My version of two truths and a lie for the week is two positives and one negative.

The two positives are our upcoming Junior Production 'Moana" and our Colour Run-athon that are both coming up in the next few weeks. Both of these events bring our school and community together and also create a fun memory in the lives of our tamariki.

The negative is the upcoming strike on Thursday - it's never fun to be closed on what is meant to be a school day - we miss the kids, we fall behind with our "to do" list and it's a bit of an "ouch" in NZEI members pockets as those on strike will forfeit the pay for the day.

So why strike? So many reasons...

High schools in NZ are 500 teachers short for 2026 - that's according to the MOE's own figures. Support staff were offered a 0% pay increase initially and then after 10 months of negotiating 1%...but over three years!!! Insulting to some of our most beloved and hard-working staff members.

So on Thursday, lots of us will go out on strike for the day. Not just for pay but also for improved conditions. Particularly in the area of learning support. While millions is being spend on curriculum changes, every principal and teacher I talk to says that more funding for specialist support and teacher aides is actually what is needed. We are also striking in support of all of our vital healthcare workers who are also battling staffing shortages and poor working conditions.

But once we come back...we have two amazing events to celebrate. The junior classes have been very busy practising their dances and performances and I have been lucky enough to see a glimpse of them - they will blow you away. What I am most impressed by is that they don't seem nervous at all - just excited to showcase all of their amazing talents.

Then this Friday, our Colour Run-athon kicks off and there are lots of amazing prizes to be won. We have a vision of a decked area that can act as our stage, rolling down onto some turfed or poured rubber play spaces with lots of games - help us to make this happen! The Colour Run itself is on Friday 14th November from 2pm onwards - come along and share in what is sure to be an amazing event - there will be cold drinks, a sausage sizzle and lots, lots more.