Kia ora whānau

As we rush towards the end of a very busy Term 1, I want to thank you for the amazing way you have continued through the term, ensuring that your communities are well communicated with, and that you are looking after your staff in the best way you can. I have heard of some pretty cool ways that principals and leadership teams are creating places that are happy and fun and ensuring that the hauora of the staff in your schools is paramount.  Keep up the great work, but also make sure you really look after yourselves in both body and mind.

We have some important engagement opportunities to be part of as individuals and the collective group. Ever since the Tomorrow's Schools review, it has been made pretty explicit that the differences in staffing between the sectors is extremely inequitable. The Pūaotanga review panel has been receiving submissions both face to face in hearings across the country, and by way of submitting an online form or prepared statement. You have until 12 April to get this in.

We welcome three new business partners to the CPPA this month. SmartGrass, Matific and Flexigroup. We thank these organisations for their commitment to the CPPA membership. All our business partners and sponsors of the CPPA  provide a valuable connection to their services and develop great relationships with the members. I encourage you to engage with our business partners when looking for services or products. Check out the sponsors page on our website, or the article within this publication to get more info and contact details.

My photo this month, is showing off the new basketball turf and some of my gorgeous children at Wairakei School. After some new building work completed at school, and the existing court having disappeared, we engaged SmartGrass after receiving three quotes from different suppliers, to create a new court in front of the new buildings. Last week, we had the Canterbury Rams "open" our court with a display, one on one with some staff and children, and of course a short game with our senior Basketball Team. Certainly a great use of some of our SIP funding, and the product is just awesome. (not getting paid for this either!) The SmartGrass also laid has created a usable space which children are loving!

I want to say thanks to those of you who have updated your details on the website database. There has been a number of changes in the membership, but even if there hasn't, I left the "School Name" field blank so this had to be filled in so it shows up in the member search area. I know that you all should have been contacted by your executive liaison person by email and some of you have also been followed up with a phone call. This is a big part of our strategic plan - To Connect. One way you can help, is by updating your details. As I have said, we have a number of new Principals and a number from different regions too. Let's show the Canterbury spirit and connect with each other.

Easter is nearly here. Five days to do things for you. Five days to enjoy family time. 

Looking forward to catching up next term.

Keep smiling

Shane