Newsletter 3 Term 1 – Friday 10 March 2023

Kia Ora Koutou

For the last three days we have had ERO (Education Review Officers) here at school.  They were extremely impressed with the tamariki in how they were able to talk about their learning, how they worked together, how they treated each other, how proud they were of their school and how welcoming they were towards them.  You should be very proud of your tamariki – I certainly was!

You may be aware that teachers and principals are currently in negotiations around their respective collective employment agreements.

There are many things that make up the claims and yes some are to do with pay but most are around our ability to do our jobs to the best of our ability and to be supported to do the very best for the children in our care. 

Being a teacher has become a more complex and challenging job over the years and in particular over the last decade or so when the requirements and expectations placed on teachers have grown whilst the support for teachers and schools has at best stayed stagnant and in many cases been reduced.  A classic example is the support provided for children with special learning or behavioural needs which has largely dried up causing more challenges for teachers, their attention to be diverted from the many to the few, and additional stresses and workload.

Additionally, it is clearly time for the government to address the inequity that sees primary schools resourced, on average, 20% less than their secondary school counterparts. This is particularly disappointing given that this issue was clearly highlighted in the government’s own Tomorrows School Report. 

To this end, teachers and Principals have voted to  strike in support of their claim and to encourage the government to provide the resources that will enable them to undertake their responsibility to children, their parents, and the wider community effectively.

It was announced last night that this will occur on Thursday the 16th of March and the school will be closed for that day.

Due to the strike action on the 16 March we have moved our Maitai Bay EMR trip to the following week Thursday 23 March.  A notice about this visit and request for help with transport and in the water is with this newsletter.

Ka kite

Jenny Williams

SCHOLASTIC BOOKCLUB ISSUE 2

Pamphlets are being sent home today with the children.  Lots to see with a great variety of items.  Could we please have any orders through the “LOOP” done before Monday 20th March so I can finalise the order and have the items back to school and given to your child/childrens before the school holidays.  Any queries please contact Sharon at school.

The following children have received certificates for their awesome work:

TERM 1 2023

Week 5 

Charley – For leading a team well during sandcastle building. (CBG book)

Logan – For a fantastic “Give it a go” attitude during swimming lessons and snorkeling.

Helena – For being a great helper with all class duties.

Harlow – For your amazing listening skills and positive attitude. (CBG Book)

Shyra – For your super spelling and writing.

Blythe – For excellence in Literacy and Maths.

Jack – For focusing and producing a beautiful artwork. (self portrait)

DATES TO REMEMBER: