Tena Koutou whanau. We are all still buzzing from the Matariki evening on Tuesday. It was so nice to be able to come together again. Awesome teamwork with our Board busy on the BBQ and our PTA keeping the hot chocolates coming. Thanks Koka Bernie and our Kapa Haka for your amazing talents on the night. We got some great feedback on our community survey. It's not too late to have your say - the link to the survey has been emailed and posted on Class Dojo and we have paper copies in the office. Your ideas and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Matariki Public Holiday: Friday 24 June - enjoy the long weekend and celebrate Matariki.

Although there are about a thousand stars in Matariki, nine stars are visible to the unaided eye. In te ao Māori, each of the whetū is associated with an aspect of wellbeing and the environment.

• Matariki (Alcyone) – people’s health and wellbeing

• Tupu-ā-rangi (Atlas) – things that grow up in trees, including fruits, berries and birds

• Waipuna-ā-rangi (Electra) – rainfall

• Waitī (Maia) – freshwater bodies and foods from these waters

• Ururangi (Merope) – the winds

• Tupu-ā-nuku (Pleione) – food that is gathered/harvested from the soil

• Waitā (Taygeta) – the ocean and foods that come from it

• Pōhutukawa (Sterope) – those who have passed on

• Hiwa-i-te-rangi (Calaeno) – attainment of goals.

Every Day Matters:  Ensuring children have good attendance (more than 90%) at school is vital in so many ways.  Children learn best with regular routines and high engagement in learning.  It is also important in maintaining friendships and social interactions at school.  Regular attendance improves learning outcomes and future potential for our students.  There are many learning support initiatives available to children that can not be accessed if a child has unsatisfactory attendance.  If you would like support with your child's attendance, please get in touch with myself or your child's teacher.  You can also find more information on the Ministry of Education website: 

https://parents.education.govt.nz/primary-school/your-child-at-school/making-sure-your-child-attends-school-every-day/ 

Meetings: Our next Board of Trustees meeting is on Wednesday 17 August at 6pm in the Staffroom.  Our Board Election is set for September 7th. More information on how you can nominate someone will be in the next newsletter.   Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday 2 August at 6.30pm in the Staffroom. All Welcome

Thank you to the Sock Company for our Merino Masks: We were very lucky to have Mr Sparrow from the Sock Company donate merino masks for everyone.  Mr Sparrow was a past pupil of Hampstead School so it was extra special to have him visit. A very kind gesture.  

Coming Up:

• Matariki Holiday: Friday 24 June
• Last day of Term 2: Friday 8 July
• First day on Term 3: Monday 25 July

Regards
Claudine Campbell
Principal