Kia ora koutou Te Kura O Hato Mere whanau,

Simply Sensational!

What a year. Sensationally difficult at times, Sensationally faith filled, Sensationally emotional and turbulent. Sensational time to build stronger relationships, to build tolerance and understanding, build our hapori whānui, our community across Marlborough, New Zealand and the world.

Technology has brought us together in such a sensational way that we at the touch of a button or swipe of a screen can be connected.

Sensational, sensational, sensational ….

This was the reflection from many when we discussed the end of this year. The grind of the year can bring you down and weigh upon you. When we come together in community and communion we become a reflection of our treasured multiple cultures and all of those within them that have come together for their children's education.

Our faith draws us together, our want and will to support our tamariki to learn and progress through our kura to become the best person they can be, the best human.

Thursday night and Friday morning was a fantastic reflection of us as a hapori whānui. In my speech I asked you all to come in, to feel welcomed to walk through the gates into the warm open arms here at Te Kura O Hato Mere.

It was the first time in 24 months that we had such a celebration. It was sensational this year to bring back whole school activities and be able to welcome you once again. I was so super happy on both occasions to see so many people I have not seen over the last two years. The community talking to each other, having great conversations, catching up, laughing, feeling comfortable in the same space for the same reasons, the celebration of our children's learning and progress, academic and personal.

Come back to us, come back to school, come back in communion with other parents and caregivers outside the classrooms while waiting for the bell. Come, sit, chat, introduce yourselves to each other. 3 years of electronic distance has allowed us to communicate but not allow us to be in community face to face, not allowed us to share stories, feelings and emotions with each other.

We Want You BAAAAACK!

2022 is nearly gone. We have learnt so many lessons over the last few years. Let us take them all and use them to build our future, the future of the school, the future for the learners.

2023 is on our doorstep and opportunity is banging on the door. Let us open the door and walk out into the unknown, build a new future built on our strong foundations of traditions and faith or culture, love and joy and willingness to explore with open arms and minds.

This all starts with you and your willingness to come back to school and engage with each other and the staff.

We look forward to the New Year and welcome you all.

Have a wonderful break as a whānau. Give each other a hug and a kiss. Embrace each other with love and joy. Grow as a family unit and support each other's differences. Love the person you are and those of people around you.

We are all made in the likeness of God. Allow that to shine, encourage it and celebrate it.

Celebrate the birth of Christ and the coming of the New Year and the possibilities this has to offer us all.

God bless you all, take care, stay safe and celebrate.

Yours ‘In Christ’s Light’

Paddy Dowling

2023 INTERSCHOOL SUMMER HOCKEY FESTIVAL

TERM 1 – 6 weeks |MONDAY 20th FEBRUARY – MONDAY 27th MARCH 2023

Please find below information for the 2023 season’s Summer Hockey Competitions

• Hockey Marlborough will run the coaching on the night for each team
• 2 x 20mins halves, 2min half time break
• 6 aside on quarter field (Year 3&4 / Year 5&6) Half Field Year 7-8

Summer hockey is a fun, skillful adaptation of our winter game. There are no outs, more points and spot prizes. It is a great way to get ready for the winter competition with the focus on fitness, skill development and teamwork.

YEARS 3 & 4 COMPETITION $35 per player

• To be played on Monday afternoons
• First GAME on Monday 20th February 2023
• No coach is required for summer hockey, just an adult to manage the team

YEARS 5 & 6 COMPETITION $35 per player

• To be played on Monday afternoons
• First GAME on Monday 20th February 2023
• No coach is required for summer hockey, just an adult to manage the team

YEARS 7/8 COMPETITION $35 per player

• To be played on Monday afternoons
• First GAME on Monday 20th February 2023
• No coach is required for summer hockey, just an adult to manage the team

Forms will be available from the office at the beginning of Term 1

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SUMMER FOOTBALL

Please see all info below and attached for Summer Football 5 weeks Feb/March 2023…

JUNIOR SCHOOL LEAGUE (5 a-side) – Wednesdays

Starts – Wednesday 15th February

Finishes – Wednesday 15th March (5 weeks)

Held at A & P Park.

4.15pm – 4.45pm: 5-6 year olds

4.45pm – 5.15pm: 7-8 year olds

5.15pm – 5.45pm: 9-10 year olds

5.45pm – 6.30pm: 11-12 and 13-14 year olds

You can check out the Get Ready Guide which gives you information about the course for all age groups, training plan and training tips, along with the TRYathlon pack info!

Click here for the latest Tots to Teens digi-magazine.

If you would like to order SUBWAY, please order online Wednesday mornings

Orders must be done before 8.45am on Wednesday mornings.

Online order instructions here