Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,

This week I was reading a blog titled 'Small business isn't simply a little version of a big business'. There are lots of reasons as to why this is the case. But the same resonates with schools. What I love the most about being in our place and the size of our place is the ability to connect. Our size allows us to know people. To engage with them on a personal level. Being small is by no means easier or less complex, but in my view it is more rewarding and more human, purely through the connections we create, connections that have never been more important than now. 

On the note of connections, it has been wonderful to see the children truly connect with their learning this week in an environment and context that has the comforts of similarity. This week I have made a more conscious effort to have greater presence in our spaces and the joy, smiles and focused approach towards learning has (as the kids would say) "filled my bucket".

Thank you for all the time you have given to create a sense of security around your children also, it surely is noticeable. 

Next week we are making a slight change to our drop off procedures only. Firstly, the three drop off points remain the same. However, if you as the parent, grandparent or guardian of the child/ren wish to enter the school we ask that you do so through the Sainsbury Road main entrance. There will no longer be a staff member at the PAC or Hall entrance in the mornings and therefore, to keep the integrity of our track and tracing while we remain at Alert Level 2, all adults entering our school (in the morning only) need to enter through the Sainsbury Road entrance. Thank you for your understanding with this. 

As for the update on Monday with large gatherings moving from 10 - 100. This creates only a few subtle changes for us and our daily operation. Essentially it is business as usual. We do have our Cross Country coming up on Wednesday June 17th. Details around this are further down the newsletter.

Finally, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Warm Regards

Geoff 

Netball teams have been organised and we are now waiting to hear when competitions can start. 

All communication regarding netball will be via the school app.  If your child is playing please ensure you hvae selected Netball on your alert subscriptions on the app.

Some of you may have heard that I have put my name forward for the Wel Energy Trust Board. This board essentially governs the Wel Energy Business whose core purpose is to get power into homes. In addition they return a large portion of their profits to the community through grants with a desire to enrich our community.

As the last few months has rocked our equilibrium, we now have a unique opportunity to ensure that the Wel Energy Trust really delivers on the needs and aspirations of our community. This requires both a strategic approach and strong moral compass to achieve positive, tangible outcomes for our customers and region. I feel I would be able to bring experience, Independence and an ability to collaborate with anyone to drive such results in a fair and equitable manner. 

To be able to do this I would love your support. I just need one of your votes. Elections open on the 4th of June. If you could please share my Facebook page that would significantly support me to be able to help ensure the funds go to the right places and make the biggest difference for all of us. 

https://www.facebook.com/Geoff-Booth-for-Wel-Energy-Trust-100947384968684

Entertainment Book Fundraising

With every purchase in June/July you get an extra 2 months free (14 months membership total) there are Countdown Vouchers with every purchase and also an entry into the draw to win a $1000 JB H-FI voucher.  Multicity versions available for $119.99 as well as Waikato Bay of Plenty $69.99. Thank you for your support. 

The Entertainment app only needs to be used 3 or 4 times in the year to pay for itself and this includes a 20% donation to the school.  

This month we have received a generous donation from the Combined Lions Clubs of Morrinsville, Morrinsville Pakeke & Tahuna and Districts.  This donation is derived from the sale of slink calves collected by the Lions and donated by local farmers last year during the calving season.   This is a task undertaken on a voluntary basis to support schools in the district and we appreciate the efforts that the Lions have made on our behalf.  Also thanks to the farmers who have a choice about where their calves will go and decide to support the community in this way.

Ministry Distance Learning Packs - If you do not wish to keep the readers that were given in these packs please feel free to donate them to us. We will make excellent use of them. 

Paper Towels and Tissues - With all the hand washing happening we are using a lot of paper towels. If you are able to donate a roll of paper towels and a box of tissues that would be much appreciated. 

Sports Shirts - Could all sports shirts for Years 1-4 Term 1:Touch, Cricket and Hockey please be returned.

The time Greenline picks up your children from their designated bus stop can vary and it is almost impossible to say that the bus will arrive at a precise time, say 8.15am.  We endeavour to have the buses leave the depot or their start points at the same time each day.  It is very important that parents/caregivers understand that a ‘five minutes either way’ rule has to be in place.  This gives the bus driver some flexibility when he/she has to contend with our notorious Waikato fog, sometimes rain and sometimes road works and traffic delays, also there can be occasional additional pick-ups or at times less.  Greenline asks that you be patient and understanding regarding the timing of bus pick ups and drop offs, mornings and afternoons.

Kukri our Sport Uniform Supplier (and Puketaha School Family) have introduced a few warm winter options, thier down jacket and gilet are filled with 50% down and 50% feather, making them super warm.

Both the jacket and gilet are lightweight, they are not bulky and both have a hood along with zip side pockets.

Great garments to keep warm in this winter.

Kukri have offered them at a SPECIAL PRICE (Jacket $100 and Gilet $90) for Puketaha Families only. These can be purchased via your KINDO Account. 

Let's support them.