We are just half way through the term, and already we have been involved in so much.

It is our pleasure to introduce Mrs Allannah Marino who is our new Accounts Administrator.  Allannah has joined our team after being involved in her own local family business.  Many of you have already had dealings with, and met Allannah.  We are thrilled with the way she has fitted in already.

Congratulations to Zoe McDowell, who in the last school holidays took part in the Whānganui Gymnastics tri-series, winning a medal in the Team Gym Display Competition for Lower North Island.

In Week 1 we had two students represent us at the Marton Lions Speech Makers Contest.  We were represented by Year 8 student Agapepunafofoalisanuileua Semisi Tulemau and Year 6 Eva Goddard.  (Pictured below). The girls did us all so proud in both the prepared and impromptu sections, both very entertaining and compelling in the content of their speeches.  Well done.

In Week 2 we held a school disco to raise funds for our Seniors who are off on Camp in Week 6 of this term.  It was wonderful to see the effort that whānau and students went to to dress up in theme.  And of course it was great to see whānau here at school.  Thanks to our Senior students who stepped up to support each other.  Thanks Mr Bell for your organisation of this event.

Congratulations to the students who represented us at the Inter-school Cross Country last Friday.  Although we didn't feature in the top spots it was good to participate and challenge ourselves.  Competitors were, Elliot Sommerville, Payton Penn, Te Tare Tupae, Scarlett Wood, Daniel Dijk, Kahleisha Lowrie, Jaxon McDowell, Mercedees Lowrie, Brody Wilkinson, Christine Frost-Saveaalii, Natalie Fellingham, Seth Hart, Flynn Stembridge, Tino Kuki, Charlie Penn, Azalea McClaughlin, Tylah Tau, Tarla Rose Quinn.

Last Thursday, with the help of Whaea Amanda, we supported and raised funds for 'I am Hope' Gumboot Day, to support free counselling for those who seek it.  We raised $164 towards this cause.  

Food For Thought Nutrition Programme - Thanks to Nova Martin who recently delivered this programme aimed at helping educate our students to make healthier food and lifestyle choices.

Food for Thought is a national nutrition education programme providing students with the relevant knowledge, to help them understand and accept the different healthy options.  Each class also received a $60 New World voucher to spend on preparing a healthy shared kai.

All students have been swimming this term - it has been great to hear and see some of the progress that students have made in the lessons so far.  Being confident in the water and having some basic swimming skills and knowledge is so important for our 'kiwi kids' especially at this time of the year when we head into summer.

Today we had a short ceremony for Remembrance Day, remembering the end of World War I.  During the week we have been learning about the significance of this time in history.  Thanks Mr TV who organised this.

The students were very respectful and honoured the occasion.  Thanks to Jen Sommerville who attended as part of the NZ Airforce Defence.