Kia ora parents, caregivers, and extended whanau

Firstly, I would like to thank the parents who took the time to respond to the ERO question around School Learning Culture which we sent out via schoolsAPP last week. I have extracted a few comments from some of the responses we received.

• "It’s like one big team all looking out for my children and helping them reach their best. The teachers know the students"
• "Teachers know the children and carry on their relationship with family and student even after the child is no longer in their class"
• "We see lots of kids playing with each other and including them in their games. They are always talking about how they helped others"
• "It is really lovely to see this kindness and inclusive behaviour which is fostered in them during their school hours"

I think the first statement from an unnamed parent captures- so beautifully- everything that we strive to achieve. I am delighted by the fact that, what is at the absolute core of this school, has been noticed by a large group of our parent community. What is even more exciting is that many of the responses indicated that they were new families to our school. Normally the longer a family or child has been a part of this school, the deeper the understanding and appreciation of the learning culture becomes. Strong culture is not something that appears overnight. This 'way of being' has been part of the Patumahoe School fabric long before I started, and I am hopeful that it will remain this way for many years.

I have, however, wondered to myself "how do we bridge that space between home and school better?" Because there remains a few negative perceptions and or misunderstandings about how we provide education. We are realists and we don't expect every school day to be perfect and blip free for every child, and we certainly won't promise that to you as parents. But what you can 100% expect from your child's teacher, our teacher aides, and senior leaders is unwavering support and relentlessly positive intent to make your child's schooling journey successful. So as a parent if you have a major concern currently or perhaps in the future, please don't let it bubble away, meet our team face-to-face. We will work with you and address any niggles and possible misunderstandings. Seldom have I ever left a parent meeting or witnessed a parent leaving a meeting without a feeling of positivity, clarity and direction. There is and always will be something very powerful and uplifting about tackling the stuff that keeps us up at night kanohi ki kanohi.

A few happenings this week. Senior enviroschool students are out with Mrs Harris on Friday planting over 800 trees.

Soccer is the house sport this term. Mr Williams, Mr Cassidy, and I have been refereeing these lunchtime fixtures while Mrs Harris and Mrs Hancock take on selector duties for next weeks Franklin Primary Soccer tournament. Today is the house soccer finale with Rimu and Kauri contesting the boys final and Mahoe versus Kauri in the girls final.

Thank you for supporting our Heroes for Hospice fundraiser as well as Pink Shirt day last week. We raised $489.00 for Franklin Hospice.

Have a great week and good luck with weekend sport

Jade Tawhiti