A week full of challenge and positivity. Classes were finalising moves, creating costumes, building props and accessories in readiness for our production next Thursday at 6pm in the Dunedin Town Hall.

On Thursday, the Sports Academy achieved a mighty feat when they rode from Roxburgh to Lawrence. 75km in howling winds on what they thought was a rail trail, but turned out to be a bike track, with many challenges including negotiating numerous fallen trees. Well done and special thanks to Mr Still and Thagana who accompanied them along the trail, and Bruce for driving the van in support.

The Scholastic Book Fair was a big success with so many taking the opportunity to buy up in readiness for Christmas and the holiday period. Clifford was a big hit, although I did hear Clifford say he was very hot with all the cuddles from the little ones. Thanks to Karene Scott for running the fair. Money raised enables us to purchase more resources for our library.

The signs are the first of many exciting upgrades to our school environment. The environs garden is taking shape and next week the paths will be formed and the wetland garden lifted as we prepare the field to be levelled and resown. Today, Justin Courtney (Board Chairperson) and I signed the paperwork for the upgrade of the swimming pool and alterations to make our whole school accessible to those with disabilities. Painters have been employed and begin painting the school over the holidays. Several other projects are about to be approved so we'll share these with you too as they unfold.

End of Year Progress and Achievement Reports are now with me and my management team to read in readiness for you and your child to share and celebrate the successes of their 2020 year. The reports will go home on Monday, 14 December, after the final assembly which starts at 1pm in the school hall. Family and friends please enter through the rear door. 

Students will be given a proposed class for 2021 which may change depending on new enrolments over the holiday break. Final classes will be posted on the office window on 25 January.

Congratulations to both Wendy Fairbairn and Kyla McCullum who graduated after a year of study and practice at teaching reading recovery to the lucky students chosen to be on the programme throughout 2020.

Over the past few weeks Carolyn Horton has taken a group of Year 3 & 4 students to various rest homes in our area and charmed the residents with their singing and musical talent. The students used sets of bells that all ring a unique sound to combine to make beautiful music. The elderly residents were very emotional and loved the little ones. Such a kind way to share our talents. Thanks to all.

It is with sadness that we farewell Mr Still at the end of this year. Karl is off to Mornington to teach in a different area of the school. We shall miss his cheek, jokes, leadership skills (especially as the Year 7 & 8 Team Leader and lead in physical education) and his modelling in the use of the online platform to teach and how he inspires his students. Karl, you have made an impact on so many and we wish you and Alisha all the best for your life ahead. Thanks Karl. 

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you all over the next few days and especially at the big occasions we are all looking forward to.

Nāku noa

Katrina Munro

Principal