Last week we had our Pink Shirt day. As part of this, classes have been discussing what bullying is, how to prevent bullying and how to be an upstander. In Aotearoa, Pink Shirt Day works to promote schools, workplaces, communities where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. It is important for our tamariki to focus on kindness and looking out for others.

Kōrero atu, mauri tū, mauri ora - Speak up, stand together, stop bullying

Its great to be "busy" around school again and over the last fortnight we have had a number of activities taking place. It is certainly great to be at orange and be able to provide a range of opportunities for our tamariki.

On Wednesday last week we sent a team of Year 5 and 6 rippa players to the South Canterbury competition at Ashbury Park. This was a wonderful day and the team did well. A big thank you to Hayley, Sascha and the parents who went to support our team.

We have also had a practice drill for our Fire evacuation procedures. All of the tamariki were brilliant and it was a good reminder of what we need to do during an emergency. We will be going over our Earthquake procedures later in the term.

Last week a small group of our school leaders went to a thought provoking World Vision event with other students from schools in Timaru. Another group will head away later this week to a PAL workshop to learn how to organise games for others.

On Friday, Anne Kayes, author of the Tui stories visited. This was part of a national tour and she read part of her books to us.

Sporting wise, all classes have had some fun skill sessions from the SCRFU. Caro and her helpers certainly kept the children moving and several classes have requested playing the games they learnt again with their teachers. On Monday Te Whare Maru also had an athletic session with Chris from the Special Olympics.

Tomorrow is our whole school Cross Country event taking place at the Scenic. We welcome parents and caregivers to attend and show their support. Read the further information included in this newsletter.

Given that we focused on Pink Shirt Day, I'd like to finish with a poignant message from Maya Angelou. She once said "Try to be rainbow in someone else's cloud." Simply put, this means to show kindness, be unselfish, exhibit humility and relish the joy of giving to others who may be having a hard or difficult time.

Ngā mihi nui

Robyn

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Bullying Free NZ