Swimsafe a success

It has been fabulous to see the classes all coming back to school excited and happy after their time at swimsafe this Term. It has been nice to see the many fabulous photos on the class blogs as well, this is a great way for teachers to share what is going on at school with whanau. The children have participated very well, and as usual make us proud. Added to this, we have very positive comments every year from the pool staff and the bus drivers about the excellent behaviour they notice when they are dealing with Hukanui students. Ka pai Hukanui!
The year 0-1 children have their turn next week- don't forget togs and towels!

Another great term comes to a close

It has been a fabulous Term at Hukanui. Our Leadership group has continued, with teachers increasing their leadership understanding with each session. Teachers have also been learning lots about ipad use, which has been very exciting. We had a large group of new parents come to our latest "New Parents Morning Tea", and the Term 2 "Induction Night" was also a great success last week. Our 2 new teachers are enjoying being at Hukanui, and their classes are enjoying lots of fun learning experiences. Room 21 is now at capacity, and our new children in Room 22 are settling well. 3 way Learning Conferences wind up the Term in week 10, providing a great opportunity to discuss your child's learning. Make sure you come along, the children love sharing their learning with their whanau.

Looking forward, Swimsafe starts straight after the holidays, so please make sure your child comes prepared with their togs and towel every day of the week specified in the newsletter that went home last week.

Hukanui Leadership Forum

The first of this year's Leadership Forums was run this week, with 15 participants. This is an opportunity for staff to engage in Professional Development in school leadership. The teachers work through their lunch hour in the living room, in an attempt to increase their leadership understanding. Current research is shared, and professional discussions support these teachers in their practice. The focus this week was "Coaching and Mentoring". All of our teachers hold mentoring roles, whether it be supporting a beginning teacher, running a team or curriculum area, or hosting Teacher's College students.
I know the teachers at Hukanui appreciate the wide range of Professional Development opportunities provided each year by the Board of Trustees. The Leadership Forum is just one of the many opportunities offered to staff in an attempt to "Maximise Potential".

Induction Night Tonight

Every term we hold an Induction Night for the parents of those children who are due to come into our reception room during the following term. Invitations have been sent by mail, and we look forward to meeting invited parents. Holly Sattler (Team Leader) and the rest of our wonderful Year 1 teachers will provide information on what a school day entails, and some helpful advice for parents. Please see the map included in your letter which shows where to go. We will start promptly at 7pm.

Every New Entrant has two school visits before starting school. These can be organised at Induction Night. If this is not possible, I will phone parents about a month prior to their child's birthday to organise these. Children need to bring their stationery (buy from the office) and a healthy snack. Uniform is optional for visits, though we do find that most children can't wait to show off their flash new look!

When your New Entrant is due to start school, please remember that they start on the monday following their birthday.

School Tours

I run tours of the school every Tuesday at 9.30 am. This is for prospective parents who live in the school zone. If you are interested in viewing the school, or have any questions regarding your child coming to Hukanui, please call the school office to book yourself on the next tour.

Skillbusters starts this week

Approximately 25 children start our skillbusters writing support group this week. These children have  the opportunity to have small group tuition in the skills needed to find success in their writing. Having run this successful programme for the last few years, we can attest to the significant shifts in achievement as a result of this intense support. Thanks to Natasha Hendrikse who runs this programme on tuesdays and thursdays.

Greats and Grands Club Starts

Our wonderful Greats and Grands have now started supporting children with their reading at school. This group of about a dozen grandparents or other interested retirees are an important and much valued part of the school. Their support in the school is very much appreciated.