I hope you all enjoyed Waitangi Day yesterday.

It has been wonderful seeing so many happy children over the past few days as they have been buzzing around school. We have all been enjoying the hot, sunny weather and the new music which has been playing to signal the beginning of our learning sessions.

The family meetings last week were a warm and inviting way to begin 2019 and we found them a very valuable way to begin building relationships with children and families.  In addition to this,  I have witnessed lots of lovely activities planned by teachers so that they can get to know their children and vice versa.  We are firm in our belief that children learn best when they feel understood and safe in the knowledge that their teachers know them.  We are trying hard to complete very few learning assessments with the children, until these relationships are fostered and grown a little more.

On Monday evening the PTA will hold its first meeting for the year.  We would love to have some new members join the PTA, so please do consider coming along if this is a way that you could give back to our community.  (Monday 11 February, 7pm, School staffroom). Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Next Friday we have our annual Year 5-8 swimming sports.  In a different format to previous ,years we are spending the day at Jellie Park, incorporating some downtime and carnival type swimming events.  We hope parents who are able to can come and join us for part of the day, perhaps you can grab lunch with us outside?  Whanau are very welcome.

Pictured above and below are photos taken on one of our Teacher Only Days.  The full staff ventured to Quail Island for the day for team building and fun  ...... (I know, what a boss, taking their staff on a cruise).  

If you haven't been to Quail Island, it is well worth a visit.  It was New Zealand's only leprosy colony and is such a magic spot, with beautiful walking and views.

Kind regards

Lisa