It has been a very challenging week for everyone in Canterbury. I am grateful to our staff for maintaining routine and consistency for our learners when sometimes it is hard to concentrate oneself.

Thank you for the messages of support and gratitude you have sent in to the staff and the morning tea was so very much appreciated. Thank you to Leanne Croucher for organising a morning tea run for our local Police as well. 

As you know some of our families have been directly affected so our thoughts are with them. If you know of anyone in need please feel free to contact me directly. Our local Mana Ake Team were here on Monday morning to meet with families and are available as needed.

A few parents and staff have mentioned concerns regarding our planned trip into the city to visit the Tūranga library and the Margaret Mahy Park. I have decided to postpone this trip until later in the year. Thank you to those families who have offered their time and paid the contribution. We will inform you of the later dates.

After consulting with all camp staff and parent volunteers we decided to continue with our Year 7/8 camp to Wainui. Families were given the option of their children not attending.  The reports to date have been very positive and the children are really challenging themselves by participating in a long three hour walk into Wainui, coasteering, kayaking, high ropes and orienteering.  The activities sound amazing and the weather has been great. Thanks so much to the staff and parents who have made this camp possible: Megan Murray, Fraser Malins, George Harnett, Dena Greene, Sara Booth, Dan Paterson, Linda Currie, Craig Greene, Steph Hautler, Phil Price, Marc Satherley Shea, Dan Sullivan, and Chris Briggs.

Finally, I am looking forward to seeing you at our Cultural Celebration Day Assembly next Thursday 28 March. And just a reminder that we have a Staff Only Day next Friday 29 March and school will be closed for instruction.

Ngā mihi nui

Sylvia