Message from John Bunting
Attached are some final thoughts from John Bunting, the Board's Presiding Chair as he steps down from the role and indeed from the Board itself.
Please take a few minutes to read through it. You will find it at the top of this week's Amesbury Digest.
30 January 2023
This is the first day of school for 2024.
We look forward (already) to those returning next year and wish all those who are leaving us all the best in their future schooling. We have loved having you as part of the Amesbury whānau and you will always be welcome to come and visit.
We have also said a very sad farewell to some of our teachers. Thank you for the impact you have had on the lives of our tamariki and the wider whānau.
End of Year Reports
The 2023 End of Year Reports are available on HERO. Hopefully, everyone has seen them.
For those who haven't, notice of this was sent to parents and caregivers on Tuesday together with info on how to access them.
Co-curricular Lessons in 2024
Co-curricular reports were also included on HERO on Tuesday. If you have any questions please contact John (communications@amesbury.school.nz).
Our plan is to send out co-curricular invoices for Term 1 in early January. These will be sent to for all tamariki currently taking co-curricular lessons and continuing at Amesbury next year. If you wish to add or change lessons please contact John before the invoices are sent out as it reduces the administration significantly.
Just a reminder that we have some additional co-curricular activities next year. If you are interested in these or any of our existing classes please email me (communications@amesbury.school.nz).
What's new?
To find out more details please read here. We are looking into the feasibility of some other activities but if you have any other things that you would like us to consider, again please contact John (communications@amesbury.school.nz).
Water Play Fun
See here for plenty of photos of this year's traditional water play day.
Beach Education 2023
Eilís has provided a brief report of the recent Beach Education Programme with plenty of photos. Please view here.
Diving Presentation
Our Year 3-6 tamariki were provided with the opportunity to receive a diving presentation from a New Zealand representative diver, Cameron. The session finished with the tamariki taking part in gymnastic moves and drills that divers use to perfect their craft.
Attached is a report of the session together with photos.
Touch Rugby - Term 1 2024
If your tamariki are interested in playing touch rugby in an Amesbury team after school on Mondays in Term 1 next year please note that registrations will be open in late January.
Homestay Host Families Needed for Mandarin Language Assistant 2024
Just as we have just farewelled Liping recently, so we look forward to next year when we will again have a Mandarin Language Assistant.
We are seeking interested host families to accommodate someone for a minimum of a term in 2024. If you think that you may be interested in this opportunity, please read all of the details in Jenny's article and complete the registration of interest form contained within.
Message from Kindo
Is your student leaving or changing school?
A few important steps if your student is leaving or changing schools next year:
Find out if your new school is using Kindo:
If your new school IS using Kindo:
If your new school is NOT using Kindo, or your student is leaving school:
If you want to withdraw your Kindo account balance, or make a donation that exceeds Kindo’s threshold of $10,000 total per year, Kindo will need to undertake some identity checks on you to comply with its obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act 2009.
Please action the withdrawal or donation in your Kindo account as outlined above and if these AML checks are necessary Kindo will advise of the next steps required in this regard. Kindo has endeavoured to make this process as pain-free as possible and appreciates your patience. More information is available here.
Kelly Club Holiday Programme
Enrolments are now open for the Kelly Sports Pre-Christmas and January 2024 School Holiday Programme!
We have some fantastic days planned:
Pre – Christmas Holiday Programme
Let’s Get Messy Day, Cool Cartoons Day, Classic Kiwi Xmas Day plus a trip to Avalon Park for a Picnic – and Mr Whippy is coming for an ice cream.
January 2024 Holiday ProgrammeOur Amazing Race, Summer Splashin, Carnival Day, Yum Yum Summer fun, Wicked Wheels Day, KC Favourites, Iron Child, Fantasy Friday, Kids Vs Staff. Summer Sports Day and lots more!
Plus trips to:
Wellington Zoo, Ice Skating, Ten Pin Bowling, The Movies, Laserforce
You can enrol at www.kellyclub.co.nz and in the school box put “Amesbury”.
Kelly Sports Football Holiday Programme
Kelly Sports is back in January with the ever popular Football Holiday Programme.
Held in the Green Room (artificial turf) at the Wests Rugby clubrooms, Ian Galloway park, Wilton.
This programme is perfect for "Beginner's" and those wanting to find out more about the game and have fun.
Come along and improve technique, knowledge and skills.
In this programme we will focus on the core skills of control, dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting but most importantly having as much fun as possible!
Book online at www.kellysports.co.nz.
Wellington City Libraries Summer Reading Adventure 2023-4
This summer, Wellington City Libraries is inviting kids, teens and adults on a Summer Reading Adventure!
From the 1st of December 2023 – 31st of January 2024, you’ll be able to log your reading, write, draw or film book reviews, and complete activities and challenges to earn rewards like collectible badges, free books, ice-cream vouchers, and go in the draw to win one of our fabulous Grand Prizes.
Visit the library website today at wcl.govt.nz/summerreading to pre-register for the Summer Reading Adventure, or visit any of our libraries from the 1st of December to pick up your Adventurer’s Guide and get started.
Christmas in the Quarters
The Wellington City Council is bringing you Christmas this year with four events, one in each quarter of the city. Each event has a different theme.
Kids,
For more specific details follow this link.
Musical Stars Performance Trust
The Musical Stars Performance Trust is locally based and has run musical theatre classes for children aged 5-18 years old for over 20 years.
The Musical Stars are passionate in igniting children's passion for performing arts and in giving them a chance to be challenged and to succeed. We believe performing arts encourages the formation of many different skills that can support and enhance children in their everyday lives. We would love to share this with you!
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
There are lots to do at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve these summer school holidays - see ngamanu.org.nz for more details:
Free Puppet Show and Puppet Making
"Flutter" Is a story about a bat who is afraid of the dark, friendship and bravery. It is also about the threats to our native species from introduced predators.
This will be followed by a shadow puppet workshop where we will use natural materials to create shadow puppets and make a shadow box to take home.
Facebook event: http://tinyurl.com/4bxnh5c3Promo video: https://youtu.be/NwTtIhzsJ-s
