Dear Parents

Unfortunately due to inclement weather, we had to postpone our inaugural Athletics Day.  It will now be held on Monday 8 March.  Thank you to those parents who showed up in the rain to help – we would appreciate your help again next Monday if you are able.

Multisport Club
As reported previously this has been a huge success and has been well patronised.  Last Saturday saw a good family turnout for the Taronui Walk.  We all enjoyed swimming in the lagoon, frisbee and a picnic.   If you wish to join in, please make sure that the office has your email address so you can be notified of events.

School Camps
Many thanks to teachers and parents for another outstanding set of camps.  The Junior School Years 1-4 are enjoying Coopers Beach this week as we wrap up another camp season for summer.

Art Exhibition
It was a wonderful sight to see the students’ artwork displayed at our recent Art Exhibition, with several works being sold and one little student very keen for her Dad to buy a $750 one “because I really like it.”  Thank you to Art Teacher Win Stringer and her team of helpers for preparing and setting up the evening’s viewing.

Reporting to Parents
The Year 7-13 Interim Attitude Reports will be issued at the end of next week on Friday 12 March along with Parents Teacher Interview Forms for parents to fill in.  We look forward to this opportunity to meet all of our parents to discuss your children’s progress.  Please tick all of the times you can come and have your child return the forms to school by Tuesday 16 March, to enable us to get you an appointment which suits you.  Junior School interviews will be held next term. 

Cambridge International Examinations
Alex Bird attended the International Cambridge Top Achievers’ Ceremony in Auckland and was honoured to receive her award for top mark in New Zealand for ICT (Computer Studies).

Progress and Achievement Tests
Each year our students from Years 4-10 sit the New Zealand Progress and Achievement Tests.  This gives us a benchmark, at this point in time, for your child’s ranking according to age and class, compared with national standardised  results in Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary.  The results are measured in stanines 1-9 (1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest).  Teachers use these results as a formative assessment tool, analyzing strengths and weaknesses to provide specific teaching programmes to best meet individual needs.

Hockey
Year 4-6 players interested in giving this sport a try are invited to Lindvart Park Kaikohe Tuesdays starting 2nd March 4.30pm-6pm.  $1 entry per week. (contact Lynette Knight 09 4019192 for more information).
Year 7-12 players wishing to play hockey can come to Lindvart Park, Kaikohe on Thursdays starting 4th March 4.30pm-6pm - $5 for the five weeks.

Friends of Springbank
A note for your diaries: Sunday 21st March, we have booked Jack'n'Jill photographers to come to the school as a fundraiser. This will be an ideal time to get your Mothers’ Day gift sorted.  Give Mum (or Grandma) a beautiful 10''x13'' portrait for only $10.00. Booking will be necessary and details are enclosed.  This photography session is open to everyone, not just Springbank families, so please feel free to invite friends and extended family.

The AGM was held last week and we are delighted to announce that Gary Larkan and Louise Huett are again, co-chairmen; co-secretaries are Karen Wilson and Jill Grimshaw, and the treasurer remains Trevor Huett.

Friends are also organising the school directory.  If you wish to change any current details or be included in this please complete a form available from the office.

If you are looking for PE gear, Friends have a selection of sports shirts available with various designs and costs.  Please contact Louise on numbers below, if interested.

If any of you have any fundraising or other ideas please don't hold back.  Feel free to contact Louise Huett Ph:  4017229 or 021 117 6984

Pre School News

William Harding and Katya Zivkovich completing their art works for Springbank School’s Art Exhibition.

Room 5 - School visit last week! They shared what they do in class.   We also shared songs and morning tea!

Thought for the Week

Week 5:  Being persistent, results in excellent achievement. 
“Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.”
- Josh Billings

Week 6:   Be enthusiastic!  Give everything your best shot.  There are no half-hearted champions.

Kind regards

Sophia Warren
Principal