Snorkeling Programme 2024

Dear Families/Whānau of Totara (C3),

We are excited to be continuing this programme in 2024, furthering our learners’ understanding of water safety and marine reserves.

The programme for our Tōtara children will include:

●        A classroom presentation and workshops highlighting the diversity of NZ marine life (16 Feb).

●        Professional snorkeling instruction and a class session in a swimming pool, all equipment provided.

●        A bus trip to Goat Island and Mathesons Bay for professional instruction and snorkeling, all equipment provided.

Check out the EMR website to learn more - www.emr.org.nz

SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS for Tōtara

Friday 23rd February   

301    Amber Turner             9:30 - 10:45

302    Xavietta de Lautour  10:45 - 12:00

303    Hannah Franchi         12:00 - 1:15

304    Kate Clark                   1:15 - 2:30

We will require the helping hands of extra adults who would be prepared to assist children with their snorkel equipment and/or get into the pool with children snorkeling.  For those that are able to help, we can meet you at the pool at the appropriate time.

GOAT ISLAND SESSIONS

Friday 8th March

MATHESONS BAY SESSIONS

Wednesday 13th March

All guardians groups will travel to Goat Island and Mathesons Bay for our marine snorkeling experience.  

IMPORTANT: 

To make this experience possible, we do require a lot of adult support, to meet the appropriate ratio of 1 adult for every 2 children in the water.  Please consider asking family members or close friends who are confident in the water to help as well.  In volunteering, you may also be asked to go in the water for more than one snorkeling session, and help all children within the Tōtara Community.

We also require adult supervision on shore, to help children get in and out of their snorkeling gear if you would prefer not to swim.

All equipment will be provided for children and adults including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins and bodyboards. A qualified EMR instructor will brief the children and adults, and supervise snorkeling activities. 

This trip is not suitable for preschoolers.  We suggest parents consider carpooling together, and we will meet you out there.  We will be departing Warkworth School at 9:00am and arriving back at school at approximately 2:45pm.

Your child will need:

●       a big packed lunch and plenty of water to drink

●       school sunhat (bucket hat) and sunscreen

●       togs and towel (all snorkeling gear is provided)

●       a pair of shoes, good for walking on rocks

●       a warm jersey for after snorkeling

For this trip children can wear their own clothes (not school uniform)

Please complete the permission slips attached (there are four permissions) and return them to the school office as soon as possible or complete the online permission form.

Thank you for your support of this awesome experience. 

Tōtara Teachers

Amber Turner - ambert@warkworth.school.nz

Xavietta de Lautour - xaviettadl@warkworth.school.nz

Hannah Franchi - hannahf@warkworth.school.nz

Kate Clark - katec@warkworth.school.nz