We especially welcome our new tamariki and families to our school - Ataahua and Kerehi  
Dora and Olavo, Natasha, Tamatekapua and Tia, Tommo, Harry, Alina, Myla, Rebecca, James and Matthew, Mason Julian, Liam, Otis , Siena, Ilana, James, Grace, Sejaan, Sebastian, Eleanor, Dennis, Eli, Jayms and Apolina. 
 We know you will add richness to our community and look forward to your input, and successes.
We also officially welcome our new kaiako - Lana, in Room 1(with responsibility for leading Totara syndicate), Dan in Room 2, and Gareth in Room 5. You can read a little about them later in this newsletter.  We also welcome our new intern Carolin from Germany she will remain with us until the end of Term 2.

We also welcome Damian Velluppillai to the role of Board Chairperson.
On your behalf I congratulate our teachers for all the hours of preparation that have  ensured a settled and positive start for all our children.

 Thank you for the ways you have prepared your children for the start of the new year, for the changes, challenges and opportunities it presents.
Creating a positive expectation around learning by asking your child what they have learnt or enjoyed, (or a challenge they have overcome), at the end of each day, empowers them to take responsibility for their learning - whether it be academic, physical or social.
 Children who see themselves as active learners are more successful than those that don't.

Those children who believe the goals and aspirations of home and school are the same also do better than those whose families are not engaged with their teachers around the learning.
Introductory meetings and a school picnic are upcoming opportunities for you to start the year well, linking strongly to our school and your community.  I encourage you to drop in to chat with me at a whanau forum Tuesday 26 February in the staffroom after 9.am. I will hold these once a term. They are an opportunity to talk informally with me and each other about your ideas  for our school and community.

The beginning of this year has been particularly poignant with the fires still burning - and huge challenges  continue to hang over many of our friends and families involved.
It highlights for us  yet again the importance of community, and how lucky we are that so many are helping when needed.

Offers of food for the families of those involved with the firefighting effort, or toiletries and small pamper gifts for those affected can be left at school for us to pass on. 

I'll look forward to seeing you all over the next few weeks.

Ngā mihi, 
 
Pip Wells
Principal.

Congratulations to Shevaun - Maia Māreikura Collier, born on 1th February 2019.  Mum and pēpi doing well