We are proud to see that all students on the Learning Support Register have made progress this year and thank the Beavertown Lions for generously funding Horse Riding and Music Therapy.
Enhanced Learning Experiences
This year witnessed a significant boost in our educational offerings, notably through the immensely successful STEM Programme, providing enriched curriculum experiences for our learners. We have been fortunate to have been allocated additional staffing for Reading Recovery training and congratulate Aoife O'Shaughnessy on successfully completing this. Aoife and Marion have supported 28 students with their reading through targeted support programmes. All of the students who have exited the Reading Recovery programme have achieved 12 months progress in 20 weeks. We are excited to have secured ongoing resourcing for the Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support programmes along with two additional Ministry funded interventions for 2024 to support more children to achieve curriculum expectations.
We have achieved measurable gains this year against our strategic goals and are in the process of finalising plans for the 2024-2025 planning cycle. I look forward to seeing the launch of the Positive Behaviour for Learning framework in 2024 alongside the introduction of a school wide ‘house system’ to celebrate achievement more broadly and promote a family like feel within the school community. We will also refine and implement a school wide spelling programme inspired by new learning in the last 18 months.
Facilities and Infrastructure Upgrades
Our school infrastructure has undergone notable enhancements, from room refurbishments and repainting to addressing water damage, bolstering security measures and creating new shade zones. Additional improvements in the pipeline, including playground upgrades and accessibility enhancements over the summer break.
Financial and Organisational Progress
We've remained fiscally responsible, performing well against the budget and strengthening our financial standing compared to FY23. The establishment of the Health & Safety Committee has significantly improved workplace safety, aligning practice with current policy and legislation.
Community Engagement and Support
The formation of the Friends of Witherlea, achieving financial independence and charitable status, stands as a testament to our community's unwavering support. Through successful fundraising events, we've raised $36,000 for the school, empowering us to make significant enhancements to our playgrounds.
It was great to have our first Whānau Hui this term to discuss Māori aspirations and expectations for Witherlea School. We are committed to running termly meetings throughout 2024 to build on this conversation and develop a plan to sustain and enhance equitable and excellent outcomes for our Māori learners.
Staffing Update
Thank you to our amazing team of highly dedicated staff who have been so instrumental in the successes highlighted above.
Special thanks to Sue Homes who has come out of retirement to work in the Pūkeko class during the last term.
We farewell Courtney Haley-Stewart and Phoebe Quirk and thank them for their contribution to our school. We also farewell our esteemed Deputy Principal, Phil Funnell. Special thanks for your exceptional dedication and advocacy to achieve more equitable outcomes for our students. We wish you all well in your future endeavours.
New staff members Holly Siemonek (Y2 teacher) and Jacqui Stenson (Deputy Principal) will be welcomed to the school community at our first assembly in the new year.
Your child’s/children’s class placement for 2024 will be announced on Friday and communicated to you as part of the end of year progress and achievement report. I am pleased to confirm the school structure for 2024 in the tables below.
