‘E ako ana, ā, e tipu tahi ana tātou’ - Learning and growing together.

Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community. (Anthony J. D'Angelo). 

Last week we learned a lot about community, and what it means to be a part of something where people care. It was a big week for the staff at East Taieri, for many reasons, but the way everyone looked after one another showing what a wonderful community we have, was very humbling.

Thoughts with Jennifer and Sarah O

Last week we received the sad news that our Principal, Jennifer Horgan's Mum, and Middle Dean, Sarah ONeill's Nana had passed away. Our thoughts were with both of them as they took time to reflect on a very special member of their family. We are looking forward to seeing them both when they return to school.

Mrs Wright

Sadly, our dear Mrs Christine Wright, who has been a  treasured member of our staff and part of the East Taieri School Community for many years, received the devastating news that she is very unwell and therefore unable to return to school. We are keeping her in our thoughts.

Visiting Teachers: Last Thursday we were privileged to have a number of Teachers and Principals come to East Taieri to work with Rob Proffitt-White, as he shared his wonderful maths knowledge with everyone. He spent time in classes showing teachers different ways to use maths games. A big thank you to Jess Hall for organising such a successful day

Swimming update: Junior swimming has now finished. It has been wonderful to see the progress that the children have made over the period of instruction. We can't thank the instructors and Aleisha at JC Swim School for their patience, understanding, and helpfulness as we navigated many issues with buses over the last 2 weeks.

Because of the many bus issues we encountered, we have made the decision to postpone Senior swimming until week 2 of Term 2. This will now start on Monday the 1st and go to Friday the 5th of May.

Art Gallery experience: All classes will be attending a session at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. The focus will be on 'Our People, Our Place' and our local history. The children will bus to the art gallery. Class teachers will inform you about specific information and parent help. These visits start this Thursday and Friday with Junior classes.

Gladstone Road/Gordon Road Intersection: There have been some concerns raised about the Gladstone Road and Gordon Road intersection, with the increased volume of traffic passing through because of the roadworks diversion. Both Downer and The Police have been made aware of this and there will a greater police presence to ensure the safety of everyone.

Meet the Teacher: A reminder of our 'Meet the Teacher' interviews this week on 22 February. See article in newsletter for booking instructions.

NZEI Paid Union Meeting: A reminder also of the NZEI Paid Union meeting for teachers 1 March - see article later in newsletter.

Mufti Day - this Friday: Our thoughts are with the people in the North Island as they cope with the devastation that recent weather conditions have caused. Our School Council would like to have a mufti day to raise funds for schools that have been affected. This will be on Friday the 24th of February. Children can wear their choice of clothing for the day, and bring along a gold coin donation. Room 9 and 10 will come in uniform as they are going to the art gallery.

Ngā mihi nui

Natalie King