Kia ora e te Whanau. We have entered Autumn and the mornings and evenings are definitely cooler and darker. We have some sunnier weather predicted for next week, so we will make next week the last week for swimming lessons. Teachers will share a learning post on Hero to share the progress the children have made.

Dress-up Day: On Friday 14 March, children are invited to dress in their favourite colours and bring a gold coin donation to support the Dear Effie Charity that helps to connect families with support services, from counselling, to psychological services to support groups, guiding children and their family through the journey of grief. We all know many families that are sadly effected by unexpected loss and grief and this local charity is doing a fantastic job supporting our community. https://deareffie.co.nz/

Lunches: We are very grateful and proud of the quality lunches that local organisation Kai for Kids provide us. These are not the lunches you have seen on the news. Our children are very fortunate to have fresh fruit and vegetable morning tea platters with pikelets, muffins or cheese and crackers for morning tea. They then receive a nutritious lunch in the second delivery. The menu varies daily from nachos, sandwiches, wraps, butter chicken, hamburgers, pizza and even warm soup in the winter. Our policy is up for review in Term 3 and we invite any feedback from whanau. We are proud to have only a small number that opt out of Kai for Kids. We have sent information home with all children that have opted out with ideas for healthy lunch ideas that are within our Healthy Lunches in Schools policy. Please note that unhealthy food, which is generally higher in fat, salt, sugar, additives and colourings will be returned home as they do not meet these healthy guidelines. These less healthy options are known to effect a child's energy, focus, behaviour and learning throughout the day. We appreciate your support with this. There is a Ministry of Health pamphlet with lunch suggestions available from the office

Physical Activity Leaders (PALs):On Tuesday, we took 11 Year 6 students to participate in the Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) workshop at the EA Networks. This was run by Sport Canterbury who supported and trained students from the Mid Canterbury schools. We had a great time and the students worked super hard learning heaps of activities and skills that they will implement back at school. We are really proud of their engagement and attitude, representing Hampstead School with pride!

Hockey sessions Yr 4-6: We've been incredibly grateful to have Michael from Mid Canterbury Hockey join us for the past few weeks to teach our seniors the skills of hockey. He has shared his expertise and passion for the sport with our tamariki to help improve their hokey skills, and gain valuable lessons in teamwork, communication and resilience. A huge thank you to Michael for sharing his time and knowledge with us.

Choir: Our Year 5-6 choir have begun practising for the Heartland Music Festival which takes place at the end of Term 2. They will have their first massed practice at the Intermediate Hall on 17th March.

Class Photos: There has been a change of date. This will now be on Thursday 27 March (please note this was previously advertised as 21 March).

Swimming: With some nicer weather coming next week, we will make the most of the days we can and continue swimming for one last week. Please continue to bring togs and a towel each day. Teachers will share the progress your child has made this season in an individual report on Hero. Huge thanks to our amazing Pool committee for keeping our pool clean and maintained throughout the season. A lot of work goes into this and we really appreciate it.

New Whanau Welcome: We warmly invite all our new whanau to a Welcome afternoon tea in Rm 1 on Wednesday 12 March from 3pm. This is a great way to meet some other families and connect with the teachers. All Welcome.

Student of the Week: Kereni (Rm 7) is a caring and thoughtful member of Room 7. She always comes to school with a smile and ready-to-learn attitude. Kereni is someone who is friendly and makes an effort to include others when playing. She upholds the values of Hampstead school.  Kereni, you are a star, keep shining bright!

Upcoming Dates:

New Whanau Welcome Afternoon Tea: 12 March, 3pm in Rm 1

Dress up Day & Duffy Theatre: 14 March

Duffy Role Model Assembly & Choir practice at AIS: 17 March

Board of Trustees Meeting: 25 March, 6pm in Puawai

Class Photos: 27 March (please note the change of date from 21 March)

End of Term 1: 11 April

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)