Wairau Valley School
Newsletter Week 9 Term 4 2022
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We are hours away from a well-earned summer break. There has been a lot happening this term with Pet Day, Group Day, Year 8 Day, Sports Events, Market Day, and Year 3-8 Fun Day Out. The children are pretty exhausted and very excited! They are looking forward to Prizegiving and a Disco to top the year off.
Thank you to everyone who has been able to be at school to help throughout the term. It takes a lot of energy and commitment from parents to help make things happen successfully.
Term 1 begins on 30th January 2023. In the first week, we have Fundamental Skills, so it’s important the children come to school with their swimming gear from day one please. I will put out reminders on Facebook as dates and information are put together in late January.
I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.
Nga mihi
Karen O’Donnell
FAREWELL TO LISA MCDONALD
Wairau Valley School is very sad to be saying farewell to Lisa McDonald. Due to a decrease in our roll, our staffing allowance will only be enough for two classrooms in 2023. Lisa has been with Wairau Valley School since 2014 and has been a huge support and help with too many areas to mention. Her enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors has made many trips and camps a huge highlight for students. Her drive and commitment to the school has been a force to be admired and the students and the school have been very lucky to have her. Lisa was Acting Principal during Karen's Sabbatical, which went very smoothly. This is a credit to Lisa and her abilities. Her considerable skills in art and photography have been utilised in everyday school life, much to the enjoyment of the students and community. Lisa's Community Fitness Group paid for the new school sign and Lisa organised this herself. What a great legacy to leave behind. Lisa will be taking on some Study next year to further her skills and knowledge.
We look forward to hearing about her future achievements - we know it will be great!
GOODBYE TO OUR FABULOUS YEAR 8's
We sadly farewell our Year 8 students, Ivy, Sam and Tom.
Good luck for College next year, we will miss you!
FAREWELL TO THE HALE/KIDD FAMILY
We are very sad to see Hayley, Danny and family leave Marlborough for Palmerston North. They have been a big part of our small school and we will miss them next year. We congratulate Hayley on her recent graduation as a teacher. We have been lucky enough to have Hayley on our Board of Trustees and also filling in as a relieving teacher. Hayley has taken on many supporting roles in the school and her absence will be felt on many levels.
Hayley and Danny, we wish your family all the best for your new life.
END OF YEAR PRIZE GIVING AND LUNCH
PRIZE GIVING AND END OF YEAR TIMETABLE
Friday 16th December
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Prizegiving in the Community Hall
11:00 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. - Shared Lunch at School & Mrs Whippy
Please bring a Salad to share
(there is a large empty fridge at school if parents want to drop salad off in the morning)
1:15 p.m. - Bus Run as needed
The PTA is running a disco for the children
this Friday in the Community Hall, from 5:00 p.m.
PTA will provide finger food and drinks. There is no cost to families.
Important Dates
Last Day of Term 4 - 16 December
First Day of Term 1 2023 - 30 January
