"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora PBS Community
Our Year 5-6 students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Science Roadshow last week. It is great to watch students getting hands-on with science, tech and STEM, and watching their curiosity and critical thinking grow!
On another note, I’m delighted to let you know that Lizette van den Berg is returning to start up our new New Entrants class later this term. Lizette is a former staff member and current reliever, who brings expertise and positivity to her classroom placements. Lizette’s class will be in Room 22.
Keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- PINK SHIRT day is coming! (15 May)
- Teacher Only day information
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Friday, 29 May – Teacher only day at PBS – School closed for instruction
- Monday, 1 June – King’s Birthday – school closed
Ngā mihi nui
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
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PRINCIPAL’S C.R.E.S.T CORNER:
At PBS we champion our school C.R.E.S.T values in everything we do.
Curiosity. Respect. Excellence. Self Management. Teamwork
Last week, some senior students from Room 16 shared a collection of outstanding writing with me. As part of their learning about ANZAC Day, they were challenged to write ‘letters home’ as if they were soldiers. The results were incredibly powerful. Like the work of skilled authors, their writing captured deep emotion and brought the experiences of others vividly to life. I was especially impressed by the students’ ability to step into someone else’s shoes and write with such empathy and authenticity. Simply excellent work!
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
There were no new students this week
Have You Checked Out Our Community Notices Directory?
Do you need to advertise your business, an upcoming event, need child care, or looking for a gift or new club to join? Check out the PBS Community Directory on our website https://kapiti.pbs.school.nz/
Notification of Term 2 Teacher Only Day
With major changes to the English and Mathematics curriculums last year teachers countrywide are still trying to develop a full understanding of all the new content. To address this the Minister of Education has given schools two additional “Curriculum days” (Teacher-only days) to use during the year for our professional learning.
At PBS we will be taking the first of these days on Friday, 29 May (attached to King’s Birthday weekend). As school will be closed for instruction on this date parents will need to make alternative arrangements for childcare.
Our teachers will be using this particular day to focus on new expectations for teaching the writing process and the associated assessments components.
Thank you in advance for your support of my team who are doing their very best to understand and deliver these significant curriculum changes
Using Māori Language at Home
Learning another language provides many benefits including greater academic achievement, greater cognitive development, and more positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures. So, let’s give it a go and help to revitalise this unique language to Aotearoa for our tamariki. Each week our newsletter will include words or phrases that you might like to try out at your kāinga/home.
Here are some essential kupu that you may hear ia ra (everyday)
Give these kīwaha a try this week:
Karawhuia – go for it
Kia tau – calm down
Kei a koe te tikanga/Kei a koe – up to you
Attendance
Regular school attendance is an important part of every student’s success and is necessary in order to gain the greatest benefit from the educational experience. Students who are frequently absent or late miss direct instruction and regular contact with their teacher and peers, which can impact on their progress and achievement.
Below is information to help you put attendance percentages into context:
- 90% attendance means missing one day of school every fortnight, the equivalent of four school weeks in a year.
- 80% attendance means missing one day of school every week, the equivalent of eight school weeks in a year.
- 70% attendance means missing one and a half days per week, the equivalent of 12 school weeks in a year.
As we head into flu season we understand that at times children will be unwell and need to stay home. If your child will be absent from school there are a number of ways you can let us know. It is important that you make contact and include an explanation as to why your child is away from school.
List of contact information for PBS:
- To ring the school office: (04) 298 5775
- To text the school cell phone: 027 755 7915
- Email: office@pbs.school.nz
- Message via the HERO app
If your child is going to be absent during term time, for a family event or trip, parents/ caregivers need to complete a ‘Student Leave Form’. Forms are available on our website under the Information tab https://www.pbs.school.nz/student-leave-form/
Photo Order Forms
Photo order forms were sent home during the first week back of Term 2. Orders MUST be in by 17 May as per the instructions on the order form. The office has a list of order codes for each student (in case you have lost your order form).
From the Student Council
Pink Shirt Day is this term on Friday, 15 May. We’re celebrating this kaupapa because KINDNESS IS COOL!
Pink Shirt Day for us is all about accepting and including others and being kind and caring. Bullying is not okay, but being an Upstander is!
We’ve got some cool things planned for the day, one of which is a poetry competition! The theme is kindness. Students can hand their entries into the office before or on Wednesday, 13 May. There will be a prize for each syndicate. Remember to include your name and room number.
Lolly Jar Comp: We’re going to have a guess the pink lollies in the jar competition to help raise funds for some of our projects for this year. Student Councillors will be set up outside the staffroom at morning tea times next week – 50c a guess or $1 for 3 guesses. Winner announced on Pink Shirt Day!
Pink Shirt day is a great opportunity to discuss the AWESOMENESS of diversity with kids too!
Science Roadshow Sparks Curiosity in Te Moana Syndicate!
Last Tuesday, the school hall was transformed into a hub of discovery as Te Moana Syndicate attended the Science Roadshow. The experience was bookended by two captivating live presentations; the first explored the fundamental question, “Am I living?”, while the finale delved into the wonders of kitchen chemistry. Students watched in awe as they learned about chemical reactions, light refraction, and the surprising ways molecules can stretch and behave. It was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to see scientific concepts leap off the page and into real-life action.
Between the shows, students took charge of their own learning by diving into a wide range of hands-on exhibits. From testing their agility in human performance to unravelling the mysteries of astronomy and optical illusions, the hall was buzzing with curiosity and critical thinking.
A massive thank you goes out to our wonderful Student Councillors, who stepped up as science explainers throughout the day. Their leadership and ability to guide their peers through the STEM challenges helped make the event a seamless and inspiring success for everyone involved. Future scientists are definitely in the making!
Future Student Achievements
If your child has an achievement you would like us to share in our newsletter, then please send details (and a picture if you would like) to mbarfoote@pbs.school.nz
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