Tēnā koutou katoa

Welcome back to term two!

We have completed our process for winter sports trials and these lists are now available. With a school of our size, sadly, there are simply not enough teams for everyone who attempts trials to make it to a competitive team; however, we do try and send as many as we possibly can.

Our Sports Co-ordinator, Mrs Monica Prinsep, has put together an awesome on-site programme for any students not heading off to Tuesday sports including, among other things, netball, touch, football, yoga, board games, fencing, dance and theatre sports, so there should be something for everyone in the weeks to come. It is not too late to register your interest as a coach or helper for Tuesday sports please contact Monica if you are able to help (prinsepm@heaton.school.nz).

As we approach winter and the days are getting colder, it is a good time to remember that plain white thermals are a great option as that extra layer to keep warm. As we head into cooler weather, please check your child has the correct uniform each day, as this greatly reduces potential issues and conflict for both the teacher and your child.

Huge thanks to Mark Ginnever for speaking as our very special guest at our recent ANZAC assembly. Having one of our very own school community, support us by sharing their wisdom from their time in the Armed Forces, is valuable and very much appreciated. This presentation, when combined with the outstanding student talent on show, made for a very special occasion.

Last week we said a temporary farewell to Mrs Tori Earl, who heads off on maternity leave, and we are looking forward to welcoming Mrs Kate Ebrahim to the Heaton teaching team. Kate comes to us as a very experienced teacher and accomplished sportsperson and we are looking forward to having her on board.

Our specialist block is tracking well and on time, with the roof outer skin going on next week and the internal fit-out underway. We are planning to make some small moves, in or around week 5, to accommodate demolition work and then the final big move at the end of this term. As ever, I want to thank our whole team here for their patience and understanding as we navigate the rebuild process.

As ever, if you have any questions about anything school-related, please do not hesitate to contact one of the team here.

Ngā mihi nui

James Griggs, Tumuaki/Principal