Kia ora whānau. This lovely photo shows some of our Year 2 learners developing their literacy skills through the Heggerty phonological awareness programme. This programme is key to developing good readers as research shows that phonemic awareness is the most powerful determinant of the likelihood of success in reading.

A reminder that tomorrow, Friday, 3 June, is a teacher-only day so please do not send your children to school. All teachers will be at WGHS engaging in PD with our Kahui Ako schools and listening to some inspirational speakers. The following Monday, 6 June, is the Queen’s Birthday public holiday so no school that day either.

As at today, we have 8 students across the school isolating with covid-19, from a roll of 495. We do continue to monitor ventilation levels and the importance of having fresh air while keeping the classrooms warm. The Ministry's advice has been clear, and we are following that. It is good to know that it is not necessary for windows to be open all through the day.

The Friends of Milford School (FOMS) group met on Tuesday evening and they have some exciting events planned which they will share with you nearer the time. This group is made up of parents, myself, and our DP Sara, and come together to arrange events and fundraising. All fundraising this year will go towards a new Year 3 and 4 playground, as currently these students have to share the senior one.

I have been advised that access to school via Fenwick Avenue will be disrupted next week. MarchCato Engineering are closing Fenwick Road so only one-way traffic can access it. On Tuesday and Wednesday, traffic cannot enter Fenwick and must access the school via Dodson Avenue and the service lane. On Thursday and Friday, the opposite happens and traffic can enter but must exit through the service lane. This is in preparation for major works (a drainage tunnel is being put in) expected to start early Term 3 and go for 3 months. If I get any further information I will pass this on.

Keep safe and well everyone and have a lovely long weekend!

Noho ora mai

Sue