Things are starting to become 'normal' as we approach week seven of the term. Our tamariki are well settled and new entrants are visiting each week.

It has been fantastic meeting the new tamariki and their whānau that have and are joining the school this term. We have had a number having their school visits recently . I love the way our children embrace anyone who is new to ensure they have new friends. The Kaimahi (staff) are also supporting each child to have the best transition into school as possible. We are now at 96 students.

We have been focusing on our 5 school values (Caring, Courage, Creativity, Curiosity, and Connectedness) that underpin all we do at Knights Stream School. Ask your children what they are and what they mean. These values will help the children become fantastic learners and citizens now and into their future. 

As I journey around the school I am impressed with the level of engagement from the children. Our 'learning through play' approach is helping children engage by using their interests, current topics, hands on materials and new technology. Classes are starting to use an App called Seesaw to share children's learning. Seesaw enables teachers and students to share learning and announcements with whānau in a safe, secure, social network environment. Why? Seesaw provides a digital learning journal for teachers and students to document learning creatively by adding entries to it like photos, videos, drawings, documents and notes to share learning at school.  We hope to share these with you later in the term.

The official opening for the school is next week. We would love you to join us from 9.30am - 11am on Friday 22 March. If you are attending please make sure you have RSVP'd to office@knightsstream.school.nz

 As current parents of the school you are tangata whenua - people of the school and you will sit on the school side with the children and staff. Our manuhiri (visitors) will gather at the gate and be called (karanga) onto the site and will sit facing us.

The school is now beginning to transition from the establishment phase to an operational phase. The board are now holding two key meetings for those interested in more involvement in the school. These are the school Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Parent Elected Board (BoT).  Please read the article in this newsletter from the Establishment Board about this information. 

The school Pepeha walk was postponed and is now on Friday 29 March. We welcome parents and whānau to join us for all, or part of, the day.

Ngā mihi nui

Mike