Kia ora whānau

The end of the second term is fast approaching and I am sure, like us, you are looking forward to a relaxing break, getting rid of all the winter bugs and enjoying warmer weather.

We appreciated your understanding and support when our teachers were required to attend the NZEI Union meeting last Tuesday.

You have received your first LINC-ED posts from your child’s class teacher and this week from specialist teachers. Please let us know if you are having problems accessing this information. We are in the early stages of using a different system and we appreciate feedback about what information is most helpful to you. Please email me with any comments you would like to make: knighta@heaton.school.nz

Congratulations to our Heaton cross country squad who achieved great results in the recent Canterbury AIMS competition at Halswell Quarry. 14 of the 36 students who competed are going through to the primary schools regional competition.

We enjoyed an amazing Musical Evening on 20th June. It was hard to believe that the students are Year 7/8s and not secondary school students. They are so talented. Thank you so much to Janiene Hill, Richard Oswin, Sarah Helleur and all the tutors and teachers who have worked with our students.

The 40 Hour Famine focus that we have every year went to a new high, with the addition of the Fun Run. I am so impressed with the level of participation and enthusiasm from our students and staff. It looks like at least $12,000 has been raised. Many thanks to Kit Clarkson for her enthusiasm, commitment and organisation of this outstanding event.

Cyber safety, especially the inappropriate use of social media sites is a growing concern for us. Our students often do not realise the negative impact that thoughtless and bullying comments can have on their relationships with others. As adults, it is very important that we are monitoring very closely what our children are posting on line and set clear boundaries and expectations about what is acceptable and what is not. All of our students work with their class teacher and Jane Boniface, our LRC Coordinator, learning about cyber safety so together we can keep everyone safe.

Nga mihi

Andrea Knight, Principal