Beginning of  Year Information  Nga korero

Everything you need to know about starting at Somerfield te Kura Wairepo in 2023.

Getting Connected Interviews

The school is open on the 2nd & 3rd of February for children and parents to attend their Getting Connected Session.

The first day of classes is Tuesday 7th of February. Please note Monday the 6th is Waitangi Day (Public Holiday).

Getting Connected

In 2023 Getting Connected will be a 15-minute face-to-face interview for you and your child. There may be some cases where you would prefer a zoom. Please contact the class teacher to set this up for you.

You will be sent a link to an introductory video on Wednesday, 1st February. This will give you much of the information you need to know about the school and the collaboration your child is part of.

These interviews and the video prior to the interview are to connect or reconnect with you and your child after the holiday break and set goals.

Prior to the meeting

● discuss the footprint sheet and fill it in with your child – these are on the website.

● read over the report to think of goals to set with your child

At the meeting, you will

● discuss the footprint sheet with the teacher

● set some goals with your child and the teacher Sessions and Bookings This session runs for 15 minutes. You can book a session through the school app by clicking the school interview icon or go to https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/.

The code is jhryw

The Times blocks available are below. Please book by 3p.m Tuesday, 31 January. This allows time for teachers to see who needs to be sent a zoom link.

Thursday, 2nd February 11.oo am – 6:30 pm

Friday, 3rd February 9 am -3 pm

Summer Slide

Children make progress in reading with regular and consistent practice. You may think it is a good idea to take a break from all schoolwork over the summer however, reading is a lifelong skill to be nurtured. For many children, six weeks with little or no reading can be detrimental. Summer Slide refers to children sliding back in their enjoyment of and achievement in reading. It is essential for many children that parents and caregivers carry out reading, go to the library, and practice basic words and sounds during the holidays to consolidate and maintain learning.

Research shows:

– The consequences are cumulative and long-lasting

– The slide can have a powerful influence on reading scores throughout high school and beyond

– Low-income children fall further behind than their classmates

– The loss is less pronounced or absent in students who have access to books and holiday learning experiences such as travel, museum visits, etc What works?

– Your child seeing you as a reader

– Students’ own choice of books – visit the local library

– Aim for a variety of reading material – recipes, word finds, and crosswords

– Reading a little and often each day works best

School Communication

The best way to keep connected to your child’s learning and school events is through the school app. It has a school calendar with important dates and you will receive learning snapshots throughout the year to keep up to date with your child’s progress. Alongside this, you will receive an electronic, written report at the mid-year and end-of-year points.

If you have forgotten your ID or password, please email Kellie Englefield at k.englefield@somerfield.school.nz with your child’s name and class.