End of Term 2

And then one day we woke up and it was the end of term two.  It feels strange to be ending the week, let alone the term, after not being here for the last two days.  The course was very worthwhile and taught me so much I did not know about Maori history and just how rich the history is here in the Bay. I'm looking forward to working with the people at Rapaki Marae, together with our students, to develop this knowledge further.
As I write this we've had yet another shake to remind us of what we have been through and it leads me to think of the tremendous resilience of everyone here. Despite everything, we continue to move forward and not let it affect our resolve to become the best we can. I have just been talking to Suzanne Lewis, our ERO reviewer from Dunedin. She told me that one of the foci for our visit next term is resilience and innovation. I don't think we'll have any problems covering that area, our resilience is second to none and with it comes the innovation to do what we need to to make it.
Thank you to everyone for everything you have done this term. I think, at times, people forget to recognise just how much they are doing for the school and community. The simple act of giving your child clean clothes to wear, supplying breakfast and getting them to school in the morning is huge and as some schools who don't have this will attest, it can not be overstated how important to a school simple acts like this are. So when I say thank you to everyone I really do mean everyone.
Thank you.

Story Tellers

This morning the juniors had some story tellers from the library in to entertain them.  They had an interesting selection of books and the session was both fun and informative. When you are next at the library (hopefully that will be regularly over the holidays), take the time to talk to the staff about your needs. They are most helpful and knowledgeable and can really help you with selections that are appropriate for your child and will keep them interested.

For the next two days I am attending a course on "Achieving Success as Maori" to further develop how our school reflects the bi-cultural nature of New Zealand and how we might do better for our Maori learners.

Thank you for your time at parent interviews. If you have any questions or concerns following these, please don't hesitate to talk to me or your child's teacher.

The end of term assembly is this Friday at 2:30pm, all welcome. See you there!

Interviews

On Friday the mid-year reports went home and today and tomorrow you have the opportunity to come in for 15 minutes and discuss the report and your child's progress. I'm interested in your thoughts on this process and what benefits you see from it.  I'd also like to know if there are any changes you would like, wither to the report format, the interview process or both. As we move forward it is important to reflect on what we do and to ask the opinions of those most affected. If you have any feedback or ideas please leave a comment or email me at principal@governorsbay.school.nz

This morning I met with the other principals in the Bay area and we discussed a range of topics from sports to policies. It is a valuable time to discuss what we are all doing and to share thoughts and ideas to support each other and work on collaboration between the schools.

PJs

Today's pyjama day was well supported as can be seen from the photos. It added another dimension to the variety of activities during buddy time. There was a suggestion that I had stolen my Parkroyal robe but as an upstanding member of society I can assure you that it was actually purchased. I bought it for my wife for our first wedding anniversary, having stayed there on our honeymoon. Given that the Parkroyal is gone now it's a good souvenir to have from our honeymoon, that and my wife of course.

The staff shot away from work quickly yesterday to attended an iPad seminar. We were slightly late in arriving but it was better than the schools who had closed early so they could arrive on time. It was a worthwhile introduction to iPads in the classroom and is an early step in our exciting journey.

Id like to remind you of the availability of after school care on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Bridget runs an interesting programme and the children are well cared for. Please remember that if your child is at school unaccompanied after 3:30pm they will be placed in after school care and you will be charged.

The weather is good enough to have netball today so I'm sure the team will continue their wonderful form.

Tonight is our pizza and movie night and I look forward to a good turn out.

Gone by 3:05

If you arrive at school after 3:05 you may find all of the staff missing. We have an iPad seminar in town that starts at 3:30 so we will all be gone fairly promptly after 3pm.
This is an important step in the implementation of iPads across the school and it is very beneficial to have all of the staff involved.
Yesterday the Year 6s became familiar with iMovie on the iPad as part of their technology work. It is very powerful to have 10 devices on which you can capture footage, edit, add sound and present.  These days children are exposed to so much visual media, that not having them author in this medium is akin to them reading but not having them write.

Thank you

This was sent through form New Zealand Principals' Federation and I wanted to pass it on and echo their sentiment of thanks as it once again emphasises the importance of us all working together for the good of the children.

NZPF congratulates boards, principals, staff and parents for publicly voicing their opposition to the government policy that would have seen increased class sizes, loss of staff and the compromising of learning opportunities and experiences for many children.

Your voices counted and resulted in the government reversing this policy. It is timely for us to remember that we have a highly successful world leading model for running our schools. Our governance structure ensures that schools are accountable and responsive to their local communities and government in turn is accountable to all school communities.

Thank you again for your actions in supporting the teaching and learning in your school.

You child should have brought home their interview time slip today. Please check the time and if it is not suitable could you contact us as soon as possible to arrange an alternative appointment please.