E te whānau, tēnā koutou katoa,

Yesterday we held our Term 1 Pōwhiri, formally welcoming our new children and their whanau to KNS. Thank you to whanau who attended and for your very positive feedback regarding the welcome. I was especially proud of our KNS tamariki who certainly ‘stepped up’, particularly those with korero and karanga roles, our Kapa Haka group also led powerfully.

The news media has certainly highlighted the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. It is clear that those in the worst hit areas need as much support as possible. Next Friday 03 March we are encouraging our tamariki to wear the colour blue to support our current Ako Group theme. Children may also wish to bring a gold coin donation to support Cyclone Gabrielle relief efforts. We will donate all funds raised to the New Zealand Red Cross.

Our Board of Trustees meets this evening, a summary of the key points from the meeting will be shared in next week’s newsletter.

Our PTA also meets tonight in the staffroom starting at 7.30pm, new members welcome.

Please remember that if you have any questions or concerns, to get in touch with us. If you haven’t been able to meet your child’s teacher, please feel free to make contact, it’s important that we work together to make 2023 a year in which our tamariki, ‘be the best they can be’. (Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa - Let us keep close together, not wide apart). As always if you need any support or have any questions, please contact one of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT):

• Conrad Kelly ckelly@kns.school.nz
• James Appleton jappleton@kns.school.nz
• Phil McIntosh pmcintosh@kns.school.nz

Whakataukī o te wiki

• Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.

A thought to share with your children:

• “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” (Mark Twain)

Ngā Mihi

Conrad Kelly

Principal