The last two weeks have been focused on getting to know our staff and students, connecting with people who lead key roles in our community, participating in the discussions with the Inner City Principals Cluster and our Community of Learning; Kahui Ako o Waitemata. Thank you to all our staff including Deputy Principals and our Admin Team who have been very patient helping me to find out the ways of the Grey Lynn Jedi!
Have you noticed that our building project has quickened with the pouring of our concrete floors? Today I learnt from Dhruv in Room 4 that a piece of machinery used to direct the concrete was not a ‘concrete pourer outer’ but in fact a concrete boom pump! Remember that we are all learners every day and we must all have the mindset to always stretch and grow no matter what our age and how tall we are!
Reporting achievement
On the 12 December 2017 changes to National Standards were made by the Government.
Schools are still required report to students and parents, at least twice a year, on the progress and achievement of individual students. For more information see: Changes in Education - Ministry of Education
How does this affect Grey Lynn School?
The greatest effect is on the frequency of reporting times for Year 1-3 students around Anniversary dates. A discussion will be held with the staff next Monday to decide on the next steps for reporting student achievement in keeping with the recent changes . We will not be using the term National Standards; rather we will replace this wording with curriculum levels. Our school expectations and levels of the curriculum which we have always used, will remain in place.
Community
Thank you to the team of parents who regularly give their time to support our school in learning, preparation, donations, raising money and event planning. Let your teacher know if you can help out in the classroom or the general school in different ways. This is valued by our staff so let us know. Thank you to the Parent Net Co-ordinators in our school who connect our classroom families together over the year. The creative Fundraising Team have given much over the years and there has been a significant effort in 2017 to support our building project; thank you, you have made a huge impact. Please support these parent groups in our school as they are all supporting our students and staff through their efforts.
Wonderment and awe; our Grey Lynn School Wonderwall
Do you have any wonderings about what is happening at our school? Do you have any great suggestions for our school? What are you in awe about?
There is an opportunity for anyone in our school to ask an I WONDER… question by writing it on a stick it note for our staff and students to respond to! This will be outside the school office. Remember to put your name on the note. From time to time we will feature some of these questions in our newsletter.
Finally; there is much to be thankful for.
We are thankful for:
Our friendly and spirited learners who enter through the gates of Grey Lynn School
Our staff for their attitudes and efforts to make our place great
Our families who entrust us with their children’s emotional, social and academic journeys
The opportunity to have lovely spaces for learning
Double rainbows which we all witnessed today
When asked if my cup is half full or half empty, the only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.
Have a wonderful week ahead.
Nga mihi nui
Alicia Whata
Grey Lynn School Principal