever Management
Sore throats
Supporting health needs in schools
Wetting / Soiling
Youth health

If your child requires her support or if you have concerns about their health and well-being, please contact our admin staff or our SENCo, Kathryn Mansell (kathrynm@oratia.school.nz), with verbal consent for a referral.

POLICY TO REVIEW!

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.

Key policies

Bullying and Harassment (board)
Behaviour Management (board)
Searches, Surrender, and Retention of Property
Minimising Physical Restraint (board)
Stand-down, Suspension, and Exclusion
Staff Wellbeing and Safety

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.

A REQUEST FROM THE SETTLERS HALL

Please DO NOT stop/park on the yellow lines in front of the Settlers Hall (both on and off the road), or any yellow lines, even just for a quick drop off or pick up. It is a hazard, especially backing out across the footpath.