 |
Kia Ora Tatou
It is the end of term and I have been clear to both students and staff during the next two weeks there is an opportunity to take a break, rest, relax and prepare for the new term ahead. During the assembly on Tuesday I also encouraged students to pick up a book and read for pleasure. Reading for enjoyment is important as it improves vocabulary and helps prepare students for written work. Through reading they experience good writing styles that they can utilise for their own responses or school work.
Whanau can support reading for tamariki by role modelling reading themselves. The subject material is irrelevant, it could be a hunting/sports/celebrity news magazine, a novel or an autobiography. By modelling reading and setting aside 20 minutes of reading each day as a whanu will help your child.
SNOB
Last Friday it was my pleasure to welcome about 150 guests to the SNOB. The weather was kind to us so I was able to greet attendees outside the main doors and see first hand all the vehicles that delivered students to the event. It was also good to see so many members of our community supporting students as they made their grand entrance.
The night itself was a great success and I have had nothing but positive reports about whole night. Thank you to all of the staff who attended the night and supervised and also to the SNOB committee who undertook the preparations for the event.
The decorations for the hall along the theme of ‘Cloud 9’ were left up and created a great atmosphere for the school production ‘Footrot Flats’ this week.
School production
There was a good turnout to the school production of ‘Footrot Flats’ both on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. I joined the audience on Thursday for the final show for the public. It was very funny and great to see our talented students perform. It was also great to see a number of former students arrive for the show too. Thank you to everyone who came along and enjoyed the show. Your support for our students is important.
Thank you also to all of the staff who supported the students as they prepared for the production.
Teachers pay/conditions negotiations
As yet there has been no news on the progress of arbitration between the teachers union, PPTA and the Government. As has been expressed previously, we hope that this will lead to a satisfactory resolution in order to assist school in being able to recruit quality teachers into the profession to teach your child.
Currently, we expect that the third term will start without any industrial action. If the school is made aware of any changes that arise during the holiday we will endeavour to communicate this as quickly as possible.
Parent teacher interviews and conferences
Due to the industrial action we were unable to hold the parent teacher interviews so we are currently reviewing the plan for next term and looking at Thursday 3 August as a date for parent teacher interviews. This will be a whole day and evening and we strongly encourage whanau to attend. A letter and booking information will be sent out in the first week of next term.
Preparations for winter
Whilst winter officially started some weeks ago we have benefitted from very mild weather. However, we are aware that conditions can change quickly. This weekend looks like a quick change in conditions! As we progress through winter there are rare times when we need to close the school or delay the start of the school day. The quickest and easiest way that we can do this is by texting parents and also posting onto the school Facebook page and website. Decisions regarding these events are made as soon as possible and messages are sent out promptly.
Finally
With the start of the holidays this afternoon I have this morning encouraged staff to ensure that they do take a break. The same applies to students too. The last few weeks have been particularly challenging with a large number of teaching staff putting in late nights for the SNOB, the production and also winter sports teams.
However, I know that we are fortunate to have conscientious staff and students. Some students may try emailing teachers during the holiday and I ask that you be respectful if you do not get an immediate response. Teachers will be taking a break and respond to enquiries as soon as they are able.
Do have a good break and I look forward to next term and hopefully some warmer weather by the end of the term!!
Ka kite ano
|
Recent News
Senior Production
Congratulations to the cast and crew of our senior production, Footrot Flats. | |  |
|
|
SNOB
Our school ball, the SNOB, held on Friday the 23rd of June, was a great success. | |  |
|
|
Book Day
On Tuesday great fun was had dressing up as our favourite book characters. | |  |
|
|
Literacy Tip of the Week
Literacy Tip of the Week: SEXY Paragraphs. For the final week of term to wrap up our focus on writing this term we have been talking about SEXY paragraphs. | |  |
|
|
Mrs McHale Presents Chess Winner George Ouyang With His Prize
Mrs McHale Presents Chess Winner George Ouyang With His Prize | |  |
|
|
University of Otago Liaisons From the Pasifika Centre and the Māori Centre
Recently we had a visit from the University of Otago liaisons from the Pasifika Centre and the Māori Centre. | |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
