It has been a great start to the year.

Kia ora whānau

It has been a lovely start to the year at Te Māhuri Mānuka Hornby Primary. A big welcome to all of our new students and their families. We hope that you all settle in quickly and happily.

The getting connected meetings were a great way to reduce those back to school nerves by having a 1:1 chat with this year's teachers. I have heard positive reports from staff and parents. The turn out was appreciated.

We had a beautiful mihi whakatau on Monday morning, to welcome our new families and staff. A big thank you to Alex and Wayne, our Kaikorero and to Monique and Kara, our kaikaranga. Our school hakapowhiri and waiata were awe inspiring!

Thank you to those who attended our pool party on Wednesday after school. It was nice to see the children having fun and to connect with staff and whānau.

It is wonderful to see the children wearing their school hats especially with some of these searing days! They look fantastic in their school uniforms too!

A few reminders - School stationery is now due. This is not a government subsidised cost. We just save you money by buying in bulk. Please pay at the office or set up a payment schedule there.

Please do not park in the staff carpark. There are now more staff than carparks, so there is no room. If you park there now, you are stopping one of our staff from parking in their spot. The visitor park on Waterloo Rd is reserved for visitors and parents with disabilities.

Our first teacher only day is Friday 21 March. We will be doing staff development in Maths. The school will be closed..

School now starts at 8:50am and finishes at 2:50pm

School swimming sports will be here at school on Tues 18 Feb. Whaea Megan will send more information about this.

Doesn't our old school block look smart? I have had the old wooden doors replaced and the verandah roof and the whole block has been painted. I chose our school blue to tie it in with the rest of the school.

I have written another article in this newsletter about the Restorative way that we support children at our school. Please take the time to read it and come back to me with any questions.

Enjoy your long weekend!

Ngā mihi nui

Maire