Week 9 - Our Final Week of Term 4 and of 2017 in the Senior HQ!

We've started this week off with a hiss and a roar - wall displays are coming down and the tote trays are being cleared out.  Thanks to all of our fabulous helpers today who got stuck in and helped.  We also got into the hall for our first prize giving practice over there.  We are sounding great if I do say so myself!

This evening we had our annual Year 8 Adrenalin Forest evening which a load of our Year 8 students enjoying the challenges of the high ropes course followed by a good old kiwi BBQ in the reserve.  It was great fun and Vicki Smith managed to get some great snaps - here are a few!

Other reminders for this week:

• Tomorrow is the 'Tough Kids' event at the South Brighton Domain.  Senior HQ students are taking part along with Team 5/6.  Students need to be at school for the roll at 8.30am sharp as the buses leave at 8.40am.  Our race time is 9.30am.  We will return to school in time for lunch and the afternoon classes as usual.  Please remember to bring a complete change of clothes, towel and plastic bag as you WILL get wet and muddy.  I've also suggested a rain jacket in case the rain predicted does arrive.  Students can wear their sports gear, mufti or a dress up if they plan to enter the dress up category.  A drink bottle and big lunch is also expected!
• Wednesday lunch time the Student Council, House Captains, Kapa Haka Leaders and HQ teachers have their annual McDonald's lunch.  Notices went home today with the students this event applies to.  This is paid for by the council and is a thank you for all the hard work during the year by the students in these roles. 
• Thursday evening we have our Senior HQ Prize Giving.  This kicks off at 6pm sharp and is always a packed house!  Get there early to secure your seat.  We anticipate the prize giving running until 7.30pm all going to plan.  It is expected that ALL of our Senior HQ students attend this event.  Friday morning is then optional and school finishes at midday on Friday for those students who choose to come along.

We wish all our HQ families and students a very Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxing summer break.  Thanks for your support over the past four terms.  We look forward to seeing our amazing Year 7 students back next year for another action packed year in the HQ!

Happy holidays everyone........Mrs Moore!

Term 4 Week 8, 2017

Happy Summer!!

Only two more weeks left of school! Can't believe how fast this term is going! The end of term means  several exciting end of term events. Along with each event is a notice that has gone home. Notices and money are due in to the classroom teacher ASAP.

The events to keep note of are:

Tuesday, week 8: End of term house event in the afternoon. The house captains have been working away creating all sorts of fun games and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Friday, week 8: Waltham Pool day! The whole HQ will head to Waltham pools for a day of fun in the sun -- hopefully! Please bring appropriate clothes for the weather and lots of food to snack on throughout the day. There is a field, court and a big pool for us to enjoy. Please bring your notice and $9 to secure your spot.

Monday, week 9: All years 8's have been invited to Adrenalin Forest! This will happen after school. Everyone is expected to arrange their own transport but to make things easier, discuss carpool options with friends who live in similar areas. Barbecue is provided! Your notice and $30 is required as soon as possible so we can let the venue know how many people to expect.

Tuesday, week 9: Tough kids! Get your costumes ready this weekend and make sure your notices are in so you can race in this exciting event.

Tuesday, week 9: HQ 3 formal dinner at 6 pm.

Thursday, week 9: Senior prize giving! 6 pm in the hall. See you there!

I believe that's all for now, stay tuned!
Have a great weekend and enjoy this weather!!

Term 4 Week 7, 2017

The final three weeks of term are here!
Remember tonight is the school disco! The senior disco starts at 7 pm and goes until 10 pm. See you there!

Wednesday, November 29th is the Pegasus Triathlon beginning at 10 am. Good luck to those students participating in that race!

A note that all library books must be returned to the library ASAP. Teachers have notices for those students who have overdue books so if you are not sure, please ask your homeroom teacher.

The FWA Christmas Picnic evening is being held at Avonhead School on Thursday.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Cheviot students visit the Senior HQ!

Today in the HQ we welcomed Miss Dodge and her class of Year 7 and 8 students from Cheviot.  They came to visit Avonhead School to experience a day in the life of the Senior HQ!  So after our students returned from technology we welcomed them with a hui.  We had a home room session and each class had some Cheviot students in with us to take part in technology challenges, science experiments and student demonstrations.  During lunch time, our Senior HQ students started up some games to challenge the Cheviot crew.  Cricket and touch were the top two.  Our visitors also enjoyed some time on the senior playground and hanging with our students on the field.  After lunch we did our usual silent reading and Te Reo sessions, which our new friends joined in with.  To wrap up the day, we had an almighty game of capture the flag.  We had a blast and have made some new friends along the way.  Who knows....maybe next year our new crew of  Year 7/8 students might be able to go and visit Miss Dodge and the students in Cheviot for a day in the country!  Thanks for the great day Cheviot!

Latest Movies Featuring Our Senior Students!

Hello families.....

Check out our latest movies featured below from recent school events, all compiled by our talented media team.  This is one of our extension groups available to Year 7/8 students.  The Avonhead Primary School news bulletins are regularly in our school assemblies on Monday afternoon for the whole school to see!  Check out the links below.

Diwali afternoon across the school.......

Our latest Avonhead Primary School news bulletin......

Term 4 Week 4, 2017

Welcome back to regular school routine! I hope everyone has had the chance to catch up on their sleep after a busy week of camp.

Today we had the school wide market day. There were so many great goodies being sold. It was clear that everyone put in a lot of work to their products! Excellent work everyone!

Next week we will be welcoming two guests into the HQ to share their expertise with us. On Tuesday Annette Pau'u will be working with the Te Reo group to do Harakeke weaving. On Thursday Richard Brunton will be sharing a presentation based on our Inquiry Unit - Healthy You.

Summer tournament is on Wednesday for those involved.

On Friday afternoon, the school will be celebrating Diwali through the creation of various arts and crafts. The seniors will be working as Tuakana with the year 3/4's. If you have any old CD's or 2L plastic bottles, please bring these into school at some point next week to use for these crafts.

Please bring any overdue library books to the library ASAP!

Enjoy your weekend!!

Hanmer Springs Camp 2017

Hello all!

We are having a fantastic time on camp here at Hanmer.  The weather has been very kind and the rotation activities have been lots of fun.  Our students have been busy taking part in mountain biking, tree climbing, bush hut building, orienteering, history sketching, mini golf and hiking (just to name a few).  We've had a good giggle every night with the funny awards given out for hilarious things students have done and also challenges and goals that others have met. 

Tomorrow is another action packed day with groups completing activities here at camp, up at the cemetery and within the township of Hanmer.  Here are some snaps from our adventures to date:

Camp Information/Update - 17/10/17

Hello parents, caregivers and students!

With our Senior HQ camp just around the corner we are right into preparation for this big event. A reminder that camp is next week - Tuesday the 24th of October until Friday the 27th. Tonight we had our parent meeting in the HQ to brief the parent helpers on the information they need for the week of camp ahead. It was a great success and we thank the parents for attending. Students are setting up their camp books over the next few days and will be getting information about their bunk rooms, activity groups, camp programme etc.

It would be useful to start working through the packing process as soon as possible this week, using the gear list emailed previously or the paper copy that has been sent home. This will ensure you have everything on the list before next week. The list included check boxes to tick off as you go. 

Please remember to supply the utensils and plastic plates and bowls etc which are CLEARLY NAMED in vivid or with a label. Even taping them or using sticky plasters will work. These are collected all together with everyone else's so they must be well named, just like the 2 tea towels your child also needs to bring. 

Each child is required to bring a packet or bag of biscuits - home baking or nice bought ones. These will be used in lunches and for morning and afternoon teas daily, so ensure you have your packet in your gear. All packets will be collected as soon as we get to camp and stored in the kitchen.

Be mindful that weather is changeable in Hanmer so ensure students are prepared for warm weather, but most importantly cold weather too. Layers are important, along with a waterproof jacket. We won't be stopping activity rotations if the weather is wet. Several pairs of sneakers would be useful in case a pair get wet, so then you have another dry pair while the wet pair dry out. A swimming bag/plastic bag for transporting wet swimwear in a day pack (backpack) will also be useful along with another plastic bag for putting dirty clothes in for washing back home.

We are still in discussion about whether or not devices will be permitted. We will email parents and let the students know once the final decision has been made.

Regarding the hydroslides - we've suggested to keep costs down that your child goes on these on just ONE night if they want to at all. We visit the pools three nights but a single evening is perfectly adequate and keeps costs down. Your child needs to bring their $10 to camp and down to the pools on the night they would like to get the hydroslide pass, should they wish to go on them.

Finally, we are on the hunt for a chiller trailer/refrigerator trailer to borrow for the camp food. With so many chilled and frozen food items needing to be transported from school and collected from shops on the way, we are investigating to see if anyone has one or access to one that we could borrow or hire. Please email me directly on kmoore@avonhead.school.nz if you are able to help.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact your child's home room teacher directly or email me on kmoore@avonhead.school.nz.

Thanks for your ongoing support!

Staff vs Students Netball Game - Term 3, Week 10 2017

GAME ON!

In the Senior HQ we always enjoy some fun challenges of staff vs students in various sports.  Term 3's sport was netball against our stunning Avonhead Senior A Netball Team, coached this season by Katrina Roberts.  On Tuesday the 26th of September at lunch time, there was a lively but quite serious and competitive game umpired by Miss Aitken.  Each team worked exceptionally hard with the teachers coming out on top with a victorious win of 15-7.  Thanks for the great competition girls and thanks to all our many spectators!  Term 4's event will be a game of touch!    Mrs Moore 

Term 3 Week 10, 2017

Last week of term 3!

This term has flown by! Next week there will be a lot of tasks and activities wrapping up so it's time to put our best effort into these last five days of school before a relaxing and enjoyable spring holiday.

Only a few things to keep in mind for the up coming weeks:
- Athletic sports Wednesday and Thursday of term 4, week 1
- Camp term 4, week 2
- Market Day Friday of term 4, week 3

Have a great weekend everyone!

Term 3 Week 9, 2017

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

This week we have a couple different additions to the regular schedule. On Tuesday after technology, Mrs Moore will be taking our speech finalists to the Rotary Speech competition at Isleworth. On Wednesday morning, the HQ will be hosting a special Avonhead Cantamath competition in the hall! More information will come on this, just make sure you come with your best problem solving mindset on Wednesday.

Other things to note:
- The athletic sport competition will be held week 1 of term 4. Practices will continue every Friday until then.
- Camp is coming up fast as it is occurring week 2 of term 4. Please make sure any medical forms that have not been handed in get to your homeroom teacher ASAP.
- Burnside high school testing is on this Friday the 22nd of September.

That is all for this week. Happy Monday, stay dry!!

CALENDAR ART ALERT!

Here are the home room photos as promised, so you can view the calendar art at home.  Hopefully you can zoom in to have a look.  The art is also in the Senior HQ with each home room teacher if you would like a closer look!  We are really proud of the effort the students put in.  Sample products are on display in the school library if you wish to have a look - mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, note pads etc are available to order with your child's art on it.  The order forms went home yesterday - spare notices are in the HQ.  We hope you will support this fundraising effort - they make great Christmas presents!

Home Room 1

Home Room 2

Home Room 3

Home Room 4

Term 3 Week 8, 2017

Welcome! I hope everyone has had a lovely start to spring! This week we worked very hard completing calendar art which will have the chance to be printed into calendars, cards, note pads and more! Details on those orders will come out soon.

Next week is the house signing event! The school will gather for the show Friday afternoon for a very exciting showcase of the talent at Avonhead School.

Camp medical forms went out this week. Please fill this out fully and honestly as this information is very important when travelling to camp. They are due back to the homeroom teachers as soon as possible. Bunk request forms will be handed out soon.

Six of the top placing students in the speech competition will be competing in the Isleworth Speech Competition. Make sure to wish them good luck!

It was announced that the school will be hosting a market day on November 3rd. Make sure to get thinking on what you would like to sell during this time.

Have a good weekend!

Term 3, Week 7 2017

Hello everyone!

This week we were kept busy with several things including cupcake day, year 7 open house and the current events competition. Thank you to all those who participated and helped out with these. We had four year 7/8 teams who competed in the current events competition congratulations to these students! Although they did not place, they still competed very hard and did well!!

Week 7 notices:
- Last call for camp notices, they are due in ASAP!!
- Sing competition is fast approaching and will be happening week 8 so make sure you keep practicing!
- Due to the weather today, we did not begin athletics training. We will being training on Friday.
- Spring flower show (the suitcase in front of the hub) is on Friday from 5pm-6:30pm.
- Calendar art is due on Friday.

Notice from student council:
- There will be a market day coming up at the beginning of term four. Now is a good time to start thinking about whether you will be interested in participating and what you will be selling!

Year 8's going to Burnside:
- Note that your testing is on the 22nd of September from 12:30-3 at the Aurora Centre. You are required to organise your own transport.

Week 4 notices and reminders!

Hello students and families!

Things to mention this week:

1)  Cantamath projects are due this Friday.  Students have had ample class time and have been encouraged to work on their TWO projects at home as well.  The expectation is that on Friday every child will hand in their A4 motif and one other project they have completed.  These will be checked off by home room teachers.

2)  ICAS maths is tomorrow (Tuesday the 15th of August).  If this involves you, you need to go to the library learning centre at 11.20am straight after tech.

3) On Tuesdays, technology day, all girls MUST have their hair tied back in a pony tail or bun please.  This reduces the risk of food contamination or injury with tools and machines in the Kirkwood classes.

4)  Winter sport once again this Friday.  This is our final winter sport afternoon for 2017.

5)  Going home today is a notice about our Cantamath visit to Horncastle Arena next week.  We are taking all of the Senior HQ students on Wednesday morning to view the collection of mathematical displays (like they are creating).   We will be travelling by bus and the cost of $4 per student will be added to the term fees.  All information is on the notice.

5)  Our school disco is this Friday night.  Student Council helpers need to be in the hall from 5.15pm.  Our senior disco is from 7-9pm.  The cost is $4 entry and there will be lollies, chips and drinks available for purchase like usual.  Student Council are expected to stay behind at 9pm to do the tidy up with Mrs G - please remind your families about this.  It is part of your role as a member of the council.

6)  A huge congratulations to our Rugby A, Netball A and Football A teams who have all qualified for the Canterbury Schools Winter Tournament event on Thursday the 24th of August at Hagley Park.  We are really proud of this achievement and wish all the competitors the very best of luck!

7) Finally we are having a tidy up of uniform across the senior students.  All students must be in proper Avonhead uniform at all times.  No other sweatshirts, beanies, coloured thermals etc.  Jackets are to be worn to and from school but not in the block.  A reminder that nail polish is not part of the school uniform either and should not be worn.


Thanks everyone.  Have a wonderful week!
Mrs Moore

Term 3 Week 2, 2017

Welcome back everyone! I hope you had a great break and aren't too tired after a full week back into regular routine.
Only a few things to note for next week:
1) The make up date for Winter Tournament was to be on Monday but due to continued wet weather, this has also been cancelled. Mini tournaments will be scheduled to determine top teams for centrals.
2) Ski trip to Mt Hutt is on Thursday! More info on times will go out on Monday. Use this weekend to ensure you have all the proper gear you need.
3) Student conferences begin Monday. If you have not scheduled a time to meet with your teacher, make sure you go online and complete that as soon as possible.
Enjoy the weekend!

Term 2 - END!

We made it! Great work to everyone this term! Make sure to take some time to relax and have fun during the holidays!

Some things to note:
- If you are going on the ski trip, make sure you have the gear you need sorted for week 2.
- Reports went home on Thursday. Have a look at this with your family and make sure you book a time to come in for a student lead conference.  If you require a second copy, please see your homeroom teacher.

Also, congratulations to everyone who participated in the Cultural Festival on Thursday evening. It was a beautiful show!

Enjoy! See you in two weeks!

Term 2 Week 10, 2017

Final week of term 2! We are half way through the year, time has flown by!

Avonhead School will be hosting the Cultural Festival on Thursday July 6 after school from 6-7:30pm.

Next week there will be no winter sport on Friday. We will be continuing to work on Cantamath projects during Choice Friday. Keep thinking about what you will be doing and make sure to bring any extra materials you may need.

Remember, you must hand in your ski notice ASAP. Check the notice box if you need an extra form.

Enjoy the last week!

Mrs Moore's writing class

Check out the talented writing produced earlier this term by the writers in my writing class!  Our theme was ANZACs and the war and our focus was using impact vocabulary to create imagery for our audience.  You'll find all of the poems on the windows of the HQ in the quiet space - check them out next time you are visiting our block.  Enjoy the read...... Mrs Moore 😊

Term 2 Week 9, 2017

Can you believe there are only two week left until the end of the term?!

This week we began a Matariki art project in anticipation for Matariki on Monday. Here is the link that explains the importance of this holiday and what it represents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgxifXxMHAw

On Tuesday, the lucky students who were the first 60 to hand in their notice will be attending Riccarton for their presentation of The Lion King.

Also on Tuesday, four of our clever chess masters will be competing at Halswell School for the competitive chess competition. Good luck!

On Wednesday afternoon, we have been given the opportunity to trial a new swim program at King's Swim School. Make sure to return your notices promptly in order to secure your spot. On the day, you will be required to come to school fully prepared for a nice walk and with everything you need to swim.

Final house meeting for the term will be held on Thursday.
Cantamaths prep will begin Friday. If any year 7's are interested in joining an after school Cantamaths practice club every Tuesday please let Miss Jakub know.

Also don't forget to hand in your ski notice to your homeroom teacher!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Term 2 Week 6, 2017

Happy long weekend! The school is closed on Monday due to the Queen's birthday holiday.

This week we kicked off testing season with the easttle reading tests. Good job everyone on giving your best effort during these days. Next week the maths easttle will be our focus.

Those students who are working on speeches, make sure they are complete and you are prepared to present on Tuesday. Students will be chosen for the competition by the end of the week.

On Wednesday, June 9, Avonhead school will be hosting a technology event in the hall. Congrats to those who were chosen to represent the school and compete Wednesday evening. Also on Wednesday, Clearview school is hosing the Extra! Spelling competition. The competition for this team was very tight but in the end, 9 students were chosen to represent our school. Make sure you hand in your notices for these events ASAP. Good luck!!

Remember, the school is closed Monday. See you back on Tuesday!

Term 2 Week 5, 2017

Hi all! I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend!

Last week our senior athletes represented Avonhead school extremely well in both the Canterbury indoor basketball and volleyball tournaments. Avonhead students also competed in cross country zones with many qualifying to centrals! Amazing effort to everyone who went out and competed!

Special thanks to Sophie from Future in Tech who gave an excellent and informative presentation to our senior HQ about the relevance of sustainability. This week we are excited to welcome Angus McIntosh as he is going to be sharing his knowledge on the topic this Wednesday.

Also coming up this week - easttle reading tests throughout the week, national young leaders day on Tuesday and week 3 of winter sport on Friday.

See everyone tomorrow!

Term 2, Week 3 2017

Hello! I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We had a very busy week last week with HQ 2 and 3 kicking off the first round of sustainability trips, a very wet midday cross country event, and our year 8's experiencing a day at Riccarton high school.

While the year 8's were away on Friday. The years 7's were fortunate enough to participate in a media crash course with Mandy. Here is the link to view the creations! https://blog.seesaw.me/avonheadhub2017/#!/

This week is the first week of winter sport! Make sure you know when your team is practicing and you come prepared. Friday afternoon will be when the first games are taking place. More information about times and locations will come this week.

There will be a second dance audition with Miss McMahon this Wednesday in the hall from 12:30-1. Come ready to dance! The team will be finalized later on this week.

Miss Jakub's Maths class - Notices will be going out Monday to those who are interested in some extra cantamaths competition practice. This will take place every Wednesday at 3:30 at Merrin school. If you are interested, please return these to Miss Jakub ASAP.

FYI... it's national science week!!!

Term 1 Inquiry Celebration - Identity!

Special thanks to Jenny Wang in the Senior HQ for making this awesome movie of our celebration on the final day of last term.  We had a great time at our cultural shared lunch (see the photos below) and then our open afternoon in the HQ sharing our projects and displays about our country and identity.

Reminders - Week 1 in the Senior HQ

A few reminders for this week and next for our students and whanau:

1)  Sports top EVERY day as we are taking part in cross country training on Ferrier Park each day.  Don't forget to wash them too please!  A big drink bottle of water would be ideal too.  Cross Country is being held at school on Thursday the 11th of May (Week 2).  We have two competitions this year - the non-competitive cross country event which is 1.5km and the competitive cross country event which is 3km.  Racing starts at 11:30am - please come and join us!

2)  Winter sport trials and practices on Friday for hockey and rugby.  Hopefully you know about the other sports!  Netball teams are announced tomorrow.

3)  HQ2 and HQ3 students need to return their inquiry field trip forms ASAP to the office - we go next Wednesday the 10th of May.  We MUST have 5 parents, friends or family members per class to meet their ratios or we can't go so please offer if you can!  HQ1 and HQ4 your notices will be coming home shortly once your date is confirmed.

4)  Inquiry homework - students should be working on their title pages to ensure these are completed to a high standard this week.

5)  We have just launched our inquiry for this term which is "Sustainability: Be The Change!"  Along with our classroom work and field trip we would like some guest speakers to come in and talk to us about natural resources, human impacts, sustainability, earth problems and conservation.  If you can help us by coming in or by answering questions we could email, or if you know someone who can, please email Mrs Moore on kmoore@avonhead.school.nz.

6) Winter Sport starts Week 3.

Have a great week and weekend everyone!

ANZAC theme week!

This week in the Senior HQ we have been discussing, writing and reading about our ANZAC hero's and the history behind ANZAC day.  We don't want our troops to be forgotten!  As part of our reading 'pick n mix' activities, Mrs Moore has been baking with groups making chocolate dipped ANZAC biscuits.  They are looking amazing!  Taste testing is tomorrow!  Check out the snaps of our students working hard....and if you want the recipe then follow this link  http://www.foodinaminute.co.nz/Recipes/Choc-Dipped-Anzac-Biscuits

Week 11 - the final week of Term 1!

Hi everyone!

A few quick reminders for this week:

1) Good luck for the league tournament if you are involved in that on Tuesday.
2)  Technology on Tuesday as usual - they are still in need of any old, rinsed plastic containers and bottles if you can send them along to school please.
3)  If you have sports trials this week remember your sports gear.
4) Homework needs to be finishing off your non-fiction reading task ready for Thursday AND your inquiry presentations of your culture/country ASAP.  These were due Friday last week.
5)  On Thursday we have our cultural shared lunch.  You each need to bring a plate of food from your country to share with others for this event.  You can either bring it in the morning to one of the break out spaces or you can arrange for it to be dropped at the hall on Thursday BY 12.20pm ready for the set up.  You will be able to join us if you contribute something to share from your country.
6) On Thursday we also have our open afternoon to share all our amazing inquiry presentations about the different countries we align with.  Remember to invite family and friends to come along to the HQ to view the displays and presentations.  You are to wear something from your country eg traditional dress, costumes, country or flag colours, rugby jersey's etc from lunch time on for our cultural day too!

Have a great week everyone!
Mrs Moore

Huxster Mountain Bike Relay Event....

On Friday last week 30 students from our Senior HQ competed in the Huxster Mountain Bike Relay annual event held at McLean's Island. We were joined by 26 Year 5 & 6 students too.  The event involved teams of two students completing a 4.2km loop, tagging their partner who would then go out and do the loop and so on for a period of THREE hours.  Following all the rain, it really was the case of "mud, sweat and tears"!  Thanks to the group of amazing parents who supported us and helped make the trip possible.  You were all awesome.  Here is the movie of photos from the day:

Amazing Race Video!

Here is a movie from our fantastic Amazing Race house event held last week on Thursday.  Congratulations to the amazing house captains and student exec who helped organise and run this very successful event.  Check it out:

Week 10, Term 1 2017

Can't believe we are already gearing up for the end of term! Time has flown by. Because of this, we have a lot coming up in the next couple of weeks as we wrap up the term.

Our Inquiry focus for the term has been "Identity: you, me, us, we." We have been investigating our cultures and are currently working on our final project. On Thursday, April 13 parents are welcome to come to our open afternoon where we will be presenting the projects. This afternoon is all about celebrating our cultures and the places we come from. There will be a shared lunch so everyone is encouraged to bring a plate to share, ideally representing a cultural dish.

Central Swimming is occurring on Thursday the 6th of April. Good luck to Maddy and Izzy who are competing on the day!

Huxter mountain biking is on Friday, April 7th. Students are to be at school by 8:30 for roll. Meet out front of the hall with parents. The four students who needed to make repairs for their bike, make sure you show Mrs. Moore by Wednesday.  Have fun!

Netballs are on sale for $5. If you wish to buy one, you can pick it up in the Library.

Winter sport trials are on next week. There will be a schedule posted for the dates each sport in on. Make sure you have the necessary gear ready to go on the day.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

BIKE CHECK REMINDER - ALL HUXSTER COMPETITORS!

Attention all students competing in the Huxster mountain bike relay next Friday at McLeans!

On Wednesday this week you will be doing your bike and helmet safety check in preparation for this event with Constable Brunton and me.  On Wednesday you MUST bring the bike and helmet you will be using on the day of the event.  You will be given a sheet to take home that outlines what (if anything) needs fixing or tightening etc and will then have just over a week to get your equipment organised.  Any questions just email me please!

Thanks,
Mrs Moore

Week 9, Term 1 2017

We had a great week in the HQ this week. To add to that great work we were able to support a great cause while enjoying some ice-cream on this lovely sunny day. Thank you to all who participated in this fundraiser for Epilepsy.

On Monday, the members of the Literacy Team will be competing at Cobham School. They have been practising hard this week and I am very excited to see them compete. I encourage those on the team to take some time on the weekend to continue reading and studying those books!

Also on Monday is the Duathlon! Don't forget to bring you PE tops, a healthy lunch and lots of water. Good luck to everyone participating!

Trials for winter sport will begin soon. Keep an eye out for more information on specific dates and times for this. Make sure to have the proper gear ready to go on the dates you are participating.

Students were notified of library books that are over due. Please return or renew these ASAP.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Week 8, Term 1 2017

Awesome job this week to those who competed in zones swimming! You all did an excellent job representing Avonhead School with a positive attitude, good sportsmanship, and great effort.

A big congratulations to Johanna, Caitlyn, Ben, and Emma who have been selected for the Literacy Quiz which is being held on Monday March 27. Notices and more information about the day will sent out next week. I would also like to thank and congratulate the other students who tried out for this team, you all made an excellent effort!

There are a few outstanding assignments due in for Choice Friday and Inquiry. If this is you then take some time this weekend to complete these items.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Week 7, Term 1 2017

This week in the senior HQ we were happy to kick start our passion Fridays! I hope everyone had fun exploring some alternative and fun topics.
Here are some reminders for the coming week:

Choice Friday
Miss Jakub's writing class - type up your lyrics and share it with Miss Jakub by Friday, March 17.
Miss Jakub's math class - if you haven't completed your math task then ensure you have that completed and handed in to Miss Jakub by Friday, March 17.
Mrs G's writing and math - any outstanding work needs to be completed.

Swimming Sports
Congrats to those who have qualified for zones for swimming sports! Your permission forms need to be completed and handed into the office ASAP. This is taking place on Thursday, March 16.

House Meeting
Everyone will be meeting in their houses for a house meeting on Friday, March 17 at 2:30. Green house will be meeting in the Senior HQ, blue house in the hall, red house in the 5/6 block, and yellow house in the 3/4 block. During these meetings you will meet the house captains, practice chant and get introduced to the first house event of the year!

A Notice From Student Council:

The student council is holding a mufti day on Friday the 24th of March to hold awareness for Epilepsy month. This is a great cause to raise money for as we have students in our school with epilepsy. The cost will be a gold coin donation to wear mufti to school. 

Week 6 in the Senior HQ

Well done on a successful, high energy Swimming Sports in Week 5 at Wharenui everyone.  It was great seeing almost all of our students taking part in either the competitive or non-competitive events at the pool.  We certainly can cheer loudly!

This week's notices are as follows:

1) Return your 'mix and mingle' forms asap - the next Mix and Mingle is in the school hall on Thursday 9th of March.

2) All Huxster mountain biking relay forms SHOULD be in by now - any late entries can chat to Mrs Moore asap.  We are in need of two mountain bikes that we need to lend to a couple of students who want to take part but don't have their own bikes.  If you have a suitable bike and helmet that is in great working order and you don't mind lending it to two responsible and reliable students then please email Mrs Moore on kmoore@avonhead.school.nz thanks.

3) PAT testing kicks off this week - have a good breakfast so your brain is engaged and ready for these standardised tests!

4)  German students needs to complete their title pages and mapping activity by Friday.

5)  Ensure you have a personal reading book at home for your nightly reading AND at school for personal reading sessions.

6)  Ghost Stories Around the Camp Fire Workshop people - you must share your google doc stories with Mrs Ellison BEFORE Friday please.

7)  Picture Book Workshop people - if you have written your story on a computer you must share this with Mrs G before Friday and have your margins set at left 2 and right 2.  See Mrs G if you need help with this!

8)  Mr Weusten will work with academy, development and house captains as usual on Thursday and of course Kapa Haka on Tuesday afternoon with Maaka, Mrs Moore and Mrs Moke.

9)  We will be collating names of interested Jump Jam students this week - have a think and decide if that sounds like you!

Have a great weekend and week!

REMINDER TIME!

1. Year 5-8 swimming sports are on tomorrow at Wharenui Pool.  Students need to wear school uniform to school but can have their swim wear underneath if they want to.  They also need to bring their house colour t-shirt to wear please.  
2. Any outstanding $5 and permission forms for this event need to be in the box in the office tomorrow please.  
3. Parents are welcome to watch - there are considerable road works around the pool venue so be prepared for parking to take a while!
4. Choir tomorrow morning in the hall - 8am start in the hall.

Thanks for being organised (students) and helping your child to be organised (parents)!

Week 5, Term 1 2017

The first few weeks of this term have flown by! Can't believe we are already gearing up for week 5.
This week we completed Kings Swimming and it was great to see such improvement from so many of you! Good effort everyone.

Swimming Sport
Thursday, March 2nd is our swimming sports event. Everyone should have signed up for something whether it be a competitive or non competitive event. The event goes from 10 am - 2 pm at Wharenui Pool. There will be a notice going out on Monday. There will be a cost of $5 to cover the pool and bus. These will be due back ASAP.

Huxster MTB
Huxster notices have been handed out and are due by Thursday, March 2nd. This event is happening on the 7th of April.

Family picnic is happening today from 5-7. Stop by for some good food and fun! Hope to see some of you there.

House Captains & Student Council Team for 2017

Congratulations to the students featured below who have been selected for our team of house captains and our student council for 2017.  We had many strong candidates and we thank all students who applied and spent time filling out application forms.  Remember our 'monitors & duties' get changed each term so there are always jobs, contributions and leadership opportunities available for people who are interested!

Week 4, Term 1 2017

Welcome all who may have just been hooked up to the blog! 

This week we had our open house and it was great to see several parents there. We also announced the outstanding students who were selected for student council and house captains. Congrats to all of those students!

Some notices for this coming week include:

Teacher Emails:

brodger@avonhead.school.nz

sgamperle@avonhead.school.nz

kmoore@avonhead.school.nz

hellison@avonhead.school.nz

kjakub@avonhead.school.nz

Kings Swimming

Kings swimming will be running for one more week. You must have togs/towels/goggles/etc at school ready to go for this everyday. On Wednesday, bring additional clothing for survival swimming. 

Chess Club 

Chess club sign up will begin on Monday. Sessions will run every Wednesday at lunch. Have a think about it this weekend if this is a club you may be interested in. We will be entering in different competitions later in the year!

Personal Reading

You should be prepared with a personal reading book everyday! If you don't have a book or perhaps aren't happy with the book you are reading, try visiting a library this weekend. There's a book out there for everyone!

Mrs. G. Maths

Must have task one and two completed by Monday.

Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the fires this week. Hope everyone can have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

Week 3, Term 1 2017

Hello!
I hope everyone is finding they are settling in nicely to the Senior HQ and enjoying getting back into the school routine. This week we kicked off choice Friday with some neat extension topics to enhance our normal curriculum! I hope you are all looking forward to digging deeper into these sessions, I know I am.

Kings Swimming
Notices for Kings Swimming are due into the homeroom teacher no later than Sunday February 12 (scan and email ASAP). Each homeroom will be starting this on Monday and will go for two weeks. Make sure you come prepared with everything you need for swimming: bathing suits, goggles, swim cap, towel, etc (with labels!) Kings have said that parent parking provided is for mum's with bubs. We apologise but if you want to visit you will need to park on the road.

Meet the Teacher
Meet the teacher night is this Thursday February 16 from 5-6. First session is 5-5:30 and second session runs 5:30-6. This is geared towards parents to get to know the teachers, receive a full run down of our program and learn more about how the year will run this year in the HQ.

Technology Payment Forms
Payment forms for the materials used at technology have been handed out to all students in their homeroom. These are to be returned  directly to the office. These are due no later than March 3.

Mrs G's German Class
Don't forget to complete your German Title page by Friday.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! See you Monday.
:)

Week 2, Term 1 2017

Welcome back to Week 2 in the Senior HQ.  We hope you had a lovely long weekend - the weather was certainly fabulous!

1) Please return the King's swimming assessment notice that went home last week asap.  We need to get these sent off to King's so they can group you accordingly.  Swimming starts Monday Week 3 and runs daily for a 2 week block.

2) All letters to the home room teachers are due tomorrow (Tuesday of Week 2).  These were set last week in your rotation sessions when you working with Mrs Moore and Mrs Ellison.  You need to set up your google doc in your 'writing' folder in drive, then write the first half of your letter about your summer and the second half about the things you are looking forward to this year in the Senior HQ.  These need to be shared (with editing rights) with your home room teacher please.  Home Room 3 your letter format is a little different - check your 'writing' folder/emails for the letter you are replying to please.

3) Each of you needs a personal reading book for personal reading time in the HQ which we started last week.  We hope to get to our school library this week, otherwise you can bring a book from home or one from a CHCH City Library.  It is handy to be a member of these as we do visit the Riccarton Library from time to time for a morning.

4) Homework expectations at this stage of the game are nightly reading (at least 20 minutes), notices returned and your letter completed and shared with your home room teacher.  If you are filling in a student council application or house captain application these need to be returned to the containers on the green table in the info space by Thursday of this week.

5) If you didn't have a beginning of the year interview with your home room teacher and parents/caregivers on Monday or Tuesday of last week, you need to get Mum or Dad to email us to make a suitable time as soon as possible please: brodger@avonhead.school.nz  sgamperle@avonhead.school.nz  kmoore@avonhead.school.nz or kjakub@avonhead.school.nz

6) Remember tomorrow (Tuesday) is our first technology session at Kirkwood Intermediate School.  The roll will be done by home room teachers at 8.30am sharp in the HQ so please be at school early.  The bus leaves at 8.40am or just after so you need to be organised on Tuesdays everyone!

Thanks for the wonderful start to the term!  We had lots of fun getting to know you and building our HQ whanau.  We were strong role models in both the powhiri and assembly last week - well done.  It was fabulous hearing so many of you putting your names forward for our services, duties and monitors last week.  We will be discussing these and making choices this week for our Term 1 students.

Have a great week.........Mrs Moore