Our aim at Highfield School is to provide lots of different opportunities and under phase 3 of our red light setting this has created lots of challenges! However, over the last two weeks our students have been able to participate in a duathlon and a swimming carnival. It was wonderful to watch students using our fantastic facilities and great expansive grounds and it shows what we can achieve without going off site. Last Friday I watched students partake in a myriad of swimming events. My favourite was the hungry hippos event. Four teams, four students lying on floats, four students standing behind being the pullers and pushers, four baskets and lots of plastic balls. The smiles, support and encouragement were a delight. This is what makes Highfield so unique and special. A huge thanks to Mrs Hutton and Mrs Cooper for organising these days. Our student leaders took a vital role in helping to organise and run each event.

Our bubble school is well under way and I was very impressed with the speed in which our tamariki adapted to the changes. Children are able to show so much resilience. A huge thanks must go to our kaiako too for their kotahitanga and manaakitanga. I feel that their positive approach and optimism has enabled this transition to be smooth and seamless. This week we have slightly tightened up with our home time, ensuring that all students leave at their correct designated time.

As I know from experience Omicron is definitely in our community and it is important for us all to look after each other during these times. One area is for whānau to use our Highfield Values Pathway at home. This teaches us how to be role models in all aspects and facets of our lives. We must see our lives through an optimistic and positive lens and talk each other up. So far this term students have received 129 20 gotchas, 41 40 gotchas and 4 60 gotchas. Celebrating our success is a key to a positive culture.

Lastly, on day 5 I am now feeling much better. Omicron is like the flu and takes you out of circulation for a couple of days. Monday was definitely the lowest point. I do find home isolation very challenging but the whānau are being very resilient and thankful for lots of good friends who deliver various treats. My wife and my boys have not contracted it and will not be very happy to be positive on day 10! This process has taught me how important it is to recognise when you are feeling ill and taking time off to help recover and recharge. Our health is the most important and vital part of our lives and if any part of our whāre is broken or unbalanced we must find time to strengthen it.

I am due back on Tuesday and can't wait to see you all.

Ngā mihi

Stu