Pleasing to see the return to school for our students who have been in self-isolation. The tweaks to the self-isolation guidelines have not only shortened the timeframes but also removed the domino effect that we were seeing in many households, which resulted in prolonged absence.

I won't get ahead of myself and say that we are in the clear, but things may be moving in the right direction.

Kia ora parents, caregivers, and extended whanau

At our staff meeting this week, we had a little moment to reflect. From my perspective at least, I have felt a bit glum seeing all of your best laid education plans unravel in a maelstrom of covid cases, self-isolation, and widespread and prolonged student absence. However, Mrs West made a point that resonated at the meeting. She said that amidst all the changes with staff away, students away and certain things falling to the wayside, many of our senior kids have stepped up and "filled the gaps". Those were her words. That changed my mood instantly. Using intitative and stepping up to take over road patrol, ring the bell, and empty bins when the usual monitors are away, asking Ngaire if she needed help. I know of some kids who have even stepped up at home in the face of certain household challenges. If we were to look for a silver lining, I think this may be it. A reflection of how cool our kids are and can be when things aren't normal.

Our staff have stepped up too. Carrying on from where we left off last year where it was all hands on deck to fully reopen, they have plugged the gaps and taken on additional and last minute workloads with staff absences. We are so lucky to have a team that get it, get on with it, and have each other's backs.

The school Reading Challenge is ticking along very nicely. Cleven Electrical a local family owned business have kindly offered to donate prizes for our major prize pool. Thanks very much Cleven Electrical.

You probably received my golfing update on Monday morning. Whilst I received a golfing lesson at the hands of one of Waiuku's best golfers, our team pipped them 4.5-3.5 to progress to the Presidents grade semifinal at Akarana this Sunday where our opponents will be Maungakiekie. Standby for another update next week, quite possibly the last one of the year.

Noho ora mai

Mr Tawhiti and the Patumahoe School team

• 22nd March - BOT Meeting - 5.30pm
• 28th March - Class, student leader, netball photos - POSTPONED UNTIL 20TH JUNE
• 12th April - BOT Meeting - 5.30pm
• 14th April - Last day Term 1
• 02nd May - First day Term 2