It has been a great first few weeks back in the classroom! Our current inquiry, which is centred around service learning, is allowing for some authentic problem-solving from our students in the school and the wider community. 

Thank you for your understanding around the reorganisation of our Pet Day. We are looking forward to making this a special day for our students. There was a notice sent out via HERO (also repeated in this newsletter) that details the entries open next Wednesday. 

This term is a short and busy one. Please take note of the following dates when school will be closed for instruction. 

• Friday 5th November - All staff day 
• Thursday 11th November - Teacher planning day 
• Friday 12th November - Canterbury Anniversary Day 

Congratulations to all of the performers at our recent Leithfield Idol. Although they won't be able to perform at the Leithfield Street Fair due to postponement, they will get to enjoy a hot choc at Pūkeko Junction with me :)  Mrs Luck has recently sent out some information about the Giant Pumpkin Competition. The final weigh-in will be in April 2022 and will coincide with the rescheduled Street Fair date. 

You may have noticed some workers onsite over the past few days. They are installing some IT services to our hall so it can be used as a teaching and learning space during our new build. Our hall will be undergoing refurbishment in late November. This will involve the installation of acoustic panels, baffles and carpet tiles. This means that very soon our hall will no longer function as a multi-use space for our students and community. The building work on the top terrace is scheduled to begin in Term 1 of next year. 

You will no doubt be aware of the recent mandates from the Government regarding vaccinations. We are still waiting on further updates from the Ministry of Education in order to clarify a few points. There is a lot for us to work through and consider and we will be able to share some updates with our community shortly. 

I am so excited to be the new Principal of Leithfield School and am looking forward to all of the rewards and challenges that the role will bring. Thank you to all members of our community that have expressed their support over the past few weeks. I was very privileged to be able to plant a commemorative Kowhai tree gifted to me and the school by our staff and board. This has been planted at the base of the track to our outdoor classroom. Some pictures are attached below. For those of you that don't know me very well, I've included a short bio below. 

I have been teaching at Leithfield School since the end of 2017 when I returned from working and living abroad. Previously, I have taught in the UK, Egypt and South Korea since starting my teaching career at Prebbleton School in 2005. I live in Amberley with my wife Amber (also a teacher) and 3 children: Connor (9), Emily (3) and Isobel (2). Currently, I only have time for one passion outside of teaching/family and that is Brazilian Jujitsu, a martial art in which I train 2-3 times a week. I love living in the Hurunui area and enjoy spending time with my family at local parks, playgrounds and sports venues.