Last week I was fortunate to be able to attend the launch of the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour project.

The kaupapa around this project is sustainability; sustainability in the broadest sense including environmental, cultural and social sustainability. This also provides exciting opportunities for the school to be involved in initiatives that support the environment and ensure we leave a positive legacy for future generations. The first of these events was in conjunction with Sea Week. Last Friday, all students travelled to Purau beach, cleaned the beach and enjoyed the surroundings we are fortunate to live amongst. Thank you to Muriel Haines for your organisation and Whaka-Ora, DOC, Ian Lloyd, GoBus and Nirdosh for their support with this event.

Tomorrow our swimmers head off to the swimming zones - thank you to Fiona Rice for all your organisation and thank you Carmen for your tutoring and all the parents who support, giving up their time to provide transport. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to hearing about the outcome of the day.  As well as celebrating our very able swimmers, it is important that we support our less able swimmers. This week and next we are running a programme to support our less able. We are fortunate to have Alex Foster come in and provide extra tuition for these swimmers.

Next Friday, 23 March, school will be closing at lunchtime for teachers to attend an NZEI paid union meeting. No doubt you will be aware that teachers are entering a round of contract negotiations. The focus of these negotiations is not just on pay rates. Teachers are strong advocates for our students, and these negotiations help to ensure teachers have the necessary support to provide the absolute best for all our learners. There will be a small number of staff available at school to provide supervision for children who are unable to be picked up. Please complete the form in the newsletter article about this to ensure we are aware of who will be staying at school.

Have a lovely weekend. Even though Autumn is here we are fortunate to still enjoy stunning weather. I hope you have the opportunity to make the most of this weather over the next few days.

Ngā mihi nui

Jill