Kia ora
Without a doubt the past few weeks have been rather extraordinary. To say there have been challenges is probably a bit of an understatement.
Going into lockdown was not the way I had anticipated term one ending. What I had in mind revolved more around a celebration of the learning that had taken place during the term and the achievements made by our wonderful tamariki. We might even have been able to celebrate at a whole school assembly, with a bit of singing, certificificates, student leaders handing out trophies, handshakes and whanau joining us. Ah, the good old days. How things have changed.
What hasn’t changed though is our wonderful tamariki. They have continued to learn, grow, question, create, read, sing, dance, and the list goes on. I’ve been impressed by how our students have confronted this challenge in front of them head on and gotten on with it. Let’s not forget the support that the students have had at home. Thank you everyone for the effort you are making and the support you are able to provide. It is certainly a team effort.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff. Their adaptability and resolve has had a big part in making this work. I know that some of the teaching staff have even been participating in online learning in order to meet the changing demands of our profession. That’s a fine example of Learning for Life.
Thank you for responding to the survey or school stream earlier in the week. As we move into Alert Level 3 next week we are planning a return to school for just a handful of students with all others continuing with distance learning. It has been important to keep this number as low as possible for the care and protection of all our bubbles. Monday is a public holiday (ANZAC Day recognised) and Tuesday is a teacher only day, during which we will be planning for the following week or two. Distance learning will resume on Wednesday.
Next week presents a new challenge to our staff as we prepare to teach via distance and at school. It’s going to mean at times that some teachers are at home, teaching their students who are at school. Strange times indeed.
Take care and stay safe in your bubbles.
Ka kite ano,
Callum Tytler
Acting Principal
