Kia ora whānau,

School is starting to feel 'normal' ... finally! It is easy to lose track, but we are just past halfway of the first term: and we have really only just got going. When I think of what other schools have had to endure we realise that we have been fortunate. It is also timely to reflect on those people in the community who are working tirelessly to repair, reinstate or create new things in the face of the damage done by the cyclone. The way people have come together to support others has been amazing.

The children have settled well, and coped well last week: which was the first full five day week at GMS since early December ... and we are now well into March!

Have a great end to the week.

Ka kite anō,

Mark Johnson

Principal

Seven new students have started at Greenmeadows School over the past fortnight. We welcome:

Charlie Wiggins, Toby Punter, Olive Bowen, Isobella Edwards, Jacob Bottrill, Isabelle Bottrill and Jack Punter.

Great to see you all settling in so well and enjoying it here at GMS!

Bookings are open still - you can keep making bookings on line up until 9.00am Monday. After that simply contact the office for them to make a time for you.

We have more than 330 interviews booked at present - so if you are still trying to find a time there are some available.

We urge all families to participate in these interviews and have set aside two afternoons for these to occur:

Monday 13 March 2.15 pm – 5.30 pm 6.15 pm – 7.30 pm

Tuesday 14 March 2.15 pm – 7.00 pm

You can request an interview by using our online booking program.

Go to our school website www.gms.school.nz and click on the ‘Parent – Teacher Interviews 2023’ tab. There you will see instructions to take you to the interview booking website, along with the special code for booking dates and times at our school - remember to use the school code which is ‘e9tjw’.

Once your booking is completed you will receive an email confirming your interview. These details can be rescheduled if your availability changes. If you are unable to access the school’s website, then you can ring, or visit, the school office and Carolyn or Sara will book a time for you.

We expect a 100% attendance of families at these interviews, so please let us know of any difficulties you may be having booking a time.

However the decision has been made that Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti primary schools can choose not to take part in any strike, due to the disrupted start to the school year. Greenmeadows School has taken this option, so will be open as normal if strike goes ahead.

Ahi - Willow Hambleton, Reggie Turner, Lakyn Moore and Zoe Steyn

Marama - Ruby Drew, Sophia Zeng, Danika Welch and Lucy Hutchinson

Moana - Taylor Vibert, Paige Bunn, Cooper Whaanga and Jaxon Pain

Ngahere - Charlie Bott, Izzy Seerden, Layla Middleton and Emmett Roux.

Congratulations to these students.

The people in these positions are:

Chairperson - Paula Smith

Treasurer - Vanessa Whaanga

Secretary - Kate McKenzie

Committee - Donna Hicks, Kellie Harkness, Jessica De Souza, Yvette Goodman, Paula

Enticott, Julie Smith, Kourtnee Bolton

Teacher representative : to be confirmed next meeting.

Thanks to everyone in the PTA for their amazing support of the school. Mrs de Lange was thanked for spending ten years of being involved on the PTA, as she hands over the responsibility to another member of staff.

2. GMS PTA Disco Friday 24th March: He Kapua

Years 1 to 3 - 5.30pm until 6.30pm

Years 3 to 6 - 6.45pm to 8.00pm

All proceeds to support local schools affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

More details to follow.

To report your child being away please use the school app. Find the absence button then use the email function.

If we cannot make contact with you or receive notification, truancy will be called.

This is how we communicate with the school community any importmant messages or reminders.

https://www.smore.com/app/reporting/out/ktaxf?u=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolappsnz.co.nz%2Finstall%2F&t=install%20link&w=w-5610919473&i=&l=l-7600403145