Wiki Tuawhitu (Week 9), Term 1 2023: Next week’s message from Jason Elder
| Friday 24 March 2023 Tēnā koutou katoa Yesterday, one of the main political parties shared their Education Policy. I think we would all agree that we want the best Education outcomes for all our tamariki. I think it is important that our community understand the current context of New Zealand’s Education System. # There are less quality teachers coming out of teachers college. # Experienced teachers and principals are leaving the profession at an alarming rate. I have been a Principal for 18 years and I am one of the most experienced Primary School Principals in our region. # We have many tamariki starting school who struggle to learn and socialise. # As a school, we employ 20+ support staff because we have so many diverse needs in our classrooms. # Teaching today has changed dramatically. A lot of time is spent supporting our tamariki with their social and emotional needs. This can be mentally draining for teachers and support staff. Despite these challenges, our staff love all our kids. # Covid-19 has caused trauma to many people across our community. It has also resulted in nearly two to three years of disrupted schooling. So what is the answer to raising Education standards in our schools? I encourage whānau to read more and make informed choices around this issue. ANZAC Assembly: Wednesday 5 April (Week 10) Where: School Hall When: 2pm Whānau are welcome to attend Mural Unveiling: Thursday 6 April (Week 10) Where: School hall When: 2pm To book a seat as we have limited spaces: Please contact the school office if you would like to attend the unveiling of our school murals and attend the last assembly for the term. Key Reminders for Tamariki and Whānau: # Tamariki cannot be on school grounds before 8.15am: We have had a couple of tamariki dropped off at school by whānau or who have walked to school before 8am! It is not safe for tamariki to be at school before 8.15am. Contact the Office for further information/advice. # Winter Term starts on the first day next term: Next term, we will move to the Winter Term at the beginning of Term 2. This means school finishes at 2.35pm for Term 2 and Term 3. The school offers a ‘Late Bus Class’. This is where ākonga are supervised with a teacher from 2.35 – 2.55pm if whānau are struggling to pick up their tamariki at 2.35pm due to work. If you would like you tamariki added to the ‘Late Bus Class’, please contact the Office Team. This list needs to be finalised before Monday 3 April (last week of Term 1). # Unwell Tamariki: Any unwell Tamariki should be kept at home. Remember to contact the office for any absence, several ways in which you can do this are:- via the school app, ringing the school office, via the school website or our 0800 number 0800 000352. Week 9: # Monday 27 March: Board Meeting at 5.30pm in the Conference Room # Tuesday 28 March: Room 15 and 20 (EOTC Trip) # Thursday 30 March: Kapa Haka from 11.30am (Note: Kapa Haka Roopu start next term); Room 18 and 19 (EOTC Trip) # Friday 31 March: Athletics Day (Whānau are welcome to attend); No Assembly. Important links: # Staff contact emails # Enrolment for Out of Zone Students # Notices/Team Newsletters # School Newsletters # Food in Schools # Touch at SPS # Winter Sports Ngā Mihi Jason Elder Principal Stratford Primary School |