He mihi mahana kia koutou katoa - Warm greetings to all.

Exciting news!! Our school has been selected as the winner of this year's kiwi colouring contest. We get the chance to choose a name for a kiwi chick. I'll send home early next week  the process we are following to get the name. But a great piece of news to start our long weekend.

We have had a lot of sickness this week. Please keep your children at home if they are unwell. They must be symptom free for 48 hours before returning. We need everyone to adhere by this rule. Please do not be offended if we contact you and ask you to pick up your child.

Fingers crossed that it is fine for the long weekend. It feels strange not to be having conversations with our tamariki about visits to the Show.  I'm sure those who are not working will find something else to do during the long weekend.  SCHOOL IS CLOSED TOMORROW.

Next week our kapahaka group performs twice. Once at the Kahukura Maunga Teitei Kapa Haka Festival at Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate School 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

(see separate article in newsletter)

Come along and hear each school's kapahaka group perform. It will be a great evening.

The kapahaka will also open our Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo Whanau Evening next Friday - 20 November 5-7pm. This is an evening for our school whanau to celebrate the completion of our grounds and buildings. After the kapahaka group has performed we will also be entertained by the choirs. Food will be available to purchase or you can bring a picnic. Other than the performances it is just a get together for a couple of hours. See you then.

This is a busy time of year with assessments, report writing, trips, cycle safety for Year 6's, road patrol training for Year 5's and other events. We try and keep you up to date but refer to the calendar as it is regularly updated.

For those who are new to the school, at the end of the year the children have a special trip or activity. The special treats the tamariki get are provided by our wonderful PTA.

Below are the trips and activities for the end of the Year.

Have a good long weekend.

Last Week- Week 10

Monday

Kopapa - Halswell Pool

Mokihi - Spencer Park

Tuesday

Year 6 Omaka

Year 5 Tent Day

Wednesday

10:30 Parent Helper Morning tea

6 pm Year 6 Leaving- all welcome as you all contributed to these folk

Last day/ Final assembly - Thursday, 17 Dec 11am

Other Important Reminders

Teachers Only Day- SCHOOL CLOSED 4 December

Absences- Please contact us by 8:30am

Cafe Open

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 2:30 - 3pm.

If you wish to get a coffee while you wait for tamariki. We will still be open in the mornings.