Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 4. It is hard to believe we are already at the time of year where we are making plans for our Year 6's to transition to Intermediate. Term 4 is always a busy but exciting term. We are currently making appointments for staffing for 2023 and then we will look at class placements for students.

Pasifika Fono: We had a very successful informal first gathering last Tuesday night.  It was a wonderful opportunity to take some time to chat and share a meal.  We were very fortunate to start the evening off with Oryannah, Tupou and Maiarangi performing three beautiful dances for us.  We are excited to have some new ideas of ways we can create more opportunities for cultural arts, performance and language at school.  We plan to make our Pasifika nights a regular event and all families are very welcome.

Athletics: It was wonderful to see everyone taking part and enjoying themselves on Tuesday.  We aim to have a nice balance of fun activities and some competitive ones as well.  We have around 30 children in Year 3-6 heading off to the County Athletics on 4 November.  Congratulations to you all.  It was so nice to see how the children all supported each other and gave everything a go.  It was great we were able to have families along for the day again.  

Car Park and Building Update: You may have seen our staff carpark is almost finished!  This has been a long time coming and we appreciate your patience.  Rose and Mr Melrose have done a wonderful job planting out the gardens.  Once the council has signed this off, staff will be able to park in here which will free up more parking space in the surrounding roads and side streets.  We will let you know when this is fully operational and we can return to our regular end of day routines.  You may have also seen that the temporary fencing is up for the new Learning Support building.  This week, the builders pegged out the space.  It will be fun watching this progress over the coming months. 

Photography Club: Mrs Eaton and her fellow photographers have been busy after school and on weekends putting together a portfolio of photos.  They have chosen their best photos to enter in the Ashburton A&P Show where they head off to this afternoon.  Take a look at the display if you get to the show. 

Science Roadshow: Our Year 5&6 students visited the Science Roadshow at Intermediate on Friday.  There were lots of interactive science displays for the children to learn from.  We visit the Science Roadshow every second year so students have the opportunity in Year 5 or 6. 

World Teachers Day: Today we celebrated all the amazing teachers we have at Hampstead School.  Teaching is an incredibly rewarding profession and we appreciate the hard work and dedication our teachers put in for our students. 

Star Students: Fayah is a friendly member of Room 17 who is always kind to others and offers her help where needed. She has a positive attitude to learning and she always enjoys accepting new learning challenges. Fayah offers well thought out ideas to whole class and group discussions. She consistently works hard to complete work to a high standard.  Shaikana of Rm 14  is friendly, kind and caring. She is always willing to give different things a go. Shaikana is helpful and respectful of all those around her. Shaikana takes pride in her work and always gives her best.

Board of Trustees: Our next Board of Trustees is on Wednesday 23 November at 6pm.  

Staff Only Day: A reminder that Thursday 10 November is a Staff Only Day.  Hit Play are running a programme during the day on that day.  

Teachers Paid Union Meeting - early closure: On Tuesday 22 November, teachers have a Paid Union Meeting.  Kai for Kids lunches will be available for children to take home with them at 12.30pm.  

Coming Up:

Counties Athletics: Friday 4 November
Staff Only Day: Thursday 10 November
Canterbury Anniversary Day: Friday 11 November
Paid Union Meeting: Tuesday 22 November - school finishes at 12.30pm
Last Day of Term 4: Wednesday 14 December