Newsletter – 14 May 2025

 Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Whānau,

Kia ora koutou.

Pink Shirt Day

New Zealand’s Pink Shirt Day is this Friday 16 May. It clashes with our Book Character Parade so this year, students are not being asked to wear pink. However, Cockle Bay School is committed to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusiveness. We work to create a school community where all people feel safe, valued and respected, regardless of gender, age, ability, religion or cultural background. Our P.B.4.L. Programme (Positive Behaviour for Learning) is how we teach children our expectations and positive social relationships.

At Cockle Bay School our values are the 4Cs – continuous improvement, caring, collaboration and celebration. Some students find these more difficult than others. Parents can help by teaching their children to consider how their actions might affect others and how to care for all.

All students at school are encouraged to manage minor difficulties independently, using the school’s ‘Wheel of Choice’. For more challenging situations, teachers are there to help students. Parents are encouraged to let teachers know if their child has a problem that needs adult support. 

Over the next few weeks, our Positive Behaviour for Learning (P.B.4.L.) focus will be centred on building strong, respectful classroom communities. We’ll be exploring the 4Cs:

• Communication – using kind and clear words
  
• Collaboration – working together respectfully
  
• Celebration – recognising each other’s successes
  
• Continuous Improvement – always trying to do our best

We will also be revisiting our class treaties, which outline the shared values and expectations that guide behaviour in each classroom.

Another key focus will be on how we treat guests in our school, especially relievers. We are encouraging all students to show respect, be helpful, and make visitors feel welcome.

With winter on the way, we will also be reminding students of what to do on wet days; including how to stay calm, safe, and respectful when inside during break times.

How you can help at home:
You can support this learning by encouraging your child to use good manners, show respect to others (especially visitors), and talk about the importance of working together. Ask your child about their class treaty, and talk about how your family values align with it. Small daily reminders like saying “please,” “thank you,” and offering to help at home all reinforce the respectful behaviour we are promoting at school.

Thank you for partnering with us to grow kind, responsible learners!

Reminder

We have a Teacher only day on Friday, 30 May, so school is closed for instruction on this day. See below for Bizzy Bodz information.

Attendance Matters

As you already know, in April last year the Government announced a regular attendance target of 80 percent  of students to be present for more than 90% of the Term.  

Four attendance categories were developed to help you understand how frequently your child attends school.

Regular school attendance is crucial for maximizing a student’s learning potential and ensuring they stay on track with their academic journey. It also helps students build positive relationships with teachers and peers, and develop essential routines for future success. 

Here are the Cockle Bay School Term 1 attendance data:

The data shows that attendance has improved at Cockle Bay School in comparison to a year ago, which is great. Illness is the main reason for absence, and it continues to be important that sick children stay home. Holidays are significant and, although explained, are marked as unjustified.

We continue to work to ensure that all students attend school regularly and come on time, and will be following up with families where needed.

 Board roles – Rachel Irving

I am one of the five Parent representatives on the Board and, since joining the Board, I have overseen the Finance portfolio. I work alongside our Presiding Member, our Principal, our School Office staff, and our external Financial Accountants, who support the financial management of the school.   

The Finance Portfolio is responsible for ensuring the school’s financial resources are managed effectively and responsibly. This includes:

1. Ensuring our financial goals and objectives align with the school’s strategic plan.
2. Working to set, approve and monitor the school’s annual budget.  
3. Monitor and control school expenditure, ensuring funds are used as intended and that the schools financial health is maintained. This includes reviewing financial reports, our investments and other expenditure (e.g. insurance policies).

Cockle Bay school is in a strong financial position with well established, disciplined financial practices in place.  

I have really enjoyed my role, learning not only about our Finance Portfolio, but more widely about the education sector and management of a school. It is very rewarding to be able to give back to a school that my children have thoroughly enjoyed attending through their primary school years. If you are interested in learning more about my Board role, please feel free to reach out to me at racheli@cocklebay.school.nz 

 Calling all handy and helpful parents!

We are on the lookout for someone who might be able to help with the following:

• Offering advice or support to make our P.E. shed (by the pool) moisture-proof and pest proof – we are thinking about maybe lining it and adding some shelving
• Taking charge of our lost property with a quick weekly tidy-up and a sort-and-clear-out at the end of each term

If this sounds like you (or someone you know) I’d love to hear from you! 

REMINDER: 

FRIDAY, 30 MAY 2025 – TEACHER ONLY DAY

MONDAY, 2 JUNE 2025 – KING’S BIRTHDAY (PUBLIC HOLIDAY)

 School Office Reminders

To help us support your child/ren, please remember to:

• Inform our office staff of any medical conditions or other important student needs.
• Update your contact details if your phone number, address, or email has changed.
• Report absences promptly via the eTAP app, the school website, emailing absences@cocklebay.school.nz or leaving a phone message on the absences line.

 In Zone Enrolments

 Road Patrol Volunteers Needed!

 Family Portraits – this Sunday 18th May – book now!

 Beats by Bingo is Back!

Yes that’s right, back by popular demand, CBS Parent Night! 

Enjoy a child- free night of laughs and musical bingo with the legendary Beats By Bingo, followed by dancing till late. 

Where: Cockle Bay School Hall

When: 07 June 2025

Doors open at 7pm, Bingo starts at 7.45pm – 10pm.  Dancing from 10pm till midnight 

Tickets: $30 per person via KINDO 

Come as a single or couple and we can join you with a table of like minded parents, or organise a group of friends and book under an agreed table name. 

BYO drinks and nibbles.

Parent night is always so much fun – lets face it, we all deserve an easy, fun night out with great people. It often sells out quickly, so get your tickets on KINDO or via the office so you do not miss out!

Strictly over 18s only.

The SchoolDocs review process allows the school community to provide feedback on policies and procedures, and ensures information stays up to date. To access our School documents, use the community usernames and password below:

Username: cocklebay
Password: sandspit

The following policies are under review Term 2 2025:

• Planning and Preparing for Disasters, Emergencies and Crises
• Communication during an Emergency, Disaster or Crises
• Emergency Closure
• Emergency Management
• Disaster Management
• Crisis Management

Link to the School Calendar

 2025 Dates

Term Two (Monday 28 April – Friday 27 June)

Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May – Book Week

Friday 16 May – Book Character Dress Up Day

Friday 30 May – Teacher Only Day (school closed)

Monday 2 June – King’s Birthday (Public Holiday)

Thursday 19 June – Teacher Only Day (school closed)

Friday 20 June – Matariki (Public Holiday)

Term Three (Monday 14 July – Friday 19 September)

Friday 24 October – Teacher Only Day (school closed)

Monday 27 October – Labour Day (Public Holiday)

Term Four (Monday 6 October – Thursday 18 December)