Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Kia ora, Hello, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Bula, Hola, Fakaalofa atu, As Salam Alaykom, こんにちは, Hallo, Hoy, હ લ ો, Hē leu, Mauri, न म त, Ola , Chum reap suor, Kumusta, Nihao, Xin chào

We have had another very busy and productive term at Riccarton Primary School. There have been trips to the Canterbury Museum and Orana Park. We have had teams competing in the Hagley Winter Sports, Staunton Cup and Cantamaths. Learning conferences and some targeted interviews were held between teachers, whānau/parents and students, and further learning posts have been shared on Linc Ed, outlining children’s learning successes. Classes had a focus on developing movement skills under gymnastics, and some Teams worked with students from Riccarton High School to develop their skills in athletics. We’ve had fundraising and mufti days, both for our playground and other great causes. The whole school really enjoyed participating in Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week, by learning new words and phrases and creating artworks with Māori themes.

It has been great to see classes learning a lot of very useful information, that will serve them well now and in the future, about the important topic of keeping themselves safe. Teachers were very well supported by Constable Megan, who was both entertaining and engaging for the students. This is a topic that children will benefit from regular input, from you and their teachers, so they continue to grow their understanding and skills in this area over time. Please keep having regular conversations with your child/ren about how they can keep themselves (and others) safe in the many different situations they may find themselves in.

Children in many classes this term, have also been studying personally chosen topics that they feel passionate about. Our students are really interested in so many incredible things, and have been able to grow and share their knowledge with others. Learning how to learn about things of interest, was just as important as what they found out. It is so exciting to see our children learning how to find things out for themselves! This skill will be so useful for them throughout their lives!

Thank you for all that you have done at home this term to support your child/ren to be the best they can be at school. Your kids have been amazing Respectful, Responsible, Real Learners! They now deserve a holiday!

Lifelong learners learn every day, so as we enter the holidays, continue to look for ways to support and encourage your child/ren’s curiosity and love of learning. Whether it be taking them to the library, the beach, the river; going for walks around the neighbourhood; chatting to them about things that are happening; teaching them a new skill; giving them opportunities to create and make things. Never underestimate the power of letting them just play too, as a means for them to learn new things. Have heaps of fun - enjoy your holiday together!

School closes this Friday 29 September at 3pm for 2 weeks holiday. School starts for Term 4 on Monday 16 October.

Our Principal Paul Irving will be returning during the holidays from his overseas adventure in South Africa. We look forward to welcoming him back, and hearing all about the new things he has learnt during his brief time away.

Ngā mihi nui,

Margie Askin-Jarden

Deputy Principal 1