Kia ora tātou | hello to us all

A highlight for me this week was talking to two girls who were playing cards in a shaded spot one sunny lunchtime. The value in playing such games, face to face without a phone in sight, is immense and I felt proud of our community, of our grounds, and of our school’s decision on phones. All week, I’ve been showing prospective Assistant Principal candidates around our school and it is an affirming experience - we have a very special community here which visitors do notice and, while we acknowledge our imperfections, we have a wealth of good things to enjoy.

We’ll soon have another opportunity, with rowing being added to our diverse range of sports. Pip has secured an amazing opportunity, with a “try rowing” event being held at Selwyn Huts on Sun 3 Dec (see separate article for details). I always wanted to row and never got the chance, so here is yours!

Last Sunday’s school market was held on a stunning Selwyn day and it was great to see so many families come along. Well done to Pip for organising it and thanks to all the stall holders for bringing it to life.

This week we’ve been hosting Wang Xuepeng, an interpreter from our Sister School Shandan Bailie Vocational College in China.

We’ve been busy with appointments for 2024:

Andrea James, an accomplished teacher currently at CGHS, will join us to teach Commerce
Mike Pearce, an experienced teacher and head of department, will join us as head of Technology.

We also have a range of internal appointments we’re making to ensure your school is as well equipped as possible to tackle our plans.

It would be great if you could take a look at our draft strategic plan (a one pager!) and leave a comment. It’s linked here and is open to anyone - highlight some text then select the plus button to leave a comment.

Junior end of year reports will be out soon.

Ngā mihi maioha (warm regards)

Andy England

Key dates:

See https://darfield.school.nz/calendar/

Thursday 30 November: Senior Sign out morning (9am-12pm)
Friday 1 December: New Entrants (Year 7) Transition Day
Tuesday 12 December: Prize Giving Yrs 9/10 @ 11.30am,
Last day for Students