On Monday we spent the day together as a team learning about the significant wāhi to Ngāi Tūāhuriri, taking care of our own wellbeing and digital technology. We had lots of fun together sharing our ideas, worries and learning together that the day went by very quickly. 

Teacher Only Days are really important for the health and culture of our team. It is not very often that we get to dedicate a day to working together and continuing our learning so when we can it is uplifting and great for us all. 

Unfortunately we had some tamariki arrive at school on Monday without parents or caregivers and there were no staff on site. Luckily one of our ākonga thought it would be a good idea to check in with the preschool who helped her and others find their ways home. This is one of the reasons that we ask you to take the time to read our pānui. I can not stress enough the importance that you play in reading the pānui, checking facebook and/or your emails. We can communicate messages during multiple different platforms but if you don't check then the safety of our ākonga is at risk. Tamariki were also left at school earlier this year at 6am for the ski trip, in the dark, because whānau had not checked our communication. This is a real health and safety concern for you and us. 

Please take responsibility to read pānui so that we are keeping our tamariki safe. 

Our team has been focusing on professional learning with structured literacy this year. We are moving into teaching in this way across the kura and the more we learn about this the more you will see and hear about it.  On Tuesday this week Jess and Crisanna went to observe in a kura in Palmerston North. This time was invaluable for them and the learnings that they both came away with will now be invaluable for our team. 

Learning can happen in lots of different ways but to see the teaching of structured literacy in action in both mainstream and Māori Medium settings was so good for our kaiako. Every second staff meeting on a Tuesday afternoon is spent focussing on literacy so that our team can be up with the latest methods and strategies to teach tamariki well. 

We had an open morning on Wednesday and had whānau come through to look at kura and listen to what we offer. We had very able ākonga take the tour and give them time up to talk with the whānau. If you know of anyone who would like to have a look around our kura please let them know we have another open morning next Wednesday 25th. There is no need to make a time, anyone can arrive between 9.30am and 12.30pm. 

Next week our Learning Progression hui start on Wednesday 25th at 3pm - 5pm and then again on Thursday 26th at 1pm - 7pm. Some kaiako have already started these hui. We ask whānau to collect their tamariki at 12.30pm on Thursday 26th. Thank you for your support here, we appreciate your help. 

On the 28th of November the kaumatua have a xmas lunch at the marae. If you have a spare couple of hours to help with the kai, serving and/or clean up I know that our kaumatua would love to see you. You are welcome to attend any time from 11am. 

I also wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to our Matua Tautoko team. They have given so much to our tamariki and kaiako this year. This can only be possible from the whānau pitching in and helping out. If you can help please get in touch with Sarah-Jane Tipa or Katie Johnson. You can also let Berniece know and she will pass this on. Their help at kapahaka every year is huge and we couldn't do it without them. Please consider giving your time, especially if you are a whānau member that can't help during school the day. Every little bit of help is welcome. Thanks to the whānau who have donated raffle items. They raffles are starting to look very good! 

Our senior kapahaka have practice this weekend on Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm. We have a roster of parents and caregivers who have put their hands up to help. If you can help please contact the office and let us know. The best time to help is around lunchtime. A seperate pānui has come home about this weekend. 

Our junior and senior group will be great this year and they have been practicing hard for their show. Best of luck everyone, I know you will be beautiful on stage. Keep an eye out for extra tickets that come up after next Wednesday. We already have a waiting list for whānau who missed out on the first round of tickets so keep an eye on your emails and facebook for further information. 

This weekend I have a wedding, I love a good wedding because its a happy occasion to get together with friends and whānau. A good excuse to also put on a nice dress. :) Have a great weekend e hoa mā. 

Mel x