Welcome. I trust you have all had a wonderful break over the school holidays and you have managed to spend time together as a family. To those of you who are new to Paekakariki School - a special welcome. I look forward to meeting and working with you. I do not intend to communicate too much in this newsletter other than to say that if you have any concerns do not hesitate to bring it to my attention either directly, or through the classroom teacher. We cannot solve problems if we do not know what they are.

FISH AND CHIP/PICNIC EVENING – THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY

This is the chance to meet all the staff and other parents from our school community. It is very informal but the format is:

″ Meet on the playground at about 5.00 pm.

″ Bring your picnic/fish and chips and enjoy dinner with your family.

″ Sports equipment will be out so Dads and Mums can get some games going.

″ Mix and meet the staff and other parents.

″ Pack up and go home when ready. 

We will let the local fish and chip shop know it is on but just be aware that if everyone decides on fish and chips there may be a bit of a delay. Factor that into your planning.

 If the weather looks a bit dubious we will make a decision at lunch time as to whether we postpone or not.

 In conclusion, I am looking forward to working with the staff, students, Board of Trustees and community of Paekakariki School. I consider it a privilege.

John Masson

Principal 

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY – MONDAY 13^TH FEBRUARY

Every student who rides to school will get a prize!

   FRENCH LESSONS

Jo Picot will be running French lessons during Term 1. The fee for the term is $48 and annual membership pack (includes CD, songbook, stickers, LGF Clubs backpack, one year free online subscription to Babelzone, LCF Clubs online interactive and education fun language website). Bookings are essential. Call Jo on 021 02855034 or email jo.picot@lcfclubs.co.nz Website www.lcfclubs.co.nz

WEDNESDAY – BANKING DAY

FRIDAY LUNCHES

Pies: Steak & Cheese, Mince or Potato Top. $2.50

Sausage Rolls: $1.50

Wraps: Mince and Cheese or Butter Chicken. $3.00

Pizza: Hawaiian: $2.00

·         Raumati swimming Club Tuesday Night programme at Raumati pool at 5pm. From ages 4 to 13, for swimmers and non swimmers. Night term time. $75
Squad Swimming
For those swimmers who can swim and are looking for fun, fitness and beginning competition in a club environment. From ages 7 up. Check out the Raumati swimming Club website. Week Nights or email Amanda hanwood@paradise.net.nz

·         The Kapiti Music Centre is open for enrolments in guitar, flute, violin, percussion, trumpet, cello, ukulele, recorder, saxophone and clarinet 9th and 11th of February 4.30 - 6.00 pm at St Patrick Primary School on Tongariro  St. Costs from $150 p/a. Jessica Polglase Manager Kapiti Music Centre Ph 021 297 1413 www.kapitimusiccentre.org.nz

·         DRAMA CLASSES 2012 Come along and learn exciting new skills through Drama. Throughout the year we will explore improvisation, creative movement, characterisation, mime and performance while having a lot of fun! Enrol early: maximum 15 per class. There will be two classes running weekly throughout the school terms. Ages are a rough guide only. Ages 5 - 7 years, Tuesdays, 3.30 - 4.30  Ages 8 - 13 years, Wednesdays, 4.00 - 5.00 Both classes will take place at the Paekakariki Scout Hall and are $65 per term. Run by Julia Truscott (qualified Secondary School Drama teacher) please email me to enrol bigjulia@yahoo.com or ring 04 292 8667.

• Kapiti Gymnastics Club has now started classes for Term 1.  We offer classes for all ages from babies through to teenagers including Gymnastics, Incentive Awards, Trampoline, Tumbling and Cheerleading for 7+ yrs.  Come and meet our two new cheerleading coaches who are both very experienced and one of them is still competing at Level 5.  Enrolments are being taken now and we also offer concession cards and casual rates for most classes.  For more information phone Michelle on 298 7010 or e-mail kapitigym@xtra.co.nz
• Kapiti Miniature Railway are holding our annual OPEN WEEKEND on February Sat 18^th & Sun19th Of February at the track in Marine Gardens, Raumati Beach. A lot of visiting locomotives have been invited and we look forward to a large attendance of children and Carers. We operate from 10am till 4 pm both days, Weather permitting,

SWIMMING POOL

The pool will open next week. Please ensure your child brings togs, towel and goggles every day.