Wow - where did that term go!

It seems to have gone so fast - probably a reflection of the amount of activity in the school - and the winter chill.  At the latest BoT meeting we reflected on many areas in the school that we are supporting, and the time and effort of the staff to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children.  The recent Kapahaka performance and celebration was an amazing night. Spearheaded by Sam Forward from the Board but showing our true community spirit with lots of people chipping in to make for a great night, awesome performance and yummy food - so thanks again.

The Board is also excited that a lot of the work Rob Hunt has been undertaking on the traffic management plan for the school will turn into some changes in the new term.  We are working with the Council and Police to make changes to the roading, parking and managing the traffic patterns. Once again, working together for the best outcomes is great - now as parents and caregivers we need to continue on with the lead already taken with using crossings and being respectful of new drop off zones and parking changes.  More info and details are coming out and in the first week of the new term we will be working with everyone to help understand how it all works.  This is for the safety of all of us in the community - happy to assist anyone with understanding this - and it all sits nicely with our overall school values and behaviours.

We have had our first audit undertaken by the Education Review Office (ERO) - it is a very good summary of where we are at as a school - reinforcing the strategy, standards and curriculum, our culture, teaching and practices of the school.  For a "first" audit this is a great report - I encourage you to all read it at this link:  http://www.ero.govt.nz/review-reports/west-rolleston-primary-school-07-06-2018/ 

You will have noticed the teachers have been having meetings with their union about conditions and pay.  We have been fortunate that we haven't had to close the school while they attend meetings (other schools have - thanks for our team that enabled the school to remain open).  The BoT is very supportive of our staff and ensuring they have a voice as to what is right and wrong in their employment with the Ministry of Education.  We encourage our parents to understand the issues facing the education system and support the teachers in any way they can - the outcomes for our children is better education.  Please read and learn about what they are trying to achieve - its much greater than "pay" issues.

Rebecca Lambert had her last meeting with the Board last week  as she gets closer to her maternity leave.  Rebecca has been an amazing representative for the school and we all thank her for her input.  Megan Murray is taking on the teacher Board role - and we look forward to working with her.

So - enjoy the term break.  A HUGE THANKS to the staff of our school - you are an amazing team and do an amazing job.  Be safe, and see you next term.

Simon McDermott, BoT Chair.