It's Friday and I'm feeling all the joy of this week's celebrations...

I couldn't believe how nervous I was about remembering 3 lines of a song and joining in of the finale of Addington's Got Talent on Monday night but as soon as i got out of my seat and saw the children's faces when I did the nerves melted away. They had been told there was a surprise soloist and well it was me! I felt chuffed to be apart of all the joy and energy shared on stage. Ally Palmer you are amazing for yet again co-ordinating an incredible show case of our music programmes and groups..

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of seeing Daphne in Māhoe and Emmerson in Tarata be presented with their Kiwican awards at a very special ceremony at Christ's College. We were very lucky to hear from the Kiwican founder - Graeme Dingle - speak and to hear how his foundation's programmes continue to shape the lives of so many New Zealanders. It made me realise how what can appear to be just be a game or an activity actually is paving the way for a future full of potential. Potential to change the world, starting with ourselves.

I had a similar reflection as I drove home from last nights Leavers Dinner. Many students gave their speeches and just about all of them mentioned the camps, trips, sports and performing opportunities as being highlights of their time here at Addington Te Kura Taumatua. That and their friendships with peers and staff. There may have been one or two mentions of Maths. But it just goes to show....

I want to say a huge thank you to the staff who prepared, served and cleaned up after the delicious dinner we all had together. Feeding 140 people is no mean feat, especially after a day of teaching in the second to last full week of the year.

On Tuesday afternoon our students will find out which class they are in for 2024 and on Wednesday and Friday they will get to spend some time with their teacher and new classmates.

Developing resilience in our children is such an important part of our role as we help them deal constructively with the inevitable setbacks they will meet. We make a special mention of this as we are sharing the new class placements. With so many new enrolments we have had to rearrange where year groups have been located, have staff in different roles and wait for a temporary learning space to be out on site, and with this, we have had to make staffing changes however we know we can support our students to cope.

When you see the placements, it may not be your preferred choice but please be reassured that teachers and leaders in the school have spent countless hours pondering the best place for each child. We take into account social, emotional and academic needs when establishing the best fit for them. Your child may not be with their best friend. This is OK. They can still see them every day, and it allows them to develop other relationships. Your child may be the youngest or oldest in a group, we might have recognised the need for them to develop leadership skills or to develop an understanding of what it means to be led. Every decision has thought behind it.

Next week, starting with Ngahere on Tuesday and Waonui and Hāpua on Thursday  we have our Prize givings so I look forward to hosting you all for these in the hall and sharing in the successes of so many of our students as the 2023 school years almost comes to an end.

So until then have a wonderful weekend. I am looking to relieving some of my younger years tonight watching Zed perform in town - kind of finishing the week with another dose of Addington's Got Talent really.

Living the dream!

Arohanui

Donna