From the Principal
Welcome back to a new term!!
Although we have completed 2 full terms, this week marks the official half-way point in the year, when half of the compulsory 193 full school days are completed!
Following feedback received in a previous newsletter about school uniform, we have been working with our supplier John Russell Schoolwear to develop and produce a Pigeon Mountain beanie hat! These are now on sale in the John Russell store in Howick and can be worn throughout the year when the weather is colder. Priced at $14.50, these hats are a great addition to our uniform and complement the existing winter options. Our priority is that children can be warm when attending school in the colder months, and we would suggest purchasing one for your child whilst stocks last! Thank you to the families who participated in the survey and contributed to this idea!
Attendance
We recently received an update from the Ministry on school attendance, and comparisons about the attendance of our students with other schools in NZ. According to the Ministry of Education definition, ‘regular’ attendance is 90% or above- the equivalent to only one day of absence or less each fortnight. At Pigeon Mountain Primary School, close to 85% of students are classified as ‘regular’ attenders, in comparison to a figure of 65% in the rest of Auckland, and 62% in wider New Zealand. Well done to our amazing community for valuing attendance and education so highly!
Short Survey on… Facilities
Thank you to the parents who took the time to participate in the short survey on school facilities in the end of Term 2 newsletter. The results were as follows;
From the items offered in the facilities list, the highest priorities were considered to be additional toilet facilities closer to the field, and greater sun protection around school grounds.
Lowest in priority were the addition of a school minivan, and seating on the Loloma entrance area.
The feedback is important and will be shared with the board who are considering strategic facilities at coming meetings. We are currently obtaining quotes to assist us in the speedy reopening of the junior playground close to rooms 10 and 11.
Short Survey on… School Lunches
In this survey, we would like to ask parents about the service we provide for purchasing school lunches. If you are able to answer a few questions, this is useful to help us review the service to ensure we are giving families good quality and value options for food in school.
Dates for your diary
Wednesday 19 July – School Cross Country
Friday 21 July – School Cross Country Saving Day
Friday 21 July – 100 Days of School
PMPS Cross Country
Our 2023 School Cross Country Event will be held TOMORROW with saving day, Friday 21st July. All students have been training for this event in their class fitness programme.
Children will need to bring the following to school:
- Sports Gear
- House T-Shirt, school sports shorts, running shoes (optional).
- Junior students can wear shorts and a coloured T-shirt that matches the colour of their house group (Pukeko – Blue, Tui – Red, Kereru – Green, Kiwi – Yellow).
- School Jacket / School Polar fleece
- Towel to sit on
- Drink Bottle (water)
Programme
- Years 0 – 3 Cross country will start at 11.30 am.
- Years 4 – 6 Cross country will be at 1:30 pm.
Please note:
- Children are required to sit in their House groups before and after their race, and they will not be able to sit or move off with their parents.
- Children must stay at school until 3.00pm as the normal end-of-school day routines will still apply.
For safety purposes, kindly keep behind the markers and cones, and avoid standing too close to the course’s edge. There will be a specific area for parents, friends, and family to sit and watch. Please refrain from going near the seated year groups of the children.
We appreciate your support and encouragement, but please remember to keep all responses positive and acknowledge the efforts of all runners.
PMPS Community Group
Next Wednesday 26th July at 6.30pm all parents/caregivers of PMPS are invited to attend our PMPS Community Group meeting in the Staffroom.
The PMPS Community Group aims to find practical ways to support the school, students, and the wider community.
If you have a passion for this or great ideas, come along. For any questions, email Johnathan at johnathand@pmps.school.nz
Kereru – Dress Down Day on Thurs 20th July
Congratulations to Kereru House for earning the most house points during Term 2! Kereru students are rewarded with a dress-down day on Thursday 20th July!
