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Photo by Maungaraki School

PRINCIPALS MESSAGE

Shane Robinson —

Week 5

Kia ora e te whānau,

What an exciting few weeks we have had here at school.  Fancy feet days, athletics, EPro8 completions and camp just to name a few.  I was lucky enough to be away on camp with our Year 7 & 8 children in Nelson in week 3.

The camp was a real showcase for setting tough goals and achieving them.  Our students were really challenged as they encountered high ropes, team building, dark caves, abseiling, kayak skills and much more.  It was a testament to their courage and tenacity that they used in the face of many challenges that would have turned adults away.  I was so proud to be a part of the amazing group of adults that supported them on this journey.  A huge thanks must go out to our staff and parent volunteers who gave up a week to spend time growing our young people - this kind gesture was much appreciated.

As the busy time of the year approaches its important to remember that kindness to others is a key value to focus on.  Often as our world speeds up with timelines, shopping queues, extra jobs and a wide range of extra functions we can forget to focus on being kind to one another.  The ability to slow down and do things for others plays a very important role in our own wellbeing.  Just last week I was reminded again just how powerful kindness can be. 

As three o’clock raced upon me I dashed up to Road Patrol without being fully aware of just how bad the weather was turning.  A few minutes later I was being pelted with rain and wind up on Dowse drive.  It wasn’t long before I was soaked, I joked with the patrol team who were all sensible enough to have good jackets on.  A few minutes in I was offered an umbrella by one of our wonderful Maungaraki parents.  This small token of kindness made a large difference to the rest of my afternoon.  It is a good reminder that each small kind gesture can have a large impact on others.

This Friday our staff will be on strike, School will be closed for instruction.  We do acknowledge that this is an inconvenience for families and children here at school and would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to our very supportive community at this time. 

Until next time, be your best.

No reira, kia kaha ra.

Shane Robinson