Kia ora e te whaanau,

As we head into the final week of Term 3, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate our wonderful Glenbrook School community.

It has been another incredibly busy and rewarding term. Our tamariki have continued to learn, grow, challenge themselves and make us proud, supported by an outstanding team of teachers and support staff who bring so much care, commitment and energy to our kura each day. I am incredibly grateful for everything our staff do for our children and whaanau.

This week brings one of the most special traditions on our Glenbrook calendar, Calf Club. For our school, Calf Club is about much more than the day itself. It is part of our history as a country school and an important opportunity to bring generations of our community together. Remember to check the due dates, times of items and events and how you can help our wonderful PTA, staff and Calf Club committee

Thank you to our families for continuing to support this tradition, particularly in a world where life seems to get busier every year. Whether your child is bringing an animal, entering an exhibit, participating in the activities or simply enjoying the day, I hope you take the opportunity to celebrate what makes our little country school so special. A huge thank you also goes to everyone behind the scenes who gives their time and energy to make Calf Club possible.

Last week Mrs McCartney, Miss Buchanan and I had the privilege of attending the International Principals Conference. There were many outstanding speakers and opportunities to connect with educational leaders from across Aotearoa and around the world, but one of my proudest moments was seeing the incredible aakonga of Tāmaki Makaurau showcase their cultures, identities, talents and schools to our international visitors. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring every child knows who they are, where they belong and that they have something valuable to contribute. I was also given the incredible humbling opportunity to help open the conference as one the kaikaranga. As part of the hosting executive it was interesting to note that many of the changes we are experiencing in Aotearoa, New Zealand are the same concerns across the developing world. 

As we look towards Term 4, a brief staffing update. Ms Greenstock will be taking another term of maternity leave, and we wish Ms Greenstock and her whaanau all the very best as they enjoy this precious time together. Mrs McCartney and Ms Buchanan will share the Acting Deputy Principal responsibilities during Term 4, continuing to provide strong leadership and support across our school.

I am also very sad to be missing my first Glenbrook Calf Club! However, I am incredibly proud to be travelling to Spain to support my daughter, Alex, as she represents New Zealand at her first Taekwon-Do World Cup. I know our school is in excellent hands, and I will certainly be thinking of everyone back at Glenbrook on Calf Club day.

As we finish the term, thank you to our parents, caregivers, whaanau and wider community for the many different ways you support our school. Strong schools are built through strong relationships, and we are fortunate to have a community that cares deeply about our tamariki and our kura.

Enjoy the final week, embrace the special moments of Calf Club, and then I hope everyone has the opportunity for a safe and well-earned break.

I look forward to seeing everyone again for a fantastic Term 4.

Ngaa mihi nui,

Ms Lysandra Stuart
Principal | Tumuaki
Glenbrook School