Principal's Message
Mrs Claire Janes
E mihi ana ki a koutou ngā whānau o te kura nei
Greetings to you all, our school whānau,
Welcome back to another term of learning at Orewa Primary School. We hope you've had a wonderful Easter break, despite the wet weather. Given that this is a wet weather term ahead, we are changing the boundaries of our school site, to ensure safety across the school. Therefore, our bush areas will be out of bounds for the next two terms. This will be addressed to our whole school at our welcome assembly. We know that many of our tamariki will be disappointed with this change, but we appreciate your support in helping them understand that their safety and well-being remain our top priorities.
Why the Bush Area is Closing for Terms 2 and 3
We understand that our bush area is a favourite spot for exploration and play. However, the transition into the cooler, wetter months brings specific challenges that necessitate this temporary change. Here are the primary reasons for this decision:
- Slip and Fall Hazards: The clay-based soil and steep sections of our bush tracks become incredibly slick when wet. Closing these areas significantly reduces the risk of avoidable injuries during interval and lunchtime.
- Environmental Protection: During the "wet season," the ground becomes soft and vulnerable. Heavy foot traffic when the soil is saturated can lead to root damage for our native trees and significant track erosion.
- Health and Hygiene: Wet bush play inevitably leads to very damp clothing and muddy footwear. By staying on the paved and managed turf areas, we can keep our tamariki dry and warm, and our internal learning environments clean and healthy.
- Supervision Clarity: Visibility in the bush is reduced during heavy rain or overcast days. Moving play to the main school courts and fields ensures our duty teachers can maintain clear lines of sight to keep everyone safe.
A Note for our Tamariki
We will be discussing this with the students at our Welcome Assembly. We want to frame this not as a "loss," but as a way to look after our beautiful school environment so it is in great condition when we return to the bush in the warmer months. We thank you for your cooperation in reinforcing these boundaries at home!
Last term was concluded with another fabulous dance performance by Douché Dance. Ayla Boyce was an accomplished recipient of the Douché Dance trophy for this year, showing outstanding commitment and performance. Ka pai Ayla, we're so proud of you.
Schools open as normal under new Fuel Response Plan
New Zealand’s Fuel Response Plan [PDF, 206 KB]
The Government has introduced a National Fuel Plan. There are four phases in this plan, and New Zealand is at Phase 1, “Watchful”. This means the fuel market is operating effectively and fuel is available nationwide.
Onsite learning and attendance remain our top priority – as they will at any phase in the plan. Your child therefore needs to continue to attend school regularly.
We are encouraging a couple of new initiatives in response to Phase 1, for example, walking buses, support for carpooling. We are planning for Phase 2 and will keep you updated if anything should need to change for our school operations.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is the lead agency for New Zealand’s response. You will find more information on their website here:
Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The Government has introduced a National Fuel Plan. There are four phases in this plan, and New Zealand is at Phase 1, “Watchful”. This means the fuel market is operating effectively and fuel is available nationwide.
Onsite learning and attendance remain our top priority – as they will at any phase in the plan. Your child therefore needs to continue to attend school regularly.
We are encouraging a couple of new initiatives in response to Phase 1, for example, walking buses, support for carpooling. We are planning for Phase 2 and will keep you updated if anything should need to change for our school operations.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is the lead agency for New Zealand’s response. You will find more information on their website here:
Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The Birth Date Disadvantage - New Survey's Shock Results with Jo Knox
Last year, we initiated the cohort entry for our new entrants based on the research from our former Board member, Dr Jo Knox. There has not been a lot of specific research on this topic but there are some indicators which point to being the oldest in your school year leads to better educational outcomes. That might not necessarily be surprising but what is interesting is a new survey has found that a large percentage of teachers spoken to, believe the current enrolment process is inequitable and leads to unfair and unnecessary pressure on some teachers and some students. Pressure that could ultimately end up influencing their school journey. The full interview and results can be found in this short podcast with Melissa Chan-Green on School Shorts (nominated as a finalist for Best Independent Podcast at the NZ Radio and Podcast Awards). You can listen/watch this interview here:
Nāku noa, nā
Claire Janes
Principal/Tumuaki of Orewa Primary School
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