As we approach the end of Term 1, I look forward to a time when I am not commenting about COVID-19 in our school and community. Over the past month, we have had to make numerous decisions to reduce the risk of COVID in our school. Thank you for your support as we have used distance learning to allow students to continue to engage in their education. This has also given staff the time to focus on students who are both at school and at home.

I would like to thank those groups within our community who are doing an incredible job to support others. A prime example is the work of Kura Kai which has been providing meals. This initiative has involved people from our school and community. It has also been amazing to see our students getting involved as well.

Katikati College continues to operate under the Red Level of the COVID Protection Framework. This means that students are still expected to wear a mask whilst indoors and on school transport. A recent change is that all students are now able to access school sport, regardless of their vaccination status.

The College has been able to secure a number of Rapid Antigen Tests from the Ministry of Education. If you require a test/s please contact the College office.

I was extremely pleased that we were able to go ahead with the College Athletics Day earlier this month. It was a fantastic whole school event. Congratulations to all those who took part and supported their House. Well done especially to those students who won the Championships or broke records.

I hope that our new students have settled into Katikati College and that they have made new friends. I have had the opportunity to visit a number of classes over the term. I have enjoyed seeing the engagement and learning evident across the school.

The Parent-Teacher Interviews that were planned for this term have been moved to the beginning of next term. My hope is that we will be able to hold these in the more traditional, face to face format. When information is shared regarding this event, l strongly encourage you to take the time to come in and meet your child's teachers. It is through a strong partnership between school and home that our young people achieve.

With only two weeks until the end of term, l know that this time will fly by. I hope that you enjoy the time with whānau over Easter and that our students enjoy their holiday break. Please take note of the key dates for Term 2. In particular note that Term 2 starts on Monday 2 May with a full school day not a Teacher Only Day.

Finally, ANZAC Day falls within these holidays. We will recognise this important day at the start of Term 2. I am always proud of the number of Katikati College students and staff who represent their school and community at the dawn services and memorial events.