Nationwide Attendance Goals

Dear Community.

I write this letter with the utmost respect. 

In recent times we have all been sent the message of staying home if we are unwell particularly in the COVID 19 pandemic.  As we start moving past this time there is a push from our Government to get us back on track again with the aim of improving attendance nationwide. 

There is a large body of evidence that shows poor school attendance is directly linked to poor educational outcomes and then less choices in employment as an adult.   This is why we are aiming to improve our school attendance from here. 

We are aiming to have 70% of our school population attend school 90% of the time. We currently have 51.7% of our school population attending 90% of the time.  As you can see there is a shortfall of about 18.3%.  A number of children are in the 80% attendance area, meaning with a bit of effort we could achieve this Ministry of Education goal.  

We also understand some of you have had genuine reasons for absences. We acknowledge that and do not diminish that and accept parents know what is best for their children.

However, what we ask is for all parents to put a critical lens on their child’s attendance and double check if a day off could well have been a day at school instead.

I will post termly attendance rates from here and ask for your support in trying to reach the Ministry of Education attendance goals for the good of our children’s education.

Kindest regards 

Phil Wheeler

Principal

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3 Way Conferences set for 15 and 16 August 2023

As usual we have our 3 way conference scheduled for Term 3, though running slightly later in the Term due to other events.  

Three way conference will be on;

Tuesday 15 August starting at 1pm, with school closing at 12.20 after lunch. All children leave from 12.20pm.  

Wednesday 16 August starting at 3.15. A normal school day.  

The site to book is: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/wx66w, then follow the prompts or scan below.

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Power bill support - worth a read.

If you are struggling to pay your power bills or living in a cold home because you can't afford to heat it, then you can get an in-home energy assessment as part of EA Networks & Connecting Mid Canterbury's 'Warm for Winter' initiative. Over 6000 have been done around the country and on average people save $700 per year after an assessment! 

One of our friendly energy assessors can visit your home, give you tips and advice for how to save on power and give you lots of free stuff to help keep your whānau warmer and reduce your bills. Contact kate@connectingmc.org with your name, address and phone number if you'd like an assessment at your place. 

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School Closed at 1.20pm on Wednesday 31st May for the Teachers' Paid Union Meeting.

Kia ora koutou 

The teachers of the school are invited to a paid union meeting on Wednesday 31st May. As a result school will close from 1.20 on Wednesday. Please be sure to pick your children up at this time so the teachers can attend this most important meeting.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards

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Kia ora koutou. A special fund to support tamariki of Maori decent with costs associated with school and sports is available by following this link.

For your information, a special fund is available for tamariki of Maori decent to support in school and sports associated costs of up to $300 per year. Just follow the link:

https://www.teputahitanga.org/what-we-do/funding/te-kiwai/

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Healthy Active Learning Survey

Kia ora koutou Netherby School Community.  It would be appreciated if you could find the time to fill in this survey.  Thanking you in advance.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CN7tu9A_2okUJwOYu4lXKLvOWW_RVli-A6iTDqTqjIA/edit 

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School Open and Information Afternoon - Tuesday 9th May at 3.15pm in the school hall.

 

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