Welcome to Term 4, a term filled with challenges and new beginnings. Today we welcomed Bruce James to our staff. Bruce takes over as Technology Teacher, and will lead Digital Technology and IT for our school.

Whole School Assemblies will start on Friday, 30 October and our Year 7&8 team are leading the assembly.

Bruce James comes to us via St Clair School where has held both the DP and Learning Support Coordinator role. Prior to that, he was at John McGlashan College as Year 10-11 Dean and Head of Music. Whilst there, he has also been an Acting Assistant Principal, School Events Coordinator and e-Literacy Leader.

Bruce is well known for the Arts. He’s had a lifelong involvement in music and previously been involved in bands around Dunedin. He sings and plays drums and guitar. Bruce is also keen on sports and still enjoys playing rugby, football and touch.

He is described as a ‘techno-freak’ and likes to keep up-to-date with all the latest technology. And he is an avid reader with a strong belief in the importance of reading for all.

All of the above and his strong values suggest he will be a wonderful asset to our school. I know you will all make him very welcome.

Teeball and Softball practices start next week. Laga's Dad, Sani, is running coaching sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 - 4:30pm for both the Stars and Diamonds teams. If wet, practices will be in the school hall. Sani will keep us posted if practices are cancelled.

Carisbrook School will be busy tomorrow. The school hall is one of the election polling booths.  Rakinui and Rehua Blocks will host the Teddy Bear Hospital from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

Early Monday morning, a team committed to supporting your children met - Lynda Davidson, our new Social Worker in School, Claire Rye, our new Art Therapist, Kyla McCullum, our new SENCO, Andre Hansen, our Learning Support Coordinator and myself. We meet to plan how and who is the best fit to support our students with their physical, mental and well-being issues. If you have a concern email, phone or call in and chat with us. Jude Wall, our Health Nurse, is also running free health clinics for our senior students from 1:00 - 1:30pm.

Uniform Grants 2021

The J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund offers grants to students who are starting either high school or Year 7&8 in 2021. You can collect an application form from Karene in the office. We can support you completing this application.                                            

Caring Families Aotearoa

A Family Fun Day is being organised at Bowl Line in Kaikorai Valley Road by Caring Families Aotearoa. They want to make it a memorable day for some children and their families by inviting the family to a fun day. We have been given 20 tickets to the Ten Pin Bowling Party on Sunday, 7 November from 12:00 - 1:00pm. If you and your family would like to go to the Ten Pin Bowling Party phone the office and register your interest. We will then do a draw and contact the lucky winners.

Today we dressed in pink to speak up and stand together to stop bullying. Thanks everyone for joining in on the Pink Shirt Day! Together, we can put an end to bullying.

School Production planning and practices have begun. Our Famous New Zealanders theme and associated songs will ensure for a top showcase. Keep this date free: Thursday, 10 December.

Have a great weekend and remember all the opportunities open to us all over the weekend including the Teddy Bear Hospital here on the school site tomorrow.

Nāku iti nei,

Katrina Munro

Acting Principal