Kia ora koutou e ngā mātua, e ngā whānau, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Konichiwa!

It has been a very challenging time for everyone in Canterbury. I am grateful to our staff for maintaining routine and consistency for our learners when sometimes it is hard to concentrate oneself.

In previous emails we have sent out links and information regarding support. If you know of anyone in need please feel free to contact me directly. Our local Mana Ake Team were here on Tuesday afternoon to meet with families and are available as needed.

Congratulations to our Tī Kouka Team who recently participated in their Outdoor Education camp at Woodend. I was thrilled and proud to receive feedback from staff and parents about our Year 4’s positive attitude and willingness to give everything a go. 

Well done to the first group from WMI who braved the rain to camp overnight on Quail Island. The second group will have just got back today safe and sound with smiles on their faces! Again we are hearing great reports of our students demonstrating ICE DRIVER values.

A huge thank you to our wonderful team of teachers for their camp organisation, motivation and support. A big thank also to our camp parents. These camps do not go ahead without your commitment, enthusiasm and support.

I strongly suggest you read the assessment and reporting section of this newsletter. We are continuing to focus on developing partnerships, and relevant reporting processes post National Standards. Thank you to the people who responded to our Learning Conference survey. It is pleasing to see that our thinking is in line with the feedback that we received. We are excited about the opportunity we now have to review and meet the needs of our students and their whanau.

Today was the unveiling of our mural. The culmination of over a years work involving past and present students. When you stop to admire the creativity and skill needed to produce such a piece of artwork, take the time to read the panel beside it that explains the journey.  A big thank you must go to Kathryn Meyers who has spent many hours driving this project from concept to completion.  For further history and explanation then go to the mural section.