Term 2 is off and running!

Julie Cronin from Te Mata School Home & School Committee

Welcome back Te Mata families.

Term 2 is off to a great start, with most families back into it. We look forward to the rest returning in the next couple of weeks.

Welcome to our new families starting this term and to any returning families. I know it's just too hard to stay away from such a great school.

I hope you are all prepared for the forthcoming winter, with winter uniforms, jumpers, raincoats and hankies at the ready. Please make sure all items are named clearly. If you need anything feel free to pop into the uniform shop, behind the astroturf, and pick up what you need at a low price. You can even pick up summer gear on special at the moment, so you might as well gear up and save money at the same time as you help support the school. All monies from the uniform shop, profits from Friday treats, recipe books, beanies and umbrellas go directly to the H&S for use in the school.

Wet weather clothing.
It's also a good idea to look at their shoes. Are they suitable for rainy days or frosty days. And might they require a spare set of pants or socks in their bag, just in case they get wet or muddy?

Head warming.
We are selling beanies again this year. Just pop into the office and you can purchase one there when you come in. Alternately you can download an order for and send it in with your child/ren along with cash or a cheque (as per the order form). This link will take you to the order form page. www.sporty.co.nz...

Lost property.
In regards to jumpers, we still have a number of them in our lost property. Many from the same children. Has yours come home with someone elses' and left theirs at school? Please check their clothes and make sure they have brought their own home and not someone elses'. If they have brought another students clothes, just pop them into the lost property trolley, on the ramp outside the hall main doors, or ask at the office for the childs' classroom and return it there. We do still have some missing from last term and even last year. Please don't donate them to the uniform shop unless they are yours.

Lunch ideas.
If you are wondering about what to feed them on a cold, wet day. A simple and filling idea can be cuppa soups and toast soldiers or noodles. You can combine the two. K Mart has great small thermos containers for about $10 you can pop a cuppa soup or a pre-made packet of instant noodles into and they can pour it for themselves. Do add a little cool water or milk when you make it, as the thermos can keep the boiling liquid quite hot for a good long time and a cooling drop added can make it easier and safer to pour and drink. If you give them noodles don't forget to give them a spoon, fork or spork. They can be a bit tricky to eat with fingers.

Friday Treats.
Our Friday treats are back again and a real treat for all. The treats also help to raise money for the school. Please make sure if your child is ordering, that the form has their name and classroom on it clearly, the number of each item of food and the total payment filled in, legibly. Sometimes we do struggle to make heads or tails of the orders. And please include the correct amount as no change will be given and it can be embarrassing for payment envelopes to be received when there isn't enough money to cover the order.

Finally....Home & School
Our next H&S meeting will be held in the staff room at the school at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd May. If you are interested in joining or just finding out what we are about, please come along. You will be very welcome. A number of our members left with their senior children last year and we would very much love to have some new blood join us. So, whether you are new to the school or not, and would like to get involved in helping the school in anyway, we are the team to join, and we are a great team.

Have a great term and see you at school!