Kia ora koutou katoa. How exciting to see Team New Zealand win the America’s Cup!! Such important lessons for our tamariki about not giving up, the value of teamwork, of believing in yourself, and of having good support around you. Earlier in the week, an ex-parent brought in a big sail which we put on the field and many children wrote messages of support to the team on it. Perhaps, in some small way, this helped too!

Thank you to the many parents who attended the parent information meeting on the new structured literacy approach on Wednesday afternoon. This was so well attended (standing room only) and I know the clear explanations from Dr Christine Braid helped us all understand the reasons for the approach and the research that sits behind it.

We have had the Life Education caravan in the school for the past few weeks, with all classes attending sessions in the caravan. These are an important part of our health curriculum.

This week the Year 5 students had three days out of school as part of their EOTC (Education Outside The Classroom) programme. These days are really important as the social, communication and self-management skills they learn are really valuable. They often have to put themselves outside of their comfort zone and try new things.

Next week, all our Year 6 students are going to camp for the week. They will be away for five days and four nights at Carey Park in Henderson. Again, a really valuable learning experience that is often mentioned as the highlight of the whole year.

You are all warmly invited to attend the Year 5 led whole school assembly being held next Friday, 26 March at 2.15pm.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Ngā manaakitanga

Sue Cattell

Principal