Kia Ora Koutou Katoa, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Ni Hao, Anyoung Haseyo, Konichi Wa, Gruetzi, Guten Tag, Bonjour, Ola, Hello.

As I have moved around the school this week and had many conversations with parents I have felt proud of our belief here that we want every child to discover what it is that they love to do or learn. By the time they leave our school at Year 8, we want every child to discover what makes their heart sing -  what it is that when things are challenging they can turn to that makes them feel happy. In finding the things that they love to do, our students also find out more about who they are as a person. We grow and develop well rounded young people who feel capable and confident in who they are. When they go on from here after the Tall Poppies the colleges tell us they can place our students anywhere, that they are lovely young people who feel confident trying the many new opportunities the colleges provide.

Tauriko School, therefore, provides a range of different activities and learning opportunities  that children can try over their time here. Many of these are provided by the school, school staff and parents. Some are provided by outside tutors and parents pay for these without having to ferry children around all over the city. Examples of this are: a wide range of sporting opportunities at school and beyond school, Choir, Jump Jam, Green Team, specialist music for all students, productions, art exhibitions, Languages - Te Reo, Mandarin and French, Hip Hop, coding club, kapahaka, music lessons in guitar, ukelele, keyboard and drums, a wide range of leadership opportunities etc

Over their time here students can try many of these different opportunities and find out what it is that they enjoy. Alongside the many opportunities discussed above, this week all students have experienced cross country and currently all are involved in dance, drama and singing in preparation for our production "Robin In Da Hood".  There is a real sense of excitement as we work towards show week - June 4 - 6. Ticket information is available on our website.

Staffing

Next Term Lisa Rose will be on Sabbatical. Over this time she will complete a research project she is involved in around Early Learning. This project will benefit our school in improving the programmes we provide for students in the first two years of school. Our Junior School teachers are working alongside Lisa currently as part of this project. We are thrilled for Lisa that she has the time to research further, reflect on her new learning and write up her report. Part of the criteria in winning a sabbatical through Teach NZ is that teachers have some rest time also. After 21 years teaching and leading at Tauriko School this sabbatical is well deserved!

Jo Te Whaiti will act as Deputy Principal in Lisa's place for Term 3.

Due to a change in circumstances and opportunities to explore different career options, Megan Holden has decided to resign from her position as a classroom teacher effective as of 7 June 2019.  We want to thank Megan for the wonderful work she has done in our school for the last 18 months and to wish her well in whatever she decides to do. This has had implications for the Tall Poppies and Room 12 as we work to staff the school and ensure our rich Tall Poppies programme continues.

All parents of students in these classrooms have been informed about the change. Kimarina Leach will join our staff, teaching in the Tall Poppies Room from June 10th until the end of Term 3. Natalie van Dijk will move to Tall Poppies to ensure our Tall Poppies programme continues over Term 3 while Jo is the Deputy Principal. She will continue in here until the end of the year, teaching with Jo in Term 4. Maree Logan will continue to work in the Tall Poppies classroom also.

We have advertised a Year 5 & 6 teaching position in Year 5 & 6 from  Term 3 until the end of the year.

Teacher Strike - Wednesday 29 May

Earlier this week all parents/whanau were informed by email, notice and on our website of the NZEI Teacher and Principal strike. Please read this as the information here is useful for all.

As most of Tauriko School’s staff are NZEI members and will be on strike, it will not be possible for the school to provide normal teaching programmes or supervise all our students. Therefore, families are encouraged to make alternative arrangements for the care of your children on the day of the strike.

We have contacted School’s Out, who provide after school care for our students. They are able to provide care for students during the day of the strike if you would like to utilize this service. This will take place in the PAC Centre on school grounds initially in the morning. Students can be delivered to the front of the school from 7.30am onwards. Students will then move to the Tauriko Settlers Hall in the morning from 10:30am onwards and should be picked up from there by 5:30pm. For enrolment details please contact the Programme Manager Melanie Watts on 021 244 2116 or tauriko@schoolsout.co.nz.

School buses will not be running on this day for Primary aged students.

Thank you for your understanding. Please contact me at principal@tauriko.school.nz or (07) 5430 430 if you have any queries or difficulties related to this decision and I will help arrange supervision for these few children should you need this. Students would need to bring something to do with them. This would be supervision only and ensure the Health and safety of these students.