Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

We are into the second half of the term, autumn is here, and the school lunch programme is still delivering issues. While I am grateful we are part of this programme, it hurts to see what worked well last year with local providers and a realistic budget to feed tamariki be undermined. Every day, there is a new story, and I feel our media are stepping up to fight for our children by keeping this story going. A lot has been made of the cost, but our politicians' thinking here is flawed. It is not a cost but an investment. An investment in our community, an investment in our children, an investment in our future.

Let's hope this gets sorted.

As winter approaches, so does our winter sports. Over the next few weeks, our school winter code notices will come out, hockey, netball and basketball. We are also lucky to have a strong football and rugby club. Registrations are open for these clubs. It is a great way for your tamariki to keep fit, active and make new friends. I have included the club links/email below.

Football

https://www.gijfc.co.nz/Registration-1/Junior-Registrations-1

Rugby

gijuniorrugby@gmail.com

Ngā mihi nui

Aaron

Hoops and Homework 🏀

Hoops and Homework starts today after school. There are still places available. If you are interested, click on the link to sign up.

FOTs Zombie Fun Run 🏃

The FOTs Zombie Fun Run date is set, Saturday, 5 April. Tickets can now be bought. Thank you to those who have volunteered to date. We still have 21 more volunteers needed. Those who are signed up to volunteer by Friday 14 March will be entered into the draw to win a $50 Fresh Choice voucher.

Click on the link to volunteer or buy tickets.

Causal Clothes Day and BBQ👪️

The student council want to raise funds for a sand pit at our school. So we will be having a Casual Clothes Day, BBQ Sausages, and a Cake Stall on Thursday 20 March to raise funds. An email will come home on Friday for BBQ sausage orders.

As part of the William Pike Challenge, some of our Year 7/8 students have chosen to make some baked goods to sell for the cake stall. If you or your child wish to do some baking to sell, please drop it into the office on Thursday, 20 March.

Junior Swimming 🏊️

Our junior syndicate swimming lessons continue this week with Rooms 2 and 3. Swimming lessons are for the whole week.

GGI Triathlon 🏃

Notices have gone home for students participating in the Great Green Island Triathlon on 25 March. Year 5 to Year 8 students compete in teams of three, with one runner, one cyclist and one swimmer. If you have any questions, please email: campbell@greenisland.school.nz

Move It March 🚶🚴🏃

Last week, Scout came along as Part of Move It March. It was great seeing so many children involved.

Be Heard Street Appeal 🙆

Our counselling service has a street appeal coming up on Friday, 28 March, and they need more collectors. If you can help this worthy cause, please click on the link to sign up. volunteersignup.org/9L37D

Scholastic Book Club - Issue 2 📚️

Orders are due back to the school office by 9am, Friday 21 March or order online at scholastic.co.nz/LOOP.

Families can earn a $5 promo code with ANY LOOP ORDER on this Issue, to be redeemed on Issue 3.

School Assembly 🏫

Our next school assembly is Friday 14 March, 2:15pm in the school Hall. All are welcome.

Consent information YEAR SEVEN VISION SCREENING

The Vision Hearing Technicians from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora - Southern will be visiting your school to screen all year seven students for distance vision shortly. Screening Provided:

Distance Vision (Amblyopia & Hyperopia)

This determines how well your child can see at a distance. It involves reading an eye chart. The screening results will be given to your child, and a Vision technician will be in contact to discuss any further action if required.

If your child WEARS Glasses or is UNDER CARE for their eyes, there is no need to fill in an Opt-Out form. We will ask each class if there is anyone already wearing glasses or under care. Please let your child know to tell us prior to screening.

They will be given a notification slip to take home. These children are NOT screened.

By sharing this consent information, we are providing the opportunity for you to opt out of our screening programme. If you do not wish your child to be screened, please fill out an opt-out slip, which are available at the school office before our visit. This will be collected from the office and recorded on the ENROL data system.

What happens to your child’s screening information? The vision results are recorded on the Ministry of Education data system – ENROL. This information will also be saved on our Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora – Southern health management system. You can access your child’s information by contacting the Vision Hearing Screening team atvisionhearing@southerndhb.govt.nz or contacting Patient Enquiries:

· Phone: Consumer Experience Feedback Team, phone (03) 214 5738

· E-mail: feedback@southerndhb.govt.nz

· Website: www.southerndhb.govt.nz

All staff with access to this documentation adhere to the Health Information Privacy Code.

Vision Hearing Team

0800885504, visionhearing@southerndhb.govt.nz

Board Elections 2025 ✔️

This year in September elections for the Board take place. This is an opportunity at a governance level to help shape our school and give our students the best possible education. If you are not sure if this would be for you, you are welcome to come along to a board meeting, to get a feel for what is expected. There are two board meetings per term (See the dates section of the newsletter). If you want to know more, click on the link https://www.schoolboardelections.org.nz/becoming-a-board-member/