Tena Koutou Katoa,

We welcome back Miss Sixsmith this week who has started in Parekereke. Miss Sixsmith returns from her travels and we are extremely pleased to see her.

Last week I accompanied the Middle Syndicate to Reretewhioi Marae. It was wonderful to reconnect to our local marae. The hosts were welcoming and keen to share their knowledge of the marae. The students were respectful and enthusiastic. Thank you to the teachers, parents and whanau for your help and organisation.

Our visit to Miranda Hot Pools was an enjoyable day out. It was brilliant seeing so many parents spending time with us and their children. The students behaved magnificently. It was the perfect day to reflect and celebrate a busy and hardworking term.

This week is our last week and we have not slowed down. Tonight we have our Glenbrook Speech Finals. Congratulations to all the finalists who will wow us with their oral skills this evening. Please remember that Year 5 and 6 start at 5.30 and Year 7 and 8 start at 6.30. Speeches are being held in Parekereke.

Tomorrow is Cross Country. We will be running around parts of the Udy farm and our school field. Students will need to wear shoes. A sausage sizzle will be available. We will also have a quick get together just before lunch to make a special announcement. Then tomorrow night, the winner of the Year 7 and 8 speech competition will represent Glenbrook School at the Waiuku Speech Competition. Last year Luke Frost won this event.

I am happy to announce that Glenbrook School has been accepted into the Pebbles Robotics Programme. This is a year 7 and 8 programme held in Manukau. Mrs Simnor and I are attending a preview tomorrow after school. Six of our year 7 students will be chosen to attend six two hour sessions throughout the year where they can explore their creative, innovative and scientific potential.

On Friday our teachers, BOT and representatives of the PTA will challenge each other on local knowledge and a race around Waiuku using geocahe. This team building exercise will be led by our Whanau Leaders. The purpose is to continue to build our collegiality as a team, but to also share our local heritage and history with all our staff.

Over the school break I will be attending the First Time Principal’s conference. My focus will be evaluating ERO. Mrs Davidson will be attending the Gifted and Talented Conference. This will inform us on how best to start reviewing our approach to GATE.