Dear parents, family and friends of the school

The time has come for me to write my last newsletter not only for 2020 but for my last 13 years as Principal at Oamaru Intermediate School.

This year has certainly been a year like no other. Every year brings its own challenges and when you add Covid 19 and lockdown to the list, we all experienced something that we have never had to deal with in the past.

For our Year 8 Leavers, they had to come to terms with the loss of many opportunities they were looking forward to; week-long camps, school production, our annual interschool with James Hargest, sporting opportunities and events, quiz nights in Timaru, Polyfest, Science Fair - to name a few.

After initial disappointments their acceptance and resilience is to be commended. Their energy and positivity shone through at the Leavers Social last night. I have no doubts that the 2020 group of leavers will take them lasting memories of O.I.S. fun times.

As always, I have much to be grateful for this year. The sense of community support that comes from staff and students and wider community is never more keenly felt than when times get tough. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead a school that is inclusive and caring. We try our best to support when it is needed, and I believe we do that well. We can only offer that extra support if we are aware of needs. Many of us don't like to ask for help but I encourage you to do that. Asking for help is the first step to being able to get on top of things. Having support from others often builds new relationships, new strengths and success.

My sincere thanks to everyone who has supported O.I.S. teachers, staff and students as we have worked throughout the year.

My gratitude is extended particularly to staff and B.O.T. members who have been a great support to me over the last 17 years. Oamaru Intermediate operates as a team and everyone plays their part in ensuring that we offer our learners the best we can for them to become active contributors to their future communities.

I know that O.I.S. will continue to be a successful school under the leadership of Rebecca Meek.

I wish you all every blessing for the Christmas Season.

Kind regards

Mary Healey