It is the start of term 3 and I fully expected that I would be back in Wellington today, greeting everyone as you return to school. At the end of last term, after completing a fantastic term as Acting Principal, Charlotte Hills was celebrating finishing what she thought was the last of her principal’s paperwork. As I write, I am currently unable to physically be with you just yet, due to circumstances outside of my control, but I am fully expecting to be back onsite within the next few weeks. I will continue to work full-time in the background to support the team – I never thought I would say this, but thank heavens for ZOOM meetings and technology.
Until I return, Charlotte Hills will continue to undertake Acting Principal duties, but will work very closely to support the teachers and students in Ahi during this time. This term we have two new staff joining our teaching team. Danielle Matthews, ex-DP from Newlands Primary school, will be with us for terms 3 & 4 and undertake a range of teaching roles. Initially, she will be based in Ahi, teaching alongside Frances Reilly, until Charlotte returns to her normal teaching role. We also welcome Corina Baker, our new ORS teacher who will be working with the Yr 1- 3 team.
My recent sabbatical topic, Student Wellbeing, has taught me a greater respect for the effect that one’s mental health can have on your wellbeing. Being resilient, persistent and staying calm are such important character traits when challenged by the unexpected. The research that I have undertaken during term 2 has highlighted that teaching resilience strategies must be a top priority in order to support our children and their own long-term wellbeing. I look forward to sharing these ideas with you on my return to school.
I would like to thank Mark Williams and our Board of Trustees for their flexibility and support, as well as our AMAZING team. Together, everyone has risen to the challenge of keeping the school running like clockwork, for which I am truly grateful. Thank you to those families who supported our staff in term 2 with your acts of kindness and positive words – you made such a difference.
In the meantime, back to the world of changing nappies, toddler toilet training, dealing with sibling squabbles, inventing games with the “waterpillar” (aka caterpillar – grandson insists he’s using the right word!). I have SO much respect for those of you with pre-schoolers, I had forgotten just how exhausting they can be!
A warm welcome to all of our new families starting this term – with our roll surpassing 120 students this term I am looking forward to catching up with you all very soon.
Nga mihi
Jan Otene (Principal) Mark Williams (Board Chair)
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