reactor. We certainly live in remarkable times. *********************************** Small towns are distinctive for a number of reasons. It may be the location, the natural Taihape Area School environment, the history, the local cuisine, th the nature of the local industry or main Monday 14 March 2011 business, the local architecture, or simply Term 1 – Newsletter Number 7 the people. Taihape is unique for a number Phone - 06 3880130 of reasons including its natural Email - [email protected] environment and terrain, its isolation, its [email protected] proximity to Mount Ruapehu and a number Website - http://tas.spikeatschool.co.nz of natural adventure “playgrounds”, Gumboot Day, and its amazing cafes and “Leading me to lead my learning” shops. However something very special about Taihape is the character of the Tena koutou katoa people. Last Tuesday we arrived at School to learn One person who epitomizes the special of the sudden death of a member of our character of this town is Uffie Keefe. Uffie staff, Alayna Ranginui-Arnesen, who had has long been World Famous in Taihape, passed away unexpectedly the previous and her long term community service has evening. Alayna was our Alternative previously been acknowledged on the Education Teacher/Facilitator, and a very TVNZ Tribute Programme “Mucking in”. popular member of the staff. As you can Uffie has been working at school this term imagine, this came as a huge shock to us and has made a huge impact. She is a all. walking, talking human tornado, with It has been a difficult time for many people boundless energy and empathy for – thank you to everyone who has provided everything that represents Taihape and its support and empathy as we come to terms people. with the loss of a valued colleague and friend. One of her great strengths is her intimate knowledge of the people of Taihape, and *********************************** the contacts she has. I have quickly learnt The weekend was dominated by news of that if you want to know anything about the incredibly destructive Japanese this town, ask Uffie. Earthquake that generated a force over 8,000 times more powerful than that of the It is a real shame the community spirit Christchurch Earthquake. The devastation engendered by the likes of Uffie is foreign is overwhelming, even in a country like to many elements in society these days. Japan that is well versed in Earthquake Previously there was an expectation that procedures. The graphic scenes of the young people became involved in tsunami sweeping inland will never be community service, and served on forgotten. Sadly the Japanese situation, as committees, service groups etc. However a terrible as it is anyhow, is further huge challenge facing organizations in the complicated by the damage to the nuclear 21st Century is finding people willing to take on these essential administrative roles Tuesday 12th Celebration Assembly and responsibilities. We can all learn from (1.00pm) the likes of Uffie Keefe. Wednesday 13th Athletics Carnival Friday 15th END OF TERM May Broken Windows Monday 2nd Term 2 begins Last week we suffered three broken windows at the Learning Street end of the Red and Black Day School (Year 1-8 Classes). This is not only On Friday we are joining the rest of a huge inconvenience (and waste of Ian’s Taihape to Celebrate another Red and time), but also a horrific drain on resources Black Day. All students are asked to dress – the glass is special safety glass and each up in Red and Black – the $2.00 goes to pane costs from $300-$400. As you can help the Christchurch Earthquake victims. imagine this is an expense we don’t need and would much rather spend this money There will also be face painting - $1.00 for on resources. faced painted and a special balloon. Do you know where your children are at We are delighted with the support the Red night?? Groups of young people have been and Black theme is engendering. The two observed wandering the streets, and also days we have had so far have been a lot of using the school grounds. While the School fun, as well as productive in raising funds belongs to everyone, and is available for for Christchurch. The face painting, in use by all community members, we do particular, has been very popular, with the expect that people will respect our older students very involved, and enjoying wonderful facilities. the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills on live models. Some of their work Unfortunately this vandalism is becoming a has been outstanding. major issue for us – could you please keep your eyes and ears open and help us eliminate this wanton destruction. The International Students Police are investigating this issue – they This year we are looking at enhancing would appreciate any information that may our operation by providing courses help. for students from overseas. This has many benefits for the School and The Week Ahead our Students, and adds a real Thursday 17th FOT Meeting 5.00pm Friday 18th Red and Black Day - $2.00 cosmopolitan feel to the School. The Important Events opportunity for our students to rub shoulders with their peers from Remaining This Term other countries is both an th Friday 25 Red and Black Day - $2.00 educational and enlightening April Friday 1st Teacher Only Day experience. Monday 4th Young Leaders Day (PN) Wednesday 6th BOT Meeting Our unique physical location will th Saturday 8 Blue Lake Marathon enable us to develop programmes containing a range of very exciting Y 9-13 Interschool and challenging outdoor activities. Athletics To make this possible we are on the Last Wednesday our top Year 9-13 students lookout for families who would enjoy the attended the Annual Wanganui opportunity to host International Students. Interschool Athletics Championships, This can be an enriching experience for held in Wanganui. We have some both parties. outstanding athletes here, and this talent If you are interested please contact the was certainly displayed at this meet with School, or Jenny Mower. some outstanding results. Board of Trustees News Congratulations to all athletes – we have Meeting - the next meeting of the Board received much positive feedback about of Trustee’s is Wednesday 6th April. their efforts, and in particular the team spirit they displayed. Friend’s of TAS (FOTs) Thank you to Jude Hardwidge and Karen Last week we held the inaugural meeting of Clark for managing the TEAM. the Friends of TAS (FOT’s), a parent/ teacher liaison group. Y4-8 Interschool The following Office Holders were Swimming elected: 1 length freestyle Chairperson – Uffie Keefe Junior Boys Secretary – Deb Logan 3rd Jason Squires Treasurer – Karen Meadows Senior Boys 2nd Heperi Rukupo-Rihia Purpose: Inter. Girls To raise funds for specific projects 3rd Charlie McLean which support the learning of all 2 lengths freestyle Taihape Area School students; Senior Boys To liaise between parents, teachers, nd 2 Heperi Rukupo-Rihia whanau and wider community; Junior Girls To promote community profile; 3rd TeHuinga Chambers To lead parents into participating as 1 length breaststroke a member of The Board of Trustees; Junior Boys To provide opportunities for 3rd Tyreese Adams educating our families. 4 lengths medley Junior Boys Next Meeting: this Thursday at 5.00pm. rd 3 Tyreese Adams Senior Boys Cricket 2nd Warren Cooper 1 length backstroke Cricket for Year 4-8 students on Thursday 2nd Heperi Rukupo-Rihia at 3.30pm. Blue Lake Marathon Can You Help – CD’s/ Our Year 11 PE Students are currently training hard for the Annual Blue Lake DVD’s Marathon. They are planning to run the Tena koe, half-marathon (21km) event which is to be th On behalf of creative students at Taihape held on Saturday 8 April. Area School we are collecting in over the following weeks and months damaged or Taihape Junior Soccer scratched CDs /DvDs. If you have any please drop them off at the Taihape Area Registration Day School reception desk. This is for boys and girls 6-13years old. Your CDs & DvDs will be transformed We will have a sausage sizzle, and will be into an NCEA art project. kicking some balls around. We also recycle ice cream containers with lids, newspaper, string, wool, fabric, beer When: Saturday 19th bottle caps, jars, nails, screws, etc …. The March 10am – 12noon. list is infinite. Where: St Joseph’s School field. Thank you For further information Na mihi contact: Leisa Aumua Toby Schweikert on Curriculum Leader of The Arts 388 0608 or A huge THANK YOU [email protected] Hi Bev This morning we received your lovely box of biscuits from Taihape Area School. Celebration Assembly The box was addressed to Relief Workers This Thursday - 10th March so we have shared them amongst the Welfare Staff working in the Emergency Start Time 11.00am Operations Centre. All welcome They are very yummy and it was lovely to receive a personal thank you of this kind. Please pass on our appreciation to the Cycling students and compliment them on their We have a number of students interested in baking skills. cycling. However to make this possible we Kind regards and thanks need road worthy road bikes. If you have a Annette Purvis road bike sitting in your garage collecting Welfare Team Leader Planning dust, we would love to use it here at TAS. The students involved were Nicole Rees, Ella Slade, Samantha Martin, Courtney Wipaki, Kamryn Mosen, Manu Te Are, Rhys Guy, Gilly Barns and Ms Symes Well done!!! Panui from Learning Quotes of the week Street “Discipline is like broccoli. We may not care for it ourselves, but feel sue I would be Week 6 was a very busy week on Learning good for everybody else” – Bill Vaughan.