From the Acting Principal

Kia ora koutou,

Last week, Miss Caitlin Myers and I had the privilege of presenting at the Growth Coaching New Zealand Symposium on “Coaching for Impact: Sustaining Change Through Learning Conversations.” We shared insights into our school journey with coaching and how we support and coach one another as educators, a process that involves careful preparation and a genuine commitment to improvement. Reflecting on this experience, I’m reminded of the dedication our students are showing to be Communicators as they prepare for their upcoming speech finals for Years 3-6 and poetry recitals for Years 1-2. Just as Miss Myers and I worked diligently to refine our presentation, our students are investing their time and energy to confidently share their thoughts on a topic of their choice or the theme of ‘unity.’ Their efforts to speak clearly and with conviction are a testament to their growth and the support they receive from our community. A big well done to all of our students for participating in an oral presentation in the past few weeks and all the best to our finalists this week!

Introductions

As we move through the term, it’s wonderful to witness the vibrant activities and achievements that make our school community so special. I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to two new staff members who have joined us this week: Liz Browne, our new teacher aide, and Fran Nixon, our new librarian. We are excited to have them on board, bringing fresh energy and expertise to our team.

Cross Country

Our School Cross Country event was a tremendous success! The spirit and determination displayed by all our runners were truly inspiring. We are now looking forward to the HPPA Interschool Cross Country on Tuesday, 13th August, where our top runners will represent us with pride.

Short-term International Student Experience

Additionally, I’m pleased to share a photo from our recent day trips with the short-term international students. They had a fantastic time exploring Ohuiarangi and Bucklands Beach, engaging with our beautiful surroundings and learning about local landmarks. These outings are an integral part of their experience, helping them connect more deeply with our community and environment.

Swimming Lessons

Year 3 and 4 students have enjoyed their first swimming session which will now happen every Monday, developing important skills while having fun in the water. Please help your children remember to bring all their correct gear on the day to ensure they can participate fully.

Japanese Visitors

We recently hosted visitors from Kodomo Library in Japan, who stayed with us from 25th July to 5th August. It was a fantastic cultural exchange, and we are grateful for the connections made during their visit. A special thanks to the host families of the seven students we received; your hospitality made this experience possible. This was a joint hosting effort with Farm Cove Intermediate and Bucklands Beach Intermediate. The pōwhiri at Farm Cove Intermediate was a highlight of their stay and a memorable experience for all involved.

Transition to Intermediate

As we prepare our Year 6 students for their transition to intermediate, we were pleased to welcome BBI leadership for a visit. I’d like to remind all parents to be vigilant with communication from the intermediate schools to ensure a smooth transition. Your attentiveness to these details will help make this important milestone as seamless as possible for your children.

Māori and Pacific Hui

Our recent hui for Māori and Pacific families was a valuable opportunity to connect and discuss ways to further enhance our students’ educational experiences. We appreciate the insights shared and look forward to continuing these important conversations.

ICAS Testing

Our ICAS tests are underway, with English in Week 4, Science in Week 5, and Maths in Week 6. A big thank you to our students who are participating and arriving early, ready to challenge themselves academically.

Wells Road

I’m pleased to share that the maintenance work on Wells Road is now complete. Thank you for your cooperation and patience while these works took place, ensuring the safety of our students during this time.

Let’s continue to support each other as we navigate the rest of the term. Together, we can achieve great things!

Ngā mihi nui,

Dylan Marshall

Dates for your Diaries

Wednesday 14 August – Year 6 ICAS English

Wednesday 21 August – Year 6 ICAS Science

Wednesday 28 August – Year 4, 5 & 6 ICAS Mathematics

Community Notices

Art Classes with Janet