Ohana Meeting, Art Contest and Lei Making
Having just attended last night’s monthly `Ohana meeting, I’m impressed by the parents who represent you, particularly their energetic support and regard for the school. These are the parents who plan the school events at the preschool/elementary level, who volunteer time and talent at the events, who ask questions about the program and policies, who take initiative to introduce new ideas, and who’d like to see more of you at the meetings. About 2-3 weeks after the meeting, a newsletter about the meeting and other pertinent school information (thanks to the efforts of preschool parent Lynne Rosevear) is posted on the elementary site. Upcoming events still needing parent assistance are May Day (May 4), Faculty, Staff Appreciation Day (May 23), and the all-school picnic at Magic Island (May 31). If you’d like to serve on the `Ohana Board or become an “official” class representative, please let us know.
I’m pleased to announce the winners of an art contest — Beauty through the Eyes of Our Children — sponsored by the Pan Pacific Culture Center and the Mokichi Okada Association (MOA). There were 8 pieces selected from over 300 entries from the Nu`uanu-Kalihi-Manoa district, kindergarten through high school, public and private schools. Kindergartners Reina Maglasang and Justin Chen, Multiage 1-2 students Ka`imi Haas, Kasey Loo, Andrew Wong, Sydney Higo, Gabby Gudoy, and Matthew McConnell, and Multiage 3-4 student Lea Morikawa were invited to a special recognition ceremony at Ward Warehouse this past Saturday. Their pieces, as well as the others selected, were displayed at Ward Warehouse and are currently on display at the Academy Art Center at Linekona by the Academy of Arts. The artwork will go to the state competition, and hopefully, the international competition in Japan. Congratulations to our students’ parents and teachers, Jill Brooks (grades 1-5) and atelierista Jordan Guillory (preschool and kindergarten).
We’re honored to have the atelier (studio) work of our preschoolers and kindergartners displayed at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), April 23-27, 8:00am-5:00pm. Pieces will be displayed in the Lane Gallery (first floor) and the third floor gallery leading to the Mayor’s office. Also displayed will be explanations of the learning processes which the students experienced. Our preschoolers and kindergartners will be going on an excursion to Honolulu Hale to see their pieces on public display. I hope you’ll also see their work on display.
I’ll be joining the Fifth Graders and the teacher chaperones at Camp Erdman on the North Shore today. The class is working on building a team spirit and developing a better understanding of cooperation, collaboration, and respect for one another. Thankfully the setting and weather couldn’t be more beautiful! The class returns Friday by 1:00pm.
Going home today is information about making leis for the May Day Performance, May 4, at 12:30pm. Our intent is to teach the children the process of picking flowers and making leis, rather than just purchasing leis. Students will sew the loose flowers into leis in the classroom.
We’re looking for parent volunteers to help sew, cut, and assemble the materials some classes will be using to make costumes and props for the May Day performance. You’re invited to join us in the dining room on April 21, 2:00-6:00pm. Bring your sewing machine, scissors, glue gun, or craft tools!
Although the performance will be in the gym, parking space is very limited on our campus. We will be issuing one parking ticket per family, first-come first- served. I am also in the process of securing additional parking in the Manoa area and a shuttle service to pick up and drop off at the gym and return attendees to their cars. Tickets will be available April 30. The program promises to be yet another spectacular performance by the children!
FYI: Yes, we will be offering “fun day” on the parent-teacher-student conference days, May 24-25. This service is offered to parents who are unable to find childcare for their children because of work obligations. We will only be taking names beginning May 7.
Space is available for 80 students only.
I’m off to Camp Erdman! Have a sunny, safe weekend.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
Posted on April 12, 2007 11:31 AM | Permalink