It has been another busy week with Samoan Language Week. Thank you to all of the aiga potopoto [extended families] who came along with food to share.

Thank you also to Vaipou Shadwell who made koko araisa for our children to sample this morning.

Last week we had our first disco for 2019 and what a successful event it was. Thanks to Dena Greene, GROW and all of the parents and staff who helped with this awesome event for our learners. Kylie Drake [chairperson] has put a fund-raising thermometer up in the GROW noticeboard as you come into the school from the scooter area and parent carpark. This is a good way to keep up to date with money being raised for our junior playspaces.

This week we also had our team of cross-country runners participate in  the zones on Monday. Mr Mike Stewart reported that everyone made a superb effort and represented themselves and the school positively. Thank you to the parents who helped with transport and encouragement.

Today the Year 5-8 learners started their first round of winter sport. The children participate each week in Lincoln and have an awesome range of sports including dodgeball, korfball, crossfit, quickrip, AFL, ultimate frisbee, self defence, squash, badminton and golf! Please note 50% of families have not yet made the contribution costs for this.

You may have noticed that our Life Education classroom has also arrived. This programme supports our mental health and well-being teaching.  Thanks to Miss Katie Talbot for organising. Please note 70% of families have not yet made the contribution costs for this. 

Finally, please support the EDS mufti-day tomorrow that Lauren Palmer in Te Ara Maia has organised with support from the school ambassadors. Today the ambassadors and some identified senior leaders are all attending a young leaders day in town. I am sure they will find the day very reflective and a great opportunity to learn new skills.

Ngā mihi nui

Sylvia