Kia ora koutou katoa, Talofa lava, Kia orana,

As you will be aware we didn't get the opportunity to send out a newsletter last week because of the Cyclone. I decided that we would combine the two today.

We hope that you and your whanau are well and recovering from the nasty effects of the flooding and that any damage can be repaired speedily and without too much angst.

Congratulations to all of our new Leaders, we are looking forward to a great year. Once again it was difficult to select only 10 children, if you weren't selected please note, that doesn't mean that we didn't think you could do the job.

We are now looking for PAL's (Physical Activity Leaders) to help as well with our programmes and this also provides leadership opportunities for our year 6's.

Unfortunately you will have heard that the Cricket is on hold until further notice- another consequence of the Cyclone.

Last week we were going to have our Meet the Teacher conferences but unfortunately all schools in Hawke's Bay were closed, so they couldn't go ahead.

As there is still so much happening we have decided to cancel the conferences and for staff and parents to mix on the night of Carnival. This will be an opportunity to introduce yourselves and have a catch up.

Carnival is still going to be on Tuesday 14th March starting at 5:00 p.m. with our inter house Tabloid sports competition. This will be followed by the Year 6 fundraising stalls opening at 6:00. Children go home early at lunchtime on the 14th and then come back at 5:00 ready for the sports.

The Year 6 children will be bringing home information tonight about the event and what you can do to help with the Year 6 Camp fundraising. All funds raised go towards the end of year Year 6 camp at lake Tutira.

Unfortunately our Year 6's have missed out on the Optimist Yachting this year because of the sea conditions. I will look and see if there is an opportunity for us to have a go later in the year, if possible.

The Senior Swimming Sports are being postponed, because of the nasty weather forecast for the next two days. We will run them on Wednesday 1st March starting at 9:30. The senior Sports are for Children in Room 1,2,4,5,11 & 19. Parents are most welcome to come and watch.

The Junior classes have decided to cancel their swimming demonstrations because of the fallout from the Cyclone and because they have not had much opportunity to be in the pool this year.

Next Friday, 3 March the teachers have a meeting that they need to attend in Havelock North. All of our teachers need to attend. As we cannot get relievers to take the classes please could parents take children home at 12:30 on Friday. 3 March

I want to thank our teachers for all of the effort they are putting in to get the class programmes back up and running, this is helping get our tamariki back to a normal programme.

A special thanks to the staff from Napier who are often stuck in traffic at both ends of the day, I have heard that some people have had a 3 hour one way trip from Hastings to Napier. it is quite strange sitting in the car and being overtaken by cyclists who are leisurely cycling by.

A huge shout out to all of the people who are going out and supporting people who need help after the Cyclone, you are fantastic. Every little bit helps- neighbours appreciate the quick catch up to see how they are getting on, the silt removal, the donation of goods or time supports everyone. Every little bit helps make the day better for somebody else.

We have all been affected in some way. Let's get back up and running as soon as possible and show our resilience.

Look after yourself and your whanau and know that our community cares deeply about everyone of us.

School Stationery

There are only a few children without school stationery. If we could have this sorted by the end of the week please. Stationery packs are still available at the office.

IMPORTANT - If your child is away from school -

Reminder that you need to PHONE OR TEXT the school know if your child is going to be away. Because of the current covid situation, it is essential that you let us know the reason they are away - eg coughing, headache, tummy bug etc.

You can phone 06 8789766 or text 027 557 0085 and leave a message.

Thank you for this, it is so helpful and we want to ensure your child is okay.

Have a great week

Greg

R2 Ruby Aitken-Hopping

R4 Xavier Sehjel

R5 Khalarna Newton

R11 Meelah-Rose Hema

R19 Kathrine Gibson