Our final school day is next WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER.  On this day, we have an assembly which begins at 11.30am and will finish at approximately 12.30pm.  The buses will leave straight after the assembly.  Parents, grandparents and extended families are most welcome to join us in the hall.
To our Year 8 students and parents:  Please join us in Room 1 for a farewell morning tea at 10.30am.
At our final assembly we will also farewell Ms Bridger and Debs Godsiff.
  Thank you both for all your work at Ngatimoti School!
To begin 2010 our staff will be:
Hall teacher    Juniors – Year 1    Amy Dell
Room 4    Years 2 & 3    Heather Reid & Jo Hadley
Room 3    Years 3 & 4    Liz Wijnands
Room 2    Years 5 & 6    Bruce Whitwell
Room 1    Years 7 & 8    Steve Dunn
Congratulations to Amy Dell, who has secured a permanent position with us at Ngatimoti School.  Amy will be on leave on Wednesday 16 December and so will not be present at our final assembly.
2010  Students are expected back at school on Tuesday 2 February at 9am.  Lunchtimes in 2010 will be from 12 noon until 1pm.  Interval will be from 10.15-10.30am

The Ngatimoti Curriculum With the revised NZ Curriculum coming into effect in 2010, our staff have been busy adapting it to become our Ngatimoti Curriculum.  The BOT and staff believe strongly in the parent input component, however I have some concerns with this.  With so many students coming from such diverse backgrounds I find school can become a difficult place for some.  We have high expectations at school and these are reflected in our RIVER values (Respect, posItive, innoVative, Excellence, Responsible).  Attitudes and behaviour are a significant component of our school curriculum and we would appreciate your support with this.  If students come to school tired and hungry, then they begin their day on a back foot. If students have parents working alongside them and encouraging them, then school can in part be an extension of home.  It is important for us to work together, and in this way our students – your children – will have the best possible primary education.  Ali

Welcome to Emily, Cameron and Archie Anderson who have moved to Ngatimoti from England.  Welcome also to 5 year old Ruben who has also joined us this week.  It’s great to have you with us!

ATHLETICS Yesterday our 8, 9 and 10 year old students did us proud!  Many parents and teachers commented on their excellent behaviour and fantastic skills.  All students seemed to do their best, relate well to others and have fun.  Well done to you all!  Thanks to the great group of parents who once again transported and supported our students.  We couldn’t do it without you!  Today our 11, 12 and 13 year olds have their day to shine at athletics.
EDIBLE GARDEN STUDY Tomorrow we will be visited by a group from Healthcore International, who are researching schools and their edible gardens.  We are very proud of our gardens at the moment, with broccoli, broad beans and lettuces all ready for harvesting.  The strawberries, garlic and peas are all growing well too.  Room 3 have made quiche today using some of our broccoli to share with our visitors.

Please click on the link below to read the full newsletter this week . . . .

Education Review Office Report
Our latest ERO report has now been finalised and is available for viewing in the school office and on the web at www.ero.govt.nz
We are all feeling very proud of ourselves!

Our Edible Gardens
Everything in the garden is rosy, we have planted peas and they are shooting up!  There is yummy broccoli ready to eat, the broad beans are fattening up and their tips taste great in salads!  We have also planted tomatoes, cucumber and corn. . . . and don’t tell the birds, the strawberries are looking great!
Any ideas how we could use our delicious, healthy home grown produce for our kids Friday lunches?