Dear Parents

I was at a symposium earlier this week and the subject of money and budgeting came up, specifically as to how can we teach children to become financially savvy. One person asked why schools couldn’t teach children about finances. My answer – we do.

Each year we have the ASB GetWise programme across the school for a week. The school banks with the ASB and we have children’s school banking, also with the ASB, which is why we use them to come and work with the children. An expert from the ASB comes into each class and takes a session on financial literacy which is tailored for each age group. The workshops are not used to sell or promote ASB banking products.

There are three stages:

Stage 1 (Juniors) – the focus is on the core foundations of financial literacy. Concepts covered include identifying money and its value; how we earn money; learning to save, spend and share; identifying needs and wants; the importance of purchasing needs before wants.

Stage 2 (Years 3, 4) – the focus is on tackling the issues of spending. Concepts covered include: where money comes from; debit cards; earning money through chores or pocket money; how to save through spending; comparative shopping.

Stage 3 (Years 5, 6) – the focus is on starting being more creative and entrepreneurial with their earnings. Concepts covered include: different ways to earn; establishing a small business; earning interest; debit and credit cards; budgeting for the things you want.

This is an excellent programme and provides children with an opportunity to start thinking about money. I remember saying to one of my children that we couldn’t afford whatever it was she was asking for. Her response, yes you can, just go and get some more from that machine. It is important that children start to understand how money is earned and how to save for things rather than get instant gratification through their mum or dad buying everything they ask for (or demand!).

Families have different approaches to chores and pocket money and children learn the value of money from their parents, there is no one size fits all model. We think it is important for children to have a general understanding of financial literacy as they move into intermediate years and beyond.

Have a look at the Stuff website which has a short video of room 14 (year 1) VAS children’s thoughts on money, it is gorgeous!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/83931153/a-ferrari-for-1000-and-a-house-for-75–money-according-to-kids

Accommodation Urgently Needed

Oh dear, the Auckland rental market is impacting on VAS! One of our lovely teachers, with an 11 year old son, has been given notice from her landlord and urgently needs accommodation from 10 October until the end of the year (preferably long term though). The rents in Auckland are very expensive and if she cannot find somewhere reasonably priced she will be forced to resign and move to a provincial town. Do you have an unused granny flat, or reasonably priced rental? Do you know of someone who wants a house sitter? We don’t want to lose her! Please contact Linley Garrett [email protected]  if you can help.

Teachers’ Union Meeting Tuesday 13 September

Teachers are entitled to a paid union meeting each year. They are meeting on Tuesday 13 September 1.30 – 3.30pm to discuss the Minister’s plan to change from the current staffing and operating grant systems to a combined Global Funding model. Whilst the school will be open, we have a skeleton staff left behind so strongly urge you to collect your children at 12.30. Please sign your child out on a sheet in the classroom.

Readathon

 The children are all locked into reading for the Readathon and we are all excited for the book character parade next Thursday. This year, all the money raised by the PTS is being put towards such things as specialist teachers, capital expenses (eg new paving and seating area by the vegetable gardens) and the long term building fund which, when we have sufficient funds raised, will be used to turn our old fashioned main block into a vibrant, modern learning space.

Kind Regards

Janice Adamson

Please note that we have SEVEN events coming up:

• Tuesday 13  September: Teachers’ Union Meeting – collect your children at 12:30pm please.
• Thursday 15 September: Storybook parade at 9am
• 15 September: Readathon –  sponsor forms available in the newsletter
• Thursday 15 September: Pizza Lunch
• Friday 16 September: Quiz Night
• Monday 19 September: Maths Information Session at 7pm
• Tuesday 18 October:  Brainwave Trust talk at 7pm
  

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2017 is another Victoria Avenue School Gala Year however with help and people to run this event, it won’t happen and the kids will miss out!!!!! If you are interested/able to take a lead role in organising the gala please contact Shelley Cunningham [email protected]. There is a template all set up and everything is there and straightforward based on the 2015 gala so it is someone that has the passion and the vision to pull it all together with a solid team underneath you!