Kia ora koutou Motumaoho Whanau and Caregivers,

 

Last Friday was a dedicated teacher-only day, providing our staff an invaluable opportunity for professional development. We focused on Executive Functioning with our presenter, Janet Stowell. We are not born with these skills but have to be taught how to use them. Janet explains Executive Functioning like this: 

“‘Executive functions’, is an umbrella term for a set of cognitive skills and processes that enable people to make decisions, solve problems and manage their own thinking and behaviour, in order to achieve future goals. The three core executive functions are response inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility.”

We would like to welcome Rachel Hart to Motumaoho School. She will be teaching in Room Tūī this term, providing classroom release for Mrs Baptist. We know you will enjoy your time with us. 

Welcome to Qiyana and her family who have joined Motumaoho School over the last few weeks. Haere mai to you all!

As previously mentioned, Whaea Kaveeta and I have been completing our Better Start Literacy credentials (also called BSLA or Structured Literacy) this year through Canterbury University. This is in line with the government's intention to have all schools in New Zealand using a structured literacy approach from 2025. We will also be familiarising ourselves with the new Maths curriculum that was shared with schools, last Thursday.  

You might have heard from your child/ren that we have new school sun hats here at school. We will require all students to wear the hat that has been issued to them during outside learning and play times. These hats will be kept at school and should not be taken home. Accidents happen so if a hat turns up at home, please support us with this and return it to school asap. We have a no hat, no play rule and we do not want anyone missing their play time. Sun safety is something our tamariki find difficult to reconcile with but we know that it is a preventative action due to the harshness of our UV index.  

Ruben the Road Safety Bear visited Motumaoho School on Thursday, 24 October providing much excitement and entertainment. He reminded us of the importance of being careful when walking on the footpath as we have tricky driveways to contend with. Another clear message was to cross the road linking arms and looking left and right all the way.

As part of our inquiry into celebrations, we have been learning more about Diwali. We have learnt that:

Congratulations to: Qiyana & Rhona

If your child is turning five in the next six (6) months, please ensure you enrol them as soon as possible. If you know of any families looking to enrol their child/ren, please provide them with the contact details. 

Please collect enrolment packs from the office, or email office@motumaoho.school.nz. We also have our enrolment details on our school website. Click here for online enrolments.

We recently sent home a Duffy Book Summer Reading order form for parents and caregivers to take the opportunity to purchase books for only $5. If you choose to order anything from the list provided, please have your orders in by 15th November.

What is the PTA?
The core role of the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is three-fold; To provide fun social activities for students and parents. To build connections within our school, strengthening the relationship and communication between school life and home life. To fundraise for improved facilities and educational opportunities.