Acting Principal Message 23 June 2022

As we prepare to stop as a nation and watch Matariki rise to mark the Maori new year and celebrate with one another, we would like to thank whanau for their ongoing support and understanding of the challenges Winter illnesses & the relief teacher shortage across the country have brought to our school community. We appreciate whanau working with us to minimise the spread of winter's ills and chills, by keeping students home who are showing flu like symptoms

With the arrival of the wet weather, we have noticed an increase in traffic congestion at before and after school student drop offs which is posing significant safety concerns. We ask that you stop when our road patrol signs are out so students are able to cross safely, and that you keep the bus stop zone clear. We are taking part in a city council road safety initiative, and have 5 family Zoo passes to give away to road safety conscious whanau. Staff are on the lookout for whanau being mindful of following road safe practices to give these to.

The students of Rooms 7 & 8 and selected Year 6’s recently took part in Arbour day which involved planting a variety of native plants at the Waiwhakareke Heritage Park on Brymer Road. Although the weather was not kind, the students thoroughly enjoyed the day and felt an enormous sense of achievement. A shout out to whanau who helped with the planting and Whaea Christine who coordinated our involvement with the city council.

While on the topic of Waiwhakareke, a team of Year 5-8 students have been selected by their teachers to work collaboratively with students of Te Kopuku school on an interpretation panel for one of the four vertical marker posts at the Waiwhakareke Entry Precinct. When complete, the Marker Posts will be the visible gateway for visitors to access the Zoo and Heritage Park. This is an exciting project not only for the students directly involved but for the school with its long association with Waiwhakareke.

Kids Can, a non-profit charity, are sponsors of Crawshaw School and supply jackets and shoes for our junior and middle school students to help support whanau. We are expecting a one off delivery of Winter lined jackets this week which will be distributed throughout the term.

A reminder that this Friday the 24th is a historical moment in New Zealand with Matariki being celebrated as a public holiday. Matariki marks the beginning of the New Year on the Maori lunar calendar and is a time to reflect, celebrate and look forward.

Take care and enjoy time with whanau over the long weekend.

The staff of Crawshaw School