169 Fitzherbert East Road Aokautere | Papaioea: Palmerston North 4471| Phone 06 3574611
Kia ora ki ngā whānau me ngā hoa o te Kura o Aokautere. Greetings to all families and friends of Aokautere School.
As the second week of the lockdown (rahui) holidays comes to an end, our attention turns to rolling out distance learning. I am aware of a number of emails that have been sent by teachers to ensure every Aokautere School student has access to the class Seesaw platform. It is important that our families have access to this platform as teachers will be making announcements via Seesaw. Parents can also send (private) messages to the classroom teacher if unsure about certain aspects of learning.
Currently, we can see that 97% of students have accessed their Seesaw account. As of next week, the school would like to see 100% actively using Seesaw and the ‘lessons/activities’ posted. Teachers will be making all announcements via Seesaw.
As we enter unchartered waters, our teaching and learning will not be business as usual. However, I see this as an opportunity for our teachers and students to take intelligent risks with both aspects of teaching and learning. Your child will need to keep a close eye on their Seesaw account throughout the day. ● Work will be posted each day ● Their classroom teacher will be available at set times throughout the day to give feedback, answer questions or feedforward. Teachers will make an announcement of these times via Seesaw ● Activities will be a mixture of device and non-device learning
We realise that “teaching” your own children can be stressful and that everyone’s home situations are different. Do whatever you can manage; not all tasks have to be completed, try to keep learning at home enjoyable. Don’t feel anxious or feel your child is ‘slipping behind’ if some learning is difficult. Once we are all back at school, teachers can make up the slack with reading and maths.
Starting this week, the Ministry is rolling out an extensive, four-channel package to provide at least one distance-learning option for all families by 15 April. Home Learning TV | Papa Kāinga TV, on TVNZ, will run from 9 am to 3 pm on school days on TVNZ 2+1 and Sky channel 502. Some lessons will also be available on TVNZ On Demand. This could be a great ‘add-on’ to support our Seesaw activities. Use as you see fit. Te Reo Maori lessons will also be offered on Maori T.V. and Whaea Bud has suggested this would be an excellent substitute for her usual teaching at Aokautere School.
It is the Government’s intention that on the 20th of April, two days before the current period of Alert Level 4 is due to finish, Cabinet will make a decision on whether or not the Alert Level will change. I would imagine a hybrid model of both distance learning and on-site learning is very likely at least in the early stages of Level 3. Public Health requirements will affect each school differently. Assuming the alert level does change, all staff will need full access to their classrooms and the school to undertake a property inspection and necessary maintenance and cleaning before teaching resumes.
It is with great sadness that we farewell Claire Lynch, one of our office managers. Claire has been with Aokautere School for over 5 years and in that time played a significant role in helping the school become financially stable. Her organisational skills will be missed but more importantly, Claire’s caring nature and robust social skills have been a great asset to our school and I know she will be sorely missed by students, staff and parents.
Claire plans to enjoy her time gardening, walking, painting and spending time with her grandchildren. Arohanui and enjoy retirement. We will ‘catch-up’ after the lockdown.
Finally, a huge congratulation to Mrs McIvor who had a healthy baby girl. Aokautere School is extremely happy for you and your new whanau.
Other News School Enrolment Scheme A need for an enrolment scheme was identified by the Board over 2 years ago. There have been ongoing discussions with the community and both local and regional Ministry of Education members. After a long and sometimes frustrating process, I am happy to inform our community that our enrolment scheme comes into effect at the start of Term 2. A full description and maps are available at the office and these will be uploaded to our school website.
Year 5-6 Camp A decision has been made to postpone the Year 5-6 camp planned for Term 2 Week 3, and we are now looking at the 16th-18th September. This will be confirmed early in Term 2.
In these uncertain times, please keep in touch and be assured we are here on hand to help. Teachers will be clearing their emails/seesaw frequently and can decide how best to help. We really appreciate our partnership in your child's learning and value the great job you are doing at your end!
Enjoy a Happy Easter.
Noho Oro Mai
Jared Ratana
Te Kura o Aokautere: Aokautere School | 169 Fitzherbert East Road Aokautere | Papaioea: Palmerston North 4471| Phone 06 3574611 0275386606 | Imera: [email protected]