Dear Parents and Caregivers

As the weeks go quickly we look forward to some of the special events ahead and that are listed below in the calendar. The Athletics Sports are always a bright, noisy event that brings the girls together in their houses and reminds us all of the history of the school and its traditions.

Preparations for the 125th celebrations are nearly complete and we look forward to sharing this birthday celebration with all our current students and families, as well as old girls and those community members who have contributed to the school over the decades. There will be more details regarding the events in next week's newsletter and we will also highlight events for the students in the coming weeks in assemblies.

We really want all our girls to feel part of this special milestone, and ask for your support as parents and caregivers to ensure girls are present for the activities during the week especially on Friday 19th March.

Dates and time to note:

- School will finish at 1.00pm on Friday 19th March

- As has previously been notified, some students will be asked to assist with the tours of the school and events on Saturday 20th March, and the chapel service and Tolcarne tours on the 21st March. This will be purely voluntary and Mrs Prentice has sent out a request for guides and assistants.

- Tolcarne will be closed for the long weekend, for all boarders, apart from those assisting with tours on the Sunday.

- School will be closed for all staff and students on Tuesday 23rd March.

This will be an exciting and memorable occasion for our students to be involved in and I urge you to ensure your family is able to be part of these wonderful celebrations that reflect on the long and impressive life of this school.

Study Sabbatical

On a completely different note, I wanted to inform you all that I will be taking a Secondary Principal's Study Sabbatical in Term 2 of this year. I am taking the time to complete professional study on leadership and organizational culture, with a particular focus on staff wellbeing. I feel very privileged and grateful to have the support of both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Proprietors to be able to take time away to continue my professional learning and development. Mrs Maw will be Acting Principal in my absence, and I look forward to returning to school in Term 3, refreshed and ready to share all I have learned.

Nga mihi

Jackie Barron