We have hit the ground running!! Term 4 is here in full force, shaping up to be a pretty busy one at that!!

I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable time with your whanau over the long weekend. We were fortunate to have a spell of good weather, even the sun coming out to play.

This term, our focus is on student wellbeing, as our school learning context is Kaitiakitanga (caring for people and place). Last week, we had visitors from Belmont Intermediate School come to speak to the school about a great initiative to protect our seas. It is called Our Seas, Our Future, and we will support this by all dressing in blue on Friday, 27 October.

Next week, the leaders will promote Gumboot Friday, which delivers immediate, free counselling to young Kiwis in need, so put on your gumboots and stand with New Zealand as we rally to raise funds for this crucial cause. Leaders will come around and collect a gold coin donation from students on Friday, 3 November. In their gumboots of course!!

During Term 4, all students are required to wear a hat to protect themselves from the sun. In addition, we encourage students to apply sunblock before coming to school and have a roll-on sunblock in their bag to 'top-up' during the day. All classes have sunblock accessible for all tamariki to use.

Stanley Bay School SunSmart hats can be purchased via Kindo here. Thank you in advance for your support in keeping our students sunsafe at school.

We have quite a bit jammed into the next couple of weeks - including:

• Years 3-6 performing at Hauraki school for the Peninsula Kapahaka festival on Thursday, 26 October, during the morning. All are welcome to attend.

• We celebrate World Teacher’s Day on Friday, 27 October, to recognise the amazing job that our kaiako do everyday with our tamariki.

• The Juniors continue to explore our environment and understand how to be good Kaitiaki (guardians who look after our environment) both inside the class and around our school.

• Some middle school students are incredibly fortunate to be able to visit the “Voice of the Ocean project” in the viaduct next week. This short video gives you an insight into the remarkable Schumann family, who have circumnavigated the world three times over the past 30 years, documenting the increase of pollution in the oceans.

• Year 5 students begin their Waterwise programme at the Millenium Institute, learning critical sailing skills and water safety.

• Road Patrol training will take place soon for our senior students who will be our road patrol monitors in 2024. This important responsibility enhances road safety and keeps our students safe when travelling to and from school.

If you have any questions, please direct them to the school office in the first instance.

Take care and hope to catch up with you all at some stage over the coming term.

Noho ora mai

Scott Boniface

Deputy Principal