Dear Parents and Caregivers

Well what a week it has been to start the term! Winter sport, production rehearsals, hip hop regionals, and Open Night. It has been a wonderful and vibrant way for the term to start and for me to get back into the school groove! No slow easing back into the system this week!

I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from my study sabbatical, it was really useful to work at a slower and more in depth pace, visiting other schools and work places, discussing staff wellbeing, exploring strategies and practices that are effective and assisting staff. The opportunity to research and plan for the future was invaluable and I am very grateful to the Board of Trustees and Board of Proprietors for supporting the initiative.

Having said that, it really has been wonderful to be back in school - the energy, the vibe, the laughter, the collegiality - all elements of school life that I treasure and missed while I was away. While it has been an especially busy week, it has also been energising and a positive start to the term.

Our Open Night last night was a wonderful testament to our school community and we have received many fabulous accolades about our school, our staff and our students from the record number of families who attended. A bulging chapel and people standing at the back to hear presentations, speaks to the high calibre of the education and support we offer our students here. It is one of my highlights of the year, as we showcase who we are and what we care about and our students just be themselves, truly the best advertisement for any school.

A big thank you to the PFA for the wonderful and generous hospitality that ensures all visitors feel so welcome.

Another highlight on the calendar is the school production next week - 'Footloose'. We have been playing the music from the show through the bell system this week - and it does get the toes tapping!! I have snuck into the back of a few rehearsals and it is going to be a fabulous show - book your tickets now!

Nga mihi

Jackie Barron