Performance tonight

This morning I had another visit from Lois Christmas, my principal appraiser. It was a very affirming meeting as it helped me realise how far I have come since the start of the year. I have learnt so much over the course of 2012 and while I will never stop being a learner, it is nice to reflect on my development as a principal thus far. The best part is that I'm still enjoying it as much as I was on day one. Most of that is due to the wonderful staff and children I work with on a daily basis, with great support from the parents and wider community.

I think it is a real privilege to be the Principal of Governors Bay School and I don't take the role lightly. I'm here for you and the children and together we will continue to grow and develop the school.

See you at the performance tonight!

Ticket Fever

With unprecedented demand for tickets we discussed ideas for another show this morning.  One idea was to go with a 5:30 and a 7:30 show on Tuesday but there were a number of children who were unable to make the 5:30 time. We now have an extra show on Thursday. If you are unhappy with your ticket arrangements please let us know.
Too much demand is the sort of problem we like; problems due to the fact that there is so much interest in the students and what they are doing we welcome.
As rehearsals continue today the pressure and anticipation mounts, all leading to an exciting opening night on Monday.
The choir performed admirably last night as we would expect. Thank you to the children in the choir for the way they represented the school and for the parent support.

Tickets

Tickets are selling well, too well in fact so more seats have been added to accommodate everybody. The weather has been ideal for rehearsals and set painting for the performance and for athletics practices.  The choir were at a rehearsal of their own all morning and their performance is tonight. They have put in a lot of work and I'm sure they will do us proud.

Gardening and jumping

It was all about athletics and gardening today. We were lucky to have Robina in to assist with the garden this morning, she works with a lot of school gardens and is a valuable and knowledgeable resource person. When I spoke to her today she was telling me how impressed she was with the Mathematics the students were using in regard to the gardens and how well she thought Karen ran the programme.
This afternoon everyone got out to practice high jump and long jump for athletics.
It's not all gardens and athletics, there is class work as well. The picture of Kereru is when they Skyped an International school in Indonesia. When we asked about the pets they have, we were most surprised to hear that one of the students had a python!

Performing

Rehearsals are underway in earnest this week and with less than a week to go the pressure is on. Kereru and Piwakawaka are busy practicing their lines, building and painting sets and props and making sure that come Monday night they are at their absolute best. On top of this everyone is preparing for the athletics day so it's all go. But it's all for a worthy cause and both the performance and the athletics day are going to be great.

 

Early start

This morning some of Kereru arrived early to Skype a school in Illinois. Hannah and Chloe shared some of their whakapapa with the American class and even taught them how to Hongi and count to five in Te Reo Maori. We expect that they are the first class in Illinois to learn these things. The two classes chatted for just over half and hour before the Illinois students had to go as their parents arrived to pick them up, they had stayed after school to Skype. In that time we discussed a number of topics and shared some interesting stories.
Everyone in the school has worked so hard this week that I have given them Monday off.

Athletics

Athletics practice started in earnest today with some sprints and long distance running. It was great to be able to take advantage of the great weather, before it turns rubbish tomorrow. In assembly we gave out the English New South Wales Competition certificates. The results were of a high standard, with one high distinction and a distinction that was only one mark away from being a high distinction. Congratulations to all who took part in these competitions.

Engineering

The year 8s have been working on a project as part of the 'Transpower Neighbourhood Engineer Awards.' It was started by the whole Kereru class earlier in the year before being handed over to our year 8s to complete. The brief written by the whole class was basically to design outdoor storage for our emergency equipment. Today they were visited by Catherine and Sara from Motovated design to have one last look at things before their work is sent away at the end of this week. Sara is the engineer who has been mentoring the group right through the process and her input has been invaluable. Today Sean and Luke brought along an example of the finished product, thanks to the work they have been putting in with their father Ricky, and a big thanks goes to him for his time and the materials. It's great to have photos of the finished product to send away as it adds another dimension to the planning and development. The students have learned so much through this authentic project and it will be good to get the judges feedback on their process and achievement.

Start of term 4

So here we are at the end of the first day of term four already. It appears that everyone has had a good break and is ready to get back into it. There is a lot on this term and the seniors are already into full preparation mode for their production.

It has started as a week of meetings for me with a staff meeting and board meeting today then tomorrow morning I am at a meeting of the Canterbury Primary Principal's Association and on Thursday I am at a course all day.