That's (almost) a wrap! ... staffing announcements follow...

I can hardly believe it’s the end of the year - although the lack of vegetables in my diet and early morning panda eyes might beg to differ! The days of alone time in lockdown do really feel like a distant memory as lunches, dinners, morning teas, farewells, concerts, prize givings, parties and picnics sweep us up into the Christmas spirit (or frenzy).

I am writing this the morning after our Leavers Dinner. What a celebration of 6 years together - becoming Connected Citizens, learning Brilliant Behaviours and having Awesome Achievements. To hear so many of our leavers give their speeches reminiscing on their Addington days, sharing highlights, thanking their teachers, friends and families. Camp was definitely everyone’s highlight, with other school trips a close second. We also shared a beautiful meal planned by Whaea Ang Bond and Whaea Jo, prepared, served and cleared by just about everyone else on staff. We had the big privilege of Lauren Barus as our guest speaker for the evening. Lauren is Serafina’s Mum (Ngahere) and a musician who has travelled the world singing and performing along side the likes of Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Guy Sebastian and NZ’s own Stan Walker. Lauren performs under the name LA Mitchell. She is the vocalist in Fly my Pretties and also a member of Terrible Sons, with her husband Matt. Lauren gave a very encouraging speech about making your dreams come true - by recognising your inner good and how even when you make mistakes and change your minds it is how you share your ‘good’ with others that will take you far. But be prepared to do some waiting. A big thank you to Whaea Sheryn for compering the evening. And also to the Year 6 students and Waonui teachers for the amazing job they did in setting up the hall. It was festive and very fitting of the occasion. Here is a peek of the video the staff made for the Leavers…

2021 Staffing Changes

So as we farewell these students we also farewell some staff who are leaving us. We say a big farewell to Julie Fisher, one of our Conductive Education teacher aides. Julie will be very much missed as she retires after being one of the foundation staff members in our Conductive Education Unit. Julie we wish you and Duncan the best of luck for the adventures that lay ahead with time on your side.

We also farewell teachers Hannah Krijnen and Michaela Suttie - we wish them well as they take the next steps in their teaching careers - Hannah hopes to travel overseas to further her passion for languages in Japan and Michaela has just accepted a position in an Early Learning Centre closer to her Dunsandal home. Thank you both for the laughter and colour you have brought to our kura. We will also be saying goodbye to Sarah Lees in Ti Kouka who stepped in when we needed a teacher to support our boom in new entrant numbers.

So like Rupeni said in his speech last night “ If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello” we will be welcoming two new staff members in 2021.

Adam McRandle will join the team as Associate Principal. Adam is relocating with his wife from Hawkes Bay, having spent the last two years as a rural Principal. We are excited about the strengths Adam brings to the Leadership Team. Adam is passionate about Maths, a qualified rugby coach and is very keen to be a part of our school community as moving south sees him returning to his Southern roots.

Nic Thomassen will also join the team as a teacher in Y5/6. Nic hails from Ashburton and is a former Head Boy of Ashburton College. Nic is leaving the country life to settle in Christchurch with his partner Laura. He loves tennis, is a basketball coach and is very passionate about growing tomorrow’s leaders today.

We look forward to getting to know you both as we kick off 2021 with a staff retreat to Hanmer Springs on 26th January. The Leadership Team have planned a busy two days for everyone - including some time to pop to the pools. We are using this opportunity to escape the laundry, dishes and lawns and do some dedicated thinking and strategic planning, focussing in on 2021's themes and dreams.

Property Update

In the holidays the entrance ways into the Hapua classrooms are being updated and repaired to make them look heaps better and be weather tight and safe. The team from Max Projects will also be creating an outdoor learning space for our Harakeke students. This space in the heart of the school will give these students an opportunity to be outside in a secure setting and for the teaching team to be able to set up play equipment and leave it out safely during the day. This space will include soft fall matting, shade and a swing. This minor project is the first pre stage of our playground redevelopment. Board Members Andy Green, Age Palmer, myself and Friend of the School Brian Davidson have been working with our Project Development team from Inovo who having met with us and have shared all your dreams and wishes for the playground, are putting together the tender package. All going to plan we expect the playground work to begin mid year for completion at the start of Term 4.

So here we are - this time next week school will be closed for the year. I want to thank the amazing team here at Addington Te Kura Taumatua for their support of me this year, especially my two right hand ladies Glenys and Bridget and my integrity buddy Juanita for their support. To Jo and the BOT your belief in me to continue to do the job here as Principal is not taken for granted. It hasn’t been the most regular year to start Principalship but then again that is the challenge, and no doubt 2021 will bring some different ones too. But I want you all to know that every day I get up, put on my lippy and fresh mascara (pre panda eyes) and show up determined to make a difference in the lives of our students and you, their families. I try to bring joy and laughter, make the tough decisions when they need to be made, and show you all that being your own person is ok and that kindness really does matter.

Whatever these holidays mean to you and your family I hope you stay safe and find peace and happiness with those you care about.

I think you are all amazing.

Merry Christmas to you all

Big Love

Whaea Donna x