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email: office@pasadena.school.nz
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Wednesday 4 November 2020
Newsletter Term 4 Edition 1
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Principals' News
It is great to be back at school, and our fingers are crossed that COVID-19 does not disrupt term 4 in any way. We are fortunate to be able to function as pretty close to normal as possible, especially when you see the significant impact that COVID-19 is having on the rest of the world.
The teachers have worked tirelessly to make sure that our students don’t miss out on any activities and have organised extra events such as the School Production, Graduation, Art Exhibition, Pt Erin Pools trip and Camp this term.
Please make sure that you have all of the dates pencilled in your diaries as a lot is going on. If you are unsure of any events, please go to our school website, www.pasadena.school.nz or contact the school office.
This week a large number of students and staff have been focused on our school Production “Moana”. It has been great to see the show coming together after being postponed in Term 3. A big thank you to William Uele and Talia Rissling who worked tirelessly to get our students ready to perform. As a school, we are very proud.
There are still a limited number of tickets on sale for tonight's performance and Thursdays show. These can be purchased from the school office.
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School Trustees Elections
The School Trustee Election closed on Sunday 1 November. Two parent nominations were received.
Congratulations to Nick Allan and Issy Coleman who have been elected as board members, taking office from 8 November.
On behalf of our school community, I would like to acknowledge Shelly Pathak and Jill Pitches, who both have come to the end of their term as BOT members. Both Shelly and Jill have worked tirelessly for our school as co-chairs. Thank you for the time and effort you have given to our students and staff.
At the end of this year, we also farewell Mandy Tubman from our BOT. Mandy has been a BOT member for the last seven years and has been influential in ensuring that Pasadena has been focused on positive outcomes for all of our students. She was also very involved in the $5 million refurbishment of our classrooms.
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Pasifika Update
Tālofa, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa atu, Kia orana, Bula vinaka,
On Wednesday October 21st, Pasadena Intermediate held its Pacific Island sharing evening (fono). This was an opportunity for the school to communicate and receive feedback on relevant information from and to our Pasifika communities.
We had an excellent turnout, with more than 40 people attending. Jerome Brown facilitated the event, with an opening in Tongan by Latanoa Rm7, followed by speeches by Kyra Rm8 about her experiences at Pasadena and the opportunities available for Pasifika students, while MJ Rm12 shared his learning journey and how his educational achievement has significantly progressed during his time here. The Tongan Dance group performed and wellbeing data for our Pasifika students was shared. Families then provided feedback about what was going well, such as language weeks and incorporating pacific experiences into the learning programme, and ways we could improve, such as having two Fono a year and further performance opportunities. The Fono concluded with a shared meal and time to connect with one another.
Pasifika Achievement Plan:
On the 28th of October, our Pasifika Achievement Plan was presented to our Board of Trustees. Some of the key points are as follows:
- Teachers actively find different ways to best support the learning of our Pasifika students, using a range of strategies and teaching tools that are successful in accelerating the achievement of Pasifika students
- Professional Learning is provided to staff to support best practice, such as using the Tapasā Cultural Competencies Framework
- Use a range of data and evidence to monitor progress and achievement of individual Pasifika students
- There are regular discussions with and between teachers about data and how this can be used to increase Pasifika achievement
- Teachers gather student voice from Pasifika learners to identify what works for their students
- Families also share their perspectives on student learning through our Fono
- Worked collaboratively with the Kāhui Ako to share culturally responsive teaching practices, and to support transitions between school
- Strong Pasifika voice evident on the School Council
- Offer a holistic approach that emphasises a range of cultural opportunities that will allow Pasifika students to celebrate their own culture
- Students involved in review and evaluation processes
- Pasifika Enrichment programme to provide a safe, inclusive space for Pasifika learners to connect and learn together
- Local schools consulted about ways our students can support their students and programmes and used as a basis to develop leadership and coaching opportunities between schools
- Pasifika cultural group established and given multiple opportunities to perform
- Pasifika language weeks to be celebrated in all classrooms with lessons undertaken by students -cultural dress celebration at the end
- Pasifika role models, experts and facilitators to lead learning and experiences within the school
A big thank you to our student presenters, performers and the parents who attended the evening.
Mary Pretorius and Jerome Brown
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Māori Achievement Plan
As part of our reporting systems we identify key initiatives that are undertaken to improve outcomes for our Māori students. The plan was presented to the BOT on 28 October. These include:
I te 28 o Oketopa, i whakatakotoria ai tā tātou Mahere Angitu Māori ki te poari o te kura. E whai ake nei ētahi o ngā kaupapa matua o roto:
- Kua whakatūria he hōtaka me he rautaki e pana whakamua ai i te ako a te ākonga Māori mā ngā taputapu huahua kia aroturukina te haere
- Kua whakamahia te Matific, he hōtaka pāngarau reo Māori ā-ipurangi, hei tautoko i ngā mahi pakirehua pāngarau
- Kua mahi tahi me te Kāhui Ako kia tohaina ngā mahi akoako kia whai wāhi ai te ahurea, kia āwhinatia te whakawhitiwhiti a te tamaiti ki tōna kura hōu, kia waihangahia he anga mō te reo kōrero o te tamaiti
- Kua whai wāhi mai tētahi kaiāwhina ako reo Māori kia āwhinatia ngā ākonga me whai tautoko
- Kua whakamatihikotia ngā kōrero reo Māori, kua waihangahia hoki ētahi rauemi matiko hōu mō te ako i mamao te take
- Kua whai raihana whakawhiti reo, whakamāori, whakapākehā hoki tētahi o ngā kaimahi
- Kua whai wāhi ngā kaiako ki ētahi whakangungu pēnei i te mahi tahi ki te taha o Nicky Knight me te reo Māori ki te taha o Pānia Papa
- Kua whai wāhi ngā ākonga Māori ki ngā kaupapa hautū katoa a te kura, pēnei i te peer mentoring, te peer coaching, te kaunihera hoki
- Kua tae mai a Whitebait Connection kia mahi tahi me ngā ākonga Pasadena e 60 me te arotahi ki te whakarauora i te mauri o Te Waititiko (te manga e rere ana i te taha o te kura)
- Kua whakaakona te reo Māori ki ngā ākonga katoa o te kura, kua whakahaerehia hoki he akoranga reo Māori atu anō (1 ki ngā ākonga kāore anō kia ākona, e 3 ki ngā ākonga reorua) ia wiki
Mō te roanga ake o te pūrongo, pāwhiria tēnei
- Accelerated learning programmes and strategies put in place for ākonga Māori with a range of tools used to monitor progress
- Matific, an online maths tool completely in te reo Māori, has been utilised in conjunction with our Maths as Inquiry model
- Worked collaboratively with the Kāhui Ako to share culturally responsive teaching practices, support transitioning, and create a draft rubric for Kōrero
- A fluent, Māori-medium learning assistant hired to work with our supported learners
- A large number of Māori-language narratives have been digitised and te reo Māori resources have been created to accommodate remote learning and teaching
- We now have a licensed translator and interpreter of te reo Māori on staff
- Staff have been involved in a number of PLD sessions, including collaboration with Nicky Knight and te reo Māori with Pānia Papa
- Māori students are involved in all aspects of leadership, e.g. peer mentoring, peer coaching, student council
Donovan Farnham
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Transition for 2021
It has been great visiting our local primary schools learning more about our incoming Year 6 students next year, as well as meeting many of them on school tours over the last few weeks. We will be holding our Orientation Day for all incoming Year 6's on Wednesday 2nd December from 9am - 12pm. During this time students will learn more about the school as well as meet their teacher and classmates for 2021.
Following the various Open Days, tours and Information evenings occurring at our local colleges, it is important that all Year 8’s are now enrolled to attend high school next year. If you haven’t enrolled your child please do so at your earliest convenience, to ensure a successful transition between ourselves and their new school.
Western Springs College enrolment information can be found here and Waiōrea enrolment information can be found here. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Reception (09) 8156730 or admin@wsc.school.nz. The Western Springs College Parent Information Evening will be held on Wednesday 2nd December.
MAGS Academic Testing times
We ask that all students arrive at about 8.30am to allow time to get everyone into the hall and seated to commence testing at 9.00am.
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YEAR 8 GIRLS
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Date
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Arrival time
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Testing times
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Testing Day
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Thursday 12 November
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8.30am
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9.00am-12.00pm (approximately)
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Sports Academies Trials
(after a brief lunch break)
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12.30pm-2.30pm
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YEAR 8 BOYS
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Date
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Arrival time
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Testing times
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Testing Day
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Friday 13 November
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8.30am
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9.00am-12.00pm (approximately)
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Sports Academies Trials
(after a brief lunch break)
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12.30pm-2.30pm
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Pasadena Annual Quiz Night
Pasadena Intermediate and the C@P committee recently held its annual quiz night fundraiser last Friday night. After a tough year it was truly great to be able to organise this for the community and for those attending to let their hair down and have a bit of fun. 17 teams participated and had a great night of trivia, food and socialising. All attendees helped raise money towards digital and sporting equipment for the school. The exact amount raised is still to be confirmed but will be released very soon.
Thanks to members of the C@P committee for their hard work setting up the venue, run the night and helping with the cleanup.
Nicky Newson, Brent Newson, Michelle Lee-Brown, Jo Pannell, Vanessa Black, Gavin Black, Gina Russell, Tania Mace, Mandy Bunce, Emma Watkinson, Catherine Tong, and MC extraordinaire Richard Green.
Many weeks of organisation prior to the event from the C@P committee, ensured a safe and entertaining night for all teams.
See you again next year!
Jerome Brown
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Pasadena Yearbook 2020
This year, we are excited to be publishing a Pasadena Yearbook filled with lots of memorable moments that can be treasured for years to come. As this will be a compilation of as many memories for 2020 at Pasadena throughout a weird and wonderful year, we will be making this available for each family so that they can purchase a copy during Term 4. These will be subsidised by the school and will be available to pre-purchase for $5 per copy. A notice will come home regarding this shortly.
Thank you to all of our students who have worked tirelessly to be a part of our yearbook team. Also a special mention to Frida, Rosa, Bella, Samantha and Cyleste (Rm 13) who have taken on the task of being photographers, editors, helpers and my go-betweens over the last term. Nga mihi maioha ki a koutou.
Rangimārie Maxted
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Science in a Van
On Monday 19th October we had "science in a van" come to teach the whole school. They presented in a fun interactive way and covered areas such as:
What are the properties of a material?
How many states of matter are there?
This show got the students excited about solids, liquids and gases. It introduced the periodic table in a fun way and demonstrated how elements can come together to make different materials. They showed how materials can change with mixing and temperature and performed some explosive experiments!
Keith Ward
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Central Zone Boy's Basketball
On Tuesday the 13th of November Pasadena sent a group of boys to North Shore Event Centre to compete in the Central Zone Basketball Tournament.
The boys were amazing! We had some very talented competition in our pool, but managed to do very well. We beat Royal Oak (28-10), Waiheke High (30-3) and St. Pauls (26-7) but unfortunately lost two very close games to St. Peters and Kowhai.
We moved through to the next round and qualified for the 5th/6th final game against ANI. It was another close game but the team managed to come out on top and take 5th place in the tournament.
Throughout the day the team showed sportsmanship, fair play and had smiles on their faces for most of the day. I was very proud of them and think we have some seriously talented basketball players at our school!
A big thank you to all the parents that came along to cheer on the boys. We really appreciate the support!
James Bonnar
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Central Zone Girl's Basketball
On Thursday 15 October, the Pasa Basketball Girls team participated in the annual Central Zone Girl's Basketball tournament at the North Shore Events Centre.
The team were determined and focused to represent our school with skill, precision and sportspersonship.
The team had great wins against St Cuths, Remuera Intermediate, Balmoral Intermediate, Wesley, Auckland Normal Intermediate and Marist College. Our only losses were against eventual champions Royal Oak and runners up Kowhai Intermediate. We finished with the Bronze medal - a fantastic achievement!!
A big thank you to Mr Brown, for coaching and organising the team throughout the past month and for the parents who helped with transport. Also a big thank you to Cody for helping to score on the bench.
Here is the team: Mihi Rumaki, Tini Rumaki, Muriwai Rumaki, Harmony Rm 5, Frohar Rm 5, Kyra Rm 8, Lily C Rm 9, Tess W Rm 9, Charlotte Rm 10, Koewtaa Rm 11, Jasmine Rm 11.
Jerome Brown
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Growing Leaders
On Wednesday 21st October, 14 Pasadena students were selected to represent the school as Basketball referees for the annual Primary schools Basketball tournament at Trusts Stadium.
They had an intense session on how to referee and what it takes to be leaders with Mr Brown prior to the tournament.
Each student was given the daunting responsibility of officiating and scoring the bench with over 180 kids from different primary schools including Pt Chevalier, Bayfield, Newton Central, Grey Lynn, Richmond Road, Marist and St Francis. The feedback was extremely positive with several parents commenting on their professionalism and passion.
Thanks to Sport Auckland and Mr Brown, for organising these students to do this.
Here are the names of these amazing students: Mihi Rumaki, Tini Rumaki, Cruz Rm 4, Harmony Rm 5, Kyra Rm 8, Hugo Rm 10, Amaan Rm 10, Ben E Rm 10, Max D Rm 10, Cody Rm 10, Harrison Rm 11, Drew Rm 12, Jacob Rm 14, Sam Rm 14.
Jerome Brown
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November
2 - Production Rehearsal
3 - CZ Girls Touch
Moana Jr 12pm start
4 - Moana Jr 6.30pm
5 - Moana Jr 6.30pm
6 - Assembly
11 - CZ Badminton
Epro8
12 - Epro8
16 - 20 Camp
December
2 - Primary school orientation day
3 - Yr8 Graduation 6.30pm start
7 - Reports to go home
8 - Pt Erin's school trip
9 - Prizegiving 12pm
Rumaki Prizegiving 6.30pm
10 - Last day of school - school will close at 1pm
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January 2021
27 - Uniform/Stationery shop open from 9am-1pm
28 - Uniform/Stationery shop open from 9am-1pm
29 - Uniform/Stationery shop open from 9am-1pm
30 - Uniform/Stationery shop open from 9am-1pm
February
2 - Uniform/Stationery shop open from 9am-1pm
3 - Term 1 begins
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