Kia ora, talofa lava, greetings everyone

The 2018 school year is well and truly underway and it has been a fantastic start.  I extend a warm welcome to all new students, staff and families to Clearview Primary.....and of course, "welcome back" to everyone else.

The tone was set with our 'Open Afternoon' on Monday last week.  We have received lots of positive feedback from parents, students and staff who commented about how great the opportunity was for students and parents to visit their learning space, drop off their stationery and meet their teacher before school officially started back.  We had a terrific turn out on the day, so thank you to everyone who were able to make it along.

I congratulate the children on the way they have come back to school and adjusted to their new HB, classmates and routine.  They continually impress me with their positive attitude and earness to learn.  Thanks also must go to the teachers and staff for the huge amount of work they put in behind the scenes, planning and preparing for the upcoming year.  They are true professionals and a pleasure to work with.

The year is shaping up to be another exciting one with lots planned.  On Tuesday and Wednesday next week, we are hosting our "Learning Partnership Meetings" which will be a great time for parents to book a time to meet with your child's teacher and to evaluate how the year has started as well as to set some goals together.    On Sunday 25th March, we have the Clearview Fete here on the school grounds.  18 months ago was the inaugural Clearview fete and it was very successful with nearly $40,000 raised.  This year the fete Organising Committee have been working tirelessly planning for the event and I'm sure it will once again be a well supported and successful event.  The money raised by the Fete will be going towards upgrading our Library.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the feedback we have received about expenses associated with some team excursions this term.  For some of our families, this term is shaping up to be quite expensive.  There have been some really good points made by you and we do listen carefully to what our parents say.  

As a school, we are always weighing up the cost versus benefit for our learners.  Gymnastics and camps are an example of these opportunities that provide many of our students with a unique learning experience in a specialised location.  But the timing of these costs is certainly not ideal for some families and I want to assure you that we are listening and we do want to re-look at what options are available as alternatives in the future.

I will be speaking with our leadership team and Board of Trustees about this in further detail.    Hopefully we can address the issues and take some practical steps forward in managing the added costs associated with education here at Clearview.

In the mean time, if you want to discuss payment options, please contact either myself or the office in confidence.

Thank you everyone and enjoy the rest of your week.

Naku iti nei, na

Rob Rush

Principal/Tumuaki