Kia Orana! This week we celebrated Cook Island Language Week. We celebrate the cultural diversity we are fortunate to have at Hampstead School. We have 35 children who identify as Cook Islanders. They shared some of their culture and language with us in Assembly today. Meitaki!

On Monday, our classes joined a livestream of the NED Show. NED's Mindset Mission is a character education program that centers around three important messages that have lifelong relevance: Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best. During the assembly, students will learn about the importance of these three life skills while also enjoying storytelling, magic, humor and yo-yo tricks. http://www.mindsetmission.com/assembly.html 

Masks & Covid Update: Our Year 4-6 students have been doing a great job wearing masks inside for the past two weeks.  This recommendation for mask wearing in the first four weeks of term came from the Ministry of Health and Education.  We have a supply here at school in child size for anyone who would like one.  Since February this year, we have had almost 200 students and staff report a positive Covid-19 result with 5 having had a second infection.  Please continue to report all positive Covid-19 results to the office.  

Classroom Ventilation Testing: Over the past few weeks we have had Ian and his team from NIWA (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research) researching the quality of air and ventilation in our classrooms and advising us on the best way to ventilate and heat our classrooms over the winter months.  The information gained from this research will help inform schools how to best heat learning spaces over winter during the Covid pandemic. 

Ko Wai Au: We had ten senior students starting this programme this week with the support of Mana Ake and Purapura Whetu.  Ko Wai Au (which means Who am I?) is a programme designed to support students on a journey of self-discovery in a culturally safe Kaupapa Maroi realm, using values as a guide.

School Council: The school council met to discuss what makes a good leader and ways the act as Role Models in our school.  I was super impressed with the way they show our Hampstead Values.  They are currently surveying classes to find out what learning and activities they would like to see included in our future planning.  

Students of the Week:  Last week we had acknowledged Taite of Room 10.  Taite gets involved in all extra-curricular activities offered around the school. He has an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards his learning. He is an excellent role model for the younger students in our school.  Taite is kind, caring and respectful of everyone around him and he always offers to help those around him.    This week we celebrated Jackson of Room 2.  Jackson is a joy to have in room 2. He is a kind and respectful member of Hampstead School. He is always willing to help others around him. His positive attitude towards learning is infectious and inspires everyone.  Meitaki ma'ata Taite and Jackson for all you do at school. 

Te Reo & Cook Island Maori: Ka Kite means See you later in Te Reo and in Cook Island Maori language. 

Meetings: Our next Board of Trustees meeting is on Wednesday 17 August at 6:30pm in the Staffroom. Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday 27 September at 6.30pm in the Staffroom. All Welcome

Please keep our school gates closed at all times: To keep all of our children safe, it is very important we keep our gates closed at all times.  Please do not hook the gate open as we have several students who require support with safety and cannot exit the school unattended.  We appreciate your support keeping our students safe. 

Hit Play are looking for Staff: Hit Play (out of school care) are looking for additional support staff.  https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/education/other/canterbury/ashburton/part-time/listing/3711867294?bof=OkgCZLu8

Coming up:

· Cook Island Language Week – Week 2
· Jump Jam competition – 14 August
· Senior Swim Week – Week 4
· Winter Tournament – 18 August
· Yr 5/6 Ski Day – 30 August
· Life Education – 12-21 September
· Yr 5/6 Science Roadshow – 21 October

Kind Regards
Claudine Campbell (Principal)