Thank you for attending the learning conferences two weeks ago. We really appreciate the three way partnership between whānau, school and student. We have had a superb start to the year, so thank you for all of your support in having your child ready to learn!

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia ora whānau

Kia ora koutou katoa

I am very fortunate to have won a sabbatical for term two of this year. During this time I will train in coaching and mentoring. I would like to investigate what effective mentoring is and how we can create the best environment for mentoring to flourish, thus creating better outcomes for staff and students. During this time Kaye Royle will be supporting the rest of the senior leadership and will not be teaching in the studio. Krystina Lewis will be R1's home group teacher for the term. Krystina knows the school well; she is a parent and has been teaching in Ruru many times.

There is a paid Union meeting on Thursday afternoon (tomorrow) for our teachers. There are many schools that are closing, but we are aware that this is a huge disruption for many families. As such, we will be keeping the school open and running an alternative programme with the remaining teachers and learning assistants. OSCAR will be open in the afternoon as usual.

The primary principals have rejected their employment offer, mainly because teachers and principals are exhausted by the challenges of the increased diversity of students and the job. There is a sense that children are missing out because teachers cannot do the job they signed up for. For me this is not about pay, it’s about getting the best for our students and retaining quality teachers and principals. It will be interesting to see how the teachers vote. I hope that there will not be any industrial action, but I get the sense that teachers, in general, are worn out and something needs to change.

Plans have been completed for the new 25m swimming pool that will be situated on the far netball court at the back of the school. Engineers and geotecs are doing their thing now and it will take some time to get the plans through Council and consented. Once we have the project consented we will charge into fundraising.

Please ensure that hats and jackets are clearly named. With 550 children it is difficult to return items if the name cannot be found or read.

Thank you, Waitākiri School community, you are amazing! Our collective fundraising support for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle has raised an incredible $1,681. This generosity strongly represents the kindness we want to develop in our students and wider community. In a time where so many are experiencing devastation and suffering, we can feel helpless. Your collective donation will lift the spirits of many in difficult times. Our donation will be directed to the New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Fund.

Mufti Days are heaps of fun and raise money for great causes, but it’s time to give them a new name. Thanks to one of our parents, I have had the meaning or origins of “mufti” explained to me. A Mufti is a respected Muslim cleric. Mufti interprets Islamic law and then gives legal opinion. During the Raj in India, off-duty British military officers started dressing in robes and slippers that they slightly mockingly thought resembled garments worn by Mufti. This happened at a time when, with the objective of rendering them obsolete and powerless, the authority of Mufti in India was being extinguished. From there, the British Army started using the word “mufti” for their days out of uniform when they wore loose and comfortable clothing (including dressing gowns). One culture's power dressing was another’s play clothes.

From there schools started to use the term “mufti” for their non-uniform days. With the horrific events of 15th March 2019 there was a spirit of “they are us”, and calls to value cultural diversity and inclusion were made. As such, days where students don’t wear their uniforms will be called just that, non-uniform days. If you are interested in reading more on the subject please read here.

Last week we reflected on the 12 years since the 22 February earthquake. We remember those who lost their lives and those who mourn their loved ones, whose homes were damaged and whose livelihoods suffered. The courage and resilience shown by many has helped Christchurch make a positive recovery across many aspects of our city.

E huri tō aroaro ki te rā

tukuna to ataarangi

ki muri i a koe.

Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you.

Ngā mihi nui

Andrew Barker

Principal