From our Tumukai / Principal

Kia ora e te whānau, 

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it signals the start of a new year. We have a national public holiday to give time to honour the beginning of the Māori New Year, and to spend time with whānau and friends, remembering those who have passed away, reflecting on the year that has happened, and planning for the year ahead. 

We gathered together as a staff on Thursday morning for shared kai (food) and an opportunity to come together and connect. It was a lovely way to start the day and to celebrate Matariki.

As we connect together and reflect on the previous year, this is also a perfect time to welcome two new kaimahi (members of staff) to our fabulous team going forwards.

• Maura Stewart will be our full time release teacher in Pōhutukawa Hub in terms 3 and 4. Maura is originally from the USA, and she graduated as a teacher from Victoria University last year. Maura has been doing some relief teaching with us over the last couple of weeks and we love her enthusiasm, her positive and cheery nature, and her clear love of learning. Maura will be replacing Rachel as the hub’s release teacher, as Rachel has taken over Emma’s whānau group just before Emma heads off on parental leave.

• Katherine Somcio will be joining Brooke as a release teacher in Koru Hub. She will take over from Amelia, who will be joining Angela and Wee Ai in our new entrant Māwhero group. Katherine is an experienced teacher and leader, and is originally from the Philippines. Her bubbly and friendly manner will help her to settle quickly at our school, and we are very much looking forward to Katherine joining our team. 

In keeping with taking stock and reflecting on the year, now is a good time to have a look through your tamariki’s learning progress on Hero. This year we had student conferences in Term 1, and we will have reports in Term 3. Alongside that, every term kaiako (teachers) upload learning to your child’s profile, and update the goals your child has achieved. You can see your child’s learning in reading, writing, maths and the journey of growth and development (social and emotional learning).

 Enjoy Matariki with whānau and friends, take the time to enjoy spending time with loved ones and connecting and celebrating together. Hei tērā wiki, see you next week for the last week of term 2. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Urs Cunningham