Kia ora whanau. It's hard to believe it is already the end of the school year! We look forward to seeing you on our last day on Friday 13 December for our Final Assembly at 11am. If you'd like to stay for lunch, please bring a picnic. Kai for Kids will supply children their lunches in a paper bag this year and Talleys are kindly providing ice cream for the students afterwards. We wish all our school community a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing the children back to school for 2025 on Monday 27 January.

Congratulations to our Canterbury zone Athletes: We couldn't be more proud of Zac, Taupiri, Morgan, Jacob, Tu'i', Tise and Tua who competed in the Canterbury zone Athletics in Christchurch on 27 November. I received the most glowing feedback in an email from a member of the public who praised their high level of respect and consideration for others.

Farewell Year 6 class of 2024: This time of year is very busy for our Year 6 students. Yesterday they had a blast at the EA Networks pool followed by Frisbee Golf and a shared pizza kai for lunch. Over the next week, they will also have a special morning tea with myself and Tahi. This is a lovely opportunity to find out what have been the highlights over their time at Hampstead School. We wish them all the very best for their next adventure as they leave us for Year 7 and beyond.

Welcome Tahi: Our special therapy dog Tahi arrived on Monday and he has been so warmly welcomed by everyone. Tahi and I have completed our training and passed our Public Access Assessment. Tahi will have a variety of ways he can help out at school. Thank you to our amazing Board of Trustees for making this happen and to Mobility Dogs NZ for all the support and training and for matching us with Tahi.

Shed upgrade progress: The new sheds are starting to take shape and the progress in on track. We hope to have this work completed before the return to school for Term 1.

Classes 2025: Students that are returning in 2025 will be able to see their next year classroom and teacher in the Hero app (once you click on your child's name you can then click on "My 2025 Class". Students are visiting their new classroom and meeting their new teacher today (Friday). Stationary lists will be available on our school website and at all stationery retailers.

Last day of School: Friday 13 December: We invite friends and whanau to join us at 11am for our final Assembly outside the library. Following this, you are welcome to stay and bring a picnic for lunch. Children are able to go home from 1pm if they have a caregiver, otherwise they will return to class when the 1.15pm bell rings. If the weather is not suitable for an outdoor assembly and picnic, we will move the assembly into the hall and prioritise caregivers of Year 6 students to attend.

Student of the Week: Ava of Rm 16: Ava is a delightful student who always challenges herself to do her best. She is a wonderful role model to those in our class and shows great empathy and kindness to others. Ava always tries her very best in her learning and she has made wonderful progress across the year. Ava loves to help out whenever she can and we love seeing Ava’s cute but very cheeky smile.  Ava you are a delight to teach and we are so lucky to have you in our class, keep being amazing! Eliza Ritchie of Rm 7: Eliza is a kind, caring, and hardworking student who always has a positive and keen to learn attitude. Eliza listens, takes on feedback, and consistently applies herself in everything she does. Eliza takes pride in her work, which is always completed to a high standard. Eliza is polite, has great manners, and is a wonderful friend and role model to others. Eliza is highly valued and respected by everyone in Room 7. We are so lucky to have you in our class and at Hampstead School. Keep being the superstar you are Eliza!

Upcoming Dates:

Final Assembly, Picnic, Last day: 13 December

First Day 2025: 27 January

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)