Hi team. I hope you all had a relaxing Easter Weekend. I can't believe that this is the final newsletter for the Term, with next week being the last week of Term 1. If I don't see you I hope you have a well-deserved term break and we can't wait to see you all back next Term.

2024 Staffing Update

As you are aware, at the end of this Term we sadly farewell both Mrs Thompson (Barb) and Miss Tuatini (Georgia) from Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School.

Barb has had a long and distinguished career in education. She has loyally served at Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School for 15 years and in that time has been a valuable member of staff performing several key roles including Year 5 & 6 Team Leader. The students who have been in Barb's classes over this time have been incredibly fortunate and I want to thank her for her support during my time here at Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School. On behalf of us all, we hope your retirement is filled with many great adventures, especially spending more time with your amazing family. 

Georgia, a former student, returned to Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School as a beginning teacher in 2022. In this time she has been an asset to the school with her bright, vibrant personality and incredible teaching and learning skills. We were so proud of Georgia when she achieved her full teaching registration last year and were stoked to have her back this term teaching in 8B4 after Emma Woolford won another position. We wish Georgia all the best for her upcoming travel. Be safe and enjoy every experience. We hope to see you again soon.

As a result of Barb's and Georgia's departures, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the following educators who will be joining the Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School Staff from the beginning of next Term.

Firstly, I would like to introduce you to Stefannie Gillespie. Stefannie is a beginning teacher who lives and trains in Dunedin. Stefannie completed her Masters in Teaching and Learning last year and has also experienced working with tamariki in her various roles including Teacher Aiding, Swimming Instructor, and Sports Performance Analysis. Stefannie was also an NZ Swimming Representative from 2008 - 2018. Stefannie will be the new teacher in 8B5.

Our second fixed-term appointment is Zoe McKillop. Zoe is also a beginning teacher who hails from Dunedin. Zoe has a real passion for Te Ao Māori performing in her Otago Girls High Kapa Haka Group, Wairua Puhou. She also studied Te Reo Māori through high school before taking a conversational Te Reo Paper at University. Zoe also has a passion for physical education and health. Zoe will be the new teacher in 8B4.

Both Stefannie and Zoe will be spending some time at Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School this week and are both excited about working in Team Pōhutukawa. I am sure you will make them feel welcome.

Term 2

Just a reminder that Term 2 starts for our students on Monday 29 April. We have a few school trips and events coming up in the first two weeks of next Term, including Pōhutukawa (Yr 5&6) school camp... Please refer to the Upcoming Events in this newsletter or on the community calendar.

Finally, I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Term 2 break. I hope you all find some time to do the things you love with the people you love. I can't wait to see you all again.

Cheers

Simon