The sun has returned along with our amazing students...🤠

This term is packed with winter sports, cultural festival, zones sports and Koru games, choir trips and skip trip, just a few of the exciting events this term.

We will also have another parent survey on our name change process and logo.  Our new building design has been approved and we move into detailed design for a large 9 classroom block for our senior students and a new school library/media space.

I also draw your attention to the NZEI industrial action planned for Wednesday 15 August.  This will mean a half day or full day closure of school.  Please read the following:

You may be aware that industrial action is planned for Wednesday 15 August as a result of principal and primary teacher union members response to the Ministry of Education industrial claim. Members are currently voting on how long this action will take, with a possibility that this will be a full day strike meaning that the Board of Trustees will close the school on this day. Once the length of strike action is known you will be informed as soon as possible about what this means from a parents perspective.

Teachers have not taken industrial action in New Zealand since 1994 and while our staff are very aware how any action has an impact on you as parents, there are grave concerns for the future of quality public education in New Zealand and as such have a belief that serious action is required.

There are three main parts to this discussion. The first is about more resources and staff to support children with additional learning and behavioural needs. The second is about teacher shortage. There has been a 40% drop in teacher graduates in the past five years, while student numbers are growing rapidly. The third issue is pay. The profession has not had any significant pay rise in a decade. This translates as under-valuing our profession. 

So in summary, please begin planning for the likelihood that school will be closed on August 15th and we understand this is a significant inconvenience for all.  

Thank you for for your amazing support and let's have an amazing term together.