Kia ora e te whānau and welcome to our latest Nukumea Newsletter. The good weather has continued and our learners have been making the most of it with lessons and games often extending beyond the classroom out into the sunshine.
We are at the time of year when many activities are beginning and the year builds into a routine for everyone. There is information about many activities, events and opportunities in this week's newsletter, so I hope you enjoy reading it.
Pick Up Drop Off Zone
As our numbers grow, so does the traffic associated with dropping off and picking up students in the mornings and afternoons.
We are blessed with a large carpark as well as the Pick Up Drop Off lane. A reminder please that if you are parking your car and walking up into the school to meet your children, please park in the carpark. The Pick Up Drop Off lane is for those who are pulling in for a couple of minutes and staying in their cars.
We have also had situations lately where members of our community with a mobility pass have not been able to park in our mobility parks due to parents using these to park and run in to meet their children. Just like anywhere else, please leave these parks for the members of our community who need them.
Thanks for your help in ensuring all can arrive and leave school safely.
Progress and Achievement Update
Twice a year we report on the progress and achievement of our learners. We use terminology that reflects both learners who are reaching and exceeding expectations, as well as those who are growing in their learning. While not all of our learners are meeting the curriculum expectations, we have a strong focus on ensuring they are making progress from one learning point to the next. As of the end of 2024, we had the following results:
In reading, 96% of all learners are making progress, with 69% of all learners achieving at, above or beyond the end of year expectation.
In writing, 90% of all learners are making progress, with 57% of all learners achieving at, above or beyond the end of year expectation
In number and algebra, 98% of all learners are making progress, with 67% of all learners achieving at, above or beyond the end of year expectation
On a whole, as we have grown, the number of learners who are ‘optimal’ (learners who are at, above or beyond the mid or end year expectation) has increased. We use this data to inform teaching and learning and to help us prioritise support for our Tier 2 and 3 learners (those who are working towards with targeted and tailored support).
We now have the confirmed refreshed NZ curriculum therefore the goals in Hero have been updated to reflect this. It may mean you see gaps in lower steps and phases for your child. Rather than back filling these, teachers will be working forwards towards their new mid and end of year expectations. In following newsletters, we will shine a spotlight on the different curriculum areas to share the Nukumea way of doing things!
Water bottles
A reminder that water bottles are essential for keeping hydrated during the day. It has been very warm to start the year and many students are going through multiple bottles in a day. We have fountains that are designed for both drinking and filling up water bottles so that we always have access to cold water.
We would also like to ask that juice and drinks like Powerade are kept for home or sports events when people need the sugar kick to get them through.
Whanau Connect
Our Whānau Connect event is happening next Wednesday, March 12th between 3:15 & 5:15pm in the school hall.
This is an opportunity to meet and reconnect with other Nukumea families, share some food, and hear a little bit more about our school. This will include introductions to staff, some of the major events happening through the year (e.g. School disco!), information session dates (e.g. curriculum, online safety), and how a typical week at Nukumea might look.
Please follow THIS LINK to let us know if you're able to come along!
If you have any questions, please come see us in the office or email: office@nukumea.school.nz
Basketball
An exciting sign of the growth of our school is that we have 3 basketball teams this year. Last week, they got their season underway at Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre. A massive thank you to our parent coaches and to Mrs Fielding for getting these teams underway in their season.
Year 1/2 Nets
Our Year 2 basketball team—Max, Oliver, Charlie, Quentin, Maddox, and Nathan—played their first game of the term with great enthusiasm and determination! For some of the players, it was their first time experiencing a full basketball game, but they all gave it their best effort and worked together as a team. The referee was incredibly supportive, taking the time to explain the rules and helping everyone understand the game better. It was fantastic to see every player get involved, building their confidence and skills on the court. Most importantly, the team had a great time and is excited to return next week to continue the tournament!
Year 3/4 Nuggets
The Nukumea Nuggets (Year 3 and 4’s) had a cracking start to the season playing the Whangaparāoa Wild Cats. The team did a great job with defence, good passing and good rebounding. Our player of the day was Daniel who was a great team player and showed great determination despite a loss this time. We have only 5 players on the team (no reserves) so if there are any extra year 3 or 4's that want to join the team, let Mrs Fielding know. Looking forward to a great season with the team!
Year 5/6 Knicks
Our basketball team consisted of 5 people - Jane, Kaes, Lachie, Finn, and Aviel. We were very excited for our game. At the start of the game we thought only 4 people could play as Finn on the way to his house hurt himself. But when the game was about to start Finn decided to play as he felt better.
We warmed up and the game started. The first game was Nukumea Vs Kingsway. We started with a powerful start and in the middle of the game Kingsway got a lot of scores but we did not give up. After a little bit of trying we got a score and at the end of the game we got other scores. Kingsway won in the end.
We shook hands with the Kingsway team as a part of Team spirit and when we went to our coach she announced the player of the day. I was surprised when she called out my name. I am super grateful but I didn’t think that I was better than anyone because our whole entire team was really good at Basketball too. I know that the next time we play any one in our team can be the player of the day. We have an amazing team!
By Jane Jomy (Year 6)
Netball
We are gathering interest for children who are interested in forming Nukumea Netball Teams (all year groups), to play against other local schools. This is run by Netball North Harbour, and games are played at Edith Hopper Park in Manly.
For more information, and to sign your child up, please click on this link:
https://forms.gle/hwbcmhQZiTvW6zMUA
Please sign your child up by Monday 17th March at the latest. Or, if you have any questions, please email Mrs Fielding.
Ducky Derby
This is a free family event with games and entertainment where hundreds of yellow ducks race down the Orewa Estuary. You can purchase a duck ticket for $10 available at the Orewa Beach Kindergarten, 09 426 4543
Members of Nukumea school will be attending and our small but lively choir plan on sharing a couple of songs!
Facebook Page with more info: https://www.facebook.com/OrewaDuckyDerby/
Credits:
Created with images by FMSTUDIO - "A variety of colorful stainless steel water bottles lined up in a row" • Azee Jacobs/peopleimages.com - "Netball, goal shooting and defense of a girl athlete group on an outdoor sports court. Aim, sport game and match challenge of a black person with a ball doing exercise and training in a competition"