Latest News from QPS

View this email in your browser
Volume 36| 18 November 2022| Roll Number 665| Week 5 Term 4

Kia ora koutou

At QPS, one of our core actions and priorities is to build a partnership with our families to support our students’ learning and behaviour. As a school, it is vital that we celebrate and honour families as our students’ first teachers while also developing strong partnerships and fostering regular attendance. Thank you. Teachers are currently completing individual student achievement reports. You will receive these at the end of the term. These reports take many hours to complete, lots of discussion within teams to moderate assessments occurs and are a summary of your child’s achievement. I will be sharing a comparison of mid year to end of year data with you later in the term.

This week I attended the Year 6 Stewart Island Camp. How lucky am I to be able to enjoy this amazing environment while reconnecting with students, teachers and parents? The weather was brilliant, the students were outstanding representatives for QPS on the island and while interacting with the locals. We caught many blue cod which was cooked at the Kai Cart and devoured by all. Several students had never caught a fish before; the expression on delighted faces was outstanding to watch. Thank you to Year 6 teachers and parents who fundraised to make this historical Camp such a success!

We are currently reflecting on our School 2022 goals and considering actions for 2023. Next week you will receive a short survey to gain your feedback in relation to what we do well at QPS and how we can improve. I would really appreciate your feedback as your information will contribute to a Board of Trustees and Leadership planning day in a couple of weeks. You can locate our Annual and Strategic Goals within the QPS Charter on our website.

This weekend, our carpark will be used for Marathon parking as a fundraiser. Thank you to the parents and staff who have offered their precious time to assist with this. You are wonderful!

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend!

Nga mihi nui

Fi Cavanagh

IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday 29 November - Thursday 1 December
Year 5 Moke Lake Camp

Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 December
Year 8 Rail Trail Camp
Outdoor Education Week

Monday 12 December
Year 8 Graduation

Friday 16 December
Last day of Term 4
School closes at midday

Thursday 2 February 2023 first day of Term 1

Cardrona Camp 2022

This week our Year 3 and 4 students enjoyed part of our Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) programme at Cardrona and Wanaka!

Many thanks to all the incredible parent helpers and the wonderful staff that made this camp so AMAZING!

Year 7 and 8 Cecil Peak Camp

Room 29 Stewart Island Camp

ICAS 2022 Writing

Students from Queenstown Primary School have achieved this year in the Writing exam. Those students whose achievements were outstanding were rewarded with certificates of credit.

AWARD OF CERTIFICATES is made as follows. High Distinction: top 1% of students in each year level in each region. Distinction: the next 10% of students in each year level in each region. Credit: the next 25% of students in each year level in each region. Merit: the next 10% of students in each year level in each region.

Erika Clay Year 5

Emily Messingham Year 7

FUNDRAISING

Magical Maths
Tips to help your children with their Maths

Around the School

Another Fabulous Day at ‘Garden to Table’ Room 22

Thank you so much to Bryony (Leo’s Mum and Mrs ‘Garden to Table’ herself!!).

Zoe (Lachie’s Mum), Jan (Lachie’s super Grandma),

Amy (Frankie’s Mum), Sarah (Sadie’s Mom) and Miss Lodge

for all their help and support

Wakatipu Primary Schools' Triathlon

Congratulations to all participants in the Wakatipu Primary Schools Triathlon held at the Events Centre on Tuesday - fantastic effort!

CLICK HERE for a complete list of results.

Otago Primary Schools Swimming Championships

Last week, four of our top swimmers travelled to Dunedin to compete in the Otago Primary Schools’ Swimming Champs in Dunedin against other schools across the Otago region. We are very proud of their results and relay placings.

Sydney Alva

Women 12&O 50 Free Finals - 8th

Women 12&O 50 Back Finals - 5th

Women 12&O 50 Breast Finals - 6th

Bailey McKay

Women 12&O 50 Free Finals -14th

Women 12&O 50 Back Finals -11th

Women 12&O 50 Breast Finals-3rd

Lily Proffit

Women 11 50 Free Finals -10th

Women 11 50 Back Finals -11th

Women 11 50 Breast Finals -5th

Ariana Salek

Women 12&O 50 Free Finals -19th

Women 12&O 50 Back Finals -28th

Women 12&O 50 Breast Finals-20th

RELAYS:

Queenstown Primary School - Mixed 12 & Over 4x50 Freestyle Relay-2:19.58 -5th

Ariana Salek, Lily Proffit, Bailey McKay, Sydney Alva

Queenstown Primary School - Mixed 4x50 Medley Relay - 2:31.49-4th

Lily Proffit, Bailey McKay, Sydney Alva, Ariana Salek

Remember to try and pack a 'Zero Plastic' Lunch.
This message has been brought to you by the QPS Enviro Leaders.

Slow Down Near School Buses

A reminder to parents/caregivers to take extra care around school bus stops. Please park on the same side as the bus stop wherever possible. But if you do need to park on the opposite side, cross to your children first instead of having them cross to you. Please never call to your child from the other side of the road – yes it does happen - and it can put children in great danger!

Parents please remember that the maximum speed when passing a stationary school bus stopped to pick up or drop off children is 20km/h regardless of which side the bus is on. Please take extra care around school bus stops and provide supervision for children needing to cross.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a group of fun, motivated parents who work together to fundraise for QPS, as unfortunately the government doesn’t cover the schools wish list of facilities and education options for our amazing kids.

The PTA is unfortunately losing many of its members this year as their kids move on to High School.

There are many reasons why parents join the PTA. For some it’s to help the school offer better facilities and for others it’s simply to connect with more parents socially. Whatever your reason might be, you are welcome on the PTA!

We really would like to have a PTA that represents our diverse school community. You don’t need to have any special skills but just be happy to get together once a month in the school staff room and work as a team on projects initiated by the PTA.

This is a great time to come on board. Covid is behind us and with new ideas the PTA has the ability to contribute significantly to our school, particularly with the proposed classroom and playground improvements.

In the coming weeks look out for more communication from us in our drive for more members. In the meantime if you’d like to learn a bit more about what the PTA does, or are ready to join up now, please email qpsptachair@gmail.com or contact the school office who will put you in touch with us.

Situations Vacant
Please email newsletter@queenstown.school.nz if you have a position available that you would like to advertise.

Term Dates 2023

Term 1 - Thursday 2 February - Thursday 6 April
Term 2 - Monday 24 April - Friday 30 June
Term 3 - Monday 17 July - Friday 22 September
Term 4 - Monday 9 October - Tuesday 19 December

Salvation Army Support

School parents and increase rent and mortgage rates
Many of you will be experiencing increased food and transport costs. Also, with mortgage interest rates on the rise, many people will have less money in their pockets. Although a lot of people do not own their own homes, the flow-on effect of mortgage interest rate rises will result in increased rents. If you are concerned about how you will afford these increased costs, you may be interested in speaking to our financial mentor. This is a free service run by The Salvation Army. Our service provides support to those struggling with their finances. We can provide skills that will improve your future financial well-being. This service is for people who wish to learn how to manage their money, keep debt under control and plan for future financial success.

If you have any parents who may need our help, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0211955534.
Thanks.

Sandra McClennan
Financial Mentor

SCHOOL HOURS

School commences at 8.55am and ends at 3.00pm.

Brain Break 10am to 10.10 am
Morning tea break 11.00 am to 11.30 am
Lunch break 12.40 pm to 1.30 pm.

It is recommended that your child arrives at school no later than 8.45 am.

General Information

Friendly reminder to please inform the school office of any changes to address, postal address, emails and cellphone numbers.

QPS School Checklist
GOT TO DO!		LINKS
	SchoolAppsNZ APP: Download the SchoolAppsNZ from your App Store or Google Play for FREE or click on the links opposite. Please download now to keep up to date with all school information.	APP - ANDROID
		APP -APPLE
	BUS: If riding the bus, determine route and register via the QPS Website - You can also update any changes to your student's bus route and days throughout the year via this link. Use the link opposite or go to http://www.queenstown.school.nz/index.php/bus-information	BUS REGO
	UNIFORM: Order your school uniform via the QPS Website - a uniform shop is open Tuesdays 8:30-9:00am in the School Hall with sample sizes to try on and some second hand uniforms to purchase. Use the link opposite or go to http://www.queenstown.school.nz/index.php/uniforms	UNIFORM ORDERS
	SCHOOL SHOP: Create a School Shop Account - this is essential - it allows you to order school lunches, sign up for sports events, fundraising events etc. No more having to find cash for your child to take part in school activities. Use the link opposite or go to https://shop.tgcl.co.nz/shop and choose Queenstown Primary School	SCHOOL SHOP
GOT TO KNOW!
	ABSENCES: If your child is going to be absent from school you must advise the SCHOOL OFFICE prior to 9am by phone - 442 9120 (press 1 to leave message 24/7), via the School App or via email absences@queenstown.school.nz For planned absences during term time complete the Absence form on the QPS website and submit.
	MESSAGES: Any urgent messages for students need to be phoned through to the SCHOOL OFFICE 442 9120 not later than 2pm.
	SCHOOL HOURS: School commences at 8.55am and ends at 3.00pm. There is a Brain Break 10am - 10.10 am, morning tea break is 11.00 am to 11.30 am and lunch break is 12.40 pm to 1.30 pm. It is recommended that your child arrives at school no later than 8.45 am.
	PLAN YOUR DAY: Please ensure that your child knows what they are doing after school each day
	LATE TO SCHOOL: If your child arrives after the 8:55am bell has rung then they MUST go to the SCHOOL Office to sign in on the tablet.
	BUSES: Please advise the SCHOOL OFFICE 442 9120 if your child is NOT travelling home on the bus on a day you have registered them to be on the bus. Please respect this request as it can delay bus departures. To register your child for the bus, please see the information and link above in the “Got to Do” section.
	TAKING STUDENT OUT FROM CLASS: Should you need to take your child out of school for ANY reason please sign them out on the tablet at the School Office and sign them back in on your return.
	CARPARKING: Weather dependent, Terms 1 and 4 will have the lower field open for parents to park when dropping off and collecting students after school. If you park in the School carpark AT ANY TIME you must collect a visitor pass from the School Office - failure to do so will incur towing costs.
	EMAIL: Please ensure you are receiving our school newsletter via email and emails from your child's classroom teacher. Check your Spam or Junk folder initially
	LOST PROPERTY: Lost property bins are located outside the caretaker’s office in the upper courtyard. Please ensure you label all items of clothing.
	CHANGE OF DETAILS: It is imperative that we have up-to-date contact information for all parent/caregivers so as to be able to contact you in an emergency or illness situation concerning your child. Please keep the School Office informed of any changes.
	SCHOOL LUNCHES: Tired of making sandwiches! Take a break and order your child Sushi on a Wednesday (order cut-off 8pm Tuesdays) and Pie & Juicy (order on a Friday. School lunch orders are ONLY accepted through our SCHOOL SHOP. Set up your account if you haven't already, pop funds on your School Shop account ready to order	SCHOOL SHOP
	ACCOUNTS: Please direct any finance queries to Carly in accounts at accounts@queenstown.school.nz. You will receive student statements throughout the year.
GOOD TO GO!
	WELCOME ABOARD! We hope you and your child are excited about all that QPS has to offer. Please pop in to the office to see our friendly admin team if you have any queries - happy to assist.

Uniform Reminder - Uniform Shop

You will find all your uniform requirements on the front page of our website with a full sizing guide. The Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday of a school term in the school hall 8.30-9.00am sharp if you are unsure of size. At the uniform shop, we have a small amount of secondhand uniform for sale. If you would like to donate any uniform, please drop in to the school office. NOTE: School Hoodie can have your child's name on the back, cost $10, no nicknames allowed.

Student Accounts

If you would like to set up a payment plan for your child's account, please get in touch with Carly at accounts@queenstown.school.nz. If you already have an automatic payment in place but are unsure if it will be enough to cover the items on your statement by the end of the year, do get in touch. Likewise, if you think you may be paying too much, let her know and she can recalculate the amount for you!

Carly is here to help with any payment or statement queries you may have.

Student Absences
CLICK HERE to submit an absence.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

HORSE RIDING LESSONS

Places available for horse riding lessons at AM Equestrian Academy - now affiliated with the New Zealand Pony Club Association to provide the Pony Club curriculum to students without their own ponies.

For more information see our website www.amequestrian.co.nz

The Cancer Society of Otago and Southland invites you to participate in Marathon In A Month this November.

We are very excited to be offering Marathon in a Month for the first time in Otago and Southland this year.

You can walk, swim, run, bike or row your way to 42 km between 1st to 30th November - all while raising funds for the Cancer Society's research, prevention, and support services and getting fit and healthy.

Break it down - that's only 1.4 km daily! Participating in a marathon can be physically demanding in one day but achievable over a month – this could be a great training incentive for your summer sport teams.

If 42 km is not a big enough challenge for you, you can set the bar higher – two marathons, even three! Marathon in a month is a great way to get active this spring by committing to a goal that suits you, or your team.

The funds raised will ensure that the 71 New Zealanders a day who are diagnosed with cancer will not go through it alone.

https://rad.nz

Tennis holiday camps and term 4 after school lessons.
20+ years experience, kids will love it.
Adult and private lessons also.
Phone/Txt Louie on 02108646997

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Phil Hartshorn's Dunedin School of Music

Guitar, Drums and Bass Tuition

Full Time Professional Music Teaching.

Phil Hartshorn BA (HONS) PGDip Tching

Web: dunedinschoolofmusic.nz

Phone: 021 075 0927

I want to make you an awesome player, fast.

ADVERTISING

FREE DENTAL CARE

Children in New Zealand are entitled to free basic oral health care services until 17 years of age. If you would like your child to receive this free service please click on the following link to complete the online enrolment form:

h ttps://www.southernhealth.nz/getting-help-you-need/oral-and-dental-health/free-oral-health-service-children/southern-district

Or telephone the clinic – 034509370 or Freephone 0800 570 300 – we are located at 19A Douglas Street, Frankton, Queenstown

If you are not a New Zealand resident there is a criteria to be met in order to receive free care, please ask the dental staff before enrolling.

Facebook

Website

View this email in your browser Volume 36| 18 November 2022| Roll Number 665| Week 5 Term 4

View this email in your browser
Volume 36| 18 November 2022| Roll Number 665| Week 5 Term 4