The Year 6 students in our Senior Team are again very fortunate to be participating in the AWE Water Safety Programme in Week 9 of Term 3.  This valuable programme is aimed at students of all swimming abilities and is free of charge.  We acknowledge, with much appreciation, that the buses transporting our children to and from the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre are also paid for by the AWE Programme.  Last time the programme proved to be very successful.  Our children learned important skills to help them stay safe in the water and the timing is perfect given that summer is fast approaching.

This programme includes all Year 6 students and is held during school time.  Students will need to bring their togs and towel and footwear to school on Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21 AND Thursday 22 September.  (Please ensure your child brings their togs and a towel in a swim bag or plastic bag).

The schedule is as follows:
Rooms 11 & 14 depart school at 10:30am     Return to school by 12:30pm
Rooms 12 & 13 depart school at 12:30pm     Return to school by 2:30pm

Consent must be given for students to attend the AWE Water Safety Programme.  Please ensure that permission has been given via the parent app before the deadline of Friday 9 September.
If permission is not received by the deadline, students will not be permitted to attend.

If you have any questions about the programme, please speak to your child’s teacher.
Many thanks for supporting us to keep your child safe in the water.

In Term 4 our Senior Team students will be going to the Vertical Horizon Camp. This is a two night, fully-catered camp.  Vertical Horizon Camp is based 10km from Inglewood. The accommodation consists of lodges and chalets that offer distinct areas for boys and girls.

During the day students move from one activity to the next. At the activity station there is an instructor. The instructors are equipped with radio communication devices, first aid kits and relevant safety equipment. Students will enjoy many action-packed activities which are designed to promote fun through teamwork and provide personal challenges for individuals.  It is also an excellent chance to consolidate friendships within the senior team.

If your child does not attend camp then they should be at school as normal. Work will be set and a class allocated for them.

We will leave school at approximately 9:30am on Monday 31 October and return by 2:30pm on Wednesday 2 November.

We are requesting voluntary donations from parents to help towards the cost of the food, activities and accommodation. We are hoping to raise $180.00 per student, we appreciate your help with this, as without parental support the trip will not be able to go ahead. We will also be fundraising and we encourage students to find ways of helping out and fundraising at home as well.

The bank account number for donations is: 15 3956 0057371 02

There is an option to pay smaller weekly voluntary contributions prior to camp. If this would suit you (and you can start straight away, should you wish to do this). If you would like to take this option, please contact the Bell Block School Office (office@bellblock.school.nz).

We will require parent helpers to attend the camp, unfortunately there will be a cost to parent helpers of $120.00 to cover the food and accommodation. We will meet with confirmed parent helpers to discuss their involvement in the camp. Parent helpers will be required to complete a medical form and undertake police vetting.  We will provide forms once names of helpers have been confirmed.