Swimming began this week and next week all classes have swimming instruction. Swimming is an important part of our programme and an essential life skill, especially important as we live so close to beaches and other water ways. It costs the school $6.50 per student irrespective if they swim or not. Support us to support them.

Please ensure your child has their togs, towel and googles.

Congratulations and farewell to Wendy Fairbairn.  Wendy was presented with a, 'Mathematical Support Teacher' certificate of achievement by Viv Thompson her mentor over the past two years. Wendy has completed the two-year MST programme designed to accelerate student achievement in mathematics. Over eighty students have been part of her intervention programmes over the past two years. Next week is Wendy's last week with us. Wendy leaves to take up a permanent appointment at 'Mini Thinkers' and we wish her every happiness in her new role.

What an amazing act of kindness performed by Ezias, who helped his classmates, Alison and Phoenix. What made this special was the problem of reaching the frame was solved by themselves. Well done Ezias and I hope someone helped you to reach the frame too.

The organisation for the big Cultural event is ramping up. If you have or know of any group from any ethnic group that would be willing to perform on the night please make contact with our school office. We will send an updated flyer for the night and all activities, performances, food options and guests closer to the night.

What a wonderful moment seeing Taniora reading to his cousin Kaedyn who was in the sick bay after hurting his arm. He was oblivious to his audience as he fluently read with such expression that everyone stopped to listen. Another kind act.

The bus is currently with the sign writers. Starting next year we will have designated bus stops and qualified bus drivers operating the bus. We will display the bus route this year so you can identify which stop your student would use. The bus is a paid service and is only offered to those students whose whānau don't have a vehicle or for extreme need to be transported to school.

Last week we heard the sad news of the passing of Janice Tofia. Janice passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday the 20th of November. Most of us remember Janice as the Principal of Forbury School, a devoted wife and mother, a colleague and a friend. Janice also became part of our team when she facilitated PLD for the staff on cultural responsiveness and when she joined us on special occasions, such as our Junior team's celebrations with preschool providers across Dunedin, during Samoan Language week.

Janice never let diversity get in her way, and after Forbury School, she reinvented herself and got involved as a Pasifika facilitator both at the College of Education and as the PLD facilitator for the Pasifika  Success Talanoa project. More recently Janice received an MNZM award for services to education, in particular for working to improve educational outcomes for Māori and Pasifika students in Dunedin. Our thoughts are with her family, Janice will be missed, but never forgotten. Malolo Filemu.

Covid cases are on the rise. Five staff and more students have tested positive over the last two weeks. We still have masks available from the office for students to wear if they wish. Some staff have made the decision to mask up as they hope to get through the remainder of the school year and enjoy their holidays without another bout of Covid.

Important dates:

• Monday        28th Nov - 9th Dec: Swimming 
• Wednesday  14th Dec: Final Assembly & Year 8 Graduation, 1pm
• Thursday      15th Dec: Last day of After School Care
• Friday           16th Dec: School closes at 12.30

Thank you, as always, for supporting us as we work together as a school community.

Katrina Munro

Principal