It is always so great to see what our children achieve and participate in, outside of school. Congratulations to these awesome learners who challenged themselves in the Weetbix TRYathlon.

I also know some of these children entered into the Selwyn Stampede recently. Please feel free to share your child's out of school successes with us - these can be shared on facebook if you would like.

Well done to the children who participated in the school swimming sports last week. Thanks to Miss Sara Reedy, Miss Kendra Ward, Miss Bec Lambert and Teresa Monaghan for their organisation. Thanks also to all of the parent helpers. The staff reported great effort and behaviour from our learners. The following learners have made it through to the zones competition: Phenyx, Harry, Daniel, Darcy, Sophie, Matthew, Lachie, Emilia, Piper, Emily, Kylie, Mason, Gian, Kaela, Georgia, Everly, Austin, Ashton, Alex, Hazel and Maddie. Good luck!

Last week we confirmed the 2025 whare leaders. I always find this a difficult time of the year as there is so much interest from our amazing tamariki for these roles. Thanks to the School Board who have again funded scholarships for the children who applied for, but were not voted into these roles. They have a discounted opportunity to participate in the William Pike Programme which we hope they will enjoy. Congratulations to the following whare leaders for 2025: Jesse, Raphael, Crystal, Henry, Gizelle, Darcy, Lahnee, Wills, Grayson, Teddy, Ayesha and Alivia. I know these children will lead our whare and school values with pride, humility and passion.

We are pleased to be working in collaboration with Pou Whirinaki the Attendance Service this term. You can find out more information in the newsletter about the support they offer to families/whānau who may experience challenges getting their child to school. Improved attendance is a government priority and part of our Board's annual implementation plan. Please also see information in the newsletter related to Ako day and Hui -a -Whānau. planned for later in the term. We hope there is lots of interest in these events.

We have our learning conferences booked for Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 March. School will close at 1pm on the Wednesday. Information will come out via HERO soon for you to book this important event.

This week's safety message: Please remind your child to look both ways before crossing all the roads on their way to and from school.

Finally, we look forward to seeing you all at the GROW community picnic on Tuesday. The Fush Waka will be available to purchase food, plus there will be a $1 sausage sizzle or feel free to bring your own kai. Thank you to Matua Tu [teacher in Te Ara Whānui] who will play some music for us!

Ngā mihi

Sylvia

PS Free Space dress up day tomorrow - this was harder than I realised to find/make a costume sorry, please feel free to make a rocket out of a cardboard box! And yes casual clothes are fine.