Final Newsletter

2018 has been another busy year with many changes.  It is an exciting time, as change is the new norm here at Maungaraki School.  We have a great team which thrives on the progress being made.  Our team is focussed on accelerating learning, using current theory and evidence to improve our practise.  The progress which we have been seeing at Maungaraki School in 2018 has been absolutely brilliant.  The opportunities being afforded to our learners are of the highest quality and meet our diverse range of learning needs.

I am proud and honoured and very fortunate to be able to say that I am fortunate to be working with some of the best educators that I have had the privilege to work alongside. The drive, passion and determination; underpinned by skill, knowledge and empathy, is a credit to who they are as people.  Our children are lucky to have this team working so hard for with them.  Thank you to each and every member of staff for the difference you make to our young people.

The core areas of focus which have I believe have been the catalyst to our progress so far are:
– The continued development of a positive relationship with our community;
– The development around the sense of belonging for our children;
– The development of collaborative teaching and learning practice;
- The increase in our cultural responsive practise and engagement with Tikanga Maori:
– Staff really knowing the learner and their needs;

Next year, we will see further development and improvement. Something which I am excited and passionate about. The team at Maungaraki will continue to provide modern teaching and learning practise, to the highest standard, all the while keeping the joy of learning and relationships at the forefront of our thoughts.

Special thanks to our families who volunteer to support and help our school run.  No school can run without the assistance of amazing parents and families who give their time to help.  From reading programmes, trip assistants, classroom help or coaching teams - each thing you have done has been appreciated.  Our Home and School committee has also organised a wide range of fundraising events throughout the year.  I would like to personally thank them for their amazing efforts in 2018.  They are an amazing group of people who plan, organise and run a wide variety of fundraisers for our school.  This year alone they have made some awesome things possible for children at our school.  These extra things our families do, allow our children to experience a very special education.

A huge thank you must go to our Board of Trustees here at school.  Our board is a committed group who have a clear vision for the school and strive to push it forward. T hey have worked tirelessly to help our school grow and progress. Their support and drive is a large reason the school has three wonderful new learning spaces and is a safe, future focused environment.  Thanks Paul, Kaylee, Phil, Sam, Newton, Megan and Chris for their passion and energy around the governance of Maungaraki School in 2018.

I’d like to acknowledge our amazing tamariki. Our kids are the reason we are here and they make each and every day rewarding.  Thanks to them for showing us how incredible kids are, pushing our expectations of what young learners can do and being fun loving respectful individuals.  I love how unique each of them is.  Thanks for making our place fun kids!

Sadly some wonderful people are leaving us - some here for just a short while, while others have been part of our community for a long time.  Thank you to Amy Head and Amy Houlden who have been staff members for the last year.  These two junior teachers have both provided amazingly fun and safe environments for our young learners to thrive in.  We wish you both the best in your future endeavours. 

We are also saying a sad farewell to Daryl Collingwood. Daryl has been a core part of our school and community for the last ten years. His is a much loved member of the staff  and we wish him well in his next adventure.

Lastly, but certainly not least, a huge acknowledgment and thank you to Lisa Grinling.  Lisa is leaving us at the end of this year to take up a job at the Ministry of Education.  Lisa has been the face of Maungaraki School for the last 8 years.  She is the glue that holds people together and she will long be remembered in the school and the community.  Her kindness and zest for life make her a magnet for fun - something which our children, staff and families have loved. Lisa is much, much more than just the smiling face at the counter.  Over her years at Maungaraki School there isn’t a crisis that she has not helped the school through.  Her support to whomever needs it is unmatched and the professional way she conducts herself is a credit to her.  Good luck Lisa - Maungaraki is sad to see you go.

Have a super summer with your family and friends and we look forward to seeing you all safe and sound in 2019.  A personal thank you from me for all of the support you have offered me over my first two years here.  It has been greatly appreciated by myself and my family.

Keep up the absolutely brilliant work. Keep striving to always do your best.

Whaia te iti kahuranga ki te tuahu koe me he maunga teitei - 
“Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain”, or in other words “Go and chase after your dreams”.

Shane Robinson