A big thank you to our community, parents, staff and students for a fantastic start to our school year. The atmosphere is positive, full of energy and focused on learning.

Te Kauri and Te Rakaui Nui moved into their classrooms last Tuesday. Thank you to Mr Olsen for all his help. The classrooms look great and the students in them are enjoying them.

We are interviewing applicants for the teaching position in Te Rakau Nui this week and expect the winning applicant to begin next Monday.

The PTA and their hardworking Gala committee met last Wednesday. Preparations are well underway, so if you haven’t signed up for a job yet please let Kathy or Stacey know. The level of success of our gala depends on you !!

This week is “Can Week”. Send along canned good with your child to school and they not only support the gala but earn points for their Whanau. Canned goods will be collected each morning under the multi-purpose shed by the School Council.

Thank you to the School Council for their humorous interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi during assembly on Thursday. It is important to take a moment to think about to understand the history of our Treaty and the last 175 years. If you are interested in learning more about the Treaty of Waitangi, there is a workshop this Saturday, 14^th February. It is called, Making Sense of the Treaty. This is a free community event which will be held at Te Puna o te Ora, Kayes Road, Pukekohe. Lunch and morning tea will be provided. It starts at 9am. The course is intended to increase your basic understanding about the Treaty, address misunderstandings and look at issues today. It is open to everyone. If you would like to attend please see me and I will book you on.

I’d also like to thank the parents and families that attended assembly. It not only shows your support of the school but our children love seeing you there. Remember assemblies are on Thursdays and start at 2.15pm.

We had a special visit from Mr Akroyd last Thursday morning and Miss Sixsmith before she left for her trip. The children loved seeing them. It was wonderful having previous staff visit. Whakawhanaunatanga also means we keep our connections with our previous staff and whanau.

Ka pai to you all for noting the change of the school day finish back to the 2.50pm finish.

Well done to everyone who have organized stationary and uniforms. It is important students are organized as soon as possible so they can maxmise their learning environment.

I had a lovely letter last week from a parent about how his daughter was “Caught Being Good”. Although this is an in school initiative, it is fantastic to know that our students are just as brilliant outside our school gates as they are in.

Have a wonderful week everyone and remember to maximise your potential !!

Miss Lysandra Stuart.