The opportunity for all of our staff to visit other foundation schools that I had worked with in the past in Auckland was really rewarding. According to John Hattie investing in professional learning and development for staff has

a very strong correlation to enhancing learner achievement. In fact it has the strongest effect size compared with the other top four leadership dimensions which research shows makes a difference in this country: establishing goals and expectations, resourcing strategically, planning, co-ordinating and evaluating teaching and the curriculum and ensuring an orderly and supportive environment. Together we gathered lots of new ideas about structures and experiences that could improve our teaching and learning programmes, and we are now working on some new initiatives.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Kids for Kids World Vision Concert at Horncastle Arena. We were all so proud of our waiata group who rocked away in time to the music and sang their hearts out. Special mention to Laura Tippett, Molly Harvey and Aria Borland who all took centre stage with either a rapping/singing solo or the ukelele! What talented learners we have. Once again a big special thanks to our Lead Teacher of the Arts - Miss Laura Finn who organises the waiata group with support from the singing teacher - Jacqui Soper. Well done! Miss Finn is now working on a performance for our senior kapahaka group at Ellesmere College next Thursday evening.

This week the Māori Whanau Teacher group, Miss Leigh Thrupp, Miss Katie Talbot and Miss Sam Nicols,  have shared lots of great resources with everyone for Māori Language Week. It has been great to have children from TKK-Kakariki sharing a phrase of the day in Te Reo over the loud speaker. There will be a short hui tomorrow morning to celebrate Māori Language week in the gym. All welcome.

Finally, WOW - what a response to the cheese roll fund-raiser! As I have said before what an amazing community we are - see you Saturday afternoon:)

Ngā mihi

Sylvia