We hope you are all having a fantastic Easter Holiday thus far and are enjoying some quality time with your loved ones.

The last few weeks of term was certainly action packed, with classes enjoying a range of additional learning opportunities such as the ChCh City Council Cycle Safety Programme.

Our senior teaching staff also implemented a tuakana teina buddy programme, where a large proportion of our Year 7/8 Ako students volunteered to be linked with a student from our junior school. A huge advantage of a full primary school is our ability to provide leadership opportunities for our students and to create a supportive environment for our younger tamariki. I have been extremely impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm our Ako students have shown over the first three sessions. Senior buddies have provided a range of tailored connection opportunities such as pair reading, playing board games, spending time being active outside or simply being available to talk.

The last week of term was also a time for our school to celebrate the wonderful Cheryl Young, who is leaving us after six years at Waltham School. Cheryl's welcoming smile, positive disposition, expertise and can-do attitude will be greatly missed. I would like to take this opportunity to formally recognise Cheryl, thank her for all the mahi and wish her the absolute best for her next adventure.

A reminder that the first day of term is Wednesday 26th April.

Thank you for your continued support, have a wonderful rest of the week and we look forward to seeing you all for term 2.

Ngā mihi nui

Tim Evers