Kia ora 

The last newsletter of the year! I am not quite sure where this term has gone - I guess the distraction of the earthquakes has been a factor. It was good to see all the bus runs back to normal again this week. I know that some of our younger students are still unsettled with their sleep and that many of you are still sorting through the aftermath of the event. Do seek help if you need it - the helpline advertised later in the newsletter may be useful. Michelle Cole from the School Based Mental Health Team is available and is also coming up next Tuesday 13th Dec.  Her phone number 0272290749.

It was a real delight to have our Mayor and his wife visit us last week to deliver a very cuddly teddy bear to all of our Year 1 - 4 students. Each bear had a special message attached regarding the importance of being able to cuddle something and/or someone in difficult times. We understand the idea originated from someone in our community - it was much appreciated by our students.

A large number of our students have been attending camps over the last 3 weeks. The year 7,8 and 9 camp was very successful at Waipara and the year 10’s enjoyed their camp at the Boyle River. Our Year 4 and 5 classes enjoyed their camp on the back field last week. The year 11 group is currently walking the Routeburn Track in the Fiordland area this week. A huge thank you to all the staff and parents who have helped with and ran these experiences for our students. They are demanding on time and energy but we know how valuable these are for our students. Other successful experiences recently have been the Beach Education day for our year 5 and 6 classes and also the sailing day for this group. Thanks to parents and to Jo and Steve for their efforts here.

A big thanks to Elspeth for all the work she has put into running the various athletic and triathlon sports this term. Today 12 students are competing at the Canterbury Athletic finals in Ashburton and last week Abbey Pain came 18th in her age group event and Tegan Pain came 24th in her’s at the Canterbury Triathlon Championships.

We wish the Year 7 and 8 Basketball Team all the best for this Friday night as they play in the North Canterbury final of their competition. What ever the result this is a fine achievement for the team. Well done!

Our Fun Run was finally held last Friday after a number of postponements because of the weather. It was great to have about 10 of the Crusaders squad visit assembly and then enjoy the Fun Run with the students. Even though the day was a bit cold it was enjoyable and helped raise money for a good cause. Some of the funds will be used to put a new cover on our much used sandpit.

As the year draws to a close we look forward to seeing you all at the prizegiving in the hall next Thursday when we celebrate the considerable achievements of our students throughout the year. We farewell those who have completed their schooling. We also farewell Marian Basnayake our Maths teacher in the secondary school. Marian is taking up a permanent position teaching maths at Freyberg High School in Palmerston North next year. She has been a wonderful asset to our school this year and we thank her for her time here and wish her all the best for the future. Congratulations to Glenys Hanley, our Deputy Principal, who has been awarded study leave for 1 day per week for next year to complete a Masters Degree.

Please have a look below at the Teacher placements for 2017. If you have anything I need to consider for the placement of your child, please let me know by Friday this week. As usual, we will be putting class placement out with the end of year reports for years 1-6. 

Teacher Placements for 2017

Room 1 - NE - Elsie Duncan
Room 2 - Year 1-2 - Marilyn Johnson
Room 3 - Year 1-2 - Ashley McRae
Room 4 - Year 3-4 - Helen Parsons
Room 5 - Year 3-4 - Robyn Leef
Room 8 - Year 5-6 - Liz Grigg
Room 9 - Year 5-6 - to be appointed
Room 15 - Year 7 & 8 Glenys Hanley, Joanne Dodge
Reading Recovery - Elspeth Loughnan
English - Claire Duncan
Visual Art/Technology - Di Dixon
Science/Agriculture/Biology - Erin Smaill
ICT/Technology - Peter Crawford
Spanish/Technology/STAR/Gateway - Rhonda Knight
History/Classics/Social Studies/Health - Anna Bermingham
PE - Scott Bermingham
Maths - to be confirmed

I have enjoyed my term here and thank you to all of you for your support. I believe that 2017 will be a great year for Cheviot Area School with a new Leadership Team and some exciting projects on the horizon. I look forward to hearing how things develop and wish all of the school community a Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Nga mihi

Bob Norrish

Acting Principal