Tēnā koutou katoa

We trust you have had a settled start to the 2023 school year. Already there has been a lot happening at our school with our Mihi Whakatau, a parent education session, a family picnic organised by the PTA and a lot of other great activities.

Keeping Ourselves Safe

The school is currently engaging in the Keeping Ourselves Safe programme. The programme is designed by the New Zealand Police and school educators. Staff work with our local Community Constable Richard Brunton to deliver this programme.

School Rebuild

We are pleased to say the major aspects of our refurbishment have been completed. We know that the tamariki and staff will enjoy working in these new learning spaces. The Board are working on organising a new court area near the hall which we anticipate being completed before the beginning of winter.

Mihi Whakatau

This year the school engaged in our first Mihi Whakatau after a couple of years of disruption. This is a Māori welcome for our new staff, whānau and students. We would like to thank Shaun and Deb Ogilvie who have supported me as the Presiding Chair, and the school to welcome new members to our community. Our Kapa Haka students did an awesome job welcoming our visitors onto our school. This was a very uplifting opportunity and something we plan to continue doing each term.

Teacher Only Days

The Ministry of Education has recently provided 2 Teacher Only Days in 2023 for teachers to learn about the new New Zealand Curriculum refresh. This year the Board has approved the first Teacher Only Day on Monday 24 April. There are requirements and guidelines around these Teacher Only Days and this day will be spent carrying out training staff with the changes in the curriculum document.

Community connections

It has been fabulous to see many families turn up to our initial events at the beginning of the year, particularly prior to school starting the working bee and ‘Hui whanaungatanga’ and the picnic. We look forward to continuing this connection with you.

Board Appointments

At our February Board meeting, the Board made the decision to co-opt Shaun Ogilvie to the Board to support the Board build on its cultural competency and to ensure the Board's decisions are inclusive of a Te Ao Māori perspective.

We are very grateful for the ongoing support Shaun has already provided Te Ara Maurea Roydvale and his appointment to the Board will further benefit our strategic direction.

Ngā mihi nui

Josh Pretty

Presiding Chair

Te Ara Maurea Roydvale School Board