Tēnā koutou e te Whānau

It is hard to believe that this will be the final newsletter for Term 3. The recent disruptions caused by the Delta variant have certainly had an impact on the term but it has been really pleasing to see how well our students have settled back to life at school. Our thoughts are with our Auckland colleagues as they navigate their way through Alert Level 3. This is not an easy transition but they will be comforted to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

As we look ahead to next term, we are pleased to welcome back Karen Townsend who will be starting our last New Entrant T group for the year (T4). T4 will be based in the music suite but will remain closely connected to Ahuriri. We have quite a few new families joining us in the first week back. We will be welcoming them with a special mihi whakatau at 9.15am on Friday 22 October. As always, we would like to extend a warm invitation to our entire parent community to join us for this event. 

The Board of Trustees met last night to discuss a range of property projects to be completed around the school as part of the Ministry of Education's School Investment Package funding (SIP). The original scope of works has been increased due to the funding that was tagged for the astroturf court becoming available for other projects. The new scope of works will include the following items:

• Ōrongomai nature plaground
• Double-glazing in Kahu
• Improvements to landscaping
• A water pump feature for Years 0-2
• Upgrading infrastructure eg external lights, a new VoIP phone system and the replacement of some of the drinking fountains. 

Speaking of property projects, we are very close to finishing the new BBQ courtyard that has been funded by the PTA and Board. This will be a fabulous addition to our school facilities and will provide a focal point for future community events. I look forward to discussing progress with the PTA at our next meeting on Tuesday 28 September.

Finally, as this is the last newsletter of the term, I hope you have a fantastic holiday (fingers crossed mostly at Alert Level 1). We look forward to reconnecting with you when Term 4 begins on Monday 18 October. 

Ngā mihi nui

Stuart Cameron

Principal