Latest News from QPS

View this email in your browser
Volume 38| 2 December 2022| Roll Number 664| Week 7 Term 4

Kia ora koutou

Thank you to everyone who committed your time and energy to assisting at our EOTC Camps. The weather was duly inclement as expected in Spring. Resilience was demonstrated by students and adults alike….go you! At this time of the year the EOTC team reflect, review and make recommendations for improving these Camps in 2023. Fundraising and organising for these Camps to be successful is a mammoth task. Thank you to the parents who have contributed their time to do this. You are AMAZING! It appears a small group of willing parents continue to participate; a group that is diminishing each year. Please reflect on how you can organise time to assist with fundraising in 2023. Every little bit of voluntary time helps.

Our current Parent Teacher Association (PTA) members will be standing down at the end of this year. This is concerning as this group has positively impacted on raising funds for the spider frame, playground equipment and supporting staffing over their time. Fundraising is integral to providing donations that support school organisation and programmes. PLEASE contact Jen Mitchell, current PTA president if you are interested in joining this group in 2023. Without this group, we will not be able to organise a School Fair or continue supporting our school. Jen’s details are listed below in this newsletter.

It is vital that you keep yourselves informed of the events and activities planned for the next 2 weeks. Teachers’ newsletters provide the information you need to prepare your children to participate. We are noticing some students are arriving at school unprepared which is upsetting for them when they see their peers. This newsletter also provides dates and times of upcoming events.

I am off to Auckland this evening with a case full of presents to pop under the tree for my family. I love this time of the year. See you all on Monday!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Fi Cavanagh

Please return ALL library books back to the Library for stocktake.

QPS kindly reminds all parents that if you are using the PUDO area please do not leave your car unattended as this is causing congestion.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

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.

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 December
Year 8 Rail Trail Camp

Monday 5 - Friday 9 December
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

Magnificant Korowai

Sharon Witherford created this Korowai for our Kapa Haka.
Thank you so much, Sharon.
Ka pai mahi.

Back to school stationery – order now!

We’ve teamed up with OfficeMax to make your back to school shop super easy. And if you order in December, you’ll go in the draw to WIN 1 of 5 $1000 cash prizes — plus, you’ll get a FREE A4 Magnetic Whiteboard Family Organiser*.

Your child’s class list is already loaded. Just go to myschool.co.nz. Simply add your details, check that you want everything on the list, then click and confirm — and OfficeMax will get your delivery underway with free delivery on orders over $60*.

You can pay by internet banking, credit card or debit card. Laybuy* is also available, so you can pay in 6 weekly, interest-free payments and still get your order right away. Plus you’ll be helping our school earn school rewards* that we use to purchase much needed extra resources for our school.

We encourage you to order early to ensure your child has all their stationery requirements ready to go in plenty of time for the start of Term 1.

So go ahead and beat the back to school rush, order today and give them the best start possible.

* Terms & Conditions apply, see myschool.co.nz for details.

Touch Rugby Term 4

Our last game of Touch Rugby in the Touch Southland competition is this Monday 5 December at the Events Centre.

A huge thank you to all parents who managed a team for the whole term and to those who helped on a weekly roster. You are amazing and our students are very lucky to have you give up your time to help them.

For Y1-4 students, your playing shirt is due back to Mrs Nicholls’ office by Monday 12 December at the latest. Please ensure they are washed and popped into a bag with your child’s name on it. These t-shirts are reissued to our new teams for Term 1 next year.

FUNDRAISING

Magical Maths
Tips to help your children with their Maths

Around the School

Congratulations to Principal's Award recipient Ivy Price! Ivy is pictured here sharing a cuppa with Fiona. Awesome work!

Room 3 making a big splash in the QPS Pool this week!

Moke Lake Camp

Despite the weather, our Year 5 students had a fabulous time at Moke Lake! The students had a great time rafting, fishing biking, archery, mini raft building and water testing! Huge thanks to all the staff and parents who helped out.

Middle School Athletics
It was fantastic that the sun finally came out and made for a great day of athletics. All of the students tried their best and gave everything a go. Awesome effort!

Middle School Athletics Results

Long Jump
Age group	1st	2nd	3rd
Girls u/8	Scarlett Halstead	Ilana Blumenthal	Aneka Kemp
Boys u/8	Haruma Okajima	Reggie Ettema	Ricardo Lal
Girls u/9	Addisyn Miller	Isla Blumenthal	Maddi Fitzgerald
Boys u/9	Freddie Heye	Rui Meekums-Parker	Leighton Burrows
Girls u/10	Emily Ballantyne	Lydia Skeggs	Hope Samaauga
Boys u/10	Joao Santana	Seb Thornburgh	Torben Clark

High Jump
Age group	1st	2nd	3rd
Girls u/8	Aneka Kemp	Ilana Blumenthal	Maia Amor-Smith
Boys u/8	Haruma Okajima	Reggie Ettema	Ricardo Lal
Girls u/9	Addisyn Miller	Isla Blumenthal	Erika Davies
Boys u/9	Rui Meekums-Parker	Leighton Burrows	Luca Loannides
Girls u/10	Emily Ballantyne	Lydia Skeggs	Georgia Clayton
Boys u/10	Seb Thornburgh	Joao Santana	Torben Clark

Sprints
Age group	1st	2nd	3rd
Girls u/8	Ilana Blumenthal	Scarlett Halstead	Addison Sabin
Boys u/8	Haruma Okajima	Archie Brown	Reggie Ettema
Girls u/9	Addisyn Miller	Isla Blumenthal	Samantha Ashton
Boys u/9	Leighton Burrows	Carter Dickson	Logan Oliver
Girls u/10	Emily Ballantyne	Abigail Hemi	Hope Samaauga
Boys u/10	Torben Clark	Taiga Fujimoto	Seb Thornburgh

Hurdles
Age group	1st	2nd	3rd
Girls u/8	Ilana Blumenthal	Aneka Kemp	Rosie Harvey
Boys u/8	Reggie Ettema	Haruma Okajima	Archie Brown
Girls u/9	Isla Clements	Addisyn Miller	Kayla Davis
Boys u/9	Leighton Burrows	Luca Loannides	Ollie Blackford
Girls u/10	Isla Harrison	Emily Ballantyne	Maddy Hyland
Boys u/10	Taiga Fujimoto	Joao Santana	Charlie Bowey

Discus
Age group	1st	2nd	3rd
Girls u/8	Ilana Blumenthal	Aneka Kemp	Maggie Hodgson
Boys u/8	Reggie Ettema	Archie Brown	Benjamin McManus
Girls u/9	Addisyn Miller	Chloe Broughton	Jacinta Bonhomme
Boys u/9	Noah Kuhm	Leighton Burrows	Kenzo Suarez
Girls u/10	Penny Smith	Ruby Lee	Lydia Skeggs
Boys u/10	Seb Thornburgh	Jack Horrell	Lincoln Moore

Shotput
Age group	1st	2nd	3rd
Girls u/8	Briar Murray	Maia Amor-Smith	Aneka Kemp
Boys u/8	Haruma Okajima	Archie Brown	Reggie Ettema
Girls u/9	Maddi Fitzgerald	Chloe Broughton	Daniella Lauko
Boys u/9	Rui Meekums-Parker	Duncan Cox	Carter Dickson
Girls u/10	Valentina Marques	Soul Fuchs	Amelia Boel
Boys u/10	Jack Horell	Taiga Fujimoto	Lincoln Moore

That's a wrap after sending 430 students navigating, trekking, biking and kayaking their way around Sandy Point. All students raced well, challenged themselves and hopefully had fun while taking part!

A big congratulations to our winning teams.
Year 7/8 section
1st: QPS from Queenstown Primary (Caitlyn, Lexi, Seb and Hayden)
2nd: HMB Rakiura Roamers from Halfmoon Bay Primary School (Tessa, Ava, Moby and Bella)
3rd: Menzies Storm from Menzies College (Lucas, Tom, Fletcher and Josh)

Changes to Buses 2023

Kia ora
Changes to school bus services – effective from Term One, 2023

From the beginning of Term One 2023, Queenstown Primary School (QPS) students will no longer be able to transfer from their school bus D130434 (Former 9189 - QPS to Quail Rise) to the following Wakatipu High School (WHS) school bus services:

• D130412 (Former 9075 - WHS to Jack’s Point / Kingston)
• D130411 (Former 9074 - WHS to Arrowtown / Millbrook)
• D130417 (Former 9082 - WHS to Arrowtown / Speargrass Flat)
• D130422 (Former 9191 - WHS to Gibbston / Arrowtown)

The timing of the school bus D130434 has been causing significant delays to the above WHS services. The departure times for the WHS school bus services will no longer be delayed and these services will depart as scheduled. This means that the WHS buses could depart from WHS up to 40 minutes before the QPS bus D130434 would stop at WHS on its way to Quail Rise.

WHS school bus services are designed to meet the needs of WHS students. Delaying these services impacts around 200 WHS students every day and can no longer be justified for the very small number of QPS students who have been transferring on to these services.

It is important to note that the students from QPS who have been travelling on the WHS services are ineligible for Ministry-funded school transport assistance as they don’t meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify for school transport assistance, students must be attending their closest school, live at least 3.2km away from the school for years 1-8, and 4.8km for years 9-13, and have no suitable public transportation options available. Our website has a video that helps explain the eligibility criteria (www.education.govt.nz/transport).

Notify caregivers
Please ensure that this information is passed on to your affected students’ caregivers as they will need to make their own arrangements to pick up their children from WHS if they choose to continue to use this service.

The upcoming review of Queenstown school bus services. As previously communicated, we are planning to review all school transport services in the Queenstown area over the next few years. We will be looking at whether the current school bus routes are meeting the needs of eligible students.
Until the review is complete, all other current school bus services in the Queenstown area, including
D130434 (QPS to Quail Rise), will continue as normal.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Ngā mihi
Niall Duncan
Service Design & Planning Lead
School Transport
03 539 1534
Niall.Duncan@education.govt.nz

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.

Kia ora,

Aerial 1080 operation in the Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys will occur on FRIDAY 2nd December and SATURDAY 3rd December (weather permitting).

This email is to notify you that the Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking a rat and stoat control operation in the Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys starting Friday 2^nd December. This operation is expected to take two days.

This operation will involve the aerial spread of cereal baits containing biodegradable sodium fluoroacetate (1080) toxin over public land within Tititea /Mt Aspiring National Park and surrounding Conservation Areas.
This is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme and is in response to a predicted beech mast in the area this summer. If this mast occurs, it will trigger a population explosion of rodents which could seriously threaten the survival of the mohua populations in these valleys, and negatively impact other native species. Please see the attached fact sheet explaining operational details and a map.

Key points are:

The operation is expected to take two days. Helicopters will aerially distribute the pellets according to predetermined flight paths controlled by GPS.
Pellets are 3cm long, cylinder shaped, cinnamon lured and dyed green.
Poisoning can occur through eating baits or poisoned animals (including carcasses). Risks will exist until signage is taken down.
- DO NOT touch or eat bait
- WATCH CHILDREN at all times
- DO NOT EAT animals from these areas
- Remember, poison baits and carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS
- DO NOT EAT TROUT for 7 days after an operation

The following restrictions will be in place:

The Lake Sylvan track will be closed from midday on Friday 2^nd December until approximately 7pm (weather permitting).
The Routeburn Track (from Harris Saddle to Glenorchy road end) and Caples Track (from McKellar Saddle to Mid Caples Hut) will be closed on the morning of Saturday 3^rd December from dawn until approximately 11am (although this is weather dependant). People will be asked to stay in huts or at track entrances until the sowing of these tracks is completed.
The Dart Road will be closed from the Mill Creek Cattle stop to the Chinaman’s carpark (start/end of Dart Track) all day Friday and Saturday.
We advise people to not enter other parts of the operational area while the helicopters are operating.
People planning to visit the operational area on Friday 2nd December and Saturday 3rd December are advised to check with the DOC Whakatipu Visitor Centre on 03 442 7935 first for possible delays.
If difficult operating conditions are encountered on Friday 2nd December and Saturday 3rd December, work may continue into Sunday 4th December. If this occurs, the track closures may also be extended. If there is any further delay to our schedule beyond Sunday 4^th, we will re-contact you with further information.

For further information please call the local office on 03 442 7933 during office hours or DOC Whakatipu Visitor Centre on 03 442 7935 during the weekend. You can also email NPCPwhakatipu@doc.govt.nz for non-urgent queries.

Ngā mihi,

Whakatipu-wai-Māori District
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai

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

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 38| 2 December 2022| Roll Number 664| Week 7 Term 4

View this email in your browser
Volume 38| 2 December 2022| Roll Number 664| Week 7 Term 4