I came across this group of learners when I did one of my usual walk-throughs of the school and as always happens I was refreshed and inspired by what I saw happening in the learning studios.

In this particular instance the children were working collaboratively on a digital literacy task [directly linked to the new digital technologies curriculum due for implementation from 2020 but we have been implementing since we opened]. Mela is reading the text, everyone is helping to decipher the instructions from the text, and then Blake inputs the instructions onto the osmo board so the wee square robot moves in different directions. There is tangible evidence of all of the great skills the children are developing from turn-taking, relating to others, managing self, reading, predicting, sequencing and patterning, listening and being digitally literate. I cannot wait for these children to be developing the 'osmos'  and software of the future!

Well, I still cannot believe it is the end of the term already. It has been such an action-packed term with the Year 5/6 Camp back in week 2, the GROW disco, Samoan Language Week, the EDS and child cancer fund-raisers, whacky hair wish jar day, Harold supporting our mental health and wellness with Life Education and all of these wonderful learning experiences on top of our usual teaching and learning programme across seven key learning areas: english, maths, science, health and pe, the arts, technology and social sciences. Next term the staff have prepared more exhilarating learning experiences including a Book Week, a Talent Show and participation in the Cultural Festival.

Many thanks also to the parents and supporters of our school who have contributed so much this term as well. The GROW Winter Wednesday Hot Chocolate continues to be so popular. This week Joe Sefton and Nicole Richards ran the highly successful Quiz Night raising over $3000 just in raffle tickets!

This week we also farewell Amy Hunt from the front office. Amy has been with us from the beginning when we had 77 learners and she has been instrumental in establishing excellent systems and routines. We will miss Amy and wish her all the best in her return to the world of commercial banking.

Finally, you will not see me at the beginning of next term as I am off to support my thirteen year old son at the World Futsal Championships. Ben Galletly and Amanda Clarkson will act up as principal in my absence.

Have a safe and wonderful break with your children.

Ngā mihi nui

Sylvia