Kia ora! One of the things that I love the most about being the Principal of our school is seeing the joy on the faces of our students as they are involved in the things they love. It can be sport, music, learning, or something else altogether, but this morning it was music. The school orchestra played to an audience, our students, and all the hard work they have put into practising, shone through. The joy on their faces was very evident and all of us in the audience really enjoyed listening to them. They even had a guest conductor this morning – me!! That was a real privilege and I love that they asked me to do that. Our school orchestra has come together through the talent of our music teacher who shares, with these groups, her passion for music and her commitment to high standards. Thank you Eugenie Middleton!

Another thing I love to be able to do, is to support the ideas of our students. Recently Carter Howarth and Mischa Moreton asked if they could arrange and lead the Give a Kid a Blanket collection. Many of you will know that we have supported this very worthwhile cause the last few years, however hadn’t arranged anything for this year. Having students take action like this is such a crucial part of the PYP as we aim to have inquiring and knowledgeable students who want to make a difference. The collection is this coming Thursday and Friday, so please see the poster in this newsletter for more details. Thank you Carter and Mischa!

One of the issues we constantly mention is the traffic around our school gates. Now that parents are entering the school at the end of the day, this has become busy again. I do ask that you park away from the school (if you need to drive) and walk to collect your child. A plea from our school neighbours is that you respect their property and not block their driveways, park in them, or on their lawn.

Along with safety at the school gate, we do ask that you ensure your children are at school before 8.50am each day. The duty teachers are there until 8.55am and then they come in and shut the gates. We are concerned that some children are arriving late and are waiting outside until someone comes along who can let them in (as they can’t reach).

As you are aware, on Wednesday 24 June, we are holding the parent-teacher-student meetings at school. A reminder that school will finish at 12.30pm that day to allow teachers to start the meetings from 1pm. Further information (including the booking reference) is attached here. SKIDS are offering supervision for anyone who wants this and you will need to liaise with them directly.

Looking ahead to term 3, a reminder that the first two days of the term are professional development for the teachers, so school will return on Wednesday 22 July for the students.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Ngā mihi nui

Sue Cattell

Principal