Kia ora whanau. It is quite hard to believe we are already at the end of week 5! Term One is certainly flying by and your fabulous children have had another busy and fun filled week of learning.

As a new teacher at Merrin School this year I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Laura Della Bosca and I originally come from Sunny Nelson. I studied at the University of Canterbury but have previously spent the last two years teaching back in my home town. My interests include sports, reading and spending time with family and friends.

It is great to be back in Christchurch this year and I am throughly enjoying getting to know all of your wonderful children. I am also looking forward to getting to know all of our whanau over the coming year.

North New Brighton Beach Trip: Earlier this week the students visited the North New Brighton Beach were they learnt lots of interesting information about sand dunes. This trip demonstrated our school value of Kaitiakitanga, as the students developed a great understanding of the importance of protecting our sand dunes. During the lesson the students also worked together and  created their own replica of a sand dune. Once again a BIG thank you to those parents and caregivers who gave up their time to come along and support our tamariki, these trips would not be possible without your help.  

Merrin School Basketball Team:Any parents who would be interested in managing a Year 5/6 (Thursday evening) or Year 7/8 (Friday evening) basketball team YMCA competition, please contact Lisa McWilliam. lisamacwilliam@merrin.school.nz

Merrin Club Netball Notices:Notices have now gone out to those Year 5/6 students who are wanting to play  netball for Merrin Club this year. Please return the notice back to school by the end of next week. 

Te Kotiritiri Challenges: This term students can be working on the following challenges that are based around 'Our Big  Idea' of the Sea. 

-Building a whānau (family) tree, visiting the beach/ park for a clean up, exploring the ocean mammals at the museum, looking at art which relates to your culture, going fishing, a personal inquiry into our big idea which is guardianship of our sea, sharing your learning this term by creating a movie.

Reading support: Thank you to those parents who have already volunteered to support our learners with their reading. If you are available to help out on Thursday or Friday morning it would be hugely appreciated.

Whanau Hui: Wednesday 8th March: Please look out for invitations in your child's bag for the Whanau Hui.

Parent focus group on reporting to parents:Thursday 9th March 7.00pm-8.30pm: This is your chance to have your voice about reporting.

Hiwi the Kiwi show will be coming to school on Thursday 9th March.

We hope you have all have a lovely weekend.

From the Mahuta team: Urmi,Lisa,Peri,Francis and Laura.