Waiwhare School 1985 Log Book

1985

PRESENT PUPILS
Jacqueline Holgate   Form 2
Philippa Drayton   Form 2
Aaron White   Form 1
Kathryn Schaw   Form 1
Anna Wilkins   Form 1
Jason Davidson   Std 4
Toni Wallis   Std 4
Tony Worsley   Std 4
Kevin Johansen   Std 4
Annette Huff   Std 4
Peter Sheild   Std 3
Elizabeth Gordon   Std 3
Kylee Holgate   Std 3
Nicholette Eatwell   Std 3
Lucy Arthur   Std 3
Nicola White   Std 3
Philippa Kay   Std 3
John Huff   Std 2
Mark Barnett   Std 2
Aaron Wallis   Std 2
Gavin Sparkes   Std 2
Michelle Davidson   Std 2
Peter Ward   Std 2
Deon Holgate   Std 2
Rachel Kay   Std 1
Jessica Arthur   Std 1
Mathew Croad   Std 1
Nicola Lawrence   Std 1
Jonathan Walsh   Std 1
Jason Goulding   J2
Michelle Eatwell   J2
Michael Ward   J2
Vicky Barnett   J2
William Kyle   J2
Andrew Gunson   J2
Mark Worsley   J2
Marcus Schaw   J2
Neil Fountaine   J1
Vikki Tough   J1
Steven Croad   J1
Suzanne Ward   J1
Duncan Kay   J1
James Schaw   J1
Amanda McCaslin   NE
Joanne Huff   NE
Callum McRae   NE
Kerry Tough   NE
Jacqui White   NE

NEW
James Schaw
Amanda McCaslin
Joanne Huff
Jonathan Walsh
Callum McRae
Kerry Tough
Jacqui White
Kevin Johansen

LEFT
Jacqueline Holgate
Philippa Drayton
Toni Wallis
Annette Huff
John Huff
Aaron Wallis
Joanne Huff

STAFF
PRINCIPAL
Dave Wallis

TEACHER
Gail Wallis

RELIEVING TEACHERS
Pam Gunson
Marion Croad
Keren Wallace

TEACHER’S AIDE
Pam Gunson

CLEANER
Gail Wallis

SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Ross Davidson, Chairman
Anne Eatwell, Sec/Treas.
Graham Lawrence
Graeme Fountaine
Diane Arthur

BUS DRIVERS
Anne Eatwell
Janet Huff
Jill Barnett

1985

TERM 1, 1985

28 January   Teachers return to school

29 January   Pupils return.  Opening roll 41.

4 February   Principals’ meeting, at Sherenden to discuss organisation for the inter-school swimming sports.

5 February   Public Health Nurse – Mrs M Martin.

12 February   D Unwin.

13 February   Visit by music adviser to discuss organisation of Musikit programme.

19 February   Rural schools swimming sports held at Sherenden School

21 February   District Senior Inspector, Mr P Hogan – school’s liaison inspector – visited on routine call to discuss staffing and application for extra ancillary hours.

23 February   Waiwhare Sports Day.

5 March   Mrs G Wallis took 6 pupils into Hastings Primary Schools Sports Champs (swimming). School committee meeting

7 March   New enrolment – James Schaw (NE).

13 March   Speech therapist visited school to assess referrals.

19 March   Rev. J. Williams, PH nurse – Mrs M Martin. Mrs G Wallis on sick leave, Mrs P Gunson relieved.

22 March   Shopping day – school closed.

26 March   School committee meeting held at the school.

2 April   Rural adviser, Mr K Edwards, visited on his last occasion as he has been appointed principal of Mayfair School, Hastings from Term 2, 1985. He will be a big loss to the rural service through his helpful assistance, ready teacher support, liaison tasks, in-service and humour.  Other visitors – PH nurse, Rev J. Williams

12 April   Housie night held at Kaweka Forest to raise funds for school.

13 April   Working bee held at the school.  Tree bays, ground maintenance and winter firewood, plus pool and classroom maintenance – a good attendance.

19 April   The annual School Committee dinner was held at the “Orient” restaurant.  A very enjoyable evening.

22 April   Biennial school committee elections held at the school.  A very good attendance was present.  Messrs R. White, M. Barnett retired as did Mrs K. Wilkins.  Newly elected were Mrs D. Arthur, Mr G. Fountaine, Mr G. Lawrence.  Chairman R. Davidson, Secretary/treasurer A. Eatwell. 26 April  Taihape Rd country schools staff dinner held at Old Flame restaurant in Hastings.

10 May   End of Term 1.  Roll 42.  Yet again a very busy term with a roll of 42 at the close. Children have coped well with the classroom demands and have shown the same responsive spirit so typical of them as we have come to know them.  Routines are firmly established and the rest of the year remains challenging in meeting the varied needs of our pupils.  Staff are also looking forward to the holiday period and will no doubt enjoy the relaxation possible.

Notification received by Principal to attend interview for position of Assistant Executive Officer (Professional Curriculum Developments) in Wellington re NZEI.  To attend 21 May 1985.  School book room painted (interior/exterior) in May holidays.

TERM 2, 1985

27 May   School re-opened for term 2, 1985.  New enrolment Amanda McCaslin.  43 pupils.

28 May   Principal and new school committee attended Education Board meeting at Mrs Jan Graham’s residence.

29 May   Notification received from HB Education Board to proceed with the new water scheme for the school.  Contact was made with J. Hill Welldrillers and is to be followed by Harris Machinery. 30 May  New committee for 1985-87 period held meeting at the school.

3 June   Queen’s birthday – school closed.

4 June   Taihape Rd principals’ meeting at Sherenden.

7 June   Shopping Day No. 3.

11 June   PH nurse visited.  School dental nurses visited school for routine check-ups of pupils.

12 June   Interested pupils attended the NZ ballet performance in Napier.

13 June   Joanne Huff – new enrolment (NE).

20 June   Sports afternoon held at Waiwhare School for Taihape Rd rural schools.

27 June   Principal commenced weekly attendance at out-of-school classes for teachers on Maori language.

2 July   Rev. J. Williams – religious instruction.

4 July   Winter sport at Pukehamoamoa.

5 July   Teacher only day refresher course for staff at Waiwhare School.

12 July   Mrs J Huff – school bus driver for 4 years finished as driver of ED 1212.  Her family is transferring to Rotorua.  New appointment is Mrs A. Eatwell.

13 July   New enrolment Jonathan Walsh (Std 1).

14-15 July   Reports sent out for mid-year. Parent interviews.

17 July   New enrolment – Callum McRae (NE).

22 July   School committee meeting held at school.

24 July   Mrs G Wallis attended maths in-services course at Mayfair School.  Mrs P Gunson relieved.

26 July   Mr & Mrs D Wallis on leave.  Mesdames P Gunson & M Croad relieved.

29 July   Shopping day No. 4

30 July   PH Nurse visited.

31 July   School bus inspector visited.

1 August   Winter sports held at Pukehamoamoa School.

2 August   Hydatid control officer made a visit to the school to speak to both classes.

3 August   Working bee held at the school.

5 August   Acting rural adviser, Mr M Whitman, visited on routine call.

6 August   Rev. J. Williams visited.

8 August   Children from Waiwhare School competed in Hastings in netball and rugby as part of Taihape Rd combined sports.

13 August   PH nurse visited.

21 August    School committee meeting.

23 August   End of Term 2.  Roll 42.  The “winter term”, while very mild, has nonetheless had its share of sicknesses that we have come to expect during these cooler months.  A severe bout of influenza affected our school pupil attendance mid-term.

The classroom tone has been busy and productive and children’s social maturities are developing as would be expected in line with their age progressions.  The teachers have maintained a very busy work programme throughout and as a consequence they, like the pupils, look forward to the August holidays, and then to the final term where again a busy programme awaits us.

TERM 3, 1985

9 September   School opened for term 3.  Roll 42.

10 September   PH nurse visited.

14-15 September   Principal attended Camp Wakarara orientation course for teachers.

17 September   Rev. J. Williams visited.  Principals’ meeting at Sherenden School to arrange summer sport events.

24 September   Mrs G Wallis absent.  Mrs K Wallace relieved in the infant room. PH nurse visited.

3 October   Ward member for Hastings Rural – Mrs J Graham – visited the school.

14 October   Principal attended ASTU examination in pursuit of completing Advanced Diploma of Teaching.  Mrs P Gunson relieved.

17,18,21 October   Test drilling for supply of school water commenced by Honnor Well Drillers in paddock across from school frontage.  Successful – water flow test 500 gallons per hour approximately.

22 October    Principal, Mr D Wallis, received notification of appointment as principal of Broadlands School, G2 – 4 teacher.

Audio-visual test (Dept. of Health) visited the school to assess pupils and referrals.  PH nurse also visited.

23 October   School committee meeting.  Mr D Unwin – Building Inspector – visited to inspect and discuss with committee and Principal current water drilling.

24 October   School committee holiday.

25 October   Principal visited Broadlands School to meet staff and school committee.

1 November    Taihape Rd School principals and staff dinner attended at DB Te Mata.

2 November   Principal attended a seminar “Computers in Education” at Napier.

4 November   Parents meeting held at school for camp arrangements relating to Camp Wakarara.

6 November   Working Bee at D&A day venue to mark field.  Snow lying in the district.

7 November   D&A Day held at Matapiro.  A warm day which saw our pupils, infant and senior, excel and perform very creditably.

8 November   Infant reading course at Mayfair School.  Mrs G Wallis attended. Mrs P Gunson relieved.

11 November   School field visit to Hastings to see milk treatment station, library and St John’s Ambulance.  Very good.  Principal Mr D Wallis received notification of appointment as Deputy-Principal of Helensville Primary but declined in favour of acceptance as principal of Broadlands School.  (After applying for several positions the irony is that I now am in a position to turn jobs down!!  Will that always be the case in our complex struggle for better recognition and promotion??)

13 November   Pet Day at school.  Good all-round efforts were obvious.

14 November   Dental Nurse made annual assessment visit.

18 November   Shopping day No. 5.

19 November   New enrolment Kerry Tough, NE.

26 November   In-service mathematics course for principals held at Mayfair School.

28 November   Family barbecue and sports evening held at the school.

2-6 December   Set off for Camp Wakarara for one week’s outdoor education involving the S2-Form 2 class group.  Principal Mr DL Wallis plus parents – Mesdames D Arthur, D Schaw, G Barnett; Messrs G Kay, W Drayton plus 20 pupils.

An excellent experience and well worth considering another visit using it as a base for the tremendous scope of activities/studies that abound in the area.

9 December   Principal attended a meeting with Mr K Edwards (Mayfair School) to discuss future administration and staff responsibilities.

11 December   Prize-giving 1985.  An excellent turnout of approx. 60-70 adults and ex-pupils who bought with them a very warm afternoon.  Mrs Jan Graham (Rural Ward member) was our guest speaker, she being a long time friend of the school and more particularly of Gail and I.

Prize-giving and presentations were made and the pupils presented a range of pottery items to Mr & Mrs Wallis who are leaving at the end of the year.  A very warm and emotional time for all and certainly a very heart-felt occasion.

12 December   Rural adviser, Mr Paul Tegg, visited principal to offer suggestions and advice for use in his new school.

13 December   It’s a sad day.  Today being the last day of the school year it is also the farewell to us from the children at assembly today.  Very emotional and indeed shows us how sensitive children can be when they too break down.

Gail and I have had 7½ wonderful years in this wonderful district and we have to leave to other pastures enriched with the wonderful memories we have gained here.  Gail has taught as infant teacher for the 5 last years and together we have found the positions here very stimulating and challenging and personally satisfying.  The level of educational expectation and commitment is very high and as a professional occupation the chances are very good for being seen in an advantageous way to assist better promotional prospects.  This I have found and indeed offer such credit to a stable staffing, responsive pupils, supportive committee and district, and a ready supply of resources and finance in the community to make an overall application to the job truly stimulating.  Socially it’s a great district.  Young at heart and able to mix widely.  Facilities abound to extend personal outdoor/communal interests and Gail and I have enjoyed the many clubs/groups we have participated in as well as the social functions that go with them.  What a great place to bring up children.  Our two – Toni (arrived at 3 years) and Aaron (arrived at 18 months) have loved it here.  Perhaps all they’ve ever known it may be said, but that would certainly not be a disadvantage at all.  Our farewell function is on tonight at the Kaweka Hall and we look forward with anticipated excitement to being among friends again who will be there to send us off in the “most fitting” way!! We leave with heavy hearts but know the school will be in the good hands of another professional colleague who will continue the endeavours of educational development among all.  Thank-you Waiwhare School – our lives are full of many wonderful memories.

Dave Wallis, Principal 1978-86.

Back Row L to R:  Michelle Davidson, Jessica Arthur, Lucy Arthur, Philippa Kay, Jacqueline Holgate, Kylee Holgate, Elizabeth Gordon, Rachel Kay, Vicky Barnett.

Third Row:  Pam Gunson (teacher’s aide) Jonathon Walsh, Peter Ward, Tony Worsley, Toni Wallis, Philippa Drayton, Kathryn Schaw, Jason Davidson, Nicola White, Nicola Lawrence, Gail Wallis (teacher)

Second Row:  Steven Croad, Mathew Croad, Aaron Walls, Mark Barnett, Nicholette Eatwell, Anna Wilkins, Peter Shield, Aaron White, Deon Holgate, Gavin Sparkes, Marcus Schaw, Jason Goulding. Front Row:  Suzanne Ward, Amanda McCaslin, James Schaw, Andrew Gunson, Michael Ward, Michelle Eatwell, Dave Wallis (Principal), Neil Fountaine, William Kyle, Callum McRae, Mark Worsley, Duncan Kay, Vikki Tough.

Tree felling in front of senior room, July 1985.  Tree Bays planted and garden retainers attached.

Special Merit Award
In appreciation of the contribution made by the pupils of
WAIWHARE SCHOOL
towards The 10th Annual 40 Hour Famine
WORLDVISION
40 HOUR FAMINE
[Signatures]
Date 1985

ADVENTURE FORT/PLAYGROUND
As a means of further extending the activities related to our fort complex, a “free construction” concept would prove recreationally and socially educative.
Main materials envisaged in this concept materializing would be a resource of regular shaped (square) fence battens.
Should any of you have surplus stocks of these battens, or warped, or irregular length types, these would be very useful in allowing children the freedom to construct and play in the various innovative ideas they express.
Please contact any school committee member, or drop off at the school whenever convenient.

MATHEMATICS CONSIDERATION FOR TEACHERS AT WAIWHARE SCHOOL

Prepared by DL Wallis (Principal)

Some of the basic ideas of mathematics are contained in the experiences a child has before he comes to school.  The beginning stages of counting and grouping form in their minds through the experiences they undertake or encounter eg the physical environment about him, and awareness of his personal self eg two eyes, one tea-table etc.

Assisting parents develop size and shape concepts and the beginnings of sorting, grading and comparing takes place.  Often such beginnings may be vague to them but they do tend to show a general conception of these basic eg they notice many lollies taken from them more readily than few taken.  As well, the assistance he gives mum in the supermarket readily develops an awareness of money, its uses and an idea of value.  In construction play, a child abstractly combines or replaces blocks for other sizes.  In effect, these are the beginnings of addition (joining) or subtraction (separating).

These early experiences, where he is learning through doing things himself, and talking about them, and finding out things for himself, are the foundations upon which later work in school mathematics will be built.

Experiences at School

The school in effect provides the situations for the continuation of experiences a child has had at home when they first enroll.  But these experiences are carefully planned and graded in a programme that leads through guidance and systematic teaching to an understanding of the fundamental ideas of mathematics.  Opportunity is introduced and the children then work at current concepts/knowledge whereby the co-operation and discovery by all becomes the methodical intent, and for which some children find security in such situations.

But talking and experimenting is not the only requisition to an early acquirement of mathematics knowledge.  Extending from this stage is the writing down of symbols, letters or digits to represent the understanding wishing to be expressed.  Important in this stage is the correctness for which such symbols and representations must be written for again it defines a clear understanding particular to that concept involved.

The writing concept must not be confused with the ROTE LEARNING method for a teacher must be aware that when a child writes a symbol, number sentence or sum, that it is UNDERSTOOD before similar representations are repeated.

Infant Apparatus

With so much previously said about experimenting, exploration, discovery and understanding, it must also be stressed how important the availability of environmental and researched equipment is to the fulfillment of a cognitive programme.  A teacher extends and motivates the use of such equipment with activities related to its use, but again, the freedom given for children to apply their curiosities and imagination is a vital part to gaining a suitable mathematics knowledge.  Needless to say, the DEVELOPMENTAL programme in our school sets out in part to achieve this desired effect.

What Should We Expect Mathematics To Do

By exploring, discovering, talking and listening, at home and at school, children’s ideas about mathematics gradually grow.  They see that it is an interesting and exciting part of our daily lives and that it makes sense.  They are encouraged, too, if they receive praise in recognition of their discoveries and this must always remain a foremost element within teaching (and in the home situation as well).

Each child learns at his own rate, but all need many experiences and many opportunities which will help them form their own ideas about number and understand what the language of number really means.  Learning after all takes place both at home and at school.  Therefore where a child will more than probably say “I don’t like maths”, the response should not be to think that child is avoiding future maths, or is slow, but is rather truthful in letting you know that maths is no longer exciting and interesting because at some earlier stage the progress was perhaps too fast and by-passed the stage that that child was at before they had felt secure and content in understanding what they were doing.  The “readiness” factor is thereby a relevant factor in mathematics as it is in reading.

Why Is the Emphasis on Understanding?

The understanding what a number is, what happens when two numbers are added or multiplied, or about some of the properties of addition are examples of the thinking behind an interesting, creative and enjoyable programme which stimulates enquiry, discovery, discussion and success.  The more the learner understands what he is doing, the faster he learns, and the longer he is likely to remember what he has learned.  For this reason a teacher must continually search for methods that help children to understand what they are learning.  To expand:  When a child explores ideas about numbers and is guided by his teacher and class mates, he makes discoveries in his group, the idea he has discovered will be clarified, possibly broadened, and it will be better understood.  In this way he becomes increasingly confident in his own abilities.

Makaroro – Outdoor riverbed cooking

River Crossing – Triplex Creek

Camp Wakarara, December 1985

Pet Day 11/11/85

Breakup 12/1/85

Prize Giving 1985

WELCOME BY PUPILS
SPEECHES BY PUPILS
INFANT ROOM ITEM
SENIOR ROOM ITEM
PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS
INFANT ROOM ITEM

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ADDRESS
SENIOR ROOM ITEM
GUEST SPEAKER MRS JAN GRAHAM
PRIZE-GIVING
OFFERING OF THANKS BY PRINCIPAL