The Weekly Update - Week 7, Term 3

Kia ora parents, whānau and caregivers, I started writing this newsletter on Monday whilst at school. I thought that I had a slight cold that I could shake off...unfortunately it turned into a severe case of the flu and I have been unable to return to school this week. It has been a stark reminder to me that we are all vulnerable to winter ills and chills and any history of keeping good health doesn't count for anything when sickness hits. Prior to this flu it had been over 10 years since I have needed a sick day from work, I try to maintain a sensible diet, I get good sleep (mostly) and I run everyday, I class myself as a healthy person, it didn't help at all. The last week has been a mix of fevers, chills, headaches...you name it. Why am I sharing this? I just want to share my story as a reminder to take symptoms seriously and take time to let your body rest and recover if this flu comes your way. I am fortunate to have such an amazing leadership team and awesome group of teachers who have kept the school running as normal, I am extremely thankful for that. I am pleased to report that I am well on the mend and look forward to being back onsite next week for book week.

I hope that everyone has had a good week and it is with great pleasure that we welcome the Spring of 2023 into our lives, may it bring us warmer days!

We are very excited to be hosting a Book Fair next week. Take time to check out the activities we have organised for the students. PLEASE MAKE PARTICULAR NOTE OF Thursday and Friday. Thursday is our Special Persons Day and Friday is an opportunity to come and have a free sausage and bread before school and check out the Book Fair with your child.

Last week a group of Year 7 & 8 students went to Totara Springs for a sports camp. Mrs Megan Paul, Mrs Kirsty Young and myself, Justin Bertrand and parents Amy, Cam, Lisa and Dave, went with the students. The week consisted of dawn till dusk sports and fun. It was an awesome opportunity for our students to challenge themselves and others on a variety of sporting fields. It was also a great opportunity to make some new friends with other full primary school students from around the Waikato.

Our students did really well, trying everything on offer and accepting every challenge that came their way. Our teams fought hard and made a number of semifinals and finals. For those who weren't in those teams, they cheered extra loud from the sidelines and our teams felt fully supported!

The week culminated in the famous 'Cheer night' on the Thursday night, check out the cheer below this article.

This is an annual event and the children are already getting excited about the 2024 event.

We are proud of our school for supporting Daffodil Day - a cause that has a special place in our hearts at TAPS. Our staff and students looked awesome dressed up in yellow and green and we raised $290 for the New Zealand Cancer Society. Ka mau te wehi

Kia tu Kia toa Kia mai - accept the challenge!

We are extremely proud of our Yr 6-8 Speech Finalists, who presented their speeches for our school speech competition this morning.Fantastic to be joined by Mr Harray and Miss Maber, who were our adjudicators, as well as parents and whānau.

Congratulations to all finalists and place getters

Kia tu Kia toa Kia mau - accept the challenge!

Joseph, Josh, Kayne and Andrea headed off to represent Te Aroha at Thames Valley Cross Country in Ngatea (Yolandi, Savanna, Dylan and Morgan also qualified but aren't running). Well done for representing TAPS on this stage.