The Board had a meeting last week and discussed several items that we would like to update you about.

We had an awesome presentation from Katie Talbot  to review our Health Program.  Katie has been instrumental in organising initiatives that cover the health and well-being for our children and staff.  Our health statement will be published on our website in due course - this outlines what we are teaching and how we go about making sure the health and well being of our community are managed.

Amanda Clarkson then gave us an update on the learning achievements across the school.  This was a very informative session that shows, by year group, the achievement of learning across reading, writing and maths.  A snapshot would be that the staff are targeting and achieving noticeable progress in achievement across all age levels.  Where more intensive interventions are made to raise achievement - there is a definite uplift.  It was noted that the BoT funds improvement initiatives for all areas to raise achievement levels - well above the actual funding we receive from the MoE (for instance teacher aide time - we are funding ~$70,000 per annum in this area - targeted at achievement improvement).

Other general business we covered included agreeing on a nature garden and Gaga dodgeball pit (google it), looking at the extension of the scooter/bike park the MoE are funding and the safety plans for the Ski Trip!  Financially the school is tracking OK - remember we dont seek School Fees, so if everyone ensures their accounts are up to date we will be able to continue many of the amazing opportunities the school provides!

Finally - I just want to draw to your attention the release of the report on the Lockdown procedures as a result of the event in March - you can read the report here - http://www.education.govt.nz/news/ministry-of-education-welcomes-independent-report-on-the-lockdown-by-schools/

There is a lot of work to be done on communication and making sure our processes are robust - also some work to be done on educating our community on what to expect (or not to do) - I suggest you read the report.

Finally - a big shout-out to all the staff and our school community.  There's a lot going on, and we are always busy - but take some time to reflect on what a great school and community we have.

Thanks

Simon, Sam, Megan, Stephanie, Tegan, Rob