From the Principal's Desk

Hello Families

This past week we enjoyed having the Water Safety coaches onsite to assist our students on their journey to develop greater confidence in and around water.  This is a very helpful start for the family to build on when you teach your child to swim.  One of the main messages coming from the coaches was that as adults we have to be ever vigilant when our child is in or around water. The coaches will be back during week #5 to complete the teaching sessions.

 Our Year 4 - 6 students enjoyed a VR headset experience taking on a lesson on the impacts of climate changes.  This programme was partly sponsored by the Blake Foundation.

Main reminder

Did you remember that this Thursday 19 February at 5:30pm we have our first Home & School meeting?  Some of our students are very excited to participate in a performance at the end of the evening.  Our programme is designed to give every family an opportunity to visit each of the school phases:

5:30 - 5:45 Greetings and short message from the principal (hall)

5:45 - 6pm - parents make their way to either Rm 3 (Phase 1); Rm 8 (phase 2; Rm 6 Phase 3).

6pm - 6:15 - parents make their way to either Rm 3 (Phase 1); Rm 8 (phase 2; Rm 6 Phase 3).

6:15 - 6:30 - parents make their way to either Rm 3 (Phase 1); Rm 8 (phase 2; Rm 6 Phase 3).

6:30 we return to the hall for a short performance followed by the distribution of our free light meal (chop suey and sausage sizzle).

Additional reminders:

There is no school fee requested from families, however;

Stationery:  We supply all stationery requirements to every child at a cost of $20/student

Devices for learning:   The BOT supplies these for students in years 1 - 5. Families are expected to supply a device via the Manaiakalani Trust for years 6 - 8.

Year 7 & 8 students have a $50/year Technology consumable fee.

Attendance: This week we start the 3rd week of school, which means that some students are now close to falling into the ‘At Risk’ category.  This requires formal notification and remedial meetings between home and school.

Our weekly attendance winner is Rm 9 with an 99% average.

Writing Awards

Our first students to have their writing displayed over a two week period in the administration area are  Elhae Rm1 and Timothy Rm6.  Congratulations on producing some fantastic work so early in the year.

We have launched our annual senior writing competition - a challenge to produce a personal best writing sample.  This approach puts every senior student in the running to win a chauffeured drive home in an aspirational luxury car.  To date we have had limousines, Mustang, Ferrari, 2 classic Cobra, Tesla, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin cars!  

Finally, as you settle into the weekend, do take some time to consider what assistance you could provide to the life of our school with your talent - that could be playing an instrument, singing, cultural activity or even some really practical assistance.

Stay well

Jono