Kia ora koutou,
This term has been incredibly busy and filled with enriching experiences for our students. I'd like to highlight a few key initiatives and events that have been particularly impactful.
Swim Safe with Libby & Water Safety Focus
We've been thrilled to have Sport Northland's "Swim Safe with Libby" program in full swing. This teacher-led initiative empowers our educators with the tools and knowledge to effectively integrate essential "Water Skills for Life" into their teaching practices. The professional development sessions, coupled with personalised poolside lessons, are invaluable in building our students' confidence and competence in the water. We are also grateful for the Term 4 Dryland sessions that prepared the students for their water work.
Furthermore, we've prioritised water safety messaging through interactive sessions before the summer break. As a parent of surf lifesaving daughters, I deeply value swim safety and stroke development. It's wonderful to hear so many of our students are active in local Surf Life Saving clubs. I can personally attest to the benefits, both in terms of skills and financial support, that surf lifesaving can provide, especially for those pursuing further education. My daughter has been a paid guard for 3 years during University Study. This maybe something to remember as an older student in the future.
Year 7/8 EOTC Week: Adventure and Learning
Last week's Year 7/8 EOTC week was a great success, emphasising the importance of safety around the water. The trip to the Poor Knights Islands was a highlight, offering a unique opportunity to explore our incredible marine reserve. Many students, and even some staff, experienced snorkelling for the first time. The fantastic weather allowed for exceptional visibility and close encounters with marine life, including a memorable dolphin pod sighting for one boat on the trip out. Snow Planet provided a contrasting but equally rewarding experience, with students learning either skiing or snowboarding skills. Rock Up offered a fun and challenging day of rock climbing, complemented by archery at school. These three days fostered teamwork, individual challenges, and a strong sense of adventure.
This week, each Year 7/8 class is participating in optimist yachting at Parua Bay, further reinforcing water safety and teamwork. Our biannual EOTC week is designed to expose students to new experiences, promote "challenge by choice," build relationships, and strengthen our school values.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the parent volunteers who played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of these events, particularly at the Poor Knights with one parent with a group of 4 students at all times. Your support is invaluable.
Upcoming Year 5/6 Camp
The Year 5/6 team is diligently planning their upcoming camp to Lonsdale Camp later this term.
As a school we are using the extensive EOTC safety planning processes and documents reviewed in 2024, to ensure we reduce and manage safety in the outdoor environment.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school.
Nga mihi,
