He waka eke noa - We are all in this together.

Kia ora koutou

What a great week last week, with our highly successful Outdoor Education Day at Tirohanga on Thursday and Mother's Day lunch on Friday. We are so fortunate to have  amazing support from our parents, as was shown with the huge parent turnout at Tirohanga. There has been such positive feedback about how great our Year 6 leaders were throughout the day, encouraging teamwork, helping Juniors and showing leadership skills. Thank you to those parents who emailed to give such lovely feedback.

LAST MEETING OF PRESENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

It is the last meeting of the present Board of Trustees tonight. For those who missed last term's article thanking the present Board, I have included it again, as I have felt so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a great team over the past few years.

With three of our Board members standing down in the upcoming Board elections - Jason Esplin, Andrea Roulston and Sara Quelch, I would like to take this opportunity to express my grateful thanks to such an amazing team who have willingly given their skills and time to ensure the effective governance of East Taieri School during their time in office.

Jason Esplin, Chairperson has been on the Board for six years, the past three as Chair. We have benefitted from Jason's visionary leadership, his strategic thinking, great relationship skills and strengths as a team player.

For me personally, I have been so grateful for the time that Jason has willingly given to work with me through issues. His management skills, knowledge and expertise regarding the building industry has been invaluable, especially during the senior block renovations. Jason is a real 'people person' and has had a genuine interest in the school, our students and their achievement.

Sara Quelch, Deputy Principal of Balmacewan Intermediate has been our highly efficient secretary for the past three years, bringing her extensive knowledge of the education environment to the team. Sara's input to meetings as we analyse student achievement data and intervention programmes has been extremely beneficial.

Andrea Roulston, accountant, has brought a deep financial understanding to the team as Board Treasurer. The time and effort that Andrea has put into her role has hepled the school to achieve its financial goals.

Karen Hanna, lawyer, brings her legal expertise to the Board. Karen has had responsibilty for the Health and Safety portfolio, which plays a major part in today's education environment. We have benefited from Karen's knowledge and skills as she has advised us on a wide range of issues.

Andrew Hollands, Hollands Excavation, brings his business and property knowledge to the Board, as well as his practical experience. Andrew liaises with Ross our caretaker, ensuring that grounds and buildings are maintained to their present high standard.

Staff are looking forward to the opportunity of working with Wilson McCaskill, creator of 'Play is the Way,' on Thursday throughout the day and we hope to see many of our parents at Wilson's Parent Evening on Thursday night.

Ngā mihi

Jennifer

Photos below of some of the great bivvies constructed at Tirohanga.