Important updates and information from our Principal.

Kia ora koutou,

I have been really impressed with how well our Learning Community has followed the new systems we have introduced during Covid Alert Level 2. Thank you for your continued support.

We have had a lot of positive feedback about the 'Transport Safety Plan'. This plan has exceeded our expectations on both before and after school 'Drop off' and 'Pick up' routines. This success is due to staff visibility and monitoring, parents following the guidelines, a safe patrolled crossing point, effective communication, common sense planning, education, and a collaborative focus on student safety. Our Student Leaders have completed the Warden Training programme facilitated by the Police. Due to overwhelming support from staff and parents, we will continue to implement our 'Transport Safety Plan' once we move into Level 1 to ensure we keep everyone safe. We are working with the WBOPDC to secure extra resourcing to support the initiative.

Parent Interview online bookings are open from today. All of the specific details are included in this newsletter.

As a Decile 10 school, our MoE funding is significantly less than other schools in New Zealand. For us to continue to provide the best education opportunities, resources, and extra learning support for all learners we do rely on fundraising initiatives throughout the school year. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 putting high pressure on sponsors and learning community the decision has been made to not run our Mower Day this year. Any fundraisers run this year will be 100% optional with no pressure put on students or families. We appreciate the financial impact of Covid-19 is different for all, we are very appreciative of any way that you can support our school this year.

Our only fundraiser this term is the Eco Cloths. These are in stock and will be delivered during the last week of this term. All orders and payment will be processed online from the beginning of next week. Further details are included in this newsletter.

We have started a 'Be Kind' school-wide programme which focuses on teaching students effective social skills, including:

- How to be a good friend

- Playing games well

- Being positive

- Taking risks

- Co-operating

- Including others

These skills are directly linked to our I CARE values and will be taught throughout the year to remind our students of the importance of 'Being Kind' and strengthening peer-group relationships during break times. If you have any concerns about your child's social interactions during break times please let me know so I can follow up with all involved.

Nga mihi nui,

Craig Pentecost