What a great break.
After a great break, I have returned to school. Life has gone on without me. It is great to know we have such a supportive community.
Kia ora koutou
Well it is certainly great to be back at MPS. For those who have not caught up on the news, I broke my leg 6 weeks ago playing paintball. After returning, I went around the classrooms and told the students what I had learnt from the incident. I thought I would share these with you all as I am sure you will appreciate them:
Listen to what is said in the safety briefing prior to playing paintball.
When you are in hospital in pain… you don’t hear everything you are told.
There are no medals or awards for being brave when it comes to pain.
When you are asked your pain level, don’t be conservative.
Rest is best… listen to the medical advice.
Having a broken leg is the true test of ‘love’ (who will clean between my toes every night?).
Nurses are really bossy (but they need to be).
My children can be way more independent than I thought.
When your physio asks your goals… including "finishing the game of paintball" is the wrong answer.
Recovery takes time.
Things happen for a reason… this is a great opportunity to get fit again!
We have a fantastic staff who managed without me (or should that be I am not needed).
I am pleased to tell you I am still married, and my family, friends and the MPS staff and community have been very caring and supportive in my absence. It was reassuring knowing that the team at school had everything under control. I want to publically thank all the staff for their efforts in ensuring the school continued to operate as normal. I would also like to thank our community for all the messages of support. They certainly helped keep me positive.
It is scary to think that we are now beginning to plan for 2018. Next week we are sending home the class placement information. As part of this survey, we ask parents to indicate if their child will not be returning to MPS in 2018. This is critical information we need to know as soon as possible, as it directly affects staffing, team structure, and class size. We have had an incredible number of inquiries regarding enrolment from now and into next year. While this is a great issue to have, knowing this now will greatly help us in our planning. We have also had some inquiries regarding the 2018 Term Dates, there is an article later in this newsletter listing these.
With the election looming, there is a lot of discussion around the education policies and what they ‘trumpet’ as their innovation of education in New Zealand. As an educator, I have an intense interest in this area and at election time really scrutinise the policies of the parties. One thought I do have every three years is... if it is important now why have you waited three years to announce it? Wouldn't it be great if the change in government (if this happens) does not mean a change in direction every time. While this is not a party political broadcast, it does have a big impact on schools.
Enjoy your weekend. Like me, I am sure you will all enjoy the short reprieve between winter sport ending and summer sport starting. I hope the weather cooperates and we can enjoy the first few days of Spring.
Nga mihi nui
Chris Nord