Tēnā koutou e te whānau

Halo, olsen wanem (Bislama for hello, how are you)? I'm writing today's newsletter article from Hideaway Island in Vanuatu, where Tracey Mora and I are accompanying twenty-one of our Years 7&8 students and three parent helpers for a week's overseas learning experience. 

We've had a fantastic time so far, with one of the undoubted highlights being a visit to a local school, where our group had the opportunity to meet and talk with local children and villagers. The schools were extremely grateful to receive the stationery and sports equipment purchased using the money donated by our community and I'm sure it will be an experience our children will remember forever.

Speaking of amazing experiences, as this is the last newsletter for the term, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the parents and staff who have helped support the huge range of events and activities our students have participated in this term. These opportunities are a testament to our ongoing commitment to the Learning Experiences Pou that forms an integral part of our school's vision for teaching and learning.  

Taking part in rich, authentic experiences can have a powerful impact on learning and can help propel our tamariki into lifelong interests. This sentiment reminds me of the well-known whakatauki "Ko ngā pae tawhiti, whaia kia tata. Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina. The potential for tomorrow is determined by what we do today".

Finally, I want to wish everyone all the best for tomorrow night's disco. I know the children will have a fabulous time. Thanks again to our wonderful PTA for all of the hard work that has gone into organising the event. 

Ngā mihi nui

Stuart Cameron

Principal