Every fortnight, our Principal, Lisa Dillon-Roberts, treats the junior children who have displayed good values, to a lovely hot chocolate in the staffroom.  Cheralee, our Office Manager, helps Lisa prepare the hot chocolates which are embellished with whipped cream and sprinkles. While Lisa has been on her sabbatical, I have continued this much looked forward to tradition.

Tyler from Room 22 'won' his hot chocolate for showing forgiveness. Unfortunately, Tyler missed out when it was hot chocolate day earlier this week, so I invited him to his own private hot chocolate reward in the Principal's Office yesterday. Seeing the cream and sprinkles, and not wanting to miss out on any sweet or childish treats, our AP Laetitia de Vries, insisted on being included!

Congratulations to Mr. Barr and the Robotics team - Nicholas, Benjamin, Nazuna and Ethan - who came fourth in the National RoboCup Competition in Auckland! So proud of you all.  Unfortunately, not all of our RoboCup Team managed to make the trip to Auckland: Nicholas succumbed to the horrible tummy bug that had been ravaging the Senior block. However, Nicholas was involved in all the preparatory work before the big weekend so he should also take credit for the placing.

Congratulations on the same day go to Merrin Netball U13's (Jennylyn, Emma, Jamie, Abbi, Isabel P, Benjamin, Noel, Daniella, Sapphire and Kaea) : they made it to the Netball Finals for their division. The game finished with a draw of 19 all. This meant that the game had to go into overtime. There were two extra quarters, five minutes each way. The end result was very close, with a final score of 24 - 27 to the other team, St Francis. Well done team! Many thanks to Hannah Minty for  her hard work and dedication as the coach .

Two reminders as we near the end of term:

1. Paper copies of outstanding accounts went home last week (you may need to  check your child's bag). Could you please settle these accounts as soon as you can. If you have any queries, please contact our  bursar, Erika Jefferies  erikajefferies@merrin.school.nz

2. Please don't park in our neighbouring businesses' car parks (see separate article).

We welcome Lisa back to Merrin School in Term 4, following her Principal's Sabbatical. We hope she enjoyed the time away from the busyness of school, to enjoy some family time, and also some time and space to read and research in her chosen area.

School holidays are a valuable time for children to wind down  and relax, away from the pressures of  the term. We look forward to them returning, full of energy, and ready to begin their learning from day one. 

Happy and safe school holidays!

Lesley