Kia ora whanau. We have had a busy two weeks celebrating Tongan Language Week last week and Maori Language Week this week. Language weeks are a great chance to learn some extra language and also embrace cultural traditions, music and dance as well as learn some history.

Rotary Speech Contest: On Thursday 7th September, Anabela presented her speech at the Rotary Year 5 & 6 Speech Contest at the MSA.  We were very proud of how confidently she spoke and attempted to persuade the audience to agree that Pineapple should not go on Pizza!  Tino Pai Anabela, we were very proud of you. 

Life Education: The school was buzzing on Monday morning when they saw that Harold's van had arrived!  The Life Education van visits us once a year and each class has two sessions with Harold.  They learn about physical health and wellbeing as well as social and emotional development.  We are grateful to be able to have Harold and his teachers in our school. 

Photography Club: The photography group has been visiting places after school on a Thursday with Miss Pedlow and Mrs Eaton. Their photos have been improving each week. Yesterday they visited Trotts Garden, where they enjoyed taking lots of photos. On Sunday they are off to Skipton Animal Park. They are working on getting their best six shots ready for the Ashburton Show competition.

Queen Elizabeth: We observed the sad passing our our Queen Elizabeth II by lowering our New Zealand Flag to half mast and having a minutes silence in Assembly.  We acknowledge the lifelong commitment she made to leading the Commonwealth.  The government has announced a National Public Holiday for Monday 26th September. 

Students of the Week: Libby of Rm 9 is full of positivity and laughter. Has a very kind, caring and determined attitude. Has an amazing academic drive where she always completes her work and extra curricular areas to her best ability and then will offer her help to others. She is very well mannered and always smiley. Libby is well respected by her peers and is a great leader in our class.  Scott of Rm 1 has grown in confidence throughout his time at Hampstead School and will now share his ideas with the class.  He can be relied on to do the right thing and follow the rules. Scott is a kind boy who loves helping others especially with keeping our classroom tidy. He always tries his best with his learning and is beginning to take pride in his work.  Ka Pai Libby and Scott. 

Intermediate Open Night: Year 6 families are invited to attend an Open evening at Ashburton Intermediate on Tuesday 27 September from 7pm.  

Meetings: Our Board of Trustees Meeting is Wednesday 21 September at 6pm in the Staffroom.  All Welcome.  Please note our PTA meeting on the 27th September has now been postponed to early Term 4 to allow people to attend the Intermediate Open Night. 

Coming Up:

Public Holiday for Queen Elizabeth II: Monday 26 September
Wellbeing Open Afternoon: 27 September
Ashburton Intermediate Open Night: 27 September
Last Day of Term 3: Friday 30 September
First Day of Term 4: Monday 17 October
Year 5/6 Science Roadshow: Friday 21 October
Labour Day holiday: Monday 24 October
School Athletics Day: Tuesday 25 October

Nga Mihi Nui
Claudine Campbell (Principal)