Kua tata matou ki reira

We are nearly there…

We have been so lucky with the weather this week for our students participating in EOTC. The Year 8 students arrive back this afternoon from the Rail Trail adventure and Camp. What an amazing way to send these students off to High School with their final EOTC experience at QPS. Our middle school students spent two nights away camping at Bannockburn and the junior school participated in outdoor activities in and around Queenstown. Thank you so very much to the teachers and parents who supported the students and ensured everyone was happy and safe! Ka pai te mahi! We are so fortunate to be able to explore our amazing environment during all seasons.

Last night was our final Board of Trustees meeting for the year. On reflection, the current Board has had a significantly positive impact on the procurement of our new classrooms, landscaping and understanding the context of our kura. Special mention must be made of Matt Leach and the property sub-committee of the Board who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. Jeannie Galavazi, our Presiding Member (previously named Chairperson) of the Board has led us well through the various processes and procedures. The finance sub-committee have ensured we have been fiscally responsible and Carly Blackbourn, in her role as executive officer and Board minute taker has ensured we have followed due process. It is especially important for the Board and I to have a close relationship as we traverse our way through governance and management roles. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside you all.

Thank you QPS staff and students for your time, energy and commitment to see the first classes shift today into their new rooms. We were lucky enough to have Ned Webster, at very short notice, bless these rooms early this morning. Thank you, Ned and Ebony, your daughter, for your outstanding organisation! Moving rooms will be no easy task over the next week and a bit, so thank you for maintaining a calm demeanour! You rock teachers!

Justine Lock, DP, must be acknowledged for her mahi collating assessment data and analysis for our leadership team to ponder during the Summer break. The year 8 data has already been shared with Wakatipu High School. Generally, our students, as always, are entering WHS with the skills and knowledge appropriate to the curriculum level.

Finally, have a wonderful weekend, koutou. I am spending some of the weekend setting up my Christmas tree and creating a festive atmosphere at home.

Nga mihi nui

Fi Cavanagh

Junior School Outdoor Education