Principal's Weekly Message

Kia Ora Whanau

 

We have just completed our first full week of learning after about

a month of full Lockdown. It is fantastic to see the learning

programmes done as they should be, with students in

classrooms and teachers facilitating the programmes. I have

made sure that I have made extra visits to each area this week,

and the delight in the students and energy in the rooms was clear

to see. We should have a full two weeks of learning left for the

term, with little or no disruptions. This period of quality learning

will help set the students up for success next term. It is also great

to see that the attendance has been over 90% all week, which

means most of the school has been able to re-engage with

school at Level 2. We expect to have a very positive final two

weeks and will make sure the students get the most out of the

time!

 

Unfortunately, another event from our calendar has fallen victim

to Covid-19. The annual Exchange with Gisborne Intermediate,

which was to be a one day trip has been cancelled for 2021. The

reason for this is was simply the time available to fit it in and

neither school wanted to dilute the experience for the

students. Both schools are committed to making sure the

Exchange remains an annual event and we look forward to

running it in 2022.

 

We are eagerly waiting for the announcement on Monday,

regarding a possible change of alert levels for our area. Should

the school be in Level 1, the intention is to run our amazingly

successful and sensational School Production “Robin and the

Sherwood Hoodies” on Wednesday and Thursday nights. All

previously sold tickets will be valid and there may even be a few

more available. We will announce what we do at the start of next

week, so fingers crossed!

 

On another note, one of celebration and also tinged with sadness

for our Kura. Deputy Principal Anne Volmuller has announced

her retirement from education after 34 plus years. Anne’s energy

and passion for Whakatane Intermediate is second to none and

is reflected in her hours of selfless and tireless work. We

congratulate her with her retirement and we will acknowledge her

time and farewell her in the appropriate way at the end of the

year.

 

Nga Mihi,

 

Mike Webster.