Kia ora koutou BDS whānau, Week 1, Term 3, 2023
We hope you had an enjoyable holiday. Welcome to our new families who are joining us this term and we look forward to seeing you at school and attending our school events.
Term 3 is once again a busy term of learning, sports, cultural activities and trips; culminating in our Performing Arts evening at the end of the Term. Please do read further down in the newsletter for very important information.
We are pleased to be able to welcome back Miss Tineke Oed for Term 3 in Room 4 while Miss Hill is on her Overseas Experience; and Mrs Radue and Mrs Andrew who will be teaching our new five year olds in Room 15.
Our school assemblies will start in Week 2.
Have a great start to the term.
Ngā mihi nui,
Vicki Parkins, Principal – Tumuaki (vickip@botanydowns.school.nz)
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Coming up @ BDS…
Wed 19 July – Howick Int coming to visit Yr 6
Fri 21 July – Yr 6 Museum trip
Wed 26 July – Somerville Int coming to visit Yr 6
Wed 2 Aug – PTA Jester’s Pie Day
Tues 8 Aug – HPPA Cross-country
Wed 9 Aug – No Uniform Day – Fancy Dress theme
Mon 14 Aug – ICAS English
Tues 15 Aug – Senior Speech Final
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Abences – if Your Child is Not Coming to School
It is very important that you let us know if your child is not going to be at school. Please follow the below process so that we do not need to make contact with you to find out the reason for their absence.
Please state your name, your child’s name, room number, and the reason for their absence.
If your child is absent please notify the school office by:
This email, phone number, and the school app are available for messages outside of school hours.
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Uniform
Our BDS school uniform is worn with pride and Term 3 continues with our winter uniform. Please wear our BDS school grey socks with the green stipe with our green/grey shorts and black socks with our school tunic and skorts. Underneath our green trousers either sock may be worn. Plain black shoes with either velcro or laces are also part of our winter uniform.
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School Communication
Please ensure that you look out for the communications from us as we have a busy term ahead.
- Newsletters are emailed out each Tuesday
- Newsletters are uploaded to our website each Tuesday with Google Translate
- Newsletter are uploaded to our school app (see below)
- Team newsletters are emailed to you in the first week back
- Reminders will be sent out on our school app
- The school calendar on our website is continually updated
- PTA newsletter is emailed to you
- PTA reminders will be sent out on our school app
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BDS School App
To keep up to date with school notices, notify student absences, and more – head to your app store (Apple or Google Play) to download and install the KiwiSchools KS Connect app, and connect with Botany Downs School.
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BDS Values
 Our focus Value for Term 3 Weeks 1-6 is:
Responsibility – Kaitiakitanga
We are the kaitiaki for our place in the world. We show commitment and responsibility for our actions.
- Care for our environment
- Protect and look after nature
- Show commitment
- Take responsibility for our actions
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BDS Capabilities
Our BDS Capabilities represent the skills and knowledge for our akonga to achieve success as they grow. Our Capabilities bring together our BDS Values and the learning dispositions we feel can’t be left to chance. These Capabilities are reflected through all our learning programmes.
This term our Botany Best certificates will be presented to reflect the skills and knowledge our tamariki are developing within these Capabilities.
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Matariki Celebration
Our Kura celebrated Matariki on the last day of Term Two, with performances by our junior and senior Kapa Haka groups. We thank our dedicated staff and also extend our thanks to Mrs Walker for her time and efforts with our junior Kapa Haka. It was a delight to witness our tamariki sharing this special occasion with their whānau. We appreciate the time you took to join us.
Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori!
Michelle Takaiti, Senior Kapa Haka Coordinator (michellet@botanydowns.school.nz)
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Sports in Term 3
This term we have our gymnastics teams getting ready for their competition. The netball and soccer teams have a tournament day. Our top cross-country runners compete against other schools. Basketball is growing in popularity and we have two teams now in the after school competition. Good luck to all our teams this term.
Rachael Jeffs, Sports Coordinator, (rachaelj@botanydowns.school.nz)
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Lunchtime Activities Term 3
Throughout Term 3 there are a number of activities that take place during lunchtimes. As well as training for our sports teams we have students involved in: orchestra, choir, Bucketheads drumming group, dance groups, Enviro Club, and senior and junior Kapa Haka.
Mark Insley, Deputy Principal (marki@botanydowns.school.nz)
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Children Turning Five
If your child is turning five in the next six (6) months please ensure you enrol them as soon as possible. Our roll is steadily growing and we need to plan for classes and teachers during the year.
Please collect your enrolment pack from the office, or email office@botanydowns.school.nz
Joanne Hughson DP/SENCo – Year 0-3 (joanneh@botanydowns.school.nz)
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Learning and Fun @ BDS
Year 1, Room 8 – Matariki Kites – e made wishes for the New Year.
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Whitcoulls Top 50 Kids’ Books 2023 –
Vote and be in the Draw to WIN!
VOTE NOW! Click the link below, vote for your three (3) favourite kids’ books, and you’ll go in the draw to win 1 of 10 $100 Whitcoulls Gift Cards!
Click here to vote… *T&C’s apply.
Hurry – voting and competition ends Sunday 23rd July 2023.
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Books can be returned: at lunchtime; before school; during a class visit; to Botany Bob in the front office if the library is closed.
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