30 October 2022
Kia ora koutou,
If you can bear with me I have some feel good newsletter material…
DISCO / PTA LEGENDS
Roughly five weeks ago we didn’t have an active PTA, but behind the scenes a very enthusiastic group of parents have staged a revival. Last nights pre-disco PTA dinner of burgers and sausages brought in our community. Yes, finally we can say we have a community again. We had a large turnout of parents mingling, talking eating and enjoying our school space around the sandpit and top playing area. It made us realise how long it has been since ‘normal’ activities felt normal.
A huge thank you to the tight group of organisers and importantly the large number of supporting parents who turned up to help run a hugely successful school dinner, disco and community event. A lot of these parent helpers didn’t know each other to start with. That will have changed. I am a huge advocate of school camps, day trip and school activities that bring people together. This is where lasting friendship can be formed.
My mind is ticking over after last night. Watch this space. Next term once the pool is open, I feel the need for family focused watersides, pool activities, water sponge battles, a bit of sport on an evening after school. Followed by a burger and sausages, hopefully cooked by the PTA and their group of fantastic helpers.
Thank you to all who came last night and brought a smile to many faces.
Thank you to…
Sam & Tom, Lauren & Adam, Bettina, Nikki & Matt, Kate, Kirsty, Kristy & Matt, Amy, Tara, Shazzy, Marianne, Jess, Lisa, Jen, Michelle, Brigid, Sue, Karen, Matt, Alana, Shae, Melissa, Jackie, Schiska, Jared and past pupils Naomi, Keira.
As you can see the list of helpers is very long and that is why it was so successful. If we missed anybody, we also thank you. I wanted to name people as much as I could, because I think it is important to acknowledge effort, enthusiasm and commitment to our school. You made our place special last night.
FAREWELL MS MCCLUNE
Maggie really enjoyed meeting all of the parents on the door at the disco last night. It was really special for her having all of those conversations with families. This led perfectly into today’s celebration of Maggie’s 22 years of service, as the junior leader and new entrant teacher of Otaika Valley School. We put on a special assembly with a speech from myself and a number of senior students. The board acknowledged Maggie’s long service and commitment to our school with some very generous leaving gifts, which were well deserved. Maggie was presented with large travel bags for her journey to Australia to join her family. She was given a nice pair of earrings in the shape of the kowhai flower to reminder her of Otaika Valley School. A gift voucher was included to treat herself.
The seniors did a passionate haka. We all sang a few songs. A number of teachers, and parents gave small speeches and turned a few tears for some.
Maggie’s mum and 2 sisters where present during the assembly and stayed for a small morning tea. A special bottle brush tree was presented to the school by Maggie to keep the bee’s and butterfly’s happy for years to come.
The children then went on a fun bear hunt trying to find the letter/codes to spell Ms McClune and get rewarded with a marshmallow. All good fun and a wonderful send off for a special teacher of Otaika Valley School.
Have a wonderful break with your children and we look forward to seeing you all back safely.
Kind regards
Terry
Print or Save this Post