10 December 2021

As I contemplate what to say in this final 'proper' Newsletter of 2021, I am having some difficulty knowing what not to talk about! 

We are nearing the end of a school year where we have experienced another one of those slightly topsy turvy moments in our lives. Another period of change and uncertainty. We have found it necessary to have a number of plans ... just in case. So, yes, challenging but the phoenix must rise! We haven't had a choice but to focus on what we can do, rather than what we can't. We have owed it to our children to not get too derailed and apprehensive about the 'other stuff'

As a staff, we supported each other to do our best and, this year, we have had some fantastic results in terms of our children's academic shifts. The best year yet, on record. So there has been some magic in the Worser Bay waters! Big appreciation to all of the teachers and support staff - rest time... soon!

As you know from the recent reports, we have equal focus on building resilience, providing opportunities/successes for the 'whole child' to flourish. This is, too, a year of movement - physically and social/emotionally for many of our children. Just look at the recent Fun Run as a great example - how many Positive Education boxes did that tick? Positive Accomplishment - tick, Positive Relationships - tick, Positive Achievement - tick, Positive Purpose - tick. The children came up with the idea - and they totally nailed it! Amazing!

It's a shame that we can't have our usual end of year Wrap Up community shindig but we are grateful that we can still farewell our Year 6 Leavers at the Poroaki, where they will give their final speeches next Thursday 16 December at 9.30am. 

We are about to enter a big week for Mikayla and Nik. Nik has brought his strengths of planning, humour, total love of NZ histories and a bit of strategic thinking thrown into the mix. Mikayla has brought her calm presence, consistency and planning and organisation to the fore. They have both grown and learned so much from their time with us - much of that is down to the care and support you, as our parent community, have shown to them  too. They leave us 'richer' and keen to take their learning back to their respective hometowns! Maybe that's what we do here - make them want to run 'home'?!! (Eek - I hope not!) Gisborne and New Plymouth are the winners. 

I would also like to personally thank the support of our Board of Trustees. Andy, Pam, Michelle, Tiso, Mark - our parent trustees and Suzanne - our staff rep and the ever efficient Board Secretary - Steph. You make the life of a Principal that bit better with your positive 'can do' outlook - believe me!

To our Fair Team who are showing flexible thinking and sheer grit, our sausage sizzlers, our pizza makers, fundraising brains, our sports managers and coaches.... all our parent helpers..... in TOTAL. Thank you. 

To families leaving Wellington - we would love to see you back for catch ups when in town. This is always your place. It's a bit like that song Hotel California "You can check out....... but you can never leave!"

Next week, have your diaries at the ready as the final, briefer Newsnote will be packed full of how to get ready to rock 'n' roll in 2022.