Dear Parent/Caregivers,

Hongoeka Syndicate classes will be visiting Kapiti Island this year.  We intend to view and learn about Kapiti Island’s special biodiversity. Students will explore how the conservation work on Kapiti Island has contributed to the preservation of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.  We believe the trip will be a valuable and memorable experience for children.  The Department of Conservation have removed rats and possums and other predators.  Endangered bird species have been reintroduced to promote breeding.  A number of rare species are able to be seen by visitors.

The five classes in Hongoeka will have an opportunity to visit Kapiti Island on one of 2 days.  We will be relying on parents to transport us between the school and Paraparaumu Beach (Kapiti Boating Club) and to accompany us for the day on the island.  A maximum of 90 children and parents may travel each day.  We would like to encourage as many parents as possible to accompany us.  Positions for parents will be balloted after the closing date Monday 17th August.

Room 21 students will be split across two different days with about half the class traveling on Wednesday 9th September and the other half travelling on Thursday 10th September. Students in Room 21 who are not attending Kapiti Island will remain at school.

Students from other classes may also be asked to travel on a different boat trip to their class teacher. Your child’s teacher will ensure that your child is happy to travel on another boat trip and they will also have a small number of students from their own class.  A teacher from Plimmerton school will accompany any boat trip.
The reason for this change is to ensure that we can offer all children and more parents the opportunity to travel to this unique island.

A detailed list of food, clothing and gear will be issued the week before the trip.


BOAT TRAVEL:
Kapiti Marine Charters is an experienced Licensed Commercial Operator which transports provider groups to Kapiti in the vessel M.V. Kiwi Express.  All children will wear life jackets across and back.  

COSTS:
$45.00 each for children and for adults (Please note for school trips adults pay only $45.00 compared to the normal $75.00 adult fee so this is a great chance to go to the Island at a discounted rate).

DATES
Room 19 (Group 1),  ½ of Room 21   (Group 2) and Room 20 (Group 3) - Wednesday 9th September
Room 23 (Group 1), ½ of  Room 21  (Group 2) and Room 22 (Group 3) - Thursday 10th September
   
TIMETABLE:
7.40am
First group leaves school for Paraparaumu Beach
Assemble in car park by Boating club - first group departs for Kapiti at 8.15am

8.20am
Second group leaves school for Paraparaumu Beach.

 9:00am    
Assemble in car park by Boating club - second group departs for Kapiti at 9.00am
Third group  leaves school for Paraparaumu Beach.
Assemble in car park by Boating club - second group departs for Kapiti at 9.40am
Groups leave for the summit once ranger has chatted to everyone and they have had morning tea.
Walk back down from the summit

1:30-3.00pm
Assemble - return in 3 boat loads  (1.30pm group 1 leave, 2.15pm group 2 leaves and group 3 leaves at 3pm)
Return to Plimmerton.
Please note: Group 2 students will be back to school around 3.30pm and group 3 will return to school around 4pm.


POSTPONEMENT:
If any trip is postponed due to rough weather an alternative day will be planned as soon as possible.  
If in doubt about the weather check our website www.plimmerton.school.nz for an update.

Please complete the form below and return to school by Monday 17th August.  We need to know definite numbers urgently so that permits can be applied for.

Thank you
Hongoeka Syndicate Teachers