It has been busy few weeks at our Kura with lots more to look forward to between now and the end of the term.

Book Week

Many thanks to Miss Burt, Ita, and Mrs Matai for organising an amazing book week. Our children are enjoying the "new look" library which is now open to the children again. We now have brand new carpet in the library which is consistent with the colours used throughout the rest the school. The library team also changed the shelves to have our books "forward facing" for ease of browsing. Francis removed a built in bench which has resulted in greater flexibility of the space. 

Cross Country

On the 18th of May we held our Cross Country events. It was great to see our children, young and old trying their best at these events. Thanks to Mr Thurlow for your organisation of these events. Earlier in the week top place getters represented our school at the Cross Country North Zone Competition. Our 24 athletes did really well competing against the fastest, fittest Year 5 and 6 children across our zone.

Contgratulations Olivia, Liahona, Eden, Lola, Annabelle, Mila, Nash, Ollie P, Wolf, Max, Liam, Oliver C, Sophia, Asaria, Mealla, Violet, Brooke, Apolline, Carter, Thomas, Casey, Mack, Bodie and Daniel for making it to this Zones Event. 

A special well done to Nash and Ollie who will represent Redwood at the Canterbury Champs later this month.

Emergency Drills

Over the next two weeks, we will be holding practice drills for fire, earthquake and lockdown/shelter in place emergencies. These are practices every term to ensure that everyone know what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

NZEI Industrial Action 

I wanted to thank parents for their support yesterday collecting your children early. As you know, our teaching staff attended a union meeting to discuss the current offer from the Ministry of Education/ the Government. NZEI members now have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to accept this offer. Depending on the result of this ballot, there may be a chance of further industrial action. We will know more next week and I'll continue to keep you updated as news comes to hand. Thank you for your support and patience during this challenging time.

Extra Curricular Activities

On the weekend, while attending my 11 year old's football match I noticed several Redwood tamariki playing in a younger grade. I took a moment to watch Oscar, Roman, Makaere, Ryder and Charlie play. It was great to see the teamwork and enthusiasm that these children displayed. Their Papanui/Redwood team certainly looked to have the better of the opposition team!

I learnt that last weekend, Marni and Eden had success in a mountain biking event at the Christchurch Adventure Park - well done girls.

Please remember to share any successes that your child may have outside of school (not just in sports) and we will happily share this in the newsletter.

Over the next few weeks, I'll try and attend Redwood netball and basketball fixtures!

I hope you enjoy the long weekend ahead - our first "King's Birthday".

Ngā mihi nui

Nick