Our 3 year Project Based Learning Professional Development Cluster has begun to take shape.

Over weeks 6, 7 and 8 of this term teachers from across the five schools, Wakari, Balmacewan, Kaikorai, Halfway Bush and Maori Hill, will begin visits to each other's schools to share best practice around maker space and project-based learning. It is a great opportunity for teachers to get out together, we will be releasing whole hubs, spend time observing and then having planning time to put into practice what they have seen.

We have been lucky to secure Pip Dick on staff. Pip is the lead facilitator of the Hills Cluster project and we have managed to get her to work with our staff on alternate Tuesdays to help support the learning and change in pedagogy that we are exploring.

A reminder that children are permitted in classrooms from 8.30 am. Prior to this, teachers are planning for the day ahead. Children arriving at 8 am or in some instances before this is simply too early and we cannot supervise these pupils. Thanks for your support with this. 

Parent Interviews will be held in Week 11 of this term on the 9th and 10th of April. With the withdrawal of National Standards, we have changed our reporting structure and these interviews will have a somewhat different focus. They will be more weighted on the New Zealand Curriculums Key Competencies particularly Managing Self, Participating and Contributing, and Relating to Others. There will continue to be discussion on how your child is progressing in their learning. There will not be a written report, this will be done in conjunction with your Term 2 interview. Please support these interviews as our community has done in the past. We usually have a 90% plus attendance. 

Congratulations to Beth Chisholm who at last nights Board meeting was voted unanimously to fill the Role of Board Chair. Congratulations Beth, a great appointment for the School. On a far sadder note, Glenda Sargeant after 28 fabulous years at Wakari has decided to retire. Glenda will continue until the end of Term 2. 

Regards 

Chris