Week 10, Term 1, 2021

It has been a week of feeling the gratitude of being a member of the Oxford community. When a call was put out to support the billeting of students for CASA fest next week - our community answered it. We are now covered and we appreciate your support.

The Oxford A&P Show highlights our community and the event, run by a team of dedicated volunteers, was fantastic as always. It was great to see all the entries our students and their families are involved in. Many thanks to:

• Our PTA for the running of the car parking
• Marie Mehrtens who has over many years collated and judged many of the school entries
• Richard Hines, Rihari Walker and our kapa haka students
• Our student leaders for their representation in the Oxford Area School tent and selling raffle tickets

Every five years Area School Principals are eligible to apply for a 10-week sabbatical to undertake professional learning, reflection and rejuvenation. I have been awarded a sabbatical for Term 2 this year. During this time I intend to complete a six-week course run through Harvard Graduate School of Education. This course focuses on navigating the complexities of leadership in a time of disruption. I will also spend time visiting schools to enhance this study. We have spent considerable time ensuring that this absence is smooth and also allows for internal growth in our school. So for Term 2, the Senior Leadership structure will be as follows:

• Acting Principal - Sharyn Varcoe
• Deputy Principal Year 1-6 - Jacqui Paterson
• Acting Deputy Principal Year 7-13 - Lesley Inch
• Acting Assistant Principal - Justin Thompson

During this same time, Tanya Wells (Team Lead Year 4-6) will also be on sabbatical during Term 2. Some of the other staffing changes you will see are:

• Acting Team Leader Year 4-6 - Bec Hart
• Acting Team Leader Year 7-8 - Claudia Faulkner

With CASA fest next week, hosting approximately 200 students from our five Canterbury Area Schools, we are in for a fun and full week. This event starts with a grand opening which we invite our community to attend. In order to best prepare for the opening we are running a rehearsal on Tuesday at 9 am - this will double up as our end of term assembly. Check out the timetable attached and we welcome you to come in and take a look during the week.

Ngā mihi,

Mike Hart
Principal