News
Principal's Weekly Message
Kia Ora Whanau
Six weeks down for the term, which means 3 more weeks until
our highly anticipated School Production “Rock Bottom” hosts
its opening night, followed by four more shows over the last
week of the term. Another reminder to get in early to purchase
tickets for your chosen night and have a fun evening of
entertainment. The students in all our classes have been
working well throughout the week and are looking forward to
the long weekend. This year the country celebrates its first
King’s Birthday Weekend for over 70 years! Hopefully all the
students can have some relaxation and get ready for the final
weeks before the term holidays.
Last Friday the school was fortunate enough to host the
Rt Honourable Kiri Allan, MP for East Coast and the Minister of
Justice. Ms Allan had wanted to visit the school earlier in the
year but was called away. This time she was able to spend over
an hour in the school. She met with the School Mangai (school
student eaders) and discussed her views on leadership. They
asked her questions about her role and Ms Allan gave a real
insight into leadership and what it meant to her. She went on a
tour around the school, including seeing the school’s brand
new multi-purpose turf, that was made possible from the School
Investment Package (SIP) funding that the school received. Ms
Allan also spoke to the students at assembly and gave an
inspirational talk on the importance of regular attendance at
school. She clearly enjoyed the visit and seeing our amazing
school in action, even if it was for a brief visit. She has indicated
a desire to return and see more of what Whakatane
Intermediate School offers its students.
Yesterday the school’s Cross Country team competed at the
EBOP Inter-School event at Ohope Beach Primary School. The
team was eleven competitors strong and will represent
Whakatane Intermediate at the upcoming NZAIMS Games next
term. The results were amazing and the team can be very
proud of their efforts. It is a great chance to build on their
preparation for future competitions. Thanks to Mr Tai Miskell for
being in charge of the team and ensuring they are on track with
their training.
The school's weekly classroom attendance rate is always a
highlight of the formal assembly at the end of each
week. Again, a number of classes were over the 90%
mark. Well done to Room 17 in Te Whanau O Wairere for
claiming the top spot last week, and the first class to take the
top spot two weeks in a row! Well done to Room 24 in Te
Whanau O Tai Koraha as well, for the biggest percentage
improvement on last week's attendance. Well done to all
classes for continuing to value regular attendance and take the
opportunities available as a result.
Mike Webster
Principal