I hope everyone’s houses and property were fine after yesterday's storm, there were a few places where we saw water ingress in the school and I am working with the Ministry of Education to address these.

At the moment teachers are negotiating for better pay and working conditions and voting this week on the latest offer. Principals also are negotiating with the Government. When the teachers accept a higher salary, some will be earning more or equal to some Principals. The challenge then for Principals is what action/s can be taken to make everyone aware that this is going on, as not many would notice if Principals went on strike, as schools would remain open. Once teachers settle their claims, the Principals will be able to start negotiations.

There are children coming to school with Covid symptoms: sore throats with runny noses. Please continue to be vigilant in testing your children if they are showing these symptoms. We have a few spare testing kits in the office if you would like one. If your child does test positive the office needs to be notified. We are required to notify their class parents. As you know, a child who tests positive is required to stay home for 7 days. We also want to protect our staff from getting sick if we can, especially as we head into the winter months when extra relief teachers are very difficult to find.

I enjoyed visiting the students, meeting with the kaiako and also appreciating your thoughts and opinions that have already been submitted or those who have seen me in person. The link will remain open for a while so that I can continue to hear parents and caregivers thoughts and opinions:: LINK

Tumuaki Tuesdays: I have kept Tuesday afternoons from 12.30pm to 3pm open for people to book a time. Contact the office to book a time. If this doesn't work, the office can try to work out another time to see me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Emma Tolmie

GradDipTchg (Prim). BA. PGDipEd. MEdLd.

Tumuaki / Principal