Principal's Pānui - Week 2 - Term 4 2023
Tēnā Koutou Katoa,
Welcome back to Term 4 - its going to be a busy few weeks ahead as we sprint towards the end of the year!
On the world scene we watch with horror the events unfolding in Israel and Gaza, recognising that there is such terrible tragedy yet to unfold as a result of this conflict. Our thoughts go out to all of you who have whānau, kaimahi or ākonga who are worrying about friends and family in this area. It makes me feel grateful to live in a country that is not at war.
Our election took place on Saturday, and while we await the counting of special votes, we are guaranteed of a change in government. National and ACT have differing strategies to the previous government around education and it will be interesting to see which policies promised pre-election stick and what this will mean for the Cotswold Mātāhae Learning Community and education across our country.
Thank you to all our new families who joined us for the Mihi Whakatau (our version of the traditional Māori welcome) on Wednesday. It was wonderful to see so many new families there, and have this opportunity to officially welcome you to our school. Thank you to Rochelle James for speaking on behalf of the manuhiri (new families).
Well done to the Cotswold Mātāhae Senior Kapa Haka Team who competed at the Tūhono Kapa Haka Festival at the Christchurch Town Hall on Sunday 15th October. Photos and Video can be viewed via this link
Thank you to Dani Clarke-Dempsey for all her work with the team, and to Matua Steve for his extra tuition preparing the team for this event. Our thanks to Marrenna Berry for her work in putting together the uniforms, and to our Parents Association for the purchase of the fabric. Our students looked fantastic on stage proudly wearing their new kapahaka uniforms.
Senior Athletics Day
Congratulations to all our students who competed at Senior Athletics Day today. We were blessed with great weather and it was fantastic to see some many parents and whanau here to supporting their tamariki.
Photos and Results will be published in our next Pānui.
Teacher Only Day - just a reminder we will be holding our second Ministry of Education allocated Staff Only Day on November 16 2023.
Swim Safe Programme - 6th to 16th November
Our Swim Safe Program starts in Week 4. Keep an out for notices to help with parent supervision on the bus and at the pool.
Year 6 Camp Waipara
Camp notices came home yesterday about Year 6 Camp.
Dog Safety
We have been alerted to an incident with a dog which occurred after school drop off this morning very near to the school. Animal Control has been contacted.
Here are some great pointers to go over with your tamariki which we will reiterate at school:-
- do not approach the dog directly.
- if it comes up to you and seems friendly let it sniff you.
- if you are concerned walk slowly away from it without making eye contact.
- if you have your dog with you, put it on a leash and move slowly away.
General Reminders
Please remind your child/ren that bikes and scooters are not to be ridden inside the school grounds as this is a school rule for the safety of everyone. Please also do not ride scooters on our new playground surfaces as this is causing damage.
- It has been great to see so many students having package free lunches this term. We are still noticing a lot of rubbish around our grounds and therefore would like to see more students with package free lunches.
- For safety reasons, and to assist the new after school care provider 'Kelly Club' we ask that parents and students vacate the grounds at the 3.15pm clearing bell.
- Parents need to be actively supervising their children from 3.00pm-3.15pm and children are not to be using sports gear and wandering inside school buildings.
Thank you for your support.
If I can be of assistance please do make contact.
Ngā mihi nui
Chris