Thursday 25 September 2014

1. Principal News Week 10 Term 3

How do we engage every student in deep learning for success?
This morning I had a chance to visit Manuka's "open classroom" and saw engagement in deep learning in action. The Year 7's shared their well researched project findings with an engaged audience of children from the younger classes. The interactive projects like the erupting volcano and the manipulative brains were of particular interest to these wide eyed juniors. I was personally drawn to the suspension bridge project having excitedly travelled across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco earlier this year. The depth of detail, learning and understanding around these projects by the Year 7's was commendable. A discussion with the "learning leaders" yesterday focused on personal topic choice as a major driver in engagement. Congratulations to all of the Year 7's who shared the results of your learning with such confidence and expertise.




St Joseph's future-focused learning plans 2015

Everyone should have received a copy of  our plans for 2015 with regards to personalised learning and digital devices. The next parent hui will be a practical hands on learning session. We have made two dates for this one, to ensure we can meet the needs of all of our families: Wednesday 15th October at 7.00 pm and Thursday 23rd October at 5:30 pm.

Staff Farewells

Tomorrow we bid a final farewell to our wonderful Deputy Principal Mrs Siobhan Patterson and wish her our best wishes and blessings in her new role as principal of Tirau School. We thank her for everything that she has contributed to our school during her time here as teacher, leader, parent and colleague. Please join us in the library for a farewell cuppa with Mrs Patterson tomorrow at 2.00 pm and then in the hall for our final thank you and end of term assembly.
We also say thanks and farewell to Susan Meikle Morrison who has been running our B4 school programme. Susan has a new full time administrative role at ABC Early Learning Centre.  I will be running this programme for Term 4. 
A huge thank you and farewell also must go to Natasha O'Connor and her family as they depart for Christchurch. Mrs O'Connor has been a valuable part time staff member and relief teacher.

New classroom and new appointments for Term 4
We announced a few weeks ago that Miss Nicky Clouston will be joining our staff next term as we open a 5th junior classroom. Mrs Brookes has been hard at work transforming Ruma Koru into the New Entrant classroom and it was opened for our Terrific Thursday visitors this afternoon. The community staffroom is now a shared space within our library.

We recently advertised a permanent Year 5 teaching position. We are delighted to announce that Mr Paul Cartlidge has successfully won the permanent Year 5 position. We are thrilled that Paul, Rebecca and the family have made the decision to stay in Oamaru.

We also advertised the Deputy Principal vacancy and are thrilled that Mrs Frances-Rees will be our new DP commencing next term. Mrs Frances- Rees is our present Assistant Principal and Year 7 teacher. She will continue to teach Year 7 in her new leadership role. 


Singing Cup
Last night we celebrated another Singing Cup finale. A huge thank you goes to Mrs Frances- Rees for coordinating this event. Special thanks also to Mrs Brookes as accompanist, Katrina Crowder and Sonia Creedy the judges. Our Year 8 Catholic Cultural Leaders, Tia, Antonio and Ryan did an excellent job hosting the evening. Look further on our newsblog for results and photos of our finalists. Congratulations to all of our students who bravely auditioned and participated in this annual event and to all Year 4-8 children who performed in the house choirs. Well done to the staff as well !!! All of you showed us how we can "Reach for the Stars as Lifelong Learners in the Catholic faith."

Special Message from Fr Wayne
Please read below for a special message from Fr Wayne.

End of term thanks
A huge thank you to all staff, students and families for your valued support this term. We wish you all a very safe and relaxing holiday period and look forward to welcoming you back in your summer uniform next term.  

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