Crazy Hair and Silly Socks have rounded off a wonderful fortnight of learning in the Primary School. Funds from Crazy Hair Day will go to a local community charity we support in Nepal and donations from Silly Socks will go to the Movember Cancer awareness charity, for which we have already raised over $1,900. Thank you to all the learners who took action to sett up these events for such worthwhile causes.

This week has seen the opening of two new learner-led social enterprises: Fruity Quartet, selling fresh fruit products to encourage healthy eating and Milkshake Madness for Jimmy's School in Cambodia. Next Friday is Gender Equality Day. This event has been conceived and organised by Billie and Midna in Year 6 to raise awareness of gender inequalities, such as limited access to education for many girls in the world. Next week we also start our Christmas celebrations with the Nursery and Kindergarten Christmas Market, this will be followed the week after by the Nexus NPG Christmas Fair and Carol Concerts. For details of these events and more click on Upcoming Events.

Last week, the Senior Leadership Team were able to enter into the superstructure of our new school for the first time. It was amazing to watch over 300 contractors hard at work across the whole site. When you walk out onto each floor the sheer scale is overwhelming - the final learning environments will be stunning! This weekend will see the Topping Out take place as the 12th floor roof is completed!

Finally, it is with much sadness that I need to share with you that our outstanding Deputy Head of Primary School, Justin Potter will be leaving us at the end of this Semester. Justin has been a huge part of not just the Primary School but every aspect of the Nexus community over the last four years. Whether it is in class, on day trips and residential trips or as part of our CCA and ECA programme, his passion and energy inspire and motivate learners and staff alike. He was instrumental in us achieving a glowing IB PYP Evaluation in 2014 and his passion for learner agency and meaningful child-led action has built on our strong foundation of high quality learning. Not only has Justin's drive been felt at Nexus, he has worked tirelessly as the IB PYP Network Coordinator for Singapore. I am sure everyone will join me in thanking Justin for his dedication to the Nexus community. We wish Justin and Claire, Abbie and Emily all the best for their return to New Zealand and Justin every success in his new leadership role at Seatoun School, Wellington - they are extremely lucky to have him join their team.

Have a good weekend and to our Jewish families, may I offer my warm wishes for a Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year.

Paul Beach

Head of Primary School