What a glorious summer break we have had. Beautiful sunny, warm weather like the old days we remember with fondness. I hope you all managed to relax and spend time with your family and whānau.

It is wonderful to have the school buzzing again with the lively chatter of children catching up with friends and teachers. They are excited to be back and this sort of enthusiasm is infectious. Chuck in the beautiful weather, mostly, and it has been a super summer start. It is a privilege to be able to wander around the classrooms and experience the very special warmth and supportive learning environments that our teachers create for your children. I can’t help but be impressed with the positive relationships and a strong sense of fun that is part of the Hoon Hay Way.

We warmly welcome all our new children and their families to Hoon Hay School. When you see them around please take the time to greet them ensuring they get the full Hoon Hay treatment. Have a look at the gorgeous photos of our new starters. Thanks for having the children looking neat and tidy in uniform. For your own sanity (and ours) please clearly name the sunhat.

Thank you to David (our Caretaker) for putting in a big effort over the holiday break to makeover the trees and gardens around the school - they look fantastic. Thank you also to Dave, for having those lawns looking like a bowling green.

Next week on Tuesday and Thursday,  we welcome you into the school for Starting School Interviews. Knowing our children and having good relationships are important for success at school. We would love you to take the opportunity to share things about your child with their teacher/s. We have sent home a form for you to think about, complete, and bring to the interview with you. This was sent home with your child this week and also via e-mail. If you need a copy of this, please contact the office. To book your interview time, please visit www.schoolinterviews.co.nz, and use the relevant code.

Our PTA is holding their AGM next Tuesday night (13 February) at 7pm in our staffroom. The PTA do an amazing job and make a real difference to our school. If you are able to support our school in this way, please consider coming along and joining the team. It would be great to see you there!

We have attached some photos of Mrs Nicole Drewett's wedding (nee Scott).  A wonderful day was had by everyone in January and we wish Nicole and Nic all the very best - Congratulations!

I hope you have all survived those return to school routines such as making lunches, early starts and keeping track of uniform! Thank you for your patience with the never ending road works. 

We hope you like the new format of our newsletter...... have a wonderful weekend and we’ll see you Monday!

Lee McArthur
Principal / Tumuaki