Bombay School Newsletter

1 June 2023 #15

~ Our Best Always ~ Ake Runga ~

2023 term calendar
Concerns/ Compliments Uniform Shop Hours Information Booklet for New Families Chromebooks for 2023

To access our policies please do the following:

Click on this link http://bombay.schooldocs.co.nz/
The username is bombay
The password is ourbestalways

CALF CLUB 2023 READ MORE

Board of Trustees Corner	Our next meeting 27/06 is - 5.30pm in the staffroom. We welcome observers. Pop along if you can.
Meeting Dates for 2023	[27 June] [ 25 Jul ] [29 Aug] [17 Oct] [ 28 Nov] [12 Dec ]

Home and School News

Our amazing Home and School has made the following possible through judiciously allocating the funds that you contributed :

1. Teacher Aide - Junior Reading Support - through to the end of 2023.

2. Teacher Aide - Junior Reading Support - through to the end of 2023.

3. Increasing the teacher's classroom budget by $500 for 2023.

4. Subsiding each syndicate's trips/ camps by $7000 for 2023

These are just some of the ways that Home and School supports the team. We will share more in forthcoming newsletters.

[Home and School is a parent-led group that raises funds to support the school. When you support their fundraisers you are directly impacting children at our school. All parents are automatically members of the Home and School team. Meeting dates are below. You are encouraged to attend.]

Transpower Grant Success!

We were thrilled to learn last week that the school's application to Transpower for a grant toward a future project for the junior school was successful!! $15,000 has been awarded to our school from the Transpower CommunityCare Fund for our project. We would like to thank Transpower for this generous grant, and Michelle Hunt and Kirsty McLean for their work in submitting the application. The project is due to kick off later this year …so please watch this space for further updates coming soon!

Next Meeting: 12 June

Schedule of meetings

July 17th (third Monday of the month due to holidays)

Aug 14th/ Sep 11th/ Oct 9th/ Nov 13th/ Dec 11th

School Camps

Tuhono	Kotuitui	Kakahu
Chosen Valley	Finlay Park	Tui Ridge
15-17 November	19-22 September	30 Oct - 3 November

At Bombay School, our children, from year 3 onward are very lucky to go to camp every year. This means that by the time a child leaves year 8, they would have attended six camps. It is in integral part of the Bombay experience.

Worried about the cost of camps?

You can make a payments ahead of the camp to reduce the cost of the final bill. Please contact our office team to set this up.

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou e te whānau,

Teacher Only Day - 2 June - School Closed

Our school is closed tomorrow for a Teacher Only Day - Teachers will be receiving first aid training.

KAS will be open. (See advert elsewhere in this newsletter).

Enjoy the long weekend.

Friday 2 June	Sat 3 June	Sunday 4 June	Monday 5	Tuesday 6
School Closed Teacher Only Day			School Closed King's Birthday	School Open

Structured Literacy vs Balanced Literacy

Recently the press has focused on the alarming decline in reading achievement in New Zealand. There is a current push to get schools to adopt a structured literacy approach. At our school - we make decisions based on what our data is showing us. Thus we are cautious about jumping on 'trends' when our data shows us that our children are above the national mean and that of our local cluster.(PAT Reading Tests)

In a recent episode of "Paddy Gower has issues," New Zealand's declining literacy rates were brought into focus and rightly questioned.

As a nation, we are lagging behind in global rankings, indicating a concerning drop in literacy levels.

The Balanced Literacy/ Whole Language approach received criticism during the show, with blame placed on its doorstep.

"The Structured Literacy Approach is now in vogue, with many schools exclusively adopting it. We believe that it is important that these approaches are not seen as mutually exclusive. The most effective method is a combination of different approaches tailored to meet the needs of each child, as long as capable teachers are leading the way.

Comparing Balanced Literacy vs Structured Literacy

Both the balanced literacy approach and the structured literacy approach are widely used in New Zealand to teach literacy skills to students. While they have some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of instructional methods and philosophical underpinnings. Here's a comparison between the two approaches:

The Balanced Approach

The balanced literacy approach is a comprehensive approach to teaching literacy that aims to develop students' reading and writing skills through a combination of whole language and phonics instruction. It integrates various instructional strategies and emphasizes the importance of engaging students in meaningful literacy experiences.

The Structured Approach

The structured literacy approach is a systematic and explicit method of teaching literacy that focuses on the structure of language, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. It aims to provide a solid foundation in reading and writing skills by breaking down language into its constituent parts.

Key Features

1. Whole language focus: It emphasizes reading for meaning, using context cues, and making connections to prior knowledge.
2. Emergent reading and writing: It promotes early exposure to reading and writing, allowing students to develop literacy skills through exploration and experimentation.
3. Guided reading: Students are grouped based on their reading levels, and teachers provide targeted instruction and support during small group reading sessions.
4. Language-rich environment: Students are exposed to a print-rich classroom environment, including a wide range of books, writing materials, and literacy activities.

Key Features

1. Systematic and explicit phonics instruction: It teaches phonemic awareness, letter-sound relationships, and decoding skills in a structured manner.
2. Sequential skill development: Skills are taught in a specific order, building upon each other, ensuring a logical progression of learning.
3. Multi-sensory instruction: It incorporates multiple senses, such as sight, hearing, and touch, to enhance learning and reinforce concepts.
4. Direct instruction: Teachers provide explicit instruction, modeling, and guided practice to ensure students acquire necessary skills.

The pros and the cons

Promotes a love for reading and writing

Lack of systematic phonics instruction
Encourages student choice and autonomy

Inconsistent skill development across students
Provides exposure to authentic literature and diverse texts

May not adequately address the needs of struggling readers

Provides a strong foundation in phonics and decoding skills. It is slow paced.

May be perceived as too rigid or mechanical.

Does not focus on comprehension of high order thinking.

Systematic approach ensures consistent skill development Limited focus on reading for meaning and comprehension
Effective for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties

Less emphasis on student autonomy and choice

The Bombay Way - is Blended Literacy

It's important to note that the choice between the two approaches depends on various factors, including the needs of the students, the preferences of teachers, and the specific context of the classroom. At Bombay we adopt a blended approach, combining elements of both balanced literacy and structured literacy to create a customized approach that suits our students' needs. Many of our students arrive at school with strong foundations and they do not required a structured programme that is below their abilities. They would get bored and they would easily switch off.

It is important for parents to note that politics plays a huge role in education. Trends are often pushed because there are political agenda's at play. At Bombay school - we ignore the politics and focus on what our data is telling us.

2023 PAT Reading Data

The graph (above) shows that Bombay school scores above the national mean and the Franklin Kahui Ako cluster of 17 schools. We will monitor this data annually to ensure that our approach is responsive. We will adapt according to what the data shows us.

The Blended Approach - The Bombay Way

A blended approach of balanced literacy and structured literacy in a junior classroom in at Bombay school aims to incorporate the strengths of both approaches to provide a comprehensive and effective literacy instruction. Here's how such an approach works:

1. **Whole Language and Meaningful Literacy Experiences:**

The blended approach maintains the balanced literacy focus on creating a language-rich environment and engaging students in meaningful literacy experiences. The classroom is filled with a variety of books, reading materials, and writing opportunities. Students have access to a diverse range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and digital resources.

2. **Explicit Phonics Instruction:**

To address the structured literacy component, explicit and systematic phonics instruction is incorporated into the blended approach. Teachers provide direct instruction on phonemic awareness, letter-sound relationships, and decoding skills. They follow a structured scope and sequence to ensure students acquire phonics skills in a logical and progressive manner.

3. **Guided Reading and Small Group Instruction:**

In line with the balanced literacy approach, guided reading sessions are conducted in small groups based on students' reading levels. During these sessions, teachers provides targeted instruction and support, focusing on comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and fluency. The structured literacy element is integrated by incorporating phonics activities and word work specific to each group's needs.

4. **Individualized Instruction and Differentiation:**

A blended approach allows for individualized instruction and differentiation to cater to the diverse needs of students. Teachers assess students' literacy skills regularly and adjust their instruction accordingly. Students requiring additional support or intervention receive targeted instruction, including explicit phonics lessons and interventions based on their specific needs.

5. **Language and Literacy Integration:**

The blended approach emphasizes the integration of language and literacy skills. Students engage in activities that promote speaking, listening, reading, and writing simultaneously. For example, they might participate in interactive read-alouds, where they listen to a story, engage in discussions, and then write or draw their responses.

*Authentic Assessment:**

The blended approach utilizes a range of assessment methods to monitor students' progress. This could include informal observations, running records, reading conferences, and performance-based tasks. Assessment data informs instruction and help identify areas where students require additional support or extension.

7. **Teacher Professional Development:**

To effectively implement a blended approach, teachers would benefit from ongoing professional development and collaboration opportunities. This would ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate the two approaches effectively and meet the diverse needs of their students.

By blending the balanced literacy and structured literacy approaches, the junior classroom at Bombay School provides a balanced and comprehensive literacy instruction that promotes both reading for meaning and the development of foundational skills. This approach caters to the individual needs of students while fostering a love for reading and writing.

Important factors to keep in mind:

• Every child learns differently. Every path is unique, with different roadblocks. No classroom programme yet exists that meets the needs of every student.

• We look at the ‘what else’ when children do not get underway well.

• Teachers observe and work with a child’s social, cultural and literacy strengths.

• Teachers build motivation, confidence and the joy of reading by offering

tailored support using not just phonics, but reading comprehension, writing and oral

language – all the sciences of literacy.

• We only employ teachers who are skilled at finding the optimal balance between implicit and explicit instruction and instructional (decodable texts) and guided reading (with natural language texts), with the child’s competencies leading their decision-

making.

• We run a Reading Recovery Programme. It is one of the most extensively researched early literacy interventions in the world. The evidence from both New Zealand and overseas has shown it is an effective intervention with a high success rate of helping approximately 80% of the children who are involved.

Year 9 Enrolments at Pukekohe

Kapa haka

Thank you for your feedback in our recent surveys. The board has taken on board the feedback and they are working hard behind the scenes to implement the ideas we received. Notably we are working to restart Kapa Haka at our school. Hopefully, we will some good news soon. Stay tuned...

Intermediate @ Bombay

Discover the Unmatched Benefits of Choosing Bombay School for Your Child's Intermediate Years

As the season approaches for parents to evaluate their options for their children's intermediate years, the choice between keeping them at Bombay School or considering other larger schools arises. Throughout the years, I have come across various reasons why parents opt to stay or relocate their children to schools like Pukekohe Intermediate or elsewhere. In an effort to assist everyone in making well-informed decisions that cater to their child's unique needs, let's explore the undeniable advantages of keeping your child at Bombay School.

A Boutique Intermediate Experience

At Bombay School, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional boutique intermediate experience. Our students consistently outperform both the national mean and the aggregated mean for 16 other Franklin Schools, as evidenced by the 2023 PAT test data. We attribute this success to our innovative teaching approaches, the safe and structured environment we provide, and our commitment to personalized academic achievement. In fact, it is noteworthy that seven of our current year 8 students are already working at a high school level in reading, writing and maths, a testament to the quality education we offer.

Sporting Success: Small Pond, Big Fish

For children who excel in sports, Bombay School presents a unique advantage. With our smaller student body, the likelihood of your child being selected to represent our school in their chosen sport is significantly higher compared to larger institutions. In contrast, at a local intermediate school with 700 students, numerous talented athletes would be vying for a spot on the team.

At Bombay, your child will have an increased chance of making the cut. Just take a look at our remarkable sporting achievements — as a small intermediate, we consistently outperform larger schools, truly punching above our weight when it comes to the leaderboard. -->

We box above our weight.

2022
1st,2nd 3rd place getters in Zone Orienteering
1st,2nd 3rd in teams in Zone Cross Country
1st,2nd 3rd individuals in Zone Cross Country
Swimmers representing our school in Auckland Champs
1st,2nd 3rd individuals in Zone Swimming
2nd Place in Hockey for years 7 & 8 mixed Hockey
1st,2nd 3rd place getters for individual Athletic events
1st place finishers in relay sprints at Zone Athletics
Year 8 girls' (Maya Jung) Gymnastics 1st place in Zone and representing Bombay in AIMs Games.

--------

2023
Swimmers representing our school in Auckland Champs
1st,2nd 3rd individuals in Zone Swimming Champs
1st place in year 7 Girls Auckland Orienteering
1st,2nd 3rd place getters in Zone Orienteering
1st,2nd 3rd teams in Zone Orienteering
1st place year 7 girls in Zone Soccer
Girls netball teams representing Bombay school at AIMs Games
Lila Dwane representing Bombay school at AIMs Games

From a year 5/6 student survey in 2023. 91.7% of our students say that are not bullied. We take this data a find out what is happening for the 8.3% who say they are. In all cases it is social friendship issues. We then work through these issues with the children.

A Safe and Nurturing Environment

<--One of the paramount benefits of Bombay School is the absence of significant bullying or fighting. We prioritize creating a harmonious atmosphere where all students feel safe, respected, and supported.

Bullying is a pervasive societal issue that we take very seriously. When a concern is brought to our attention we work with the parties to resolve the issue.

There have been no expulsions or exclusions from Bombay School in the past 10 years.

Switched on and engaged

Our students enjoy being at Bombay School. We have expectations of them which is encapsulated in this phrase: The Bombay Way.

Our parents tell us that their children are engaged. (see right)

Our attendance data tells us that they are engaged. We know this is not always the case at other schools - where some of our former students have been caught 'bunking'. -->

6 Questions Survey 2023.

1=strongly disagree. 2= disagree 3=agree and 4 = strongly agree

A Personal Connection with Every Student

At Bombay School, we genuinely know our students, both by name and by their individual needs.

We establish meaningful connections with their families and understand how to bring out the best in each child.

In a smaller school environment, your child will never be just another face in the crowd; they will receive the personalized attention and support they deserve to thrive academically and personally.

The relationships that our students build up with their teachers makes the transition from year 6 to year 7 & 8 easier. They don't have to build new relationships with strangers at a time in their lives when they are coping with a multitude of other changes.

Leadership Opportunities and a Family Feel

With fewer students, our intermediate school presents abundant opportunities for your child to develop their leadership skills. In a smaller setting, they are more likely to be noticed and given the chance to shine, rather than flying under the radar. Additionally, Bombay School cultivates a strong sense of community and belonging. Neighbors and families come together, creating a village that genuinely cares for and looks out for every child's well-being. The family feel of our school ensures that your child will be surrounded by a supportive network, fostering their growth and happiness.

Seamless Transition and Resounding Success: From a Small School to High School

While the transition from primary to intermediate can be perceived as a "big shock" for many students, there is a misconception that our year eights would struggle to adapt from a small school to a larger high school. In reality, this is not the case for the overwhelming majority of our students. While change can certainly be daunting, it is a natural part of life, and our children are well-equipped to embrace it.

At Bombay School, we take great care to prepare our students for the next phase of their educational journey. As we know our students so well and their relationships with their teachers are so deeply seated, the transition to Year 7 is an easier step for our students. At high school when they move into classrooms with children from diverse backgrounds, they enter with the confidence and skills necessary to thrive. Our students consistently achieve remarkable academic success, as evidenced by their outstanding performance at high school awards ceremonies. The feedback we receive from high schools is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the high regard and desirability our students enjoy among their peers and educators.

Moreover, the advantages of coming from a smaller school extend beyond academic achievements. In a close-knit environment like ours, students develop strong interpersonal skills and a sense of belonging that seamlessly translates into their high school experience. They are accustomed to forming meaningful connections with their teachers and peers, which fosters a supportive network throughout their educational journey and these relationships carry on after high school.

Additionally, the personalized attention and close relationships at Bombay School enable our students to develop a strong sense of self and a deep understanding of their unique strengths and abilities. This self-awareness becomes a tremendous asset as they navigate the larger social dynamics of high school, helping them confidently engage with peers from various backgrounds and forge new friendships.

At Bombay School, we believe that every child is capable of achieving greatness, regardless of the school size they come from. Our students are not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally equipped to embark on their high school adventure with enthusiasm and resilience. The seamless transition and resounding success of our students in high school attest to the exceptional education and holistic support they receive during their intermediate years at Bombay School.

Unleashing the Power of Real-World Experiences and Creative Learning Opportunities

Exciting new plans are on the horizon at Bombay School, as we harness the potential of our new van to provide our intermediates with immersive and invaluable real-world experiences. With this innovative initiative, we will venture out into our local community and surroundings, igniting a passion for learning through hands-on encounters with various businesses and industries.

Picture our students visiting a local greenhouse, where they can delve into the fascinating world of plant propagation and gain firsthand insights into how this process supports producers. Alternatively, they might explore the inner workings of a nearby engineering firm, discovering the wonders of CNC cutters and the role they play in modern manufacturing. Armed with this newfound knowledge, our students will return to Bombay School and unleash their creativity in our upcoming senior STEAM space, scheduled to open its doors in 2024. Here, they can apply their learning to exciting tasks using our state-of-the-art 3D printers and laser cutters, turning their ideas into tangible creations.

But our commitment to providing exceptional experiences doesn't end there. Bombay School believes in the power of intergenerational connections, and we envision taking our students to a local retirement village, where they can team up with elders and embark on captivating art projects. This collaboration not only fosters creativity but also cultivates empathy and understanding, bridging the gap between generations and enriching the lives of everyone involved.

Our goal is to offer a myriad of tailored experiences that align with the unique interests of our students. By venturing beyond the confines of traditional classroom walls, we empower our intermediates to learn and grow in ways that captivate their curiosity and ignite their passion for lifelong learning.

In addition to these exciting new ventures, Bombay School is proud to announce that we will be forming a school team to participate in the Aims Games this year. Our aim is to make this an annual tradition, thanks in large part to the generous support of Ebbett Pukekohe, whose sponsorship made our new van possible.

At Bombay School, we believe that every child deserves exceptional opportunities for growth and exploration. With our new van, the opening of our senior STEAM space, intergenerational collaborations, and participation in exciting events like the Aims Games, we are paving the way for an unparalleled educational journey that prepares our students to excel in the ever-changing world. Join us and unlock the endless possibilities that await your child at Bombay School.

As you weigh your options for your child's intermediate years, consider the unparalleled benefits that Bombay School offers. Our boutique intermediate experience, sporting success, safe environment, personalized attention, leadership opportunities, and close-knit community are just some of the reasons why our school is a desirable and inspiring choice.

Join us at Bombay School, where we empower your child to thrive and become their best selves.

Extra Pudding Award

Archie receives his extra pudding award for learning so many sight words. Ziv, Xander and Luca receive their extra pudding awards for their story writing. Keep up the good work team.

Wishing you a fantastic and safe long weekend ahead!

Paul

Tuhono Museum Trip

On behalf of the entire Tuhono team, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every parent and grandparent who joined us on our trip to the Auckland Museum and walked up Mt Eden yesterday.

Your presence not only made the trip more enjoyable but also added a wealth of knowledge and love to our children's experience. Your enthusiasm and engagement were truly heartwarming, and we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support.
From the moment we stepped foot in the Auckland Museum, it was evident that a world of wonder awaited us. The children's eyes sparkled with curiosity as they gazed upon the remarkable exhibits and artifacts. With your guidance and encouragement, they eagerly absorbed the stories of New Zealand's rich history, diverse cultures, and fascinating natural wonders. It was a joy to witness their minds expanding with newfound knowledge.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly our visit to the majestic Mt Eden. As we climbed to the summit, the children's excitement grew exponentially. From the breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland to the captivating volcanic crater, Mt Eden provided a unique opportunity for our young explorers to connect with nature and understand the geological wonders that surround us. The conversations sparked during our hike were filled with awe and appreciation for the beauty of our world.

Tuhono team

Home & School Fundraiser

Calling all Pepper and me fans - here is your chance to stock up on these amazing products and also support the school at the same time.

Use the code FUND4BOMBAY at the check out for 5% off your order.

Code is valid from the 25th May to 10th June.
Please share the code with all your family and friends. The more the code is used the more we as a school will make.

Samosa Orders

Don't forget to get your Samosa orders in. These close on Wednesday 7th June.

Uniform Room

School uniform room will be closed next Monday 29 May and Monday 5 June King's birthday Monday.

This year we will be holding a Jumping June day at Bombay School to raise money for the Heart Foundation. This consists of the kids skipping, moving and getting their heart beating in support of Heart Kids.
We are going to set a fundraising target and we will need everyone to participate if we are going to smash our goal!
Anyone who raises at least $10 gets to choose a prize. The more money you raise, the better the prizes! So, work hard and you might be able to earn yourself a Tablet, an XBox or even a Trampoline!

Click on this link and it will take you to the online profile to set up for your child. Once you are set up, send the link to family and friends and you are all set. They can make an easy deposit online.

Link to Video

Jumping June Update

Wow, what a fantastic response to our Jumping June fundraiser. Thank you everyone for your support. Keep skipping in support of the Heart Foundation.

ICAS Exams

What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’
higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science and Digital Technologies.

 Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.

If you have a child who is currently in Year 4-8 we encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year.
Learn more about ICAS here:

ICAS Learn More

How to participate in ICAS If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:

1. read about ICAS subjects and prices here:
ICAS Products

2. read the terms and conditions here:

ICAS Terms and Conditions

3. go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here:

Purchase ICAS Tests

4. enter our school’s access code – CYD920

5. enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.

Please note that the ICAS tests shown for selection are at the school’s discretion.

After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records.

 If you have entered your child, please email: admin@bombay.school.nz

so that we can ensure the entry has been processed.

Subway Lunches

Order Subway Here

No Subway this week due to Teachers only day Friday 2 June.

Happy birthday to the following students for this week.

Benjamin B Rm 12, Lorryn D Rm 3, Jacob M Rm 12, Lily B Rm 1, Abigail M Rm 12, Vincent T Rm 9, Anders B Rm 13, Olivia H Rm 10, Maddison R Rm 3

Sunday saw Bombay u8 Black enter a junior rugby festival in Patumahoe. The boys had a great day and played some good rugby. These boys have been together for 3 plus years and have made some amazing progress.

Community Notices

Bombay Rugby Club

The club is open to all on a Thursday from 4pm. Great meals and beverages.

Seasons for Growth

Seasons For Growth is a grief, loss and change programme for children dealing with challenges in their lives e.g separation, divorce, death or other big family changes. Our next Afterschool Programme starts in Term 2, in May. It will run during the week from 4pm-5pm over 8 weeks of the school term, at St Andrews Church hall in Pukekohe. A Parent Programme also runs at the same time. For enquiries or enrolments please phone/text Marisa Skilton on 021 142 5812, office on 238 7228, or contact me at seasonsfranklin@xtra.co.nz. For more info go towww.pukekohecommunityaction.co.nz/seasons.

The Cyber Safety Section

Surgeon General Warns That Social Media May Harm Children and Adolescents

The American Surgeon General cited a “profound risk of harm” to adolescent mental health and urged families to set limits and governments to set tougher standards for use - and we agree.

We see the effects of unfettered access to social media on preteens at school. We encourage parents not to buy phones for their preteens but if you must then we encourage firm boundaries around the use thereof.

Important Notices