Principal's Message
Kia Ora
Firstly I want to acknowledge our community’s condolscenes to Kapakapanui School who had a student pass away in his sleep over the weekend. We are holding their school community in our hearts at this incredibly difficult time. I have offered our collective sympathies and help from our team to theirs.
It’s PINK SHIRT DAY time again – Dress in pink this Friday! Pink Shirt Day is about all people feeling safe, accepted and valued in all areas of their lives. It is a time when we remind our students and our community that bullying is not tolerated. It’s a time when we encourage kids to be upstanders not bystanders.
Bullying is not OK. Bullying others does not make you cooler, tougher or more popular. Bullying is a waste of everyone’s time and it will not be tolerated at PBS. It’s also very important for kids to understand the difference between a poor behaviour choice and bullying, so we can work towards tackling the issue. Not all unkind behaviours that happen in schools, workplaces or in society are examples of bullying, but perhaps that of a poor behaviour choice. Sometimes poor behaviour is a spur of the moment decision or a response to anger, upset, or an assumed slight.
So how is bullying defined? There are four widely accepted factors that can be used to identify bullying behaviour –
*Bullying is deliberate – harming another person intentionally
*Bullying involves a misuse of power in a relationship
*Bullying is usually not a one-off – it is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated over time
*Bullying involves behaviour that can cause harm – it is not a normal part of growing up.
Pink Shirt day is always very well supported each year at PBS. Everyone is encouraged to wear something pink to show their support of the campaign to show they will SPEAK UP, STAND TOGETHER and STOP BULLYING. The first step is to tell someone – after all a problem shared is a problem halved.
Check out the article on “The Parenting Place” website about Pink Shirt day. Pink Shirt Day
Ngā mihi,
Jess Ward – Tumuaki ~ Principal
PS – REMINDER: Our school will be closed next week on Friday, 28 May for a staff only day
PPS – Our Teacher’s Union has just signalled a paid union meeting for teachers on 30 June from 1.30pm. More information next week.
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Jade Rm 24
Growth Mindset
Having a growth mindset is something we wish to instill in all our learners at PBS. Growth Mindset means always trying to improve and learning from mistakes. It means having a positive outlook; you can achieve anything if you set goals, practise, persevere and bounce back from set-backs. Around the classrooms you will probably see evidence of growth mindset.
Here are a couple of examples from Room 11 that I noticed recently. I especially like the concept of “The Power of YET”.
Using Māori Language at Home
It’s important for all Kiwi to learn te reo. Each week our newsletter will include phrases that you might like to try out at your place. After all it will take the whole nation to keep this unique language alive.
Tō kerewa hoki – You are clever
Were Your Ears Burning?
Staff Gratitude Section
This year our teachers have taken a deeper dive into the Inquiry Learning Cycle with their class. We have formed a ‘Concept Crew’ of teachers to support syndicate members to make the inquiry process a full and rich experience for students. Shelley Evans is leading this Concept Crew and is helping with our professional development.
Thanks for your support!
Student Work
Room 5 students have got some gorgeous Anzac Poppies decorating their learning lane. Here are just four of the clever collages on display. Ātaahua!
Kid's Quote
It never fails to surprise me how kids do not feel the cold (as much as adults). I commented on some students who I thought must be cold …
“Aren’t you cold?”
One student replied with a big grin –“No I’m Samoan. Samoans never get cold!”
Yarn Bombing Art Project
Some of our ‘Yarn Bombing group at work! This group takes place every Thursday lunch time (12.50 – 1.30pm) in Room 13.
Thanks to the parents and teachers who came along to support the kids in this group last week. The more the merrier!
From the Student Council
National Pink Shirt Day is this Friday and we’re celebrating KINDNESS!
He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai.
If kindness is sown then kindness you shall receive. Join us wearing pink, check out our positive vibe window displays and enjoy our random acts of kindness 🙂
Order Your School Memories Photos Now!
We recently sent home order forms for classes/siblings/sports groups who had their photos taken last term.
You can order your school photos either online at www.schoolmemories.co.nz or fill in the envelope sent home enclosing the correct cash amount and return to the office. Orders close on 2 June.
If you have lost your order envelope with your unique order code on it, please contact the office.
For all other queries, please contact School Memories direct on 0800 437 447.
Te Moana Camp Fundraising Meeting
There will be a Te Moana Camp fundraising meeting on Wednesday, 19 May at 7pm in Room 1.
Parent Help for Parent & Family Support
Parent Help is a free helpline service – their goal is to support and empower you to be the best parent you can be. They can provide specific parenting advice you can implement right away. Call now to speak to their warm and supportive parenting experts for free on 0800 568 856. Available from 9am – 9pm 7 days a week.
Also available is affordable counselling. Do it for yourself and for your family. Counsellors offer therapy in person and via Zoom. They have helped hundreds of families to restore peace and balance in their lives. Call 0800 568 856 to book an appointment or read more here: www.parenthelp.org.nz/counselling