Well we have reached one of the most exciting times of the year - our lead up to Christmas.

For us it is lots of preparation for the 2023 year, but a real focus on celebrating the achievements of the students in 2022. Again a very busy year ( I am yet to see one that isn't busy!), and one where covid had an impact (and still does for many New Zealanders), the ability to travel overseas again (this particularly for our immigrant community who have been impacted by lack of travel).

This week we will be celebrating our Year 6 Leavers. Over their time at Sockburn/Wigram they have had the opportunity to grow in more ways than solely academic learning. Tonight we hold a celebration dinner for them, followed by an awards ceremony. These awards will again be presented at our End of Year Celebration Assembly tomorrow - 9 December at 1:30pm. All parents welcome.

Teacher Only Days 2023

The Ministry of Education has just released a statement about 2 Teacher Only Days for Schools next year, with the focus on the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. They have provided a few rules about these days and have stated the first one needs to be in the first two weeks of Term 2. Also they need to be co-ordinated across the local schools. Term two has a messy start with back at school on the Monday then a Tuesday holiday, then back on the Wednesday. We had hoped that maybe the Monday 24 may be an option - but the High School already has this as a holiday. Watch this space early next year for a confirmed Teacher Only day date. We have not been advised yet to when the second one needs to be organised for.

Ako Meetings

We will begin the year with 2 days of Meet the Teacher meetings. Bookings are required for these meetings. All Parents will be sent link information for the bookings on the 23 or 24 January.

End of Year Celebration - The Movies

Wednesday 14 December - Students from Pukeko, Matuku and Kereru will be attending a movie at the Silky Otter. The movie they see will be at either 9:45am or 10:30am. Popcorn will be available for all children. All Movies for this group are rated G.

If you would prefer your child not to go to the movies - please let us know.

There is no cost for this Celebration.

Thursday 15 December - Students from Toroa and Ruru will be attending a movie at the Silky Otter. The movie they see will be at either 9:45am or 10:30am. Popcorn will be available for all children. There are a range of G and PG rated movies and groupings have been made according to the Google form sent out last week.

2023 Class List

This list will be sent as an attachment to your email address today, along with this newsletter. These classes are now finalised. On Monday there will be a time for the students to go to their new learning spaces and meet their teachers.

Massive Thankyou

A shout out goes out to our Year 6 Leavers. They have been actively involved in many activities around the school, and we hope that these opportunities will stand them in good stead for the years ahead. They have been House Leaders, Student Councillors, Librarians, Road Patrollers, Wet Day Monitors, Eco Warriors, Garden Club members, PALs - and these are but a few of the responsibilities undertaken.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas break, and we look forward to seeing you all again early in February.

Kind regards

Heather Walkinshaw

Principal

Start of Year Dates & Organisation