Kia ora koutou e nga matua, e nga whānau, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Konichiwa!

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of Term 3. With daylight savings just around the corner we can look forward to being able to spend more time outside. There are some exciting events happening next term and planning is underway for next year. The Board have set the 2021 term dates:

• Term 1 - Wed 3rd Feb - Fri 16th Apr

• Term 2 - Mon 3rd May - Fri 9th Jul

• Term 3 - Mon 26th Jul - Fri 1st Oct

• Term 4 - Mon 18th Oct - Thur 16th Dec

Teacher Only Day - reminder  Please note that school will be closed on Monday 16 November for a professional development day, therefore it is a ‘Staff Only Day’. Busy Bumbles (based in the school wharenui) will be available as a child care option. More information will be sent out early next term.

Sun Hats - reminder  As Term 4 approaches it would be great to dig out your child/ren's school hat and check that it fits. School hats are compulsory for Terms 1 and 4. School hats can only be purchased at the school office and are available now $18.

Thank you to the 94 respondents that completed our EOTC survey. This has now closed and the EOTC team will be analysing data to refresh our EOTC programme. We hope to share the results and draft programme with you early next term.

It has been a frustrating year for postponement and cancellations of events. We have had to grab the opportunities when we can. Congratulations to our Choir who performed at The Arts Centre yesterday as part of Singfest 2020. They performed credibly and were great ambassadors for our school. Thank you to all involved to ensure that we were able to participate. We look forward to seeing our Year 5 and 6 teams in action at the Canterbury Winter Sports Tournament next week. Good luck to our two WMI representatives participating at the Ellesmere Speech Competition on Monday night.

As we reach the end of Term 3 we would like to acknowledge Adrienne Baxter who has stepped into Tī Kōuka this term. We have appreciated your dedication to our tamariki and how easily you have transitioned into the Tī Kōuka team. I am sure Adrienne will continue to join us as a valuable guest teacher.

Welcome to Janette Bowen.  Jeanette has been a regular reliever in the Kowhai Community and it's lovely to have her joining the team for the remainder of the year.

We wish Bonnie Edmonds all the best for the impending birth of her baby. She has been an asset to the FAB 5 team and our tamariki have benefitted from her expertise in Te Reo Māori. Bonnie had her last day yesterday.

All the best for the school holidays. Take the time to enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed), if you are able to.

Ngā mihi nui

Tracey Riley