Our students are smiling, forming new friendships, settling into class routines and rising to the high expectations which teachers have of them in and outside of the classroom.

I have been amazed at the creativity in which our students are demonstrating in their play using natural materials. I have noticed their involvement in the play of varying age groups all together along with strategy and negotiation. These are important life skills regardless of context.

Our teachers have been understanding the needs of their learners, planning, refining and noticing what our students need next. They have been working together in teams to collectively make decisions that have a high impact on our learners. They have been involved in intensive and regular professional learning together and I am very proud of what they have already achieved as teams and as individuals. We will be sharing what we have been doing in more detail and what this looks like in the classroom for your children in the coming weeks.

Changes are afoot not only for Grey Lynn School but also for our New Zealand Education System as we undertake a national review. The report by the Tomorrow’s Schools Independent Taskforce Our Schooling Futures: Stronger Together \ Whiria Ngā Kura Tūātinitini was released in December 2018. The Independent Taskforce is now very keen to receive feedback from as many people as possible to help complete their final recommendations. Public consultation on the report is now open and we really encourage everyone; our school staff, board members, PTA members, parents, whanau and the wider school community to have their say on the future of our schooling system. Click here to find out the many ways in which you can have your say.

NZEI will be holding a round of joint paid union meetings for all teachers covered by the Primary Teachers Collective Agreement and all principals covered by the Primary Principals Collective Agreement during the week of 18 March 2019. These paid union meetings are a critical opportunity for us to come together as a profession, to hear the latest from the collective agreement negotiations and to determine next steps. Hopefully, this will include considering a new offer from the Ministry. We are currently consulting our staff and then the BOT about what impact these meetings will have on our staffing as teachers who will attend. We will share an update early next week with our confirmed plan and dates.

We would like to celebrate and farewell leaving teachers who are finishing at the end of this term. To Natasha Williams, Stacey Peacock and Tarryn Gordon; farewell. We thank them for the time, positivity and effort which they have given their students, families and colleagues during their time at Grey Lynn School. We wish all the best for each of them as they create new life memories and pathways.

Farewell from Natasha: I will be leaving Grey Lynn School to take up a position closer to home. I have loved my time at Grey Lynn working with such a wonderful community, it has been a privilege to teach your children and I would like to thank you all for your support.

Farewell from Stacey: I have decided to resign from my position at Grey Lynn School. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am moving out of Auckland. I have loved getting to know your wonderful children and am disappointed that I will not be part of the exciting move over to the new space! I wish your children all the best for the remainder of the year. I will keep in touch! Thank you for your support.

Farewell from Tarryn: I have had a fabulous three years at Grey Lynn School and I will now be embarking on my next new adventure travelling the world. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and getting to know the community and the children has been an absolute privilege. Grey Lynn School, you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you for your support of Grey Lynn School. Tell your kids how special they are and tell our staff when they do great things. Have a great week ahead.

Nga mihi

Alicia Whata
Grey Lynn School Principal