Kia ora koutou,

We are thrilled to share the results of our recent vision and values consultation, which has led to the development of a new vision statement for Arthur Street School and the affirmation of our core values. Your invaluable input has been instrumental in shaping our path forward.

It was agreed parts of our current vision statement were relevant, but changes were needed. Our current vision emphasises our commitment to providing the knowledge, skills, and a supportive environment for ākonga to become lifelong learners but there was a feeling we needed more than that.

We proudly unveil our new vision statement: "Empowering our Learners for Life. Arthur Street School builds diverse pathways to success for lifelong learning, fostering individual excellence in a nurturing and inclusive community". We believe this new vision statement is all encompassing and relevant to our current community of learners and our vision for the future.

This vision is complemented by the affirmation of our core values: RESPECT (Whakamana), RESPONSIBILITY (Whaimana), and RESILIENCE (Whakamahi), which remain unchanged. These values continue to represent the core principles of Arthur Street School school and remain reflective of the values of our current community and ākonga.

In addition to our new vision and reaffirmed values three strategic goals have also emerged from our consultation process:

1. Foster strong partnerships with whānau and the wider community and create opportunities for meaningful engagement that supports student learning and wellbeing, and promotes cultural responsiveness and diversity awareness.

2. Create a safe, caring, and inclusive school culture that prioritises the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing of ākonga and staff.

3. Develop a local curriculum that is engaging, challenging and relevant to the needs of ākonga.

The full Strategic Plan for 2024 - 2025 will be shared with you later this term.

We appreciate your active participation in this important process. Your insights and contributions have played a pivotal role in setting the course for the future of our school. If you have any further feedback you would like to provide based on any of the above please feel free to send me an email.

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PRINCIPAL SABBITICAL

From the end of next week, 11th November until the beginning of March I will be away from the school on a Principal Sabbatical for 10 school weeks.  During my absence, school will continue to operate as normal, but stepping into my role in an Acting Principal capacity will be Bernadette Newlands.  The school will be in very capable hands over this period.  I will be about to keep an eye on our building project and also for the end of year celebration evening.  I trust you all will make Bernadette welcome in our school community. 

Here is a little information about Bernadette .

Kia ora koutou katoa

My name is Bernadette Newlands and I am really looking forward to filling in for Kim as Acting Principal while she takes a well deserved sabbatical for ten weeks. Just a little bit of background about me so you know who is arriving. I live out in Broad Bay and have spent most of my teaching career working in all three of the Peninsula schools, which I have absolutely loved. I started my experience as a principal at Karitane School in 1993, moved to Broad Bay School as principal a few years later and stayed for 8 years, and then my final stint was a happy 18 years at Macandrew Bay School as principal there. I retired from Macandrew Bay last year and have been working part time as a Principal Support person for Otago Principals, which I thoroughly enjoyed. My partner and I spent the NZ winter travelling through France and had a brilliant time. I have missed being in a school though so I'm really looking forward to my term at Arthur Street and will enjoy getting to know the children, staff and parent community. It's an exciting time to be at Arthur Street with the building project moving on at pace too. I look forward to meeting you at some stage soon.

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REMINDER - Teacher Only Day             

The Ministry of Education has once again offered schools a further opportunity to hold a teacher only day, for schools to use for professional development in term 4.  Arthur Street School will be CLOSED for instruction on Friday 24th November 2023.

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2024 - Stationery Order

Have you ordered your school stationery for 2024 - click here to order now!

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2024 - Are you changing schools or moving to another city? 

Are you changing schools or moving to another city? - If your student is not returning for 2024, please email me, as classes are being finalised currently - principal@arthurst.school.nz

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End of Year finish date change

Our last day of school for the 2023 school year will be Monday 18th December at 12.15pm. Please note that will be no afterschool available on this day, so all children will need collected at 12.15pm please. 

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End of year celebration evening

This event will be held again at the Otago Boys' High School auditorium, on Friday 15th December from 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Further information about tickets for this event will come later in the term, but in the meantime, please mark it on your calendar.             

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Over a three year term, our policy and procedures are reviewed. Depending on what the policy is, Board members, staff or parents have an opportunity to review and place feedback on it. Currently there is the opportunity to review the Curriculum and Student Achievement Policy, Student Achievement /Assessment, Home Learning, Distance Learning, Identify Learning Support and Religious Instruction /Religious Education section.  This review is available to place feedback on between now and 20th December 2023.

To review this policy, please follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the website https://arthurst.schooldocs.co.nz/index.htm?toc.htm?1893.htm?id=9d69ad49-ea23-48bb-9cf1-d83cbbba2f54
2. Enter the username (arthurst) and password (arthurstreet).
3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
4. Read the policy.
5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
6. Select the reviewer type "Parent".
7. Enter your name (optional).
8. Submit your ratings and comments.
9. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Ngā mihi nui