Dear parents/caregivers,

Welcome back to another edition of our fortnightly newsletter. At this point in the year, we start planning for 2024 looking at student cohorts, class structure, staffing and strategic planning.

To assist us in forward planning, I ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you:

· are not planning for your child/children to return to Witherlea next year

· know anyone who is planning to enrol at Witherlea next year.

This information will enable us to ensure optimal class sizes and staffing ratios.

The Ministry of Education has led a Network Review of all Blenheim Schools in collaboration with school leaders and boards over the last 12 months. The intent of the review is to ensure the existing capacity of the school network is effectively utilised and to address some practical issues with the current enrolment schemes. The review identified that our school has some underutilised capacity as a result of our home zone being reduced through past processes. The proposal would see our home zone extended back to the historical catchment area. These changes are published for community consultation until 15 September. Changes for all schools will come into effect from January 1 2024. I encourage you to review the proposed changes and make an online submission using this link: https://consultation.education.govt.nz/education/witherleaschool-es

Thank you to those who have provided feedback on changes to Student Reporting this year. I heard that the new format provided good clarity around achievement, that the personalised comments that reflected progress and broader achievement were highly valued, as were the suggestions for how you could support learning at home. The parents I spoke with felt well informed overall and appreciated the opportunities for face to face meetings with teachers. Please feel free to forward any other comments about Student Reporting to me via email principal@witherlea.school.nz and remember that you can request a meeting with your child's teacher at any time by contacting the office.

Finally, a big thank you to our amazing school community for your support with what has been another hugely successful Grocery Grab fundraiser. At assembly on Monday results will be announced and prizes presented by the Friends of Witherlea.

Have a great weekend!

Symon Beattie

Principal

We wish to welcome these new students and their families and whānau to our school and community;

Tom L, Ameika G

Welcome to School Certificates are given out at our assembly on a Monday morning at 9am.

Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Fair Shoutouts

Congratulations to these students who have displayed one or all of our school behaviour expectations and are a model to others;

FERNS TEAM

Reo P - Consistently modelling what it means to be kind safe and fair. You are as asset to room 7, the ferns team and Witherlea School.

Addie M - Being a kind friend to others in our class. Addie, you are such a caring and helpful friend and we are so lucky to have you in our class!

Quinn M - Consistently living our school motto of being kind, safe and fair. You are a year 1 leader and a role model to all!

Isla F - Isla you are respectful, kind and friendly. We love how you consistently celebrate others successes. What a lucky class we are to have you showing us everyday what aroha and integrity look and sound like. You Rock!

Kirsvin N - being a role model student of room 4. You display all of the Witherlea values consistency and take pride in yourself and your work!

KOWHAI TEAM

Rory P - Rory is a kind caring member of Room 8 and the school. She applies our school motto in all she does - in the class and the playground she is thoughtful and supports all those around her. Witherlea is lucky to have Rory!

Lorna D - Being a quality Witherlea student who strives to be their best and supports others in need,

KAURI TEAM

Sienna W - Consistently promoting a fair and inclusive learning atmosphere in room 17. You are always putting others needs and interests before your own/ Sienna, your kind smile can brighten a room. Keep being you.

Girvan D - Being an outstanding member of room 18. You go above and beyond in all aspects of school life. You uphold all Witherlea school values to the fullest! Keep it up!

The awards are for recognition in displaying and modelling our school motto and values; Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Fair.

Last week was Maths Week. During the week classes did extra challenges and students earned tickets for trying, finishing, and accepting any maths in their classes. There were a lot of tickets handed out, and the boxes were given extra mixes. There were some lucky winners from each team.

Ferns: Trixie, Allie

Kowhai: Oisin, Leo

Kauri: Harry, Brydie

The Witherlea School Choir are performing on Wednesday 13th of September, alongside 4 other Marlborough Schools, in what is going to be a fantastic evening of singing and dancing!

Seats are selling really fast and the theatre is already 3/4 full- so be sure to get your tickets soon so that you don't miss out!