Week 10, Term 2.

Kia ora koutou,

And just like that, another term has passed. A term full of learning, opportunities, grit and determination and the subsequent celebration of that effort and success. The last week of term has been no less busy with something for everyone; the New Zealand Playhouse performance for Years 1-6, Rakahuri Winter Tournament for Years 5-8, Rau Whetū celebration for Years 9-10 and the Performing Arts evening showcasing our Y11-13 Drama students. 

Understandably, everyone is ready for a period of relaxation and recharging over the school holidays. But some of our students and staff will be still working hard during this time representing Oxford Area School. Seven of our students will be competing across a number of codes at the New Zealand Area Schools Tournament in the "Top of the South Island (TOSI)" team. We wish Earl Cacho, Cailey Hollard, Shaugn Kilgour, Ashleigh Lawler, Ashley Riley,  Alexander Sillars and Abby Taylor all the best. Also during the school holidays a number of staff will be presenting at the 2021 Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ), Health Education New Zealand (NZHEA) and Outdoor Education (EONZ) National Conference. This includes Mrs Emma Don, Head of Health & Physical Education who has been asked to be a guest on the panel to discuss embracing uncertainty in Outdoor Education. Both Mr Justin Thompson, Head of Social Sciences and Mr Jesse Moore will be co-presenting workshops with Emma Don showcasing cross-curricular collaboration and future focussed education, namely the joint Years 11-13 History, Geography and Outdoor Education fieldtrip and our Year 9-10 Connected programme. This is a measure of the excellent calibre of teaching staff at Oxford Area School and the high regard in which they are held by their peers.

Term 3 sees the return of Mr Mike Hart, Principal and Mrs Tanya Wells, Explore team leader from their respective sabbaticals. We look forward to welcoming them back and hearing about their own learning. Staff appointments for the beginning of term include Mrs Lesley Inch as the Acting Deputy Principal Years 1-6 for Terms 3 and 4. Mr Justin Thompson and Mrs Claudia Faulkner will continue in their respective acting roles until the end of term 4. Mrs Nerissa Thompson will move from the Explore team to the Discover team for the rest of 2021 and we also will have the pleasure of welcoming Mr Eamonn Lowe and Ms Erika Ramsay to our Years 7-13 teaching staff.

During the school holiday break please be aware that there will be construction occurring in Aotahi. This is to increase the flexibility of the space to enhance the learning for our Years 4-8 tamariki. As this area will be a construction zone with outside contractors we ask that our community avoids this area if they happen to be within the school grounds.

On behalf of Oxford Area School I wish all our students, staff and families a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Relax, reflect and recharge and we will see you back on Monday 26th July. 

Ngā mihi
Sharyn Varcoe
Acting Principal/Tumuaki