Waimea Community of Learning Update, Staff Changes in 2018, Class Placement Requests, Rock Fest, Masked Parade Achievements and Education Review Office Report Confirmed

Kia ora e ngā whānau,

In previous newsletters, I have included updates about our Waimea Community of Learning (CoL). I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Janine Higgins has been appointed as one of five ‘across school’ teachers to lead this work in 2018-2019. This is both a fantastic experience for Janine and us as a school. This means that Janine will be working in this position for two days a week from the start of next year. There are also four days this term when Janine will be out of her class undertaking training for this role. We wish Janine all the very best as she starts in this newly created role.

We are currently recruiting the staff required to fill vacancies for the 2018 school year and this means change. People say that there is only one thing that is constant in schools and that is change. Change is not restricted to schools and it seems to be the case these days that people who are able to be flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing state of things seem happier and more settled. These are certainly current teaching points in our classrooms, especially for our Year 8 students who are heading off to college next year.  We have a small number of positions to fill throughout the school and we envisage this will be finalised over the next couple of weeks and shared with you prior to the 2017 school year finishing. What we do know at this time is that there will be changes to the teaching staff in 2018 and possibly movement within the school. This may include, changes of year levels and/or syndicates or roles within the school, such as in Janine’s case mentioned above. So, if you are considering making a placement request for your child for the 2018 school year please provide the qualities/strengths in the teacher you believe your child needs rather than a teacher’s name as this teacher may not be teaching in the same area as they are currently. Class lists for 2018 are in the very early stages of being drafted and it is important that this information be passed on to the school by the end of this week.

Last Wednesday I was fortunate enough to pop in to see our two bands performing at Rock Fest. Unfortunately I just arrived in time to see our first band finish their second song however enjoyed the second bands performance. I have included a video of this performance below for those who are interested in seeing it. Well done to both bands, and to Antony, for all of their hard work leading up to this event.

On Friday, the Stage Band combined with Nelson Intermediate to accompany our combined masked parade. They all did such a great job with this that we were placed second overall this year, with the two schools sharing the $500 prize money. Ka Mau te Wehi team! This combined experience, although challenging for the staff to co-ordinate, was a fantastic experience for all of the students involved. Once again, if you would like to see the video of their performance one is included in this newsletter.

As many of you will be aware, the Education Review Office (ERO) visited the school early in Term 2. I can now inform you that the report has been confirmed and you are able to view it by visiting the ERO website and searching for Waimea Intermediate School or following this link http://www.ero.govt.nz/review-reports/waimea-intermediate-05-10-2017/ .

As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter staff are completing First Aid courses in anticipation of our upcoming 2018 school camps. This means that next Monday and Tuesday (after school) the staff will be unavailable for parent meetings. Sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

Please continue to support our sun smart approach and ensure your child has a sun hat to bring to school each day and that they continue to lock their scooter or bike if they are bringing one to school.

The other photos included in this newsletter include; Mr. Strachan’s pet lamb at school having reading lessons, our students out and about playing during break times, students at work and 24/7 Youth Mentors, Year 10 Waimea College mentors competing in a fun game with our WIS students.

Have a great week.

Justine