Kia ora koutou,

It is very exciting to watch the start of our new build happening behind the construction fencing. The construction crew have had a very keen audience at times during break times, especially when diggers are involved! Now that the plywood fencing is up, it is harder for people to see what is going on, but viewing panels will be added soon in the fencing to allow curious onlookers to keep track of what is happening.

The shape of some of our grassed areas (except our main sports field) will soon begin to change a little due to this ongoing work: much of the topsoil removed from the new build site will be deposited elsewhere on the grounds. This will create an additional mound following part of our bike track along the far end of the school grounds, near the fencing. We already have several small mounds from the previous build, and we will now add to and extend one of the mounds with the topsoil removed from the new build area.

To ensure the safety of our ākonga (students), staff, and construction workers, we have a School Access Plan created between the Ministry of Education, the construction team and the school. This plan outlines the Health and Safety rules in place to keep everyone safe. The key aspects of this plan are:

- No deliveries or construction vehicles entering or leaving the school site between 8:30 - 9:15am, and 2:30 - 3:20pm.

- Vehicles entering the school car park during break times require a person (‘spotter’) walking the vehicle onto and/or off the site.

- Construction workers will stay within the fenced construction site, unless entering or exiting the school grounds.

- School staff have no access to the fenced off construction site, with the exception of Brian, who has direct access to the caretaker’s shed.

- Contractors and subcontractors working onsite must be Police vetted.

We meet regularly with the project team to ensure there is clear communication between the school and the construction team. If you have any concerns about any aspect of the construction process, and in particular about a health and safety aspect linked to the new build, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Staffing update: As you will be aware, Rachel Watson has been on leave recently, as she has been supporting the recovery of a close family member who has been very unwell. Rachel has extended her leave until the end of Term 3. We wish Rachel and her family all the very best, and Rachel pops in to say hello to the team when she can, which is lovely. Two of our wonderful team, Jenny and Caro, are now working in reception to cover Rachel’s role between them while she is away. We are very lucky that they were willing and able to do this, and we have been very impressed with the way they have quickly picked up the systems and routines in reception.

Events coming up

- Tuesday 17th August: ICAS English Exam 9am (for students who have registered)

- Wednesday 18th August: Ministry Photoshoot at school (see attached article)

- Thursday 19th August: Inquiry 2 Learning Celebration 1:50 - 2:50pm

- Monday 23rd August: Term 3 Mihi Whakatau (formal welcome - rescheduled date due to school closure) 2:30pm. 

- Monday 23rd August: New Parents Information Session 3:30 - 4:30pm

- Tuesday 24th August: ICAS Science Exam 9am (for students who have registered)

- Friday 27th August: Staff Only Day - school closed for instruction

Kia pai tō wiki - have a good week.

Ngā mihi nui,

Urs Cunningham