February 7, 2024
WPS Principals Newsletter - 07-02-2024
Kia ora koutou whanau / parents
I trust you all had a relaxing summer and managed to find some time to spend with your nearest and dearest. My brother came over from the arctic temperatures of England for a month and we had a fabulous time enjoying Northland’s beaches and sunshine, so I feel very grateful to have spent this quality time with my sibling.
Term 1 is always such a busy and exciting time - there are camps for Years 3-6 happening in the middle of the term, swimming happens daily for all classes, there are plenty of extra curricular activities for our tamariki to become involved in, and of course there’s the important business of learning. At Whangarei Primary School we are all committed to developing and strengthening the connections we have with students, parents, whanau and the community. I stress to all teachers the importance of taking the time to ”get to know” the new students in their classes in the first few weeks. One of the school’s focuses for 2024 is to strengthen the connections and engagement with our school community - in other words the parents, whanau and caregivers of all our children. We will be refreshing and strengthening current practices (Meet the teacher, P.T.A.), as well as coming up with some new initiatives (Grandparents’ Day, Read Together Programme, Support Programmes). If you have any great ideas, please don’t hesitate to come and see me to offer your suggestions.
On Tuesday 13 February, from 3.30 p.m. we will be refreshing our “Meet the Teacher” afternoon and this will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher as well as find out more about how the class will be run. You will receive more details about this afternoon event in a separate letter.
On Thursday this week, from 10.30 a.m. under the covered area, we will be holding our whole school powhiri for all children, parents, whanau and teachers who are new to Whangarei Primary School since the first week of Term 4 last year (the last powhiri we held). You are all warmly invited to participate in this lovely welcoming ceremony.
With it being the hottest, brightest and sunniest term of the year, please ensure your children protect themselves from the sun by wearing hats and putting on sunscreen before coming to school. If children don’t have hats, teachers will be requesting that they play during morning tea and lunchtime in the shaded areas.
I look forward to catching up with you this week.
Nga mihi
Matua Danny