Kia ora te whanau

Welcome back to term 3. I trust you all had a lovely time over the holidays with your children in spite of the weather events.  John and I had an unexpected surprise with a last minute call up of our youngest daughter, Serena, to play for the NZ U19 Women's Football Team for the World Cup Qualifiers. Hence, our holiday plans changed quickly and we spent quite a bit of time in Auckland watching the games (which they won!). Although the weather was dreadful, we had a great time. 

The term has started well. We have a great team of teachers, an amazing admin staff, and very cool kids. What more could a principal ask for! The inquiry this term is, not surprisingly, focused on the upcoming elections. Activities are happening in all hubs that are really engaging children in thinking about social organisation and power. Politics all around the world is very interesting at the moment and dominating social media, so there is plenty of fodder for interesting discussion and debate. 

I am glad we have been able to book the Noho Marae for week 3. Thanks to Angela for her hard work in making this happen and to Gail who is assisting her. I think it is really important for us as a school and as people living in New Zealand to truly value and appreciate New Zealand's bicultural heritage. I believe we all have a responsibility as New Zealanders to assist with the revitalisation of the Maori Language and the regeneration of Maori identity. I am really proud that Amesbury School has traditions and rituals that honour New Zealand's bicultural heritage. However, I am also aware that we still have more to do to meet our obligations under the treaty. It is an ongoing development. The Board has recently reviewed the school's Te Tiriti O Waitangi policy. I have included the link so that you can check it out if interested. 

I am excited about this term - I think it is going to be a good one. I look forward to catching up with you all at the different community events. Thanks for your ongoing support of your children's learning and the school. Take care and watch out for each other in the carpark! Be kind to teachers. 

Arohanui

Lesley