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

What a beautiful and pleasant drive to work this week. I am very fortunate to drive over the Weedons Ross Road over bridge and get a stunning view of the Southern Alps in all its pristine, crisp glory with fresh snow most mornings!

There is something to be said for Winter...as long as we don’t have to get up too early in the mornings!! (Well done to those that do!!)

How wonderful to almost be back to normal after many weeks of being vigilant and working together to beat COVD-19 which we have done. How exciting that sports events are starting up again!!

I know in my communications during this time, I have mentioned how appreciative our staff have been of the understanding and support we have received as a school from our parents and wider community.

On my wanderings around the school especially in Westview Crescent I am still hearing personally from you thanking us for our mahi (work). Thank you.

It takes many to make something successful...

        Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi.  Engari, he toa takitini

       Success is not the work of one, but the work of many

So to you, our staff once again applaud your understanding, patience, kind words and thoughts.

Safe School Travelling…

Thank you all for your careful driving around the school as our tamariki returned to school especially as we changed to alert level 1 and children were able to select any gate to enter. We have noticed a large volume of cars returning to the retail car parking spaces and children and parents crossing at our safe Kea Crossing

If you are crossing Weedons Ross Road, please use the crossing provided as we have noticed a number of adults crossing the road near the buses which is an unsafe practice we would prefer not to have happening.

I am in discussions with Selwyn District Council looking at putting NP yellow lines with time limits around Westview Crescent next to the cut downs so children can see more clearly when they cross the road.  I am also concerned with the parking of cars on both sides of Westview Crescent next to and opposite the staff carpark especially as there is now a walkway in use. We will keep you informed of developments.

Events for the remainder of this term (3 weeks)

We are constantly reviewing and re-looking at systems and have prepared an internal Alert Level 1 protocol for staff to follow for clarity.

We are looking forward to the following events for the remainder of this term

School Cross Country (29 June, 10am - 3pm) more information to follow

FOWMS AGM meeting 23 June 7pm in the Rauhi (staffroom).

Term 3 Changes

As a result of winning one of the 105 principal sabbatical positions for 2020, I will be away from school working on my research project in term 3. The purpose of my study/research is to delve deeper into researching successful mentoring and coaching models and the application of knowledge, skills and experiences of proven successful mentor principals to support first time principals.

I have had the privilege of mentoring first time principals for the last three years. This is an area I am passionate about.

As a result of winning this sabbatical, Tracey Riley will be Acting Principal for term three until my return at the commencement of term 4.

Tracey will be supported by Kim Busch who will be acting First Deputy Principal and Pam Berry- Mason who will be the Acting Second Deputy Principal.

Both Kim and Pam are entitled to some leadership and management time outside of their current classroom responsibilities.

However they will still both be connected to their current roles. Kim will continue to work in Ti Kouka on Thursdays. We are currently in the appointment process for a part time teacher for four mornings a week so Kim can attend her leadership responsibilities.

Pam will continue to lead the Matai team. Lisa McWilliams will be covering for Pam Berry Mason for 3 days a week. Lisa is an experienced teacher and past Deputy Principal and is currently working in the school in the Manuka team.

Teacher Only Days

At the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday the following two teacher only days were approved.

Friday 31 July where staff will be working with our Math facilitators on Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities

16 November where staff will be working on planning and preparation for 2021.

Please note the school will be closed for these two days.