Happy Holidays everyone

Friday night's Carols evening was a lovely occasion. It was incredibly hot, therefore the iced water and ice blocks went down a treat. The children performed beautifully and it was wonderful to see so many families out enjoying each others company. We are so very lucky to have the support of St. Christopher's at our school and we look forward to working more closely with them in the future. A special thank you to Vicar Mark Hood and his wife Pip.

Gala Night was spectacular and believe me when I say that yet again this was not just 'any' evening.  With my parent hat on,  I have been to many prize givings over the years and nothing quite compares, especially the much anticipated 'Y8 finale'. This was yet again an illustration of the lovely bond these children have created with each other over the years.

There are lots of fun activities happening this week, picnics, movie trips, 'getting muddy' trips, swimming pool trips and the highly acclaimed Year 8 star week.  The children are having fun, fun, fun!

Mr. Barr, Miss Barr and I have completed our 'annual Year 8 prank'  and we are especially pleased with this year's high jinks.  Seated in exam like conditions we told the Year 8's that the planned day trip of laser strike and clip n climb was cancelled due to Burnside High losing their pre-entry data.  They would now be required to sit a  3 hour exam.  They are still recovering!

2017 has been another busy year for our staff and students. I am continually amazed at our ability as a school to punch well above our weight on an academic and sporting stage.   

To our children – you really are Whetū Kohara, shining stars.  On behalf of all our the staff I wish you a very happy and safe summer break.   I hope you get lots of time to run, jump, laugh and all things fun!

Thank you to our dedicated teaching team. I appreciate the work you do to provide our students with a rich, extensive curriculum in and outside of the classroom. 

As leaders and teachers, we are supported by hard working staff, learning support, ESOL, administrative and property teams. Thanks to each and everyone one of you.

To our PTA – thank you.  A  great group of parents committed to supporting our school in so many ways. We’ve appreciated your support and commitment this year and I thank you for taking the time to be involved. 

Thank you to the large number of parents who support Merrin in so many ways.  It would be impossible to run a school without your support.  Some of you are highly visible while others quietly work in the background to ease the load of the classroom teacher.

Another thank you to our Board of Trustees led by Mirjam Phillips.  It is  busy role at different times of the year and your input is very much appreciated.  A special thank you to George Bayley and Yvette Liddington who have just finished their terms on our board. Thank you for your service to our school.

I would like to say a special thank you to our newly appointed staff.    It is never easy to walk into a role part way through the year and you have completed this with such dedication.  This has been much appreciated by our parents and myself.

In particular to Kate Morgan, Whea Kate as the children call you.  Your birthday band, your cards to children across the school who have birthdays in the holidays, your children-centred values assemblies, your work with our young men and your 'let's get it done'  approach to child-centredness is such a gift to our students. 

The staff and I look forward to welcoming you back to school on Thursday 1 February for classes and on Tuesday/Wednesday 30/31 January for your face to face meeting with your child's teacher.

We hope that you all have a happy and safe holiday break, wherever it takes you.  

Best wishes

Lisa