Welcome to the 2023 school year!

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia ora whānau

We trust that you have had a restful and fun time with family and friends over the holiday season. Staff have been back at school for some time planning and preparing. We have a fun year of learning ahead. I looked back on the first newsletter from 2022 and it was full of information about COVID and the restrictions that we were required to follow. I’m so pleased that we are able to open fully on time this year. I do feel for friends and family in the Auckland region who have been badly hit by the weather.

It was great to get the children back on Tuesday. In our Mihi Whakatau on Tuesday it was nice to welcome all of our new students and staff. I feel fortunate with the quality of staff that we have been able to employ. I spoke of oxytocin and how this hormone makes us feel better, less anxious and more happy. It is produced when we do or receive kind words or actions. It is also produced when we exercise. I encouraged the students to complete kind actions and use kind words so they feel a “hit” of oxytocin and so do those around them. We all know it feels good to be kind to others.

It has been great to see that almost 100% of children have the correct equipment and uniform (including black shoes with black soles and a school hat) so they can make the best possible start to the year. Please name all uniforms and school equipment. If you are having any problems purchasing uniform or equipment please contact the school.

Please take care if you are dropping off your child/children. Ensure they use the pedestrian crossing and do not get out of the car on the roadside.

At morning tea and lunchtime, we encourage healthy nood food (no wrappers) eating. This is promoted from the start of school by giving all new entrant children a lunchbox and a healthy food information sheet. Research shows a high carbohydrate/healthy snack between breakfast and morning tea can help learning. All studios have a healthy snack (brain food) in the first part of the morning. Research has shown this improves cognition and attention in children. We encourage healthy, easy to eat snacks, but all snacks are accepted. We understand there are times when you need to just grab anything to fill the lunchbox. Please ensure your child/ren also has a named drink bottle with water to bring to school each day.

Ngā mihi nui

Andrew Barker

Principal