Kia ora Whanāu and welcome to 2024.

We hope that you’ve had a good break over this Christmas period and are looking forward to having your tamariki back at school.

This year is the year of Whanāungatanga.

In a school, creating whanāungatanga, or strong connections, is like building a big supportive whanāu. It's super important for everyone – students, teachers, and whanāu – to feel connected and engaged. Whanāungatanga means fostering relationships and a sense of belonging. When we all talk, participate in school activities, and share experiences, it's like teamwork that makes the whole school community stronger. Joining in events creates a feeling of belonging, and when people feel connected through whanāungatanga, they're more likely to work together and make the school community awesome. It's like a big family helping each other succeed and grow together. With that being said, we hope you will join us during the year at events that will grow this connection. The first of which is our Powhiri in early February. (More details below)

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The office is open today, Friday, (9-3) for you to ask about anything you need or to pick up a stationery pack. It will then be open again on Monday (9-3) and Tuesday (9-1). Then throughout the school year it will be open during normal school times. Please come into the administration block (Papatuanuku) and Karene or Sandra in the school office will be able to assist you. If you can’t come in, for any reason, then please ring (between 8:30 and 3:15) or email office@carisbrook.school.nz

I thought that I would take this opportunity to remind you of some important dates this term, along with some key information for you as your child/ren return to school next week.

IMPORTANT DATES:

On Tuesday the 30th we have our Open Day Meet and Greet from 10am until 1pm. Parents/caregivers and students are welcome to come to school to check out their classroom placement, buy stationery, meet their teacher, and catch up with friends. We will provide a BBQ lunch between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm.

First day of school: Wednesday 31st January.

Class starts at 9am this day. Before and Afterschool care will begin and the Bus and Van service will start on this day also.

Whakatau: (a form of welcome ceremony similar to a pōwhiri, but less formal and more flexible. It’s used in many different contexts and can be adapted to suit many types of occasion.) This will be held on Monday the 5th of February starting at 9am. This is to welcome all new students to our Kura for the first time. This is also a chance for new whanāu to join us for this occasion and then the opportunity to stay and have a cup of coffee or tea after the ceremony.

Fish and Chip Evening: Bring your own dinner to the school on Thursday, February 8th between 5:30 and 7. Chat and make new connections together, play some games with the children etc… Our pool will also be open between 6 and 7.

For all other important dates please look at the school calendar via our website.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS:

School Timetable: Of course, as we discussed last year, we are to trial a new timetable for the first term of this year. We are hoping this will increase engagement and attendance for your child and ultimately result in an increase in achievement. Below is what the time table looks like: 

School Rules: It might be a good idea to go through the school’s rules with your child before we start next week and remind them of our expectations. Here is the link https://carisbrook.school.nz/a/ufj2NVC

Who to contact?: Your child’s teacher should be your first point of contact via email. If things are not resolved then please contact one of our DP’s (Ash or Paul). All teacher email addresses can be found on our website.

I’ve attached here (https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/nz-principals-words-wisdom-go-viral) an article that was written by another principal and has gone viral recently. It’s worth a read.

Hope to see you soon and hope you have a great weekend.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about any of the above information.