The year that was.....

Dear Parents

What a year it has been, with a term and a half of lockdown restrictions. So much has been cancelled or had to be done differently. It has been a year of uncertainty and the lack of connection has been trying for many. It has been such a joy to see the tamariki running into the school gates to join their classmates with the partial return to school.

Despite the circumstances, learning has continued for most. We have employed 4 new staff members and will manage to have Awards ceremonies and the Year 8 Graduation dinner before the year is out. Tiwai had a team building day and we travelled the world during cultural week. New families have been welcomed by mihi whakatau where the JCS kapa haka group performed. We have worshiped together and learned about some of the heroes of the Old Testament, during the weekly Friday assemblies. Harold the Giraffe, from the Life Education bus, together with a number of our whanau in the health industry and St. Johns taught us about the human body. BadaBoom music group performed with giant blow up props and puppets. Mana and Wai had a trip to Howick Historical Village. The Family Fun BBQ was a good time for a meet and greet. There have been several morning teas to orientate new families. We managed to squeeze in a few gymnastic lessons and the cross-country, soccer, netball and touch teams participated in the Auckland Christian Schools sports days. There have been several Talanoa and Hui on site. The Pacifica Homework Centre continued tutoring students online during lockdown. The whole school picnic at Cornwallis Park did not disappoint as students came dressed up in their house colours. There was much hilarity at the tug-of-war between parents and students. We celebrated language weeks, Mufti Days, House winner’s pizza lunches and held a pet day, which included amongst others, a horse, fish in packets, dogs, cats and rabbits. We managed to hold one Open Day for prospective families to view the school. Parent teacher interviews and an Online Safety Information evening were held.

Quite a bit of building work has taken place and will continue to happen over the summer break. Most buildings now have new roofs and gutters. A new classroom has been created by joining the quiet room and the ESOL room. ESOL and Awa will swap rooms next year. Archgolas are going up over the decking outside Kereru and Piwakawaka and all four of the relocatables in Ika and Tiwai. A number of heat pumps have been installed across the school. The Awa Roto block has been replied due to subsidence. Some of the railing and stairs will be painted and repaired over the summer break.

Next year schools will be open for all students on site no matter the traffic light we find ourselves in, with appropriate health and safety measures in place. We look forward to meeting again in person in Term 1 2022. I take this opportunity to wish you a very special Christ-filled Christmas and a wonderful summer holiday enjoying the company of loved ones and friends.

Yours in His service

Sandra Bosman