With only two and a half weeks to go, it is important that the students keep up their hard work and that we end the year on a high note. As much as we are focused on finishing this year it is also the time of year when our thoughts also go towards planning for next year.

This newsletter has been delayed a few days as we wanted to wait until our final Board of Trustees meeting last night before announcing some new plans.

The Board of Trustees has decided to opt into the Ministry of Education Donation Scheme.

This means that in 2023 there will be no donation, fees or curriculum related expenses charged to you. If your child decides to take part in any sort of activity that they opt into, then they will be charged. For example sports fees, music tuition, opt-in academic programmes such as ICAS, and Taiopeka to name just a few. Camp is the one big event that we will still charge for. Apart from camp, if you are with your class, it will be free, including expensive events like swimming and any day trips such as rock climbing or going to the museum.

You will be charged for stationery as normal and we will also be asking for a contribution of $15 towards the many online learning programmes we provide for your child as part of the stationery cost as your child can use the programmes at any time and anywhere.

The Board has also agreed to move the library from its current location to Room 7. This is a significantly bigger and brighter space and will reflect the school's commitment to the importance of reading. The Board has also agreed to spend $50,000 on new furniture to make the space a really attractive space to find and read books.

Thank you to all of the parents who attended our recent whanau hui. Your feedback was greatly valued and was shared with the Board last night. Nga mihi nui to the Pōtiki whanau who gifted a beautiful sculpture for best male leadership. See the full article in this newsletter for more details.

Karyn Hearn who has been the friendly face of the reception team for a long time at Tahuna has taken on a new opportunity. We will all miss her but we wish her all the very best in her new role.

"Break a leg" to the over 100 students who are performing to their families on Thursday night.

I am thoroughly looking forward to all the end of year celebrations that are upcoming up over the next two weeks.

Nga mihi nui

Simon Clarke

Orbus - proposed changes to bus Route 3 in the Tainui / St Kilda area