Kia ora

Thanks to those parents who came out for the recapitation focus group meetings. The discussions were wide ranging, positive and interesting.  I have informed the Ministry of Education that we will be putting in an application for recapitation. The application requires a pretty solid document to back it, but I am working on it now and will get it to the Ministry within the time frame they have given to us. Given that we need a new building over the next year or so, it certainly seems the right time to apply for recapitation. 

I really enjoyed sitting around and chatting education with these groups of parents. I hope to do this more next term. It is my intention to set up a focus group of parents with whom I meet once a term to explore what is going well and what we can work on; and just to chew the fat about children, schooling and learning. I am also very keen to meet with different ethnic groups within the school to understand more about their various experiences of Amesbury School. I will let you know more about this next term once I have set some dates.

Urs has nearly finished a complete review of health and safety and emergency readiness. We hope to practise a complete school evacuation early next term, with parents picking up their children as though a disaster has occurred. Given the recent wake up calls we have had in terms of emergencies, it seems to be a very useful thing to do, even though it will be inconvenient for many parents. Sorry about that! We will give you more information about this very soon.  

Enjoy the last couple of days of March.

Arohanui

Lesley