Kia ora Sefton School Whanau, 

I hope this message finds you well. It's my pleasure to share some exciting updates and important information with our wonderful school community.

1. Tug of War Success: First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Tug of War committee for their dedication and hard work in organising an outstanding event this past Sunday. The turnout was incredible, and your support made it truly memorable. It's moments like these that showcase our strong sense of community at Sefton School. Thank you to: Sandra Morgan, Jeanne Williams, Cam Booker, Cathy Ward, Della McKeown, Kea Weeks, Liz McGimpsey, Poppy Farrell, Rob Shaw, Tania Orchard, Tomo Reed, Bruce Munro, Kim Kent, Michelle Svensson, Rebecca and Gary Fleming, Heidi Schaffer and Sarah Andrews!!

Huge thank you all to our major sponsors and our raffle and spot prize donators.  Thank you also to Speedy Signs for updating our signs this year. 

2. Sefton School BOT Elections: We're pleased to announce that four dedicated individuals have put their names forward for the Sefton School Board of Trustees. On Monday, October 30th, at 5:30 pm, we invite you to a "Meet the Candidates" meeting. It will be an informal gathering, with coffee, cake, and a chance to chat with the candidates. This will be followed by the board meeting, where we will focus on the strategic direction for 2024 and 2025. Your participation in this process is essential, and it's not too late to have your say. The community survey is still open, and you can access it 2023 Sefton School Board of Trustees Strategic Survey Link.

3. Planning for 2024: We're already looking ahead to 2024, and the board has approved the important dates for next year. Please refer to this newsletter for a comprehensive list of these dates. Additionally, we've commenced the process of placing students into their 2024 classes. If you'd like to provide input into this process and ensure your whanau's voice is heard, please take a moment to read the article that outlines this procedure.

4. Pet Day Information: For our new parents, the information for Pet Day has been released. It's a significant day for our students and their families, offering a memorable and enjoyable experience. Please take the time to read through the provided information and prepare for a fun day ahead.

5. Weather Event and Gratitude: Following the recent weather event, power outage, and rain, I hope that your properties are safe, and the experience was not too inconvenient for you all. I want to express my gratitude to those whanau members who continued to support the Tug of War event during this challenging time. Your resilience and dedication are truly appreciated.

As we approach the upcoming long weekend, I encourage each of you to enjoy the well-deserved break and make the most of this time with your loved ones. Thank you for being a part of our incredible school community, and for your ongoing support.

Nga mihi nui, 

Heidi Moeller-Kemp

Principal, Sefton School