The Hill's Cluster Schools have invited Rob Cope, producer of the powerful documentary Our Kids Online, to deliver a humorous, eye-opening evening talk for our parent community.

Last year we brought Rob to Dunedin to speak to our community about online safety for tamariki. The evening was very successful and well received by the audience in attendance. We have brought Rob back because we know that many parents would appreciate the messages and practical cyber safety advice that Rob provides. In a rapidly changing digital world, the risks our children face online are growing—more frequently, and more seriously. Having attended Rob's event last year I strongly recommend this opportunity and hope that at least one member from each family could attend.

This event is being held at Otago Boys High School auditorium at 7pm on Tuesday 4 November. Further details for purchasing tickets are available on Skool Loop and also in our newsletter.

As usual, term 4 is jam packed with an exciting range of events. Last week the Year 5s attended camp at Waiora. They had an absolute ball, and were lucky to have had a great spell of weather which enabled them to make the most of the activities on offer. Big thanks to the parents who attended or helped in some way, to our amazing staff who organised and ran the camp, and to the tamariki for their part in making it successful.

We welcome Lucy Allan, who is teaching alongside Judith Stanbridge in Room 3 during term 4. Lucy has previously been a student teacher at Wakari and will be much appreciated in her new role in the New Entrants class with Judith.

The end of term 3 was very challenging in terms of sickness. I'm sure it was very challenging for families who were faced with sick children and possibly themselves too! Our attendance statistics also looked a bit sick at the end of the term but that was simply unavoidable due to the awful bugs around. Fortunately most children and staff have now returned to school and our regular attendance last week was over 85%.

Please use our Pick up Drop off area outside the Shetland St entrance morning or afternoon correctly. These are “no parking” areas at the times shown on the sign. That means no waiting and no leaving your vehicle. They’re places to pick up drop off and “GO”. If your child isn’t ready for you, please exit and re-enter the area (it takes just 3 mins to go around the block via Forresbank and Mayfield). This gives others a chance to use your space. If you want to park and wait or come into the classroom, please use longer term parking nearby.

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

Ngā mihi

Stacey Gribben