Kia ora whānau

We are pleased to have completed our lockdown practice and emergency evacuation on the 23 March to a high standard. This was organised under the supervision of our consultant from Harrison Tew. As with all practices, there were some areas in which we can improve. Most our students were very mature and responsive to the need to follow all teacher instructions and remain quiet and still for the 20 minutes of the practice. This is, of course, vital in a real life situation.

Thank you to parents/whānau and caregivers who attended the special assemblies in which students received their badges for undertaking responsibilities around the school. It is great to see so many being prepared to give up some of their time to do these important roles. We look forward to the assembly this Wednesday at 11.50 am for students receiving badges for leadership roles.

You will see we have attached a chart outlining the importance of attendance and how every day at school counts. Lack of attendance, even if fairly small, adds up over the 13 years of primary and secondary schooling. Students not only lose learning time but also those important opportunities to practice social skills and make friends.

A reminder that from 11 November 2020, vaping has been prohibited at all times in schools and early childhood centres (including the grounds and buildings). This means that schools and early childhood centres are now smoke free and vape free.

Well done to the students and support crew who took part in the Triathlon on 23 March. It is a challenging event requiring a range of skills and a lot of stamina. Congratulations to the boys’ and girls’ Heaton cricket teams who have done well in the local cricket competition. Trialling is underway for winter sports teams and it is really great to see so many students putting their names forward for teams.

Ngā mihi

Andrea Knight, Principal