Newsletter No. 39 St Benedict’s School Khandallah Absence Phone No: 939-3878 Answer Phone: 479-6878

Fax: 479-3879

Email: office@st-benedicts.school.nz Website: www.st-benedicts.school.nz

6 December 2016 Dear Parents End of Year Parent meeting TONIGHT - Tuesday 6th December we will be holding our Annual Parent Meeting where the Board of Trustees, Principal and HOK will present the year’s work and student achievement data. This will begin at 7.00pm in the school library and will be followed by Christmas cake and cheers. It would be great to see as many people as possible at this meeting. We will be holding our Leavers’ Mass this Friday 9th December at 9.15am at St Benedict’s Church. This is a special Mass and we invite everyone, especially the Year 8 leavers’ families, to join us if possible. This will be followed by a shared morning tea at school to thank everyone who has helped out at school this year. Everyone is welcome to join us for this. All Year 8 students are asked to bring a plate. End of Year reports will be sent home this Friday with your children. Along with information about progress and achievement these reports will include classes for next year. For children in their 1

st three years at school who are not

receiving a report this term a letter will be sent home with your children indicating their class for next year. From the Board of Trustees Over the Christmas break the exterior of our school is going to be painted as a part of our 10 year maintenance plan. Next week work will begin with erecting the scaffolding along the northern side of the school. This has to happen now so the painting can be finished before we return to school in 2017. Because of this work beginning next week the area outside Rooms 1 & 2, including the junior playground, will be out of bounds as we need to ensure everyone’s safety. We ask that parents and children in Rooms 1 & 2 use the main entrance to enter and leave the school during this time. We thank you in advance for your support with this. Last Friday we were treated to a range of wonderful speeches presented at a very high standard during our school speech competition. We were all impressed by the confidence of the finalists and the way in which they presented their speeches to the audience. It is a real pleasure to see our students enjoying the opportunity to take part in this competition and public speaking so passionately and articulately about their topics. We would like to thank Sanjiv Jetly and Timothy Preston for agreeing to judge this competition again this year.

Key Dates December

6 End of Year Parent Meeting

7 Board of Trustees Meeting

9 End of Year Mass

14 ‘Big Day Out’ – Whole school

15 Carol Service and Prize giving

16 Term 4 ends

20 School office closed for the year

January 2017

23 School office open

29 Second hand uniform sale – School library 1 – 3pm

31 Term 1 begins

February

2 Vision & Hearing - Yr 7 & NE

6 Waitangi Day – School closed

10 School picnic - Bishop park Eastbourne

14 Meet the Teacher Evening – 6pm

29 Ash Wednesday

March

April

11 & 12 Parent interviews

13 Term 1 ends

Speech Competition Results Year 3 – Ryan Novilla, 1

st, Eva Diamond, 2

nd

Year 4 – Charles Burns, 1st, Sara Howard, 2nd

Year 5 – Tessa Gilhooly, 1st, Lucille Johnson, 2nd

Year 6 – Kate Nahu, 1st, Natascha Casey, 2

nd

Year 7 – Gemma Pugh, 1st, Neeve Harmon, 2

nd

Year 8 – Lawrence White, 1st, Emily-Kei Brewerton, 2

nd

Dates to mark in your diary:

On Wednesday 14

th December we will be holding our annual “Big Day Out” where we take the whole school on a

mystery trip to celebrate the year that has been and to build community amongst our school community. Please see the information about this below. On Thursday 15th December we will be holding our Carol Service and Senior Prize giving. This will held at St Benedict’s Church and will begin at 6.00pm. It would be great to see everyone at this special end of year occasion.

Last week (Monday-Sunday), our solar panels generated 124 kWh of solar energy. For the month of November we generated 528kWh of solar energy. This was 11% of our total consumption. Our school page can be viewed by clicking on the St Benedict’s School Schoolgen link: http://schoolgen.co.nz/schoolgen-schools/st-benedicts-school.

Please remember to keep an eye on the school calendar as we are all very busy at this time of the year. We will endeavour to keep everyone well informed of events coming up before the end of the year.

Kind Regards Dave Lamont Principal

Big Day Out– Wednesday 14th December 2016

Once again we will be celebrating the end of another great school year with our whole school “Big Day Out”. The aim of the day is to “build community” within the school and to celebrate our successes and achievements. The children are grouped across year groups. Due to recent Earthquakes and in an attempt to quell any concerns around where your children will be in the event of an emergency we have decided that the Big Day Out destination should be made known from now on. This year we are returning to the ASB Sports Centre as the feedback last year was so positive from the students. The school will travel by bus leaving school at 9:45 a.m and returning to school by 2:50 p.m. To make this trip a success we will need to have parent helpers to support the teachers on the day. If you are able to actively help please indicate on the slip below and return it to the school office. Helpers are welcome to travel on the bus with us. Kind Regards Cheryl Taylor Deputy Principal ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Big Day Out parent helper slip I am able/ unable help with supervision with my child’s class. Name:__________________________________________________________________phone: Child’s name: Room: Email:

BOOKS FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS This year all children returning to St Benedict’s in 2017 are able to borrow up to 6 books from the school library for the summer holidays. The library will be open for summer issues during class library times as well as lunchtime this week. Please note that all summer reading books must be returned by Tuesday, 7 February 2017.

SCHOOL CHOIR The school choir will be singing Christmas Carols outside the Khandallah town hall this Thursday at 1pm. Come along and support them if you can. Thank you.

NEW MASS TIMES FROM 7/8 JANUARY 2017

Newlands Khandallah Johnsonville

New

Mass

Times

Saturday 5pm 6.30pm

Sunday 10am 8.30am 9am

Sunday 10.30am

ROOM 2 Our topic focus for Health this term has been Taking Care of Myself and for the technological component we have designed these glasses to protect our eyes.

HOK Notices…

Thank you to our sponsors!

HOK would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all of our community sponsors throughout the year, help us by continuing to support the below sponsors of our school.

Sports Notices & Student Achievements

NETBALL UNIFORMS Could all players not playing summer netball please return their netball uniform or skort in a marked shopping bag (with your name on it) and give this to the school office ASAP. Thanks. WEETBIX TRIATHLON Entries are now open for the Have a go Weetbix Triathlon for kids held in Kilbirnie park in March 2017. Visit the website try.weetbix.co.nz to enter early bird entries available. It is a sell-out. You can link your child/athlete to the school group. You may enter as an individual to compete in the swim bike and run or two in a team - one swims, one bikes and both run. Age groups start at 7-15years. For more information contact: Viv Collier (021 434184) or mvcollier@paradise.net.nz ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------

KELLY CLUB PRE-CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PROGRAMME - Kelly Club will be offering a Pre-Christmas holiday programme at the following venues near to Khandallah: West Park (From Fri 16th Dec- held at the softball clubrooms, Phillip Street, Johnsonville) and Northland Memorial Hall (from Mon 19th Dec), both programmes go through to Thursday 22nd December 2016. KELLY CLUB JANUARY HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES - Kelly Club offers full time Holiday Programmes during the January school holidays.

Kelly Club Holiday Programmes focus on giving children aged between 5 and 13 the opportunity to do things they enjoy in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. The programmes are packed with activities to entertain and inspire children. We operate from the following venues in the northern suburbs Wests Rugby Clubrooms in Wilton (9th - 27th Jan), Churton Park School (9th – 31st Jan), Amesbury School (9th – 30th Jan), West Park (9th Jan – 3rd Feb). We are also offering a 2 day programme at Northland Memorial hall on 30th & 31st January. For full details and to enrol into our programmes

visit www.kellyclub.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALL MORNING HOLIDAY WORKSHOP (Yrs 1–6) Wests Club Rooms, Wilton (all weather indoor surface). Improve technique by working on the core skills of control, dribbling, passing, tackling & shooting with head coach Martin. Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm (10th, 11th & 12th Jan/17th, 18th & 19th Jan/24th, 25th & 26th Jan).

MULTI SPORTS AFTERNOON WORKSHOP (Yrs 1–6) Wests Club Rooms, Wilton (all weather indoor surface) Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Turbo Touch & Dodgeball. Come and join in an afternoon of fun trying out the different sports and much more! 1.00-4.00pm (Wed 18th Jan & Wed 25th Jan).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KELLY SPORTS TERM 1 Kelly Sports will be back in Term 1 with their fun and exciting classes. Kelly Sports encourages children to have fun, build confidence and to give sport a go. We believe that sport and physical activity has so much to offer children; it improves fitness, develops communication skills, team work and gives them a place to channel their energy.

Summer Sports (Yrs 1-4) Tuesdays 3.05-4.05pm - Come and try Football, Volleyball, Athletics and Touch Rugby. It’s a great way to try new sports, learn new skills and improve ability. We use games & drills to teach game sense and team play. Learn the fundamental skills for all sports – throwing, running, jumping, striking, balance and many more – all while having a great time! For full details and to enrol into our programmes

visit www.kellysports.co.nz email adminwgtn@kellysports.co.nz or call 04 972 7201 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MUSIC LESSONS Your child can learn how to play the keyboard at this school.

The lessons are run during school hours and all ages are welcome!

The Wellington Music Academy has been providing music lessons in the Wellington region for over 23 years.

Our experienced and enthusiastic teachers will ensure all lessons are fun and appropriate for your child's

level of musical development. Please contact the Music Academy at any time for more information and to

book a place.

Phone: 0272115077

email: admin@musicacademy.co.nz

online: www.musicacademy.co.nz

WEEKLY REFLECTION

"God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it." Pope Francis

ASB SCHOOL BANKING Has your child been registered for School Banking? If not please ask at the office for a form to sign up for their Head Start Saving Account. Once your child has been registered they will receive a Kid’s School Banking pack which will include a calculator, savings diary and deposit envelopes to help them get started. For easy and convenient banking for your child, the ASB has provided a Deposit Drop Box in the office area where your child can make their regular savings deposit. Emma McCallum

PARENT ROAD PATROL

Parents: Please be present from 8:30-9:00am and again from 2:50-3:15pm

SCHOOL PATROL ROSTER TERM 4, 2016

AM Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Billy Archie

India Maricar

Ben, Alicia

Kate, Jennifer

Caitlin, Liam

Reserves (Jacob, India) (Adam, Liam Marguerite)

(Adam, Neeve, Sandrine, Jennifer)

(Jack, Harrison Marguerite, Tyler)

(Betty, Tyler, Jennifer)

PM Jigs, Amelia, Alicia, Olivia W

Riley, Joshua R, Gemma & Sandrine

Dhyanesh, Iraklis, Amelia B, Sam

Harrison, Olive, Daniel, Sandrine,

Billy, Olivia W, Betty C, Elizabeth S

Reserve

(Billy) (Julia, Katie, Rosie, Eve D)

(Rosie, Avania) ( Billy, Katie, Alex, Ystefano)

(Katie, Kate N, Regina)

(Parents, please remind your children to be on time for their duty)

COMMUNITY NOTICES DRAMA HOLIDAY PROGRAMME Drama Remedy holiday programmes are a great opportunity to expose your child to the art of drama

& speech with our exciting & enjoyable workshops which are designed to enhance children’s appreciation of the performing arts & to develop confidence & communication skills. To enrol or for more details contact (04) 478 5962 or 022 027 3316 dramaremedy@gmail.com or visit our website www.dramaremedy.co.nz MUSIC LESSONS Piano, violin, viola teacher – Georgia Steel, georgiasteelo@gmail.com ARTRAGEOUS KIDS is running Holiday programmes in 3 Venues around Wgtn. Artrageous kids focus on drawing out creativity &

providing a space for children to play explore and expand. Artrageous Kids @ the Poneke Dojo in Mt Cook, Olderageous Kids (kids 10-14 years) in Newtown & Artrageous Kids@ Pataka Gallery in Porirua. For more information & to make a booking go to our website www.artrageouskids.co.nz HOLIDAY TENNIS CAMPS! Last minute Xmas shopping? We have some great options to keep your children busy in the lead up to

Xmas! Contact us on (04) 479 1386 | info@evolvetenniscoaching.co.nz Register online at www.evolvetenniscoaching.co.nz. 10% discount off a holiday camp when you present the voucher from your school office. KHANDALLAH TENNIS & SQUASH CLUB (KTSC) “Summer Pass” (valid for use between 12 Dec 2016 to 31 Jan 2017)

Give the gift of family fun & activity this Christmas. Available right now, the “Summer Pass” & play unlimited* tennis & squash throughout the summer school holidays at a fraction of the normal membership. Prices start at $100 for families, $50 adults & $25 children (plus $20 access card). KTSC - 7 tennis courts, 4 squash courts, Sauna, members lounge Thump Sports -best on-site Pro Shop in Wellington Evolve Tennis – Professional tennis coaching. For an application form – phone 939-6210 or email ktsc@paradise.net.nz To purchase your pass, come down to 55 Delhi Crescent with your completed application form between 9.30am and 1.30pm Mon-Fri & you/your family can be on the court on the 12 December for a whole 6 weeks BARGAIN. Numbers strictly Limited – Enquire NOW

Term 4

Tuesday 06 Dec Marull family

Wednesday 07 Dec Joseph family

Thursday 08 Dec Mazur family

Friday 09 Dec McAllum family

Monday 12 Dec McDougall family

Tuesday 13 Dec Dimen family

Wednesday 14 Dec Jetly family

Thursday 15 Dec McKenzie family

Friday 16 Dec McMillan family

*Some conditions apply CODECAMP - SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES (December 19th-22nd & January 9th - 12th). Venue: Samuel Marsden School,

Karori. CodeCamp allows boys & girls from the ages of 7-17 to develop 21st century skills in a fun & action packed agile environment. Develop confidence & initiative through design, creativity, solving problems & collaboration. Create games, apps & work with robots, mini-drones & electronic building blocks. Discounts Available: until the 30th Nov. Book Now at www.codecamp.co.nz/holiday-codecamp NORTHLAND KIDZ CLUB CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PROGRAMME : Week Before Christmas & 4-31 January. We'll be at beaches,

parks & swimming pools ; ice-skating, go-karting & 10-pin bowling ; having a balloon workshop, going to the Bugs Exhibition at Te Papa & visiting Somes/Matiu Island. We go on a trip every day ! $45 per child per day (third child onwards, $20), 8.30 a.m to 6 p.m each day. For details, check out our website (www.nkc.org.nz) , or contact Jan on cell (022-140-2612) , e-mail (nkc.jan@gmail.com). SUMMER CAMP JANUARY 2017 KHAAT NZ takes children aged 8-12 years around New Zealand. Children explore new areas, make

new friends, learn about different environments, build self-confidence & give back along the way by volunteering. This summer we visit Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, & Wairarapa. The fully inclusive camp starts Monday 16th January to Friday 20th January for $125 per day. Find out more at www.kiwikhaat.co.nz/khaat-nz SPRINGBOARD & PLATFORM DIVING AT KILBIRNIE POOL Wellington Diving Club has a range of diving classes for kids aged 5

years & up. Why not try something new this year? Visit our website & come along for a free trial! We have many after-school sessions on most days & cater for kids of any level from beginners to competitive. We also run fun casual sessions on Sundays. For more information, please visit our website www.wellingtondiving.org.nz or call/text Barbara on 027-485-8888. DANCEPOINTE ACADEMY Enrolments are open for all levels of Ballet classes plus Tap 6-10 years for Term 4 for pre-schoolers to

young adults & for two new pre-school Fairy ballet classes for 3 ½ years to 5 years. These classes will be on a Sat morning & Tuesday afternoons. For info regarding levels/fees/uniform/enrolment/location/free trail class - Contact Sharon dancepointenz@gmail.com www.dancepointe.co.nz mobile 021-2151222

HOK Sponsors

Thank you to businesses and individuals that sponsor and support St Benedict’s School. We acknowledge and appreciate their support and ask that you use them when you can.

http://www.salonvillair.co.nz