Te iwi tahi tatou - We are one family.
Tēnā koutou, Konnichiwa, As-salāmu 'alaykum, Hola,
PRINCIPAL'S PĀNUI
4 November 2022
Dear Parents & Whānau,
We have a few staff changes for 2023 that I'd like to draw your attention to. Ally Clark and Paul Cooper will be leaving us at the end of the year. Ally is moving to Berhampore School and Paul is going to Raroa Intermediate. I'd like to thank both these wonderful teachers for their service to SWIS and the valuable contribution that they've made to the students in their care during their time with us. We wish you both all the very best in your future endeavors.
I'd like to welcome Roshni Parbhu, Joe Cassar and Neale Willis to our teaching team for 2023. We're excited to have you join us! See their bios below.
Thank you to those of you who filled in our lockdown survey or contacted me. We appreciate your time and comments, and are pleased that the response was overall very positive. Below, I have given you a recap on how we debriefed our staff and students, and changes we are planning to make to our lockdown response processes.
Have a great weekend,
Ngā mihi
Toby Stokes
Principal
Don't forget to check out the school's Facebook Page which has the latest updates about what is going on at school.
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Upcoming Dates
Term 4
- 9/10 Nov - EPRO 8 at SWIS
- 14 Nov - Final School Board Meeting for 2022 (in the staffroom)
- 5 - 9 Dec - EOTC Week
- 14 December - SWIS Prizegiving 6 pm start in the school hall
- 15 Dec - School ends for 2022 at 1pm
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Lockdown recap
The overall response to our lockdown last Tuesday has been very positive and we really appreciate the support and understanding shown by our school community. Generally speaking, people were happy with the communications that went out, and obviously relieved at the positive outcome.
One of the key things from the survey was parents understandably requesting information about how our students were debriefed both immediately after the event and in the days that followed.
I met with all students and staff the following morning in an assembly and spoke about the facts, as I had them, and how pleased we were with the way the students and staff undertook their role in the lockdown. I encouraged students to speak with their teachers if they had questions or comments about what we had all been through. For those classes that had relievers, our Deputy Principals visited the classes to ensure those students had a familiar face to discuss their concerns with.
In regards to what we were able to communicate as events unfolded, I'd like to reassure you that all of our communications went out as soon as possible, with the information we'd been able to verify.
In terms of the cause of the lockdown, there was a person seen near the school who had what appeared to be a rifle. We locked down the school, and called to police and the Ministry of Education for support and advice straight away. It was later determined by the police that the rifle was an air gun and that there wasn't any risk to the community from the individual.
Our key takeaways and changes
- We will check the text template and make sure it is signed off correctly - it was pointed out that 'SWelling' was a confusing sign-off.
- We will review what is available to students in their classrooms.
- We will advertise a test alert a couple of times a year to check that parents are receiving messages and to remind everyone to keep contact details up to date.
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School Noticeboard
Can you help with a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser?
Bunnings Lyall Bay have kindly offered us two slots to do a sausage sizzle fundraiser to raise money and drum up interest in our exciting Hall Mural Project. The dates we have been offered are 26 & 27 November, most likely between 9am 2pm - tbc. If you can help, even for half an hour on these dates, please contact Cate on Cateinnz123@gmail.com.
If you have any other ideas for great fundraisers to raise money for this project, Cate would love to hear from you!
Y7 Vision Screening
Regional Public Health provides a vision screening programme for all Y7 students. Students will be notified results at the time of screening. If they require further assessment, caregivers will be notified by mail. Students who already wear glasses or are under professional care and receiving regular checks will not be assessed. Please notify the office if you do not want your child assessed. *Note this screening is not a full assessment. If you have any particular concerns about your child's sight, please visit an optometrist.
SWIS Board casual vacancy for a parent representative
We have a casual vacancy on the school board for a parent representative. The board has decided to fill the vacancy by selection. If 10% or more of eligible voters on the school roll ask the board, within 28 days of this notice being published, to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy, then a by-election will be held. Request for a by-election should be sent either via email or post by Tuesday 29 November to:
Presiding member (chair) Email: emma.rutherford@swis.school.nz
SWIS Board
30 Te Wharepōuri Street
Berhampore 6021
Wellington
Could your family host an international student?
We have a number of international students looking for a welcoming host family. This is a great opportunity to share your home, culture and family life with another child.
See more details here https://www.swis.school.nz/international-students/
Here are some key points:
- The student would be in your home for two weeks - 6 to 25 March 2023 (dates tbc)
- A fee paid to families to cover costs (this will cover the costs incurred for food etc)
- All adults in the home undertake a police vetting process, and there is a house inspection undertaken by the school.
- International students must have either their own room or be sharing with a child of the same gender.
If you are interested, then please email Toby Stokes (principal@swis.school.nz). He is happy to answer any questions.
Check our Lost Property please!
We have a large amount of lost property in the foyer. If your child has lost something, please have them come and have a look for it and take it home. This is also a reminder to name you child’s clothing. If items are prominently named, we do get them back to students so they don’t end up missing.
Do you know of anyone interested in enrolling at SWIS?
2023 High School experiences
An exciting time for our Year 8 students as their transition to college draws closer! All colleges will be contacting you - the caregivers - to update you about everything you need to know. This is, of course, once you have ENROLLED your child. Please do this ASAP if you haven't already.
These are the dates and details we have for these 3 colleges:
'The Rongotai Experience'
Friday 11 November - the entire day
Your child organises getting to and from the college - they DO NOT come to SWIS first. Please ring the school OR email the office (office@swis.school.nz) to let them know your child is attending. Mufti can be worn. Students must bring their own lunch and drinks.
Wellington High School
Friday 11 November - the afternoon
The college has organised buses to come to SWIS around 12.15pm to take the students to the school for the afternoon. Buses will then be returning them to SWIS before 3pm. Students must wear uniform.
Wellington East College - 'Taster Morning'
Thursday 24 November - the morning
Your child organises getting to and from the college - they DO NOT come to SWIS first. Please ring the school OR email the office (office@swis.school.nz) to let them know your child is attending. The college is providing buses to bring your child back to SWIS for lunchtime. Students must wear SWIS uniform.
Wellington Boys' College
Thursday 24 November
No uniform. All day and they get themselves there and back.
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Tena koutou katoa. My name is Roshni Parbhu and I'm happy to be returning to SWIS in 2023 as a homeroom teacher. I grew up in Wellington and love this beautiful city.
I started working at SWIS as a TA in 2019 and am excited to continue my journey here.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy cooking and baking, Indian dancing, playing hockey and spending time with family and friends.
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Tēnā koutou katoa!
I am very excited to be joining the wonderful team of amazing educators at SWIS this year! I am a proud Canadian, though I have lived up and down the North Island since 2014 when I began (and later completed) my Bachelor of Arts in Music and Education. During my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), I completed my placement at SWIS where I strongly connected with its warm and welcoming community. I am honoured to continue my journey here among our incredible teachers and a wonderful group of students, whom I love to teach. My passions include music, reading, spending time outdoors, and being surrounded by my loved ones.
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Tēnā koutou, I’m Joey from Yorkshire and I cannot wait to get started at SWIS.
After working in several countries, including a four-year stint teaching English in a University in China, I decided on beautiful Aotearoa to settle down.
I am passionate about teaching in collaboration with my students, inquiring with them into their curiosities and questions.
I bring with me a love of music, cooking, and football, and can be found somewhere near the ocean in my spare time, either swimming or fishing. I’m immensely looking forward to my next teaching adventure at SWIS.
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School News
PEIHANA - A Journey in Ceramic Art by SWIS Students
Studio 151 are very happy to host PEIHANA the beautiful ceramic art of South Wellington Intermediate School. We have installed lots of extra lighting and the show is easily viewed from the street - 6am to midnight every single day!
PEIHANA - A Journey in Ceramic Art by SWIS Students on til Monday 21 November 2022.
(Studio 151 is open this Saturday 5th November - 10am to 4pm)
www.facebook.com/JulietBestArt
www.instagram.com/julietbestart
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Congratulations to our Polyfest students!
Stephen Moli, Tana, Fananga and MAria all supported our students and got them ready for the Polyfest in Masterton last week. We were really impressed by their performance and excited to see these students perform.
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Come along to the Island Bay School Fair and support one of our great feeder schools. Lots of great bargains, delicious food and fun to be had!
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GIRLS CRICKET!
Calling all Year 7/8 girls. Are you interested in playing in a Girls Only cricket team on Sunday afternoons? Brooklyn Junior Cricket Club is keen to enter their first ever team in the Girls Only competition (with a soft ball not a hard ball). If you’re keen to find out more information please contact Sarah Neal (millieneal@yahoo.com or 021367798) or head to www.bjcc.co.nz.
No previous cricket experience necessary and all gear can be supplied if required.
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CodeCamp
CodeCamp allows kids from the ages of 7-12 to develop 21st century skills in a fun and action packed environment. Develop confidence & initiative through design, creativity, solving problems, presenting & collaboration. Create games, apps.
Wednesdays, 3pm till 4:30pm
Book Now at https://codecamp.co.nz
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Subway on Mondays & Tuesdays
Pita Pit on Wednesdays & Fridays
O'Sushi on Thursdays
See the full menu here.
Order your lunch or register for KINDO here
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