When I started writing this piece for the newsletter it was to communicate the Board’s excitement about our new school logo. However, since learning of Juliana’s resignation it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the huge part she has played in taking our school on this amazing cultural journey. This journey began with our gifted name Clarkville Te Kura Ki Waimātao and the cultural narrative that accompanies it. Since then students have been learning through inquiry about the Waimakariri river, braided rivers, local flora and fauna and the history of Clarkville.

these themes that stands out for me now is the acknowledgment that everyone adds to our school by their presence. He went on to explain that this includes present students, whanau and staff, all that have gone before us, and those that will come. This concept of connecting the future, past and present allows us to be grateful for the enormous contribution our principal/tumuaki has made to our school but to also continue to seek great things for our future. There are many inspiring themes and concepts which have been incorporated into our logo that will bring it to life for our students. We are so very lucky to have Maia visiting Clarkville Te Kura Ki Waimatao on the 9th of May to share with the school community the narrative behind his beautiful logo. We are hopeful that by then the school community will be able to come together in person, if this isn’t the case then we will ensure that the school community has access to watch Maia speak.

-Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

Due to the pressures on our health system from Omicron, the Community Dental Services have suspended their school services. Their staff have been redeployed to support the delivery of essential health services.

We have had fantastic sports at Clarkville school and we are very proud of our students for getting out there and giving it a go. COVID has presented some challenges surrounding sport this term and we thank you all for your patience and support in navigating around these.

I would like to send out a massive thank you to all of our coaches and managers who have stepped up this term. Without your support our children would not be able to participate in sport and we are very appreciative of your time and commitment.

Celebration of Term 1 Sport from our coaches and managers:

Kat: The Clarkville Blue team was great. They started working as a team and passing the ball to each other. Miniball is a great introduction to basketball with the drills at the start.

Eddie: We have finally wrapped up the first 2022 season of miniball. All of the kids did very well in practicing their skills. With layups, passing, rebounds and shooting. I hope all of them decide to come back and play again for term 2. Thank you all for your help when I was away.

Nick for the Year 7/8 Blue Team: It has been a tough term 1 basketball season as Omicron peaked during March, with COVID affecting everyone to some extent. There were several weeks where both year 7/8 teams dug in deep and provided players to each other’s teams, meaning some of the children played 2 games in a night. By the end of the term our wee group had gelled really well and were playing awesomely together, constantly helping each other out.

It was obvious that everyone’s skill sets had grown throughout the term and they should all be proud of themselves and how they played the game.

Krissie for the Clarkville Black Yr 5/6 team: We had a great season. A team of year 6 boys, we were grateful to have 5 players in the team because some weeks we struggled to get a team together due to Covid and other commitments. We had 5 strong players and the boys won most of their games. The focus this season was on defence and marking their player, and passing. The boys played really well as a team and I noticed a step up this season in the way they played together rather than as individuals. Thanks to Izzy for her coaching, she did a good job of keeping the boys in line and without her the boys wouldn't have learned much in the way of basketball skills (with me as their coach!). And thanks to North Canterbury Basketball for running a great programme yet again.

Jodi for Clarkvile green hockey team: They had a great season. Although there were a few canceled games due to weather and COVID they all really came together as a team with every game. We had plenty of wins but what stuck out to me was the children's amazing sportsmanship that would make the school proud. Because the adults were not allowed near the field it was just amazing to see the maturity of the kids with doing their own changes of positions on the field. They all shared the field and positions really well and although a lot of them had not played with each other before - they really just gelled. There were some beautiful stick work and amazing defence. It was just a pleasure to watch.

Ka pai tō mahi

Well done team! Super proud of you all.

It is now time to think about winter sports. Term 2 winter sports include; Miniball Year 3 & 4 and Netball, hockey and football for Year 5 - 8. We will also be hosting a cross country event where we are welcoming all parents and caregivers to attend. Please see attached flyers for other sporting opportunities offered through the Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust.

Please note the restrictions around COVID and sports have changed for next term. Please have a look at this information which will be attached to the winter sport sign up information posted on Hero over the break.