Friday, February 28, 2020
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Thursday, February 20, 2020
2020 Bus Timetable - very minor adjustments
I want to acknowledge and apologise for some teething problems with bus timings and decisions in the first couple of weeks of the school year. I met with the bus company today and they advised me of a minor update of their timings in 2019 which was not communicated to us. In saying that, we are talking minute adjustments which shouldn't have made a material difference. I've shared the update with you here.
Perry is our new driver and has taken over from Eric. Most of you were aware of Eric's care for our children, and I can assure you that Perry wants to continue that culture. He is getting used to agreed timings and to children and their stops. I'm hopeful now, that after my discussions with them and him, we will have this sorted out. Please keep calling or texting me if problems persist.
Perry has been reminded not to let children off the bus if there are no parents there to collect them. He will wait for a couple of minutes before, if necessary, taking children back to the depot. He will text me if this ever happens and I will be in touch immediately with parents and caregivers.
Perry is our new driver and has taken over from Eric. Most of you were aware of Eric's care for our children, and I can assure you that Perry wants to continue that culture. He is getting used to agreed timings and to children and their stops. I'm hopeful now, that after my discussions with them and him, we will have this sorted out. Please keep calling or texting me if problems persist.
Perry has been reminded not to let children off the bus if there are no parents there to collect them. He will wait for a couple of minutes before, if necessary, taking children back to the depot. He will text me if this ever happens and I will be in touch immediately with parents and caregivers.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Our actions affect our lives and the lives of others
A note from Jenna, our PYP Coordinator....
I was passing Room 3 and was intrigued by the buzz that was happening inside the classroom. Everyone was busy, some working in groups, others working by themselves, others sprawled on the floor among an array of art materials, ALL with a purpose. Perhaps my curiosity got the better of me but I had to find out what was happening.
"we are taking action!" "We are going to make people happy." "My brother is sick, he has a fever, I made him a superhero cape because he always holds his hand out like a superhero."
There was an excitement in the room as the students were creating posters and presents to change someones life for the better. Under the central idea students have been inquiring into relationships and how actions taken and decisions made can have an effect on someone else. This is explained so well by Aston;
boomerang of kindness
He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai. If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.
I was passing Room 3 and was intrigued by the buzz that was happening inside the classroom. Everyone was busy, some working in groups, others working by themselves, others sprawled on the floor among an array of art materials, ALL with a purpose. Perhaps my curiosity got the better of me but I had to find out what was happening.
"we are taking action!" "We are going to make people happy." "My brother is sick, he has a fever, I made him a superhero cape because he always holds his hand out like a superhero."
There was an excitement in the room as the students were creating posters and presents to change someones life for the better. Under the central idea students have been inquiring into relationships and how actions taken and decisions made can have an effect on someone else. This is explained so well by Aston;
Well done Room 3, there will be some happy people in the coming days!
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Monday, February 17, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Our school values - Ko Wai Au, Who am I?
The Bay Academy is a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) school. We have chosen this programme alongside our mindfulness programme to support strong relationships and emotional wellbeing for all of our children.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Together, students and staff have identified the behaviours that we think will result in excellent learning and a peaceful, friendly and supportive school community.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We teach and model those behaviours consistently and regular so everyone knows what is expected. We support that learning by using visual signage of expected behaviours.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We emphasise and focus on praising expected behaviours rather than focussing on negative behaviours. We prefer a restorative approach, often including parents and whānau if negative behaviours occur.
ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES?
Yes, while restorative conversations and apologies are an extremely valuable approach, children will face consequences for negative behaviour.
Below is an image that displays the 4 main values we think reflect the big picture. We have chosen 4 because its easy to remember. Ko wai au, as well as being a useful statement in itself - Who am I?, it is designed around the letters WAI. W = whānaungatanga, A = aroha and I = I am....
Below is a table of what we consider are minor behaviours that will be dealt with by teachers. Parents and whānau can be expected to be included in text messages, emails or conversations about these if necessary.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Together, students and staff have identified the behaviours that we think will result in excellent learning and a peaceful, friendly and supportive school community.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We teach and model those behaviours consistently and regular so everyone knows what is expected. We support that learning by using visual signage of expected behaviours.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We emphasise and focus on praising expected behaviours rather than focussing on negative behaviours. We prefer a restorative approach, often including parents and whānau if negative behaviours occur.
ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES?
Yes, while restorative conversations and apologies are an extremely valuable approach, children will face consequences for negative behaviour.
Below is an image that displays the 4 main values we think reflect the big picture. We have chosen 4 because its easy to remember. Ko wai au, as well as being a useful statement in itself - Who am I?, it is designed around the letters WAI. W = whānaungatanga, A = aroha and I = I am....
Below is a table of what we consider are minor behaviours that will be dealt with by teachers. Parents and whānau can be expected to be included in text messages, emails or conversations about these if necessary.
Our overriding strategy - did you know?
These are the goals and initiatives that drive us as a school. They have been reviewed again recently for 2020. YOUR voice is important to us, and as we continue to update this strategic focus, student, parent, whānau and community feedback is an essential contribution.
An email to principal@boi.ac.nz or even a note left at reception are both ways you could have your say.
An email to principal@boi.ac.nz or even a note left at reception are both ways you could have your say.
A note from your PYP Coordinator
I am really excited about this year's Program of Inquiry and we welcome your expertise and input within the units. The PYP has been going through a process of change, bringing in the enhanced PYP, this has resulted in some changes within the school. This year Room 1 will be following the Early Years PYP and will explore 4 units of inquiry during the school year. Room 2 will collaborate with Room 3 to complete 6 units of inquiry covering all of the transdisciplinary themes. Room 4 and Room 5 will also complete 6 units and year 8 will have the experience of an exhibition unit at the end of the year.
The 2020 Program of Inquiry can be found here
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at jennag@boi.ac.nz with any questions regarding IB.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Keeping the School Van?
Our van is such an important resource for supporting the many trips and events we participate in, away from school. The Board has decided that due to financial pressure in 2020 we must return the van and try and get by without it. A number of significant donation agreements with the school expired in 2019, leaving us to manage a tight annual budget this year.
We are seeking other options to try to keep the van. We need to raise approximately $9000 to cover lease costs, insurance, maintenance and fuel. We are handing this over to the community to see what ideas there might be to achieve our goal. Maybe its business sponsorship, either by one or more organisations?, maybe it's a use agreement at times when the van is not being used by school groups?, or maybe it's just someone who shares our belief that the van is a valuable resource, and wants to help?, we have an open mind to any and all suggestions.
Please be in touch with Matua Chris principal@boi.ac.nz or 4079749
New Students, parents and whānau
To start the 2020 school year we welcomed everyone, returning and new to the school on Monday 3rd February. Once again the day dawned beautifully and the peaceful environs of the school marae Te Waonui ā Tane played host to a warm and inviting ceremony. We hope all our parents and whānau enjoyed the morning and the singing by the roopu Kapa Haka.
We are surrounded by many historically significant landmarks in this area, something that is a rich source of learning and connection. We are seeking to expand our access to the landmarks and stories that surround them as a way to build increased historical literacy for our children. As always we welcome your support of this, and any contributions you feel are important to make.
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