The weeks are flying by as we count down to the end of the school year with many celebrations happening including the amazing Powhiri welcome for our new principal , Alicia Whata. 

On the 24th November,  our Grey Lynn students and staff gathered together, with the support of our parents and community to welcome our new principal, Alicia Whata. From the moment the karanga started until the last hongi was exchanged, our visitors from Cornwall Park School, and all the families, were mesmerised with the beautiful performances by our kapa haka group, the school singing and the wonderful speeches by Otalani, Alison and Taura.

Cornwall Park School were equally amazing with their singing and support of Alicia as they brought her over to her new school and said their farewells. Her special guests and family members spoke of her as being a treasure and asked us to look after that treasure.

Everyone spoke of values, kindness, aroha, family and fun. That’s what makes Grey Lynn special and now we have one more new staff member to add to our wonderful Grey Lynn family.

We look forward to her leadership and camaraderie and know we will all do our best to make her feel at home next year.

As Alicia said in her speech, it is always about the people.

He aha te mea nui o te ao

What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

It is the people, it is the people, it is the people

Maori proverb

Our book character / culture day proved very popular once again with many creative , colourful and cultural  costumes.  The children also enjoyed a visit from  Geromino Stilton,  who popped into classes during the book fair. Thank you to 'Librarian Liz' for organising this event which is always popular and provides some great  Christmas ideas . 

As part of our concept around 'change' the  Kowhai and Totara children enjoyed a presentation from  Mike Seawright from Relief Aid and learned about the work he does regarding Schools for Syria . The children really engaged in how they as Kiwi kids can give back to children in Syria and they have come up with some great initiatives.  We presented Mike with a donation of $500.00 which was raised from our book character day  and this  will go towards creating change for families in Syria. If you would like know more about how you can help please visit their website at http://www.reliefaid.org.nz 

Our building project is progressing well and it is exciting to see foundations and framework coming together.  An ever changing landscape.

On behalf of the school community we would like to congratulate Michael Beran and Bevan Russell who are our newly elected Board of Trustee representatives.  Many thanks to all the candidates for your commitment and passion and  wanting to be part of making our school the best place it can be for all of our children.

Kind regards

Toni Jarmin
Acting Principal