Tēnā koutou katoa. Kia pai Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. Happy Māori Language Week.

As term 3  draws to a close it gives us all a chance to think about how much has happened already this year and look forward to a restful break, in readiness for a busy term 4.

This week Wakari performed at Polyfest. Lots of whānau were able to come and support our amazing tamariki, and those that weren't able to watch at the Edgar Centre would have been able to watch via the live stream. Ngā mihi nui to Whaea Sue for all her hard work, passion, enthusiasm and encouragement to teach and guide our tamariki. Tino pai to mahi to Mrs Bonney, Mrs Ollerenshaw and  Miss Knierum-Te Ahuru for joining the tamariki on stage and supporting our performance and also to Mr Waddell and Tom Mepham for their wonderful accompaniment on guitar. 

A really lovely surprise for us all was the support given to Wakari by Mr Brew and members of the Kapa Haka group from Balmacewen Intermediate. We were blown away by their haka tautoko, in appreciation of our performance. It made the whole experience very special. I'm sure quite a few of us watching shed a tear or two and were touched by their tribute. 

Thanks to the Home and School for organising the Bingo fundraiser. It was hard to say no to the tamariki selling the raffles. I think that lucky Mrs Bonney wore the carpet out, with all the trips up to the front desk to collect her raffle prizes!

It is sad for me to announce that Tim Spence, our absolutely amazing caretaker is retiring from his position at Wakari School. Tim is not only top notch at his job but is a truly wonderful person, much loved and respected by us all. As a result of Tim's retirement, we feel very lucky to have appointed Jason Frost to take over from Tim. We welcome Jason to the Wakari staff and look forward to working alongside him. 

I am also thrilled to let our extended whānau know that Gemma Matsopoulos has been appointed as a permanent teacher at Wakari. Gemma has been doing a fabulous job teaching in the Juniors over the last couple of years and we feel lucky to now have her in a permanent role. 

Lastly, on behalf of the whole school, congratulations to Fleur Giudicelli and Lewis Anglemeyer for their medal winning efforts at the Otago Cross Country Champs. Fleur was placed 2nd and Lewis 3rd. To win a medal at that event is a huge achievement, and not one that any of us can recall happening at Wakari for a very, very long time. Well done to all of our tamariki that qualified. They put in a huge effort and we were very proud of them all.  

Once again, if I can be of assistance with any matter, feel free to contact me.

Stacey Gribben