Kia ora parents and whānau,

Welcome back to another fantastic year at Amuri Area School! I have been absolutely blown away by the enthusiasm, kindness and welcoming nature of our tamariki. It has been heartwarming to see the way they support one another and embrace new students, which is a true testament to the strength of our school community. I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Deputy Principal for the Primary Syndicate and look forward to getting to know all our students and their families throughout the year.

A special welcome to the new students who have joined us this year. In Year 1, we welcome Ariah Pope-Green and Zion Aspe, who are beginning their school journey with us. In Year 7, we have a great group of students joining from different schools: Cole Miles (Rosehill Intermediate), Lotte Thomas, Macey Jopp, Chia Lei Escobar, Aianne Saballa, Brody Clark, Lilly Kinley, Gussie Dampier-Crossley, and Leo Chick (all from Rotherham School), as well as Ella Armstrong and Evie Pinckney (both from Waiau School). In Year 8, we welcome Shune Solas, who has moved from the Philippines. We also have a group of new entrants who will be starting their transition visits soon and joining us later in Term 1. Welcome to all our new Amurians!

A reminder to all parents that school begins at 8:55 am for Year 1-6 students. The buses arrive from 8:30 am, and for health and safety reasons, we ask that no students arrive before this time, as there is no supervision available before then.

The start of the school year is always a busy time, and we have a fantastic range of activities planned. Our Primary Splashtacular event is set for Friday, 28 February, where all Year 1-6 students will showcase their water confidence and swimming skills. Primary assemblies will begin after the Amuri A&P Show, providing a chance for students to come together and celebrate their learning. The following week, Bible in Schools will start on Thursday, 14 March, and both will continue regularly throughout the year. In March, St John’s will visit to provide important learning experiences for our students, and our Year 7 students will head off on their much-anticipated camp, a great opportunity for team-building and adventure. Looking ahead to April, we are excited to welcome Helly and Harold the Giraffe from Life Education, always a highlight for our tamariki.

Over the next few weeks, students in Years 3-8 will be taking part in standardised testing. These assessments help us gain a clearer picture of each student's progress and learning needs, allowing us to provide the best possible support throughout the year.

Returning to school is an exciting time, but it can also come with challenges for both students and their families. For some tamariki, starting a new school or settling back into routine can bring feelings of anxiety. It’s natural for children to feel a little nervous, especially at the beginning of the year or when adjusting to a new environment. If you’re looking for practical ways to support your child through this transition, this article offers some great strategies:
https://parentingplace.nz/resources/beating-school-anxiety-powerful-things-parents-can-do

At Amuri Area School, we believe that a child's growth is nurtured through strong partnerships between whānau, teachers and the wider school community. By working together, we can support our tamariki, not just in their academic learning, but in their emotional, social, and personal development as well. As the saying goes:

"Mā te pā te tamaiti e whakatipu."
"It takes a village to raise a child."

It has been fantastic to see so many smiling faces back in the classrooms, and we look forward to a year filled with learning, growth and fun. If you have any questions or need support, please feel free to get in touch.

Ngā mihi nui,
Becks Hawtin
Deputy Principal – Primary
Amuri Area School