As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked on together at Cromwell Primary School.

It has been a year filled with achievements, growth and most importantly, the unwavering support of our amazing community.

One of the highlights of this year was the joyous reopening of our school library. The library has once again become a vibrant hub of learning, exploration and imagination for our students.  Its doors now stand open, inviting young minds to delve into the world of new learning. Thank you once again to Claire and Sarah who spareheaded the project along with the incredible support of SoKs, the National Library, Rotary and our parent community. 

Our new hall has witnessed the magic of creativity as our junior and senior students showcased their talents in spectacular productions. The performances were and are currently not just a testament to the talents of our students and teachers but also a celebration of the wonderful space our new hall provides for such events. Our year of productions will close next week with our Year 0/1 Christmas special on Monday evening. 

Our students embraced the great outdoors through a myriad of Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) opportunities. From skiing adventures to the cultural richness of a marae trip, the exhilarating experiences at Snow Farm and the long list of sporting events.  These activities have not only broadened our students' horizons but have also created lasting memories. 

The removal of temporary fencing and the reinstating of our sports fields marked a significant milestone in the physical development of Cromwell Primary. Over the summer break, further developments are taking place such Asbestos removal in A Block and fencing around the perimeter of the school grounds. 

This year, we opened the doors to our new Junior Hārewa Hub, providing a nurturing environment for our youngest learners. The hub is designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning, setting a strong foundation for the educational journey that lies ahead. 

Cromwell Primary School welcomed new staff members, students and their whānau into our close-knit community. The infusion of fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds has enriched our school environment, creating a tapestry of experiences that make us stronger together. This year saw Cromwell Primary surpass 400 students for the first time ever. 

None of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible support of our Cromwell Primary School community. Your dedication, involvement and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our success. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey and for helping shape the bright future of our tamariki. We hope you are available to come along to our community helpers morning tea shout on the 11th December at 11.00am in the school hall. 

We have had another year of incredible support from our SoKs group of committed parents and teachers. They have supported our school in so many ways including purchasing shade sails, football goals, funding learning assistant hours, providing funding for our art and P.E. programmes, providing funding for a portable stage, hoops for our new astro turf, fun experiences such as the Halloween Disco, the list goes on! We are so fortunate and grateful to have the support of SoKs.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let's carry the spirit of collaboration and positivity into the coming year. Together we will continue to Make a Difference and create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and achieve to their full potential.

I also look forward to launching our new strategic direction and values which our board of trustees is currently building. 

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and looking forward to another fantastic year ahead!

Ngā mihi, 

Matt McCormick