Balmoral School Newsletter - 18 August 2023
Principal's Welcome
Tēnā koutou i tēnei ahiahi
This past week, we hosted our biannual Ākonga and Whānau Learning Conferences, a significant event in our school calendar. Throughout these two days, we engaged in over 550 important discussions with whānau. It's worth noting that our staff has also been arranging individual discussions beyond these conference days.
Research and experience have shown us that when families actively participate in these conferences and engage in conversations about their child's education, it significantly improves learning outcomes. If you're interested in meeting with our staff outside of these scheduled times, please feel free to reach out to them via email.
Schools throughout Auckland are currently facing challenges related to the health of their teaching staff and the availability of teachers to fill these relief positions. This chronic shortage of relieving staff and sickness does cause additional pressure on classroom routines and instructional programs.
In light of this situation, if your child isn't feeling well, we kindly encourage you to keep them at home. It's important to consider that viruses can spread rapidly within a classroom setting, and by taking this precaution, we can collectively contribute to a healthier environment for all students and staff members.
Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Ka pai te rā whakatā (Have a good weekend)
Nāku noa
Malcolm
Out of Zone Enrolments
The Balmoral School School Board may approve a limited number of out-of-zone enrolments for 2024.
Balmoral Intermediate School
- Applications for out-of-zone enrolments for 2024 must be received by 3.00 pm, Wednesday, 30 August, 2023. Should a ballot be required for out-of-zone enrolments, this will occur on Wednesday, 6 September 2023.
Balmoral Primary School
- Applications for out-of-zone enrolments for 2024 must be received by 3.00 pm, Wednesday, 11 October, 2023. Should a ballot be required for out-of-zone enrolments, this will occur on Wednesday, 18 October 2023.
Out-of-zone applications use the same online application procedure as in-zone students.
However, out-of-zone applications do not require the completion of the in-zone Statutory Declaration Form or provision of proof of residence.
More information about enrolment can be found here on our website under enrolment.
Intermediate Enrolment
Primary Enrolment
Artz Festival
Next week we are holding our annual Artz Festival. This is a significant event in our school calendar. Art Education develops ākonga creative and motor skills and nurtures their imagination and self-expression. These artistic experiences also promote cultural appreciation, emotional expression, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
It is an action-packed week with dress-ups, performances by entertainers, school bands, James Watson, our resident artist and the 'Great Balmarol Gots Talent'.
Dress-up Day Themes
Monday is Bad Hair Day; Tuesday is Super Hero Day; Wednesday is A.R.T Day
All pieces of Art will be displayed on Tuesday, 5 September, at the Festival Exhibition.
Plastic Free August
This month it is plastic-free August at Balmoral School. We are encouraging students to bring plastic-free lunch boxes. There is a school-wide competition with a pizza lunch for the class with the most plastic-free lunch boxes. This is single-use plastic, so things like Gladwrap, chip packets, suckie packets and packaged muesli bars etc. We don't count plastics that are multi-use, e.g. small Tupperware containers or yoghurt pouches that are washed and refilled.
We encourage students and their families to find alternatives such as using lunch boxes with compartments so biscuits, sandwiches and fruit don't need to be wrapped or beeswax wraps that can be washed and reused.
However, we don't want to cause any unnecessary stress for your child or family so please do what is appropriate for you. We always find that small changes last longer!
Thank you
From the Whānau Whetu Team
Primary School News
Whānau Mahira
Planting seeds
In Mahira this term our Inquiry has ventured into the world of plants. We have been planting broad bean seeds, drawing leaves and thinking about how plants grow.
We are checking up on our seeds, we can see they are all at different stages. Isla said, “The water is making the plant grow, so it can burst out.” Margot said, “When birds hatch out of an egg, it’s like they want to get out. That’s like the plant wants to get out of the seed. It pushes out like a bird.” The children imagine being in a really small space and pushing their way out.
Discovering natural dyes
We thought we would roast some winter vegetables so we brought in some beetroot and carrots to peel, cut and cook. The table was covered in white paper and sure enough, as we were working with the vegetables the children noticed the strong colours. Will picked up a peeling and started rubbing it on the paper, “You can paint with this” he said. Ivanka described it as a type of dye and Tessa said we could juice the peelings and then get more paint.
We are now painting with the natural dyes, experimenting with mark making and using different painting tools. Next it would be interesting to have a go at mixing the colours. We wonder what will happen.
Intermediate School News
Rockshop Bandquest Thu 24 Aug 2023, 6:30pm–9:30pm
Rockshop Bandquest is Aoteaora’s live music event for Primary and Intermediate aged school students. In its thirteenth year, the programme annually hosts hundreds of young bands in venues throughout the country. Three of the amazing bands from Balmoral School will be performing on Thursday night at Auckland Girls' Grammar School. Head to the below link to purchase tickets.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2023/rockshop-bandquest5/auckland/epsom
Tim Sonderer Memorial Y7&8 Waterpolo Tournament
The Balmoral Barracudas water polo team competed in the Tim Sonderer Memorial Y7&8 tournament over the weekend. The team of 10 players, including Y8 Eli Morrison, Tommy Humphries, Orla Whiting, Christian Lawry, Alice Randerson, Meiher Benipal, and Harley Lynas, and Y7 Ryan Fletcher, Archie Mead, and Elizabeth Fenn, played in the A grade, which was a challenge but a valuable learning experience.
The transition from C grade to the A grade was challenging, as the players had to adapt to the larger pool, the concept of a water "sin bin," and the "shot clock." However, they rose to the challenge and played some great water polo. They always gave it their all.
It was heartwarming to see the players rally together, support each other, and pour their hearts into every moment. The team's Friday league coaches lent their expertise during the tournament, and their guidance helped the players improve their skills.
Thanks to Scott Morrison, whose invaluable suggestion and organizing efforts made participation possible.
The resilience and sportsmanship demonstrated by our young athletes throughout the tournament were a source of immense pride and inspiration. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop as water polo players and wish them all the best for the AIMS Games in Tauranga.
A massive congratulations to Chloe Petrie on a very successful gymnastics competition last weekend. Chloe places first at Zones and then second equal at the Auckland Champs of Champions. This is the result of many, many hours of work by Chloe, and we are very proud of her.
Congratulations also to Ruby Yang who performed with Junior ID at the recent World Hip Hop Championships in the USA, where the team came an amazing 6th! This also involved a huge amount of work in the lead up, and we are also very proud of Ruby!
Library News
Hairy Maclary is 40! Find a copy and get your tamariki to read it to you. The quality of rhyme, rhythm and stories have not diminished in that time. Where else would a five-year-old learn the word cacophony? Even NZ Post have joined in festivities with a stamp issue.
Dorothy Butler Children's Bookshop in Ponsonby has a party to celebrate:
Hairy Maclary 40th Birthday Party
There will be cupcakes, fun activities, a book giveaway and of course some excellent stories.
Any and all ages welcome.
Saturday August 19th at 11am
Today's Listener has an article by Paul Little about the importance of school libraries. At our school, management prioritise good funding for our library books. Many thanks to our PTA for organising fundraising. This ensures we have a well-stocked and diverse range of books both for reading enjoyment and research. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions
Pizza Wheels are being well used. We distributed the first set to year 3 upward. They encourage many children to expand their reading. They read 7 books, get the wheel stamped, they can then redeem it for a kid's pizza at any Hell Pizza if you are happy. (There is no limit on the number of wheels they can fill in). Hell Pizza are sponsors of the recently announced NZ Book Award for Children and Young Adults. https://www.nzbookawards.nz/new-zealand-book-awards-for-children-and-young-adults/the-hell-reading-challenge/
Hats off To Reading! The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Reading Lounge off the Library. Week 8, Monday 4th to Wednesday 6th September. Also open on Tuesday evening for Arts Festival. It is not only Scholastic books; and they continue to be great supporters of NZ authors and illustrators. All classes will have a chance to visit the "Pop Up Book Shop". It is not compulsory for the children to purchase (although we do take a good commission). We also welcome recommendations from the children for our own purchases.
Liz and Nicola library@balmoral.school.nz
Community News
If you are intending to submit a Mt Roskill Grammar School 2024 Out of Zone application, please be aware that the deadline is fast approaching.
IMPORTANT: If you have submitted already submitted an online application and did not get a confirmation email, or have not heard from MRGS administration, please email us urgently at enrolment@mrgs.school.nz
Applications must be received by 4.00pm on Wednesday 30 August to be included in the ballot. This includes students with siblings currently attending.
Applications received after the deadline will go onto a waiting list.
We encourage you to submit applications for In Zone students as soon as possible as we will be starting to arrange interviews and subject selection in the coming weeks.
Karen Collins
Associate Principal
Mount Roskill Grammar School