It has been awesome to see our tamariki getting outside this week.  The weather has certainly warmed up over the last few days and we are starting to enjoy some fantastic learning opportunities in the outdoors.  This week I've seen Karearea learning some volleyball skills on the field and Ruru have done some awesome collaborative problem solving challenges under the shade of the trees. 

A big thank you to the families who contributed their whakaaro | thoughts in our recent Whānau Survey.  The feedback you have provided, along with student and staff feedback, is summarised below.  On Tuesday we drew the winner of the 'Grocery Hamper' from the list of whānau who added their name to their survey.  Congratulations to Pauline Jenkins - we hope you enjoy your large box of groceries.   Feedback gathered, along with our 2023 achievement data, will help inform our 2024-2025 Strategic Planning and Annual Targets.

The Friends Of Kuratau School fundraising group are busy planning our next fundraising event.  The 2024 Kuratau School Horse Trek is scheduled for 16-18 February.  Check out the advertising below.

With just four weeks left until the end of the year we are starting to notice some very tired kids.  With tiredness we often see some unsettled behaviour emerge in the playground, in classes and on the bus.  We have been talking to our tamariki about the importance of remembering to act respectfully, use their manners and display appropriate behaviour at all times.  It would be awesome if this message could be reiterated at home.

Remember to check out the Important Dates section below.  Our End of Year Prize-giving will be held on Tuesday 19th December.  We hope to see you there.

Have a super weekend and fingers crossed for some nice summery weather.  The lake is definitely starting to warm up and I've already enjoyed two (quick) refreshing swims.  Bring on the summer sun!


Mā te wā

Shirley Bailey

Once again, thank you to those families who shared their whakaaro in the recent Whānau Survey that was sent to all families.  We received 18 responses from a possible 67 families - so 27% of our whānau responded.  THANK YOU.  Your thoughts are important to us.  

The KEY themes from feedback highlighted the following areas:

These KEY themes will help guide the mahi the Board will do to create our 2024-2025 Strategic Plan. 

This year we have had a huge focus on Literacy.  In particular we have been embedding what is known as a Structured Literacy approach towards teaching Literacy.  All teachers have participated in regular professional learning with our provider, Kirsty Tatere, and have been applying this learning into their teaching practice.  Our end of year results are in and we have seen some significant improvement across all year levels in our students reading, spelling and writing.  We have introduced daily handwriting which has dramatically improved our students writing fluency and letter formation.  All classes complete daily phonics and spelling instruction and our junior students are learning to read following the Little Learners Love Literacy Scope and Sequence.  (See a parent information sheet about Little Learners Love Literacy below).

Next year we will be continuing to work with Kirsty Tatere and focus our attention towards the teaching and learning of Writing, while maintaining a regular spotlight on the systems and programmes we've introduced this year for reading and spelling.  In addition to this we have joined with four local schools (Marotiri, Mountview, Reporoa and Wairakei) and will be attending regular Mathematics Professional Learning sessions throughout the year.  

Literacy and Numeracy are fundamental skills that we want all our students to master, so  they can be successful learners as they progress through the schooling system.  These fundamental skills are an important part of everyday learning here at Kuratau School and we are excited about the progress we are making towards ensuring every student at Kuratau School is achieving to their fullest potential.

We are currently confirming our class numbers for 2024.  We have received a number of out-of-zone 'intentions to enrol' for the Term 1 ballot.  At this stage we do not have many available spaces for out-of-zone students.  If you know your child will NOT be returning in 2024, please email shirleyb@kuratau.school.nz so we can adjust our class numbers and available spaces for out-of-zone applications.

Additionally, if you live in our 'HOME' zone and have younger siblings who will be starting school in 2024, or know of people in the area who are wanting to enrol their children, please complete our 'intention to enrol' form.   

Get your child's water gun ready for our LAST DAY FUN DAY.  Our annual water fight will be held on Wednesday 20th December.  Everybody is involved (including the teachers) in this fun hour of all out water play!  If the weather is warm we will also be operating the slip n slide on the field. 

If your child wishes to participate they will need:

On Friday 17th November, student statements detailing all outstanding charges for the 2023 school year were emailed.  Please check your email and if you have not received your statement feel free to contact the office.  

These statements include any outstanding fees for stationery and bus for the year.  If you have opted to order a stationery pack for your child/children through the school for 2024 this cost will also show on your statement.

All 2023 charges are now due.  Charges for 2024 stationery can be paid at any time prior to the start of Term 1 2024.

We appreciate your prompt payment and trust all accounts will be settled prior to December 20th 2023.  

NOTE:  Our Turangi Bus remains at capacity.  Any unsettled bus accounts may result in a loss of your child's space on the bus.

Due to the increased amount of road works currently underway between school and Turangi, our buses are running a bit behind their usual schedule.  Please be aware that your child may arrive at their stop up to 15 minutes later than usual if the bus gets caught at multiple 'stop' signals.  We understand this is frustrating and are hopeful that the road works will be completed soon.  

We are required to annually advise our school community of the following policy information.

Kuratau School has opted into the School Donations Scheme.  Kuratau School has been part of this scheme for a number of years.  This scheme means that we receive a sum of money each year, per student, to assist with school trips and activities. For more information about this policy please refer to the School Donations and Student Activity Payments policy in School Docs.