Kia ora

Spring is definitely in the air; the days are getting warmer, and it’s great to see the sun rising over Queenstown Hill before 9 am. We know when we are in winter because the sun doesn’t appear at the school until well after 10 am.

Congratulations to all the snowsports representatives who attended the Battle of the Basin. We secured several podium finishes and were only 10 points behind the winning school.

For those parents who drop off and pick up children daily, we are now officially surrounded by 3 construction sites, not including ours

1. The Skyline redevelopment continues, and the storage area for heavy equipment borders our southern boundary. This restricts access out of our back gate when, historically, we would use it to access Skyline and the Tiki Trail. However, it is unsafe and not being used by students or staff.
2. Work has commenced on a MOE project to replace the retaining wall that borders Aurora and Kids First kindy. This has meant the closure of the laneway behind the school. Please click on the attached link to access information about this project.
3. Active travel footpath upgrade- work is due to start on upgrading the footpath opposite the school on Robins Road. This work will see the relocation of our school bus stop and the temporary closure of footpaths. Please click on the attached link to access information about this project.
4. Our school works is speeding along. Today, we confirmed the paint colours, which is exciting. The decks have been attached to the classroom block and things are really taking shape. The concrete pad has been poured, and it won’t be long before the next lot of classrooms start being installed.

Congratulations to Fi who this term has started leading the Kahui Ako, the Wakatipu community of schools. Fi is the principal, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and I lead the school on Thursday and Friday. This co-principalship is working well, I get to have fun with property and Fi enjoys the finance. More importantly, it means the busy job of leading a school can be shared amongst two people. Jo Bell subsequently works Thursday and Friday as Deputy Principal to support Justine and myself. Busy, busy!!

I wish you a happy and safe weekend. I’m personally heading to the Catlins to breathe in some salt air and work on our family crib. Go the All Blacks and up the Wahs.

Kia ora

Matt Leach-Principal