Kia ora whanau. We have had a fantastic first two weeks back at school and the weather has mostly been nice enough to continue PE and playing outside. It was great to see so many families at our recent learning conferences. These are a great opportunity to build close links between home and school and support your child's learning and development.

Whole School Production: Classes have been busy learning new songs and dances for our first whole school production entitled "Hampstead Roadies". To book tickets for our morning and evening show on 12 September at the Events Centre, you will receive information via HERO in the coming weeks. Tickets are free, however we have had to limit the number per family to ensure everyone can attend one of the performances. There will also be a dress rehearsal on 11 September that families will have an option to attend.

Welcome: We welcomed many new families to Hampstead School at our recent New Whanau Afternoon Tea. We have a few more upcoming enrolments for children moving to the area, so we will hold another afternoon tea in Term 4. If you were unable to make it on 23 July, keep an eye out for the next date and you are very welcome to join us for that one.

Thank you: We are incredibly grateful to have recent generous donations from the Hakatere Presbyterian Church for $1000 and from Collision Plus for $200. We really appreciate this support from our wider community.

Year 5-6 Swim Week at EA Networks: Every day in Week 4 (4-8 Aug), all Year 5 and 6 students will be bussing to EA Networks for swimming lessons. Please ensure they have named togs and a towel at school each day. They will have a second swim week in early December.

Board of Trustees Elections: You will have received an email or a letter in the post from our Returning Officer at Myelections calling for parent representative nominations. If you have not received this, please email returningofficer@myschoolelection.nz. If you are considering a nomination and would like further information or have any questions, please get in touch with either myself, or our Presiding Member Anna Smith boardchair@hampsteadschool.co.nz

Daffodil Day: Our school leaders run a fundraiser each year for Cancer Society to support the 1 in 3 that are sadly effected by cancer. Daffodil Day is on Friday 29 August and we encourage children to dress up in support in either Cancer Society or daffodil colours (blue, yellow, orange, green) or any floral clothing and/or accessories. Any donations gratefully received either by bringing along to school on the day or through our fundraiser page https://fundraise.daffodilday.org.nz/hampstead-school

A visit to Hampstead Kindy: Mrs Grieve took ex Hampstead Kindy children Lacey, Mila-Eve, Talatau, George, Shane & Taina along with Tahi and Mrs Campbell to visit our friends at Hamsptead Kindy. It is nice to meet some of our future students and make a connection with our local kindergarten.

Student of the Week: Natalia (Rom 13) is a kind and bubbly student who gives everything her best shot. She arrives each day with a huge smile on her face and full of enthusiasm, ready to tackle whatever comes her way. Natalia is a wonderful friend who always welcomes others to join in and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She approaches all tasks with determination, even when they're challenging, and it's a joy to see her face light up when she accomplishes something she found difficult. Room 13 and Hampstead School are lucky to have you, Natalia! Keep shining bright! Kora-Lee (Rm 11) is an amazingly caring and helpful student who does everything to the very best of her ability. Kora always works well with others and appreciates everyone for what they can bring to the class. She is very diligent, has a positive attitude to learning and is always organised and keen to take on new challenges. Kora is a great learning buddy, always demonstrates our School values, shows strong leadership and is a strong role model. Keep on being you Kora, you are a shining star in Room 11.

Upcoming Dates:

Disco: 1 August (Yr 0-3 5:15-6pm, Yr 4-6 6:15-7pm) in Room 14

Year 5-6 Swim Week: 4-8 August

Cook Island Language Week: 4-8 August

LDA Dance Champs: 11-12 August

Year 5 Ski Day: 14 August

Tongan Language Week: 18-22 August

Board of Trustees Meeting: 19 August, 6pm in Puawai

Winter Tournament: 22 August (PP 25 August)

Daffodil Day: 29 August

Midlands Science Fair: 8-11 September

Whole School Production: 12 September

Maori Language Week: 15-19 September

End of Term 3: 19 September

Start of Term 4: 6 October

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)