Tena koutou katoa, greetings.

I don't know about everyone else, but the opportunity to have two full weeks of routine is actually quite welcoming. We are however noticing that there are a number of bugs going around as the autumn settles in and I urge you to keep any children who are unwell, at home. School is a prime 'breeding ground' for bugs - especially at the end of the term when people can tend to be a little run down. The flu and other illnesses are not things that we want within our learning spaces.

We hosted a group of Principals from a number of schools, and an advisor from the University last Friday. It was wonderful to hear their feedback on what they were seeing happening in our learning spaces. They were very impressed with not only the programmes that were happening in the spaces, but they were particularly impressed with how focused our children were with their learning. When it is happening every day, it is often easy to take what we have for granted. Our children are wonderful learners. Even those who struggle to learn at times, are hard workers. All of our children work hard to be the best that they can be. Our current focus of 'Aiming High' is coming through in our day to day activities, as well as one off opportunities. On Monday the Year 8 children took on a 27km bike ride from Windsor to the Oamaru gardens with the other Rural Schools. What was really impressive was that we were the only school where all children had taken up this opportunity. I received very positive feedback yesterday from another Principal on this trip, telling me how impressed he was with the attitude of our children.

We know how great our children are - but to hear it so much this week from others has been wonderful. Thank you for the role that you, as parents, play in supporting your children to be the learners that they are.

Our swimmers have also 'Aimed High' - we were well represented in the placings at the recent North Otago Swimming Sports. Apologies for these results not being published earlier.

A current focus of the teaching staff is to increase our connections with families in regards to learning. If you haven't already, you can expect a phone call over the next few weeks from your child's homebase teacher. As well as an opportunity for the teacher to keep you informed, it is also an opportunity for them to listen and hear from you how things are going for your child, from your perspective. We value the knowledge that you have as parents, about your children, and want to utilise this to help us in our job as teachers. And as I have mentioned in many newsletters this year - please feel free to contact the teachers if you have any queries. We welcome your involvement.

Have a great end to your week

Assembly Awards

Aoraki Hudson Ormandy
Hauwhenua Addison Small
Moana Markus Cubillo
Pukepuke Rachel Sargeant
Riley Jones
Mahutonga Ben Kay
Jade Grant

Waitaki Bob Goes Biking

Waitaki Bob's adventure this week is shared by Year 8s - William Smillie and Amy Hawkins.

The Year 8's Bike Ride

On Monday the 4th of April the Year 8's from 6 schools, including us, went on a 27km bike ride.

We started at the Windsor tunnel in Ngapara and ended at the Oamaru Gardens. It was a very successful day and we all really enjoyed it! We all started together and then slowly we divided into groups at our own speed. It took us just under 3 hours but this is including 2 check-points stops.

This event happened as part of our leadership building task and for all Year 8's to communicate and get to know each other. This activity was completely our own choice but even so all Year 8's from this school participated.

School Trustee Elections

Our Board of Trustee Election timeframe has been confirmed.
Nominations open: Friday 6 May
Nominations close: Friday 20 May
Voting papers out: Wednesday 25 May
Voting closes: Friday 3 June

You are welcome to make contact with current Board of Trustee members to ask about the role of Governance of the Board.
The video on the School Trustee Election page (linked here) also provides information about the role of Trustees. I encourage you to consider what you might be able to bring to the role as a School Trustee.

Friends of the School AGM

Monday 11 April 7:30pm
Guest speakers: Teachers discussing approaches to learning and the use of devices.

SAUSAGE SIZZLE
Thursday each week until the end of the term - to support Tuakana Camps.
$2 sausage
$2 slice/muffin
(Gluten free Sausage and Bread available)

Now that the pool has closed for the season - please return your pool key to the school office.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Friday 8th April: Yr 5/6 Ripper Rugby Tournament
Monday 11th April: Friends of the School AGM 7.30pm
Friday 15th April Last day of Term 1
Monday 2nd May First day of Term 2
Thursday 5th/Friday 6th May Yr 8 Leadership Camp

Kurow Rugby Club JAB

Practice
Wedneday 13th April
for 5-6 and 7-8 Year Old Rugby Teams
Kurow Rugby Grounds
3pm

Thursday 14th April
for 9-10 and 11-12 Year Old Rugby Teams
Union Rugby Grounds
4pm

For any further information contact:
Wade Newlands 027 549 3604

Waitaki Valley School

1 Settlement Road

KUROW
Principal: Deidre Senior

Important numbers:
School phone: 03 4360 660
Absences: School Mobile Text: 0277142774
School Bank Account: 02 0900 0000532 00

office@waitakivalley.school.nz

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Waitaki Valley School · 1 Settlement Road · Kurow, Otago 9435 · New Zealand