We've enjoyed the warm weather, enabling us to be outside.

What an excellent week of Education Outside of the Classroom. All of our children have had the opportunity to join in with activities outside the classroom, the events that make memories of our school days. 

Today Lyndsey McGuinniety, Genevieve Williamson and Lucy Goslin took their Year 5 and 6 team surfing. This was a well-organised, challenging and rewarding day for our tamariki, their parent helpers and teachers. 

The Year 4 team, from Whakarua, went to Clip and Climb and showed great perseverance as they climbed wall after wall, encouraging and supporting one another and giving each other climbing tips. 

The Year 1 to 3 children had their outing last week to Ellesmere Agricultural, Science and Technology (EAST) Club out at the Leeston Show grounds. This day is organised by a group of parents from Southbridge and Leeston Schools and Ellesmere College. We were then welcomed to Southbridge, where lunchtime was enjoyed with the country kids. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the Ellesmere Lions for their contribution towards our bus expenses for the Ellesmere trip and also the PTA who always contribute to every trip the children make when travelling by bus. Thank you.

Staffing

It is with great sadness that we will farewell Mrs Lyndsey McGuinniety at the end of this term. Lyndsey has won herself a position at Riccarton Primary School and is looking forward to the challenge of learning systems in a different school. Lyndsey has taken the lead of the Senior Hub this year and has also led the school in our Manaiakalani journey and particularly around the use of our devices. We will organise a farewell for Lyndsey later in the term.   

Last night at the Board meeting a number of staff members had their appointment to permanent positions ratified. I am very happy to inform the community that the following staff members will join our staff for 2020 as permanent staff members: Lucy Goslin, Anna Courtney, Megan Bayley, Anna Clothier, Sheri Gatehouse and Debbie Norris. 

In addition to this, Sarah McClelland will join our team. Sarah has been teaching at Little River and Lake Brunner schools. We also welcome Miss Kate Hollings and Ashleigh Vermaak to the team. Both Ashleigh and Kate come to us with lots of experiences in their lives.

We will be confirming classes and teachers for all year levels before the end of this term but if you have any questions or concerns regarding placements for your child/ren, please come and have a chat with either your child's current teacher or with me.