Tēnā koutou e te Avonhead - Rakipaoa whānau

Last Friday was the end of summer and we welcomed autumn with a stunning weekend of hot weather. Even with the change of season, we are still wearing our summer uniform and wearing hats until the end of Term 1. Hopefully, we continue to have some settled autumnal days.

Over the last fortnight, we have had a number of events and activities taking place. Last Tuesday our PAL's (Physical Activity Leaders) and Jono Collins participated in training at the Avon Community Hub. This involved learning how to run activities, put together a physical activity plan for the school and network with other schools. It has been brilliant to see the PAL's running lunchtime activities for the other year levels. Also on Tuesday last week, we had 8 students take part in the Canterbury Triathlon out in West Eyreton. All of the tamariki gave their all and completed the course. We are very proud of their efforts. A big thank you to all of the parents who helped with transport and supervision. This week we welcomed 10 student teachers from the University of Canterbury to Avonhead for their observation week. This is a great opportunity for them to observe how a school functions. Over the next couple of weeks, we will have another cohort of student teachers join us for their final placements. Hosting student teachers over the year is a great way to help grow the profession, bring in new ideas and share our school with aspiring teachers.

On Monday, we had What Now visit school again. A small group of Year 5 and 6 students hosted a new segment called Our Cool Kura. They got to share some of things that make Avonhead a cool school to be at. It will be on television this Sunday. Today, our Year 1 - 3 and our Year 5 - 6 students took part in the Canterbury Sports Top Team Challenge. This is always a very popular event with tamariki having to work together in teams to complete a range of challenges.

At our whole school Assembly on Monday, I talked to the school about kaitiakitanga and being guardians of our land and kura. I used a story from Poland where they have employed freshwater mussels to help monitor their water treatment plants. It is a fascinating and ingenious idea. One that uses natures own systems to help look after the environment and people. We defined areas of the school that each team will be responsible for in keeping clean and tidy. Like the humble mussel, our tamariki will be working towards looking after our school and environment.

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Friday 7 March, school is closed for instruction as we have Teacher Only Day. Next week we have school photos as well as Year 1 - 3 Cross Country and the NW Zones Swimming Competition.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Micah

Principal

"Toitū te marae a Tāne, Toitū te marae a Tangaroa, Toitū te tangata" - If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive