Tēnā koutou e te whānau, as I look back on the past few weeks at our kura, one word keeps rising to the top: manaakitanga – the value of hospitality, generosity and care for others.

It’s not just a word we teach our tamariki; it’s a way of being that’s deeply alive in our school community. We’ve seen manaakitanga in its most heartfelt form recently – from the big gestures to the quiet, behind-the-scenes kindnesses.

We are a school that is so well looked after by our community. A huge mihi to the team from Supreme Plumbing, who shouted our staff lunch last week – this was so appreciated by our staff.

To the amazing team pulling together our upcoming Quiz Night auction – thank you for the hours you’ve spent gathering prizes, planning and supporting this event. And to those who’ve offered their time and talents to decorate the RSA – your creativity and dedication are going to make it such a special night.

Our Enviro Group continues to pour aroha into our school gardens, creating beautiful and sustainable spaces for us all to enjoy. Their care for our environment is another powerful example of manaakitanga in action – caring for Papatūānuku (the earth) and for future generations.

A special shoutout to our staff who walk alongside me every day and give their all, to create a school that strives to help tamariki achieve their academic potential while also developing into kind and confident learners.

I’m also grateful for the genuine connection we see at our whānau hui and fono evenings – times when we come together, share kai and strengthen the bonds that make this community so unique and special.

Within our staffroom walls, you’ll find teachers lifting one another up, checking in and offering a helping hand. In classrooms, they’re doing the same for your children – noticing, encouraging, guiding and caring deeply.

Manaakitanga isn’t just a programme or a poster on the wall – it’s the living heartbeat of our school. I want to acknowledge the genuine care and support we feel every day from each and every one of you in our community. My hope is that you feel that same aroha and support reflected back from us.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa – thank you for all that you do.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Andrea