Tēnā koutou Katoa

It is that time of year when I get to thank and celebrate all the amazing students that have played and competed throughout the year in our many teams and events.

Our students have again been embracing our Bethlehem Values. Resilience… Term One saw most sports affected in one way or another. Respectful…Listening to their coaches, manager, umpires, and team mates. Being a team player and supporting everyone in their team. Responsible… Committed to turning up each week to their games and giving it 100%. Many teams were awarded placings which reflects their commitment.

This year, we celebrated students competing at the WBOP Mountain Biking, WBOP Orienteering, Rock Climbing, and Chess Events for the first time. All these events saw our students excel.

It has been wonderful to see a steady increase in teams across each of the different codes. We have also had a great number of our junior students taking the plunge to try out different sports for their first time.

Unfortunately, we did not get to come together as a whole kura for tabloid sports day in Term One due to the Covid restrictions. However, we have an amazing P.T.A team which organised our Colour Run fundraiser. It was truly wonderful to see so many smiles on our tamariki, kaiako, and parents. Our kura was a rainbow of fun and laughter.

To the Year 6 students who have played their last games for Bethlehem School. Thank you all for your commitment to sport. I have enjoyed seeing you grow personally and continue to develop strong values. You have developed grit, determination, respect, kindness, confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline.

Right beside these amazing tamariki is a team of supportive, selfless whanau. They have given their time to coach, manage, umpire, and transport so many times throughout the year. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm to keep developing the skills of all the players. Without your selfless commitment, we would not have been able to offer these amazing opportunities and events to so many of our tamariki.

To the families that are leaving us this year, thank you again for all your continued support. It has been a pleasure to be surrounded by such an amazing team of passionate parents.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, full of laughter and joy, with your whanau.                    Meri Kirihimete ki a kautou katoa

Noho ora mai Kathy Crow