During 2021 there have been many challenges. We finally finished our rebuild programme which has been a long journey for everyone when in 2016 we began the process of our Education Brief with extensive consultation with parents, staff and students. Feedback from our consultation formed the basis of our rebuild.

 At the start of this year all our learners were placed in their new spaces. This was received with excitement and nervousness. Our hall was also refurbished and unavailable until term 2.  

The impact of Covid has continued during 2021. A lockdown during the year meant we again had to reset our learning when all schools were closed. Within a very short time we were able to redistribute IT devices to families and set up online learning programmes. The enthusiasm by staff to provide resources for their students in such a short time illustrates their commitment to their students. On our return to school from our Lockdown we implemented the Alert Level 2 procedures. This meant parents were requested to drop their children off at the gate, to wear masks for any meetings and to sign in. We appreciated everyone following these guidelines to ensure we were all kept safe. As the year progressed new legislation required all staff, volunteers and contractors to be fully vaccinated. This again provided new challenges for the education sector. Towards the end of the year we have been given guidelines for the traffic light system which will be implemented at the start of 2022.

We have continued to implement a wide range of learning opportunities and develop our local curriculum framework as part of ongoing reviews of our learning programmes.

We congratulate Ms Corcoran who has won a new position of Deputy Principal and will be leaving us after 10 years at Oaklands. With the return of 3 of our staff from maternity leave we farewell Miss Doig, Miss McKay and Miss McRobert. Miss Brennan heads to the North Island to be with family after 14 years at Oaklands and Miss Dench has won a position at West Rolleston and also Miss Willocks is leaving. Mrs Peacock who is going on maternity leave at the end of the year.  

On behalf of the staff I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and have a safe holiday.

Ngā mihi

Margaret Trotter

Principal