Welcome to a fun-packed term 4 for the Wakari community.

Firstly can I thank you already for the support of our tamariki, this includes whanau and staff. We have had 2 major events within the first two weeks with our display around the Dunedin hospital rebuild and our Year 5 cohort at camp. These events are an apt representation of what Wakari offers for learners. 

Having an authentic customer makes the Project-Based Learning style of teaching and learning fly. The hospital rebuild, so relevant to us all, definitely created an environment for children to dive fully into there ideas, prototyping and making of final products. In speaking with members of the rebuild team I know they were blown away with what the kids had produced.

To maintain our current structures of four classes across the middle syndicate we will be including current Year 1 students that began school in 2019 into this structure in 2021. This will mean that we will have 4 classes of Year 2, 3, and 4 students and this is something we have done successfully in the past. Please note there is a small group that fall into this category that will be remaining in the junior syndicate and Judith Stanbridge will be in touch over the coming week to inform those not moving through. 

Planning for classes for the 2021 school year is about to begin. Parents are welcome to speak with Syndicate Leaders if they have any questions or requests about their child's placement for next year. Parents may choose to speak with either the current or future syndicate leader. Caroline Brown (Room 7) is the senior syndicate leader, Lisa Lowden (Room 10) is the middle syndicate leader, and Judith Stanbridge (Room 2) is the junior syndicate leader.  Please also advise us if your child is leaving Wakari.  

It is important to be aware that not all requests are able to be met and while we consider parent preferences, the placement of each child is based upon the needs of the children, our staffing and class structures within the school. Please ensure that if you wish to discuss this you do so as soon as possible. The final decision will be made by the Senior Leadership team. Children will be made aware of which class they are in for 2021 later this term.

Congratulations to Lucy Newton who has won another fixed-term position at Wakari for 2021. This will mean we again have no teaching staff changes moving into next year.

It feels like we have blinked and we are already a couple of weeks through the term. Please do keep an eye on dates as there will be a lot going on across the next 7 weeks.

If I can be of any assistance please pop in to see me.

Kind regards 

Chris