Malo e lelei,

Tongan language week has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn some words and phrases in Tongan and to learn a little bit about these beautiful islands. The students who have performed, organised events and made daily videos have shown talent in their organisation and ability to plan and deliver a week of fun for all our students. Thank you all for supporting this week of language and celebration.

We have also had our science fair teams working hard this week to prepare for the North Harbour Science Fair Competition. Seven students have taken their science fair projects to Massey university and will be competing against other Intermediate students in the different science categories. We wish them success.

David Brunning won the zone speech competition and went on to represent the North Shore intermediates at the Auckland Speech Competition last night. His speech was about how to make friends and was entertaining as well as informative. We are so proud of his achievement.

Every Wednesday a group of students head up to Birkenhead College to work with their Head of Maths Teacher, Mrs Kumar. She runs an extension maths programme and we have 30 students who participate each week. They challenge themselves to solve complex problems and apply their mathematical skills to relevant, everyday issues. Our students all tell me that it is fun, a bit hard and that they learn heaps.

More feijoa trees were planted this week and we have grape vines being planted today. Improving our environment has been a focus as we strive to ensure that we have an outdoor environment that all students can connect to and be proud of. The hydroponics in the hot house are producing loads of leafy greens and these are being used in the food technology rooms.

These are just a few of the things happening around the school this week. This is on top of the daily learning programmes and weekly groups and clubs. While we are still impacted by staffing shortages and illness, we are maintaining programmes that are designed to engage students and ensure they look forward to coming to school each day.

Enjoy the weekend. I am hopeful that the sun will shine all weekend.

JoAnne

*Teacher Only Day is on 30 September. This means that the term will finish for students on Thursday 29 September. Staff are using the teacher only day to work on a new software programme to help us interpret assessment data and be better able to use this information to improve our teaching and ultimately, improve outcomes for students. I am sure our students will be very happy to be getting an extra day added on to their term 3 holidays!

This week we celebrated Lea-Faka Tonga - Tongan Language week. It was incredible to see how much pride our Tongan kids have in their heritage and also how supportive and embracing the rest of our students are. We truly saw an inclusive, diverse community celebrating and learning all about the beautiful Tongan culture. Students have learnt new vocabulary, seen performances, danced, laughed and really come together to honour and uplift the Tongan language. Well done to our students Siosi'Ana Taukava, Delilah Soane, Liana Lao, Lani Fatani and Mitchell Marsters who really stepped up and led this week's festivities. We have had an incredible week, bring on next year! Mālo Aupito.

Only 7 more sleeps to go! Jump online to book your tickets to our Boot Scootin' Hoedown! We will have live music, drinks and food, cowboys and cowgirls, and a great time! Tickets are $30 and include a complimentary drink. We will have lots of raffles, prizes, and a silent auction running with some amazing prizes!

Book here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSePeJZ8LSC.../viewform...

Our Silent Auction is now LIVE! It will run from today until 9.30pm on Saturday the 17th of September - be in quick to grab one of our amazing Auction Items.

All you need to do is register, and then start bidding. You don't need to attend the Hoedown on the 17th, you can pay for your items online and then collect them from the office next week.

https://www.32auctions.com/BISHoedown2022

This weekend while you're out and about town, make sure you support these businesses that have gone above and beyond to provide Silent Auction Prizes, Raffles, and Prizes for our Hoedown!

Our incredible BIS students have been learning about sketching techniques and have just begun to learn about watercolour! Here are some of their creations at the halfway-stage.

Please contact office@bis.school.nz to advertise your community event in this space.

Contact Whaea Mel on mrobinson@bis.school.nz

We are seeking prizes, vouchers, and items to auction in exchange for promotion within the community. We are forever grateful for your love and support.