We are all, once again, very pleased to be back in our classrooms on-site at GEIS.  Showing all the resilience they have developed over this unsettled year, our students have returned full of energy and are certainly enjoying the opportunities to interact with their peers and teachers.  It seems that many people found our latest lockdown more challenging than the first, particularly in regard to staying motivated.  That said, the majority of our students were very successful in maintaining their learning on-line and we thank those of you who were able to provide support at home.

As we remain in Level 2.5, we are regularly reminding our students about following the health and safety protocols such as hand hygiene and physical distancing.  This can be challenging in a school environment, but most of our students are very responsive to the current situation.  

Like the rest of Auckland, we wait in anticipation of a move down the levels, so that we can enjoy all of the events, activities and celebrations that we have planned between now and the end of the year.  No matter what is ahead of us we will continue to adapt and change as needed to ensure our students are learning in a safe, positive environment.

Next week, we will be celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.   Aotearoa is unique in many ways and te reo Māori is one of the things that define us as New Zealanders and connects us to our home.  Throughout the week, students and staff will be participating in a number of fun challenges designed to promote the use of te reo across the school. 

In the meantime, I wish you all a sunny, relaxing weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Maree Stavert