Last week some of our tamariki were at Kaiapoi Pā learning, some where at Oruapaeroa learning about the different species that live in the swamp and estuary area of our takiwā and others were at Chipmunks for Fun Day Friday. Our tamariki are so lucky to have kaiako that care about learning and want to make it fun, relevant and real. 

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been at kura on a Thursday. Earlier this year I let whānau know that I am now the co lead Principal for our kāhui ako - Kātote. Kātote is the name of a group of kura and Early Childhood Centres in our takiwā that work together to share resources, ideas and kaiako. 

The schools that are members of Kātote are: Clarkville, Woodend, Kaiapoi High School, Pegasus, Kaiapoi North, Kaiapoi Borough, St Patricks and Ouruhia. 

Whaea Rachael is an Across School Teacher for the Kātote which is the reason she only teaches 3 days a week. Crisanna is our Kātote 'Within School Teacher'. This means that she supports our kaiako in literacy learning. She is given time during the term to help her with this mahi. I have been working at Kaiapoi High School on some Thursdays and other Thursdays you might see me meeting with people in local cafe. If you do, come over and say kia ora! 

There is some awesome work happening in Kātote, work that really helps us at Tuahiwi. I hope to share more about what we do in our kāhui so that you can join in our journey. 

Last week I was invited to be a part of the Mana Ake external review for the Ministry of Education. It was interesting to reflect on how we have used this service and what we have developed alongside the service. Mana Ake works with our tamariki and whānau that might need a little extra support. Our LSC, Jo Hall works with Mana Ake for our kura. Kōrero with your child's kaiako if you would like to know more. 

We had a fire drill this week and you will be pleased to know that all of our tamariki were excellent in their responses. They all assembled quickly in the correct place and waited to be release to return to class. We will continue to have practice drills for emergencies as the year goes on. 

Although our year has started in an awesome way and our tamariki have been upholding our school values we always appreciate your support at home with these. Here are some examples of questions you might ask them when they get in the car after kura:

What did you learn today?

How did you practice kaitiakitanga?

Tell me about your friends. How playtime go for you with your friends?

Who did you care about today and how did you show that?  

Our Teacher Only Day this week gives the team an opportunity reconnect and learn together to strengthen our teaching at Tuahiwi Kura. We are looking forward to continuing our learning in Literacy and Digital Technology then sharing this with our tamariki.

Remember to keep April the 16th aside for our Whānau Whun Day. We will have a hangi on this day for everyone, kapahaka and Hui Tamariki at 2pm. We will need a few people to help on this day with our hangi so if you're available then please let us know. Much of this day will be at the marae. 

Enjoy the rest of the week. Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga o te katoa! 

Mel x