From the Principal’s Pen

Kia ora, talofa lava, malo e lelei, 问候, namaste, 인사, 拝啓, mabuhay, greetings!

Week 3, Term 1, 15 February 2017.

Dear Parents,

As the Cubs and Brownies might say…. I promise, on my honour, to do the very best job I can for you and
your children. I promise that I will not start anything here at this school unless I am fully confident it is in
the best interests of your children and that my staff has the capability to make it work!!

Last year I wrote to you about the collaborative learning spaces that we have been trialling and refining since
Helen Fisher and Laura Whittaker started one here in Room 5, in 2013. I wrote…

Collaborative spaces 27/7/16

There are a number of spaces throughout the school in which children are being taught collaboratively. This
is in line with the Ministry of Education’s expectations and I am proud to say that we are managing this
innovative style of teaching and learning really effectively. Our teachers are working very hard to make sure
that while the children’s independence is being increased, they are still being provided with explicit teaching
at their individual learning levels. Our teachers are enjoying working together and are finding that there is
greater scope for additional one on one support where it is needed. Our teachers working in this way are
already saying that they would be hesitant to go back to the single class process and that the children are
better served in this collaborative approach. We have had other schools come and observe in some of our
spaces and the feedback has been 100% positive. My personal thanks to the teachers who are working
tirelessly to make this work so well.
You may enjoy the video on the attached link giving some information about Innovative Learning
Environments (ILEs)
http://elearning.tki.org.nz/layout/set/lightbox/Teaching/Innovative-learning-environments/Collaborative-
teaching-in-a-year-5-6-innovative-learning-environment

Here now, in 2017, we have added further opportunities for collaboration – now the Manuka Room, the Matai
Room and the Kahikatea Room. This provides us the chance to build on each other’s strengths and expertise,
to manage pull out programmes for additional intervention and extension more easily and to cater more
effectively for the varying learning styles with which we are faced.
“Modern Learning Environments (MLEs) that align better with what we know about the brain and student
learning can facilitate traditional pedagogies such as direct instruction if needed, but they typically offer
students and teachers much more:-
Flexibility: the ability to combine two classes into one for team teaching, split a class into small groups
and spread them over a wider area or combine different classes studying complimentary learning areas.
Openness: MLEs traditionally have fewer walls, more glass and often use the idea of a learning common (or
hub) which is a central teaching and learning space that can be shared by several classes. They provide
opportunities to observe and learn from the teaching of others and be observed in return. They also provide
access to what students in other learning areas and levels of learning, so that teaching and learning can be
complemented and enhanced.
Access to resources (including technology): typically a learning common is surrounded by breakout spaces
allowing a range of different activities, such as reading, group work, project space, wet areas, reflection,
and presenting. There is often a mixture of wireless and wired technology offering access as and when
students need it, within the flow of their learning.” (Mark Osborne, 2013).

I am confident that here at ROPS we are getting it right. Our teachers are working together exceedingly well
and there is a real buzz of camaraderie and support. Tricky situations can be shared and supported, excellent
performance can be observed and celebrated by more people and the levels of engagement are increasing
noticeably. Happily I can report that in 2016 our achievement data lifted, and we are of the opinion that it
was through the opportunities of collaborative practice that we supported and lifted children to work at or

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above target. I ask that you continue to support us as we strive so hard to make the very best learning
conditions for your children and their future education.

Second Hand Uniforms

Uniform sales will now be held on the first Wednesday of each month, outside the staffroom/library from
8.30am. The next sale is Wednesday 01 March.
If you have any uniform items that you no longer need, please drop them off to Leonie in the office before
Wednesday 01 March so we can add them to the sale on Wednesday 01 March. In particular we need more
skorts (we currently have NONE). We really appreciate these donations and all money raised goes to the
Parent Group.
Please note we are unable to sell on your behalf.
Thanks so much to Claire Gooder, Claire McSkimming, Jayne Jacobsen and Rachel Rippon for stepping in to
help with this process.

Book collection on Friday this week

Every year, pre Carnival, we have collection days to support. This Friday we are asking for second hand books
please. We will run this as a whanau group competition on Friday and each whanau group will have a
collection table outside the Puriri Room (ex Rooms 2 and 3). Please send along any books you are happy to
release from your collection. Second hand books are a great money maker and we appreciate all we can get.
Please note, this is not a mufti day this year – a Royal Act of Kindness instead!

From the Parent Group

IMPORTANT DATES:

Sunday Fun Working Bees! Please mark the 26th February & the 26th March in your diaries as we will
be having our Carnival working bees those days. They will be held at school between 1.30-3.30pm. Kids
can come along and bring their scooters to ride on the courts or play on the playgrounds, while you muck
in and lend a hand with some preparation for the stalls, the pre-loved area and the books. Bonus: while
helping out if you see things you want to purchase - you can and get in before the big day.

HELP WANTED SECTION:

After-School Cafe: We need two people to help oversee the set up and pack down of the after-school
cafe (Term 1 - approx 8 Fridays). It would require no more than one hour of your time, once a week on
a Friday from 2.30pm. This would make a world of difference to the person who puts this awesome
event together! Please contact us so we can tell you more about it.
Email: parentgroup@rops.school.nz or text/call Angela: 021 289-1650

Parent Group Treasurer: We are looking for someone to be our new Parent Group Treasurer. You
would need to have some experience in accounting and finance. This is a voluntary position and
generally takes 3 to 4 hours per month. To find out more about what is involved please contact us
at parentgroup@rops.school.nz or text/call Angela: 021 289-1650

Carnival: If you have some time during the day (even 30 minutes after drop off or before pickups),
please get in touch with us. We really need lots of people to help us sort through all the donated
items that are coming in. It's fun and you get to meet new and awesome people. Text or Call Fiona
Grainger: 021 148-2694

New learning opportunities

We frequently get offered new learning opportunities to support our children and their engagement with
school. We seize as many of them as we can as we are of the opinion that the more excitement and difference
we can make to the day the greater the learning will be. This year we have the opportunity to have a Mandarin
teacher here every Thursday (starting next week), at no cost to our school. Children in Years 3 to 6 will have
a fortnightly Mandarin lesson (along the lines of Te Reo, offered here too). We are hoping our Mandarin

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speaking children will enjoy being the best in the class and be able to give support to our non-Mandarin
speakers as the year progresses.

Champions
Champions is a Christian-based programme for Year 2 and 3 children. It is held for half an hour, first thing
on Friday mornings and will start up again on Friday 03 March. It is always a great deal of fun, however a
voluntary provision. A parallel values programme is run by the Year 2 and 3 teachers for those children whose
parents prefer their child not to attend. A letter will be sent home today seeking your permission (or not).
Please complete the slip and return it to the class teachers.

Bought Lunches
We are pleased to say that Ninja Sushi is continuing to supply lunches on Tuesday. $5 per pack and they have
a tuna option now too.
Brunch n Lunch is our new provider for Wednesday. There is a variety of hot and cold meals with varying
prices.
Subway will continue on Thursdays (starting next week 23/2). All the Subway options are $5.00.

Go to the school website www.royaloak.school.nz and follow the link to ezlunch.co.nz to do all your online
ordering.

My thanks to Leonie Thode for the many phone calls and emails that were needed to get the services arranged
for you. We appreciate your patience as this has been going on.

3 way goal setting

You should have received a message on Monday about booking in for the goal setting meetings next week (21
and 23 February). This is an opportunity to look at your child’s next learning steps, set learning goals and to
discuss ways your child can be supported. It also gives you the chance to interact with one of your child’s
teachers, further build a relationship with the class and to have your child aware of the part you are playing
in his or her learning. Please do make every effort to attend with your child. Please also be reminded that it
is very early in the year so there will be little detail about current performance and ability.

Ambury Avenue Gate and General Lock up Procedures

As of next week, the gate at the back of the field leading into Ambury Avenue will be locked between 3.20
and 3.30pm. Children are expected to have vacated the school grounds by 3.15pm so please help us with our
security by having your child away from school on time so we can ensure our lock up system is thorough.
The entrances at Chandler Avenue, Manukau Road and Crown Street will be locked later in the afternoon.

Why We Teach
My Special Place

I hear the gentle waves splashing on the beach. Stones and shells stick to my feet. I see a sandcastle being
built by happy children. I scan umbrellas sticking out on the yellow sand. I spot people rushing to the sea
and the beach ball blows up over my head. I see sunshine sparkling on the beach. Arrgh. Here's my special
place.
Sakshi Year 6

What’s coming up?

Colour code - Acorns Oaks Saturday 01 April. Keep it free!!

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 3 13 14 15 16 17
Year 1 enrolments Carnival collection day
starting day Swimming Trials Cricket Skills - books

Y6 Parent Camp Football for

Information Children(inflatable)
Meeting

NEWSLETTER

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Week 4 20 21 22 23 24
Back to School Mandarin sessions
Campaign - begin Road Patrol Training
Travelwise
Cricket Skills Cricket Skills Carnival working bee
3 way goal setting (Sunday 27)
3.15 to 8.00pm ROPS CONNECT 3 way goal setting
3.15 to 8.00pm
Week 5 27 28 1 2 3
March Year 1 enrolments Year 5 snorkelling Second Hand Carnival collection day
starting day training at Jellicoe Uniform Sale Cricket Skills - bottles
Walking 8.30am
School Bus 12.35 Full School Football for Children Champions begins
Week Walk if the after school Cricket Skills Year 1 sleep over
weather is kind to 1.45pm school assembly
Cultural us! Cultural - Totara
Heritage Celebration Dress
Week Up Day BOT meeting
7.00pm
NEWSLETTER

Parent group
meeting 7.30pm
Week 6 6 7 8 9 10
Camp helpers’ Carnival collection day
meeting 8.00am - lollies
Kauri Room ROPS CONNECT

Year 5 EOTC Parent

meeting 8.00am
Library
Week 7 13 14 15 16 17
Year 1 enrolments Year 6 Camp Year 6 Camp Year 6 Camp
starting day EOTC Onehunga
Lagoon Pohutukawa EOTC Onehunga Year 4 Long Bay Year 5 – Clip n Climb
½ Yr 5 at Goat Y3 Lagoon Matai Yr3 and swim
Island EOTC
½ Yr 5 at Goat Island
Year 4 Water EOTC NEWSLETTER
Safety pm -
Manuka Year 4 Water Safety
pm – Rm 13 & 23
Week 8 20 21 22 23 24
EOTC Onehunga EOTC Onehunga Carnival working bee
Lagoon Rata Room Lagoon (Sunday 27)
Pohutukawa Yr2 &
Zone swimming Rm 12 Zone swimming Student Leaders’
rain off Conference
ROPS CONNECT
Week 9 27 28 29 30 31
Year 1 enrolments Saturday Carnival 01
starting day NEWSLETTER April

Week 10 3 4 5 6 7
April Zone summer field Second Hand
Day Uniform Sale
8.30am
1.45pm school assembly
ROPS CONNECT – R24/25
BOT meeting
Parent group 7.00pm
meeting 7.30pm
Week 11 10 11 12 13 14
Year 1 enrolments
starting day NEWSLETTER Good Friday
Term ends 3.00pm

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 Board of Trustees (BOT) Meeting
The next BOT meeting is on Thursday 02 March, 7.00pm in the staffroom. The focus of the
next Curriculum report with be eLearning in the Oaks and collaborative practices in the
Acorns. You are most welcome to attend any BOT meetings.

Have a safe and happy fortnight.

Kind regards,

Linley Myers (Principal)

Community Notices

Oboe lessons with Rebecca Grimwood. One-to-one, $33 per 30 min lesson, Mt. Eden
location. Phone/txt 022 694 8905 or email enquiries@scherzo.co.nz. For more information about
Rebecca visit www.scherzo.co.nz. Start learning today!

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 THREE KINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
Registrations are now open at Three Kings United Football Club for the 2017 season. We
cater for 5 year olds upwards and lots of information about the club can be found online
at our web site: http:// www.threekings.org.nz/All registrations are done online from our
web site. Please contact the club if you have any questions. See you on the side-lines.

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