Hi Everyone

Please note that only our year 2 and 3 students have spelling words to practice each week.

My apologies, I didn't get the students new words to them until quite late this week so they had minimal time to practice.  This may have been reflected in the results from today's testing.  New words are in their spelling notebooks which they will be tested on next Friday.

Yesterday we went through the process of how we can practice in class and at home.

• We start by simply copying our words onto a piece of paper (we can write them multiple times if we wish).  Making sure that we sound the word out.
• We then sound the word out, read it, then cover and attempt to write it.
• Once we feel more confident doing this we can have a buddy (or family member) test us on the full list.  They read each word out for us to spell, then mark which words we got correct at the end.

I have marked their non-decodable words with a heart so they know that they cannot sound these words out.  We look at the letters that make their own sound, then identify the part we need to remember.  For example, in the word 'he', the 'h' is making it's sound but we need to remember that the 'e' says it's name.

If you have any queries, feel free to get in contact.

Thanks

Jason

jason.taylor@ashborough.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau,

We are inviting expressions of interest from Year 5–8 students who would like to join the ABS School Choir for 2026.

The choir will perform at the Ashburton Schools Music Festival in June at the Ashburton Trust Events Centre. This is an exciting opportunity for our tamariki to perform on stage in front of a large audience and be part of a combined schools performance.

Being part of the choir does require commitment. Most rehearsals will take place during break times at school (sessions to be confirmed). There will also be three rehearsals during class time:

19 March (12:00–2:30pm) at Ashburton Intermediate School (AIS)
21 May (12:00–2:30pm) at AIS
One additional date (to be confirmed) at Ashburton Trust Events Centre
Students who join will need to commit to attending rehearsals and learning their songs. While there will be a small amount of time out of class, most practices will take place during break times.

We encourage you to have a chat with your child about the benefits and responsibilities of joining choir. It is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.

If your child is keen to be involved, please complete the attached permission slip (a hard copy is available from the school office).

Ngā mihi  

Choir-permission-and-commitment-form-Google-Docs.pdf

Hi Everyone

We have a few important school notices this week.

Lagmhor Swim Display - Tuesday 17th at 1:30pm we will be holding our annual Swimming Sports.  The will include a series of fun and inclusive races where the students can showcase developing swimming ability and water confidence.  Parents are welcome to come along to cheer for and support our children.  You are welcome to take your child home after the event finishes if you wish.

Lagmhor Camp - Thank you for all the returned notices.  This has helped us determine what tents and sleeping equipement we have available for our students and families.  A new notice has gone home with our students this afternoon which includes permission slips, gear lists, and an itinerary for the 2 days.  If you need a new copy sent home please let us know and don't hesitate to get incontact if you have any questions.

Clothing - There are still a lot of clothing items without names.  Can you please ensure all clothing items are clearly named, particularly jerseys and hats.

Helmets - We are trying to ensure that scooters are only being used by students wearing a helmet.  If you have any old or surplus helmets at home that you no longer need, we would love to take them off your hands.  If your child is wanting to have their own scooter at school, they must also bring their helmet.

Hot Food - Unfortunately our pie warmer has stopped working.  We are happy to heat pastries etc up in the staffroom microwave while we determine whether the warmer can be fixed.

The Wool Shed - The Wool Shed container has arrived and we have loved learning about NZ Wool, it's uses and how natural products are always the preferred options.  We will be allowing community members to come down and have a look on the afternoon of Wednesday 18th from 3pm till 5:30pm.

Lollie Bags - We will be selling lollie bags to raise money for our Relay for Life team. Watch this space.

Upcoming Dates

9th – 20th March – The Wool Shed - Open to the community on Wednesday 18th from 3pm-5:30pm

Tuesday 17th March - Lagmhor Swim Display - See above for details

Thursday 19th March - Strike Percussion musical group will be putting on a performance for Ashburton Borough students.  We will travel to town on the bus to enjoy this event at our town site.

Saturday 21st March - Relay for Life from 10am to 10pm @ A&P Showground.  Ashburton Borough School has a team of teachers signed up to take part in this years Relay for Life to raise money for the Cancer Society.  Students are welcome to join us at any stage during the event to walk/run some laps.  Students must have a Parent/Guardian stay on the grounds with them to supervise.  If you wish to make a donation, follow this link for the Ashburton Borough School fundraising page.

Tuesday 31st March – Lagmhor Certificate Assembly - Please note the change of date.  Parents are invited to join us so that we can share some of our learning.

Wednesday 1st April – Lagmhor School Camp – to be held on the school grounds.

Thursday 2nd April – Fun Day Out in Timaru

Thursday 2nd April – Last Day of Term 1

Monday 26th April - First Day of Term 2

Thursday 29th April - Borough School Cross Country @ Lagmhor

Kind Regards

Jason and Wendy

Kia ora

Year 7 Students Only

We are very fortunate to be able to visit our school site at Lagmhor on Monday, 16th March, to explore the interactive Wool Shed learning container.

Students will travel by bus and will be away from school from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.

The Lagmhor pool will also be available for students to enjoy a swim. The pool is heated and this will be a great opportunity for the kids.

Please help your child remember to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Hat
• Packed lunch

Whole Class

We are beginning a novel study that includes a read-along audiobook. If possible, could students please bring a pair of headphones to class for the next few weeks.

Thank you for your support.

Gemma

Good afternoon, 

Kanuka will be hosting the next middle school assembly next Thursday (19th March) in the afternoon. This is an opportunity for our Yr 4 - 6 students to present to an audience in a meaningful context and for us to all celebrate their learning. 

On Friday 13th, we will be visiting the Lagmhor site on the 13th March (Friday) from 9.15am - 11.30am. This educational visit will involve learning about the process and journey of wool in a NZ context. There will be an opportunity to go for a swim at Lagmhor, so your child is welcome to bring their swimming gear. 

Kind regards