It has been reassuring from my Principal perspective to have heard and had shared recently the changing philosophy  from some internationally acclaimed academics around the changing face of education.

It is far from rocket science to imagine that children will learn more if they are actively engaged. What has caught my attention is the slow move around endless "tick box" assessments that our Ministry and Government demand to ensure their National Standards Data requirements can be met.

Children need to know their next steps, they need to be aware of how they are going and ways to improve. Basic facts are a necessity, spelling helps, but there is more than one way to tackle academic achievement in our schools.

I attended a seminar on Friday run by the Otago Primary Principals Association based around Future Focussed Schools. Mark Osbourne shared some highly interesting 'knowledge' around the future of our workforce and the need for schools to carefully consider the way we shape our curriculums for children entering the wide world in 15 years time.

A belated welcome to Mrs Georgie Bond who has seamlessly fitted straight back into our Junior Syndicate. She is working in Room 7 with our New Entrant/Year 1 children. It is great to have Georgie back.

Parent Interview slips came home recently and need to be returned early next week. 90% attended the Term 1 interviews, let's keep up these good numbers . If you were unable to pop along in Term 1 for whatever reason then these interviews are a must.

Please look at the article around our new school app later in the bulletin.

Keep warm

Chris