September 2023

Kia ora

You may have noticed construction activity on site this month. This activity marks the start of the exciting next steps in the redevelopment of our school. Earlier this year, blocks B and C were demolished to make way for the new classrooms, and now construction has kicked off to replace these.

The redevelopment includes a 12-teaching space, specialist hub. The hub (or block 3) will have hard and soft materials workshops, science labs, digitech and visual arts studios, and a new specialist learning space to replace our Te Whare Ako Special Needs unit.

The expected completion date for the redevelopment is term one 2025. The main thing to be aware of is an increase in vehicles coming and going, including trucks, and obviously construction workers on site during school hours. We will need to be patient while we adapt to teaching and learning alongside construction activity.

Safety first

Health & safety and security matters during this time will be ably managed by our construction contractor Naylor Love, and of course we’ll continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education to navigate any on-site concerns that may arise. If you have questions or concerns about the safety of your child or their ongoing learning during this time, please let me know. There is also signage at the site entrance with contact details of Naylor Love key personnel. You are welcome to contact them directly with questions.

We can all take responsibility for the safety and security of our school community, not just at the building site, but across the school, particularly during the school holidays. I received an update from our community constable recently about a new, non-emergency number you can phone to report criminal activity that doesn’t require an urgent Police response. An example of this may be a break-in, but the offender has already left the scene. The number is 105. You can call 105 from both mobile and landlines, anytime during the day or night, and it’s free. Spread the word.

Remember, in an emergency, always call 111. And please don’t go investigating any suspicious activity yourself. Your safety and wellbeing remain our priority.

Thanks for your ongoing support. I hope you’re as thrilled as I am about this stage kicking off. I’ll keep you updated on progress.

Ngā mihi 

John Murdoch

Principal