Newsletter – 2 April 2025

 Principal’s Message 

Dear Parents

CARNIVAL

What an epic time we had at Carnival – thrilling rides, mouthwatering food, exciting games, raffles and bouncy castles – I certainly had fun taking my turn in the dunk tank! Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success.

A shout out to our amazing parents – your support makes the magic happen!

To our volunteers and staff – whether you signed up months ago or were roped in on the day – we appreciate you, and we couldn’t have done it without you! From setting up and running stalls to packing up after the fun was over, your hard work and dedication is much appreciated.

While it is always difficult to single people out, as so many people contribute to the success of our Carnival, I must specifically mention the Taylor family. Their incredible Haunted House is always a crowd favourite at carnival, scaring everyone and adding to the fun of the event. Your effort and creativity is much appreciated! 

A special acknowledgment to our Carnival Lead, the unstoppable Carla Bickel, and our phenomenal PTN Carnival Team Leaders: 

Anna Coates, Carl Bickel, Coral Small, Emma Sokolich, Heidi Elsmore, Holly Yu, Jacinda Roberts, Jared Dinneen, Jo Catty, Karen Kennedy, Kate Tan, Kim Sammons, Mark Bramwell, Nikki Bramwell, Rachel Irving, Sarah Jones, Sarah Langstone-Ross, and Sian Morgan.

This incredible group has carnival organisation down to a fine art, and I cannot thank them enough for the enormous contribution they have made to Cockle Bay School. Their time, energy, and passion have made our carnivals unforgettable events, and I am truly grateful – thank you, thank you, thank you!

CAMPS

Our Year 5 camp at Carey Park was a great success and the students had a wonderful time enjoying new experiences. Year 6 left this morning for their camp at Matamata and we look forward to hearing about their adventures and experiences when they return. I am visiting them tomorrow.

WHOLE SCHOOL EVACUATION

We were very pleased with our whole school evacuation drill that took place last week. The students calmly and safely made their way to our assembly point at Howick College, and we are proud of the way everyone followed our procedures.

Ngā mihi

Dorothy Bigwood

 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

We teach children how we expect them to behave. Cockle Bay School has high expectations of student behaviour and encourages respectful relationships.

Each week, we hold a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) Monday morning assembly where we introduce and reinforce the behaviour focus of the week. Teachers then follow up in classrooms with explicit teaching and discussions about these behaviours, ensuring that students understand and can apply them in their daily school life. Students who have been ‘caught’ applying the lessons of the previous week receive a PB4L certificate.

So far this term, our PB4L lessons have focused on:

• How to behave in assemblies
• Positive play in the play areas
• Listening and following instructions
• Moving around the school respectfully
• Making good choices
• Growth mindset and resilience
• Building and maintaining friendships

As we approach the end of the term, we will be focusing on two important topics:

• Inclusiveness – Encouraging students to welcome and respect differences, ensuring everyone feels valued and included.
• Being an Upstander – Teaching students the importance of standing up for what is right, supporting their peers, and fostering a caring school environment.

PB4L is an essential part of our school culture, helping to create a positive and supportive environment for all students. We encourage you to talk with your child about what they have been learning and how they can apply these lessons both at school and at home.

 Photolife Photos

Parents have been emailed their child’s unique Key Code to go online to view and purchase 2025 School Photos.      

***FREE DELIVERY EXPIRES Midnight Sunday 13 APRIL 2025*** 

 If your unique key code has not arrived in your email, please check your trash/spam folder.

For any queries, please contact PhotoLife on:  enquiries@photolife.co.nz

 ANZAC Poppies

 ANZAC Poppies are available from the office now – a gold coin donation please.

 Enrolment

If your child is turning five in 2025, and you have not yet completed an enrolment form, please do so now. Knowing student numbers is crucial for effective school planning and the allocation of resources (classrooms, teachers, and other essentials).

Forms can be collected from the school office or downloaded from the school website.

 School eTAP App for Parents – @school App 

We have now moved to using a new app for home/school communication. This app is connected to our student management system and allows parents to log student absences, sign up for teacher conferences, complete permission slips, update personal details for your child/ren, access the school events calendar and website, as well as view current school year reports and access historical reports for your child/ren. 

Trouble shooting:

• You need to access the app for the first time through the email you have been sent and on a computer/desktop or mobile phone
• Then click on the blue link at the bottom of the email and agree to the the terms and conditions BEFORE you follow the prompts to install the app
• The app will open in a new window on your browser
• Follow the instructions to change your password

Please email the office if you have any questions or are having trouble accessing the login. 

Link to School Calendar

 2025 Dates

Term One (Monday 3 February – Friday 11 April)

Saturday 29 March – Cockle Bay School Carnival

Term Two (Monday 28 April – Friday 27 June)

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)

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 1, 2025: