On behalf of all at Milford School, I sincerely wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas and New Year. I hope it sees you able to connect with those important in your life, whether in person or online, and able to spend time doing the things that bring you joy. For me, I will be spending time with my family, and enjoying being on the water in our beautiful harbour. I am also hoping the building works at school progress smoothly so not too much time is spent here with that!

As we wind up the school year, I do want to acknowledge the amazing staff at Milford School. We are very fortunate to have such a high calibre of teachers, teachers who dedicate their time ensuring each child in their care is nurtured and able to flourish. Our team of support staff are also so important to us, ensuring everything flows smoothly, and needs are met. I also want to acknowledge and thank the Board of Trustees for their governance of our school. They are parents (plus myself and a staff trustee) who give their time to ensuring we are the very best we can be and provide for each and every student. Two of these parents are leaving the Board at the end of the year as they move to live in other parts of Auckland, and I sincerely thank them for their time.

You will have received the class placement for your child for next year, and I ask that you approach this placement with positivity and support. While some children are not with their best friends, our year levels are so small that it is good they mix with others and get to know more children. This is part of setting them up for success when they leave us and move to their next school, as they are likely not to have that best friend in their class then. If we have helped support them to adapt to new classes and how to get to know new friends, it will be a smoother transition for them.

School closes today, Thursday, at 12.30pm, and reopens on Wednesday 2 February 2022 (for one-on-one meetings). More information about the start of the year will come home before then. It will be upon us before we know it.

The photo at the top is one of the many Christmas cards that students have given to me, and I do want to thank you all for the amazing support and kind words I have received.

Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou katoa (Merry Christmas to you all)

Sue